Carnival Vista 2019 7-Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 4 May 21, 2019 Montego Bay
Scheduled Arrival: 8:00am Scheduled Departure: 5:00pm
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Day 4 May 21, 2019 Montego Bay
Scheduled Arrival: 8:00am Scheduled Departure: 5:00pm
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Breakfast:
Once again, I had breakfast at the Lido Marketplace. Breakfast was scheduled to begin earlier because of the ship's early arrival in Montego Bay. Today's breakfast and Grand Cayman's breakfast were both extremely crowded mornings for the buffet. This is because people wanted to eat and be ready to get off the ship as early as possible. The Lido Marketplace was serving breakfast from 6:30am until 12:00pm. The Horizons Dining Room was serving a port of call day breakfast from 7:00am until 9:00pm. A continental breakfast was available in the Ocean Plaza from 7:00am until 9:00am. On the Lido Deck, the Blue Iguana Cantina was also open and served breakfast from 7:00am until 10:30am.
Due to the crowded buffet, I did not try to take pictures of the buffet lines. I will have more breakfast food pictures throughout the rest of this review! As we were eating, we could see Montego Bay get closer. After eating I headed outside to find a place to watch our Montego Bay arrival.
Once again, I had breakfast at the Lido Marketplace. Breakfast was scheduled to begin earlier because of the ship's early arrival in Montego Bay. Today's breakfast and Grand Cayman's breakfast were both extremely crowded mornings for the buffet. This is because people wanted to eat and be ready to get off the ship as early as possible. The Lido Marketplace was serving breakfast from 6:30am until 12:00pm. The Horizons Dining Room was serving a port of call day breakfast from 7:00am until 9:00pm. A continental breakfast was available in the Ocean Plaza from 7:00am until 9:00am. On the Lido Deck, the Blue Iguana Cantina was also open and served breakfast from 7:00am until 10:30am.
Due to the crowded buffet, I did not try to take pictures of the buffet lines. I will have more breakfast food pictures throughout the rest of this review! As we were eating, we could see Montego Bay get closer. After eating I headed outside to find a place to watch our Montego Bay arrival.
Very Back Of Deck 10
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Deck 11 - Under The SkyRide Tracks
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Approaching Montego Bay
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I ended up watching the Carnival Vista arrive in Montego Bay on Deck 9 at the very front of the ship. There were a few other people up in this area, but it was mostly quiet. Here are some pictures I took of our arrival:
View Of Montego Bay From Deck 9's Front
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Deck 9 Front Area - Montego Bay In Background
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Tanker Ship Docked In An Industrial Area
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LNG Tanker Ship
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Rounding The Corner Into Montego Bay's Harbor
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Buildings Under Construction
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Boats Sitting In The Harbor
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Cargo Containers - View From The Ship
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Montego Bay Cruise Terminal & Pier
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View Of The Shops Outside The Cruise Terminal
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Empty Parking Lot - Would Soon Be Filled With Buses
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Sign Advertising Hard Rock Cafe - View From The Ship
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View From The Front As We Approached The Pier
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Ship Is Close To The Pier
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Police Boat Near The Carnival Vista
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Small Ships In The Harbor
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Montego Bay
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Cruise Terminal & Pier - View From Deck 5
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Once it appeared the ship was nearly docked I left the front area of Deck 9 and went down to Deck 5. I wanted to stop by the Ocean Plaza to see if any water was out for drinking. The continental breakfast line was open at the Ocean Plaza and some drinks were available. The juice selection was the same as the Lido Marketplace and water was also available. Since I was down on Deck 5 I took a quick walk on the Lanai to see the view of Montego Bay. Here are a few pictures taken from Deck 5's Lanai:
Lanai
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Bean Bag Toss Boards On the Lanai
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Deck Chairs Along the Lanai
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View Of The Pier From The Lanai
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Buses Arriving For The Day
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Front Of The Ship
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Going Ashore To Montego Bay:
After the Carnival Vista was docked and secured to the pier, it took a few minutes for the crew members to open the gangways. During the early morning a gangway was available on Deck 0 at the front elevator area and the mid-ship elevator area. This was to help with crowd control and keep the lines moving for people to get off the ship quickly. Since we had a shore excursion that departed at 8:15am we made sure to get off the ship as soon as the gangways were open. We walked to the mid-ship elevator/stairwell area and used the mid-ship gangway to get off. Once on Deck 0, we had to present our Sail & Sign cards for scanning. A representative from the Fun Finds shopping desk was near the gangway handing out maps. After crossing the gangway, the ship's photographers were taking pictures of guests. Once off the gangway, the walk to Montego Bay's cruise terminal building was not too long.
After the Carnival Vista was docked and secured to the pier, it took a few minutes for the crew members to open the gangways. During the early morning a gangway was available on Deck 0 at the front elevator area and the mid-ship elevator area. This was to help with crowd control and keep the lines moving for people to get off the ship quickly. Since we had a shore excursion that departed at 8:15am we made sure to get off the ship as soon as the gangways were open. We walked to the mid-ship elevator/stairwell area and used the mid-ship gangway to get off. Once on Deck 0, we had to present our Sail & Sign cards for scanning. A representative from the Fun Finds shopping desk was near the gangway handing out maps. After crossing the gangway, the ship's photographers were taking pictures of guests. Once off the gangway, the walk to Montego Bay's cruise terminal building was not too long.
Sign Directing People To The Gangway
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View As I Crossed The Gangway
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Side View Of The Front Of The Carnival Vista
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Back Of The Carnival Vista
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Looking Up The Funnel, SkyRide, & Ship's Letters
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Approaching The Montego Bay Cruise Terminal
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Shore Excursion Zone Signs
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Shore Excursion: "Rose Hall Great House & Shopping"
Our shore excursion for Montego Bay was called the "Rose Hall Great House & Shopping". The shore excursion tickets from the ship had a printed zone number that indicated where we were supposed to meet once ashore and in the cruise terminal. We had Zone 1 and found a sign hanging that said zone 1. Almost immediately we were brought outside by a tour operator and lined up for a bus. We had to wait outside a few minutes while the tour operators prepared the bus. Our driver was making sure the bus was cooled down and ready to transport us around Montego Bay. When he was ready for us to board, we handed him our tickets as we climbed on the bus. I was hoping to keep my ticket as a souvenir, but since he kept the tickets I was unable to. Our bus departed a few minutes prior to the designated departure time of 8:15am because the bus was loaded and full. Leaving the cruise terminal complex area took a few minutes because of other buses and taxis needing to use the same roadway. |
Buses Waiting To Depart
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Front View Of The Ship
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Carnival Vista
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Our Tour Bus For The Day
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View From The Bus: Other Tour Busses
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View From The Bus: Cruise Terminal Signage
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Once we finally pulled out onto the main road the excursion was officially underway. There were approximately 18 people on this shore excursion and the bus also had a driver and tour guide. The tour guide discussed the history of Montego Bay as we began our ride towards the Rose Hall Great House. One thing I immediately noticed was the cars drove on the left side of the road. I constantly felt like we were driving on the wrong side of the road because I am so used to driving on the right side of the road in the United States. Here are some pictures as we drove to the Rose Hall Great House:
View From The Bus: Ship In Background
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View From The Bus: Pulling Out Onto The Roadway
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View From The Bus: Round-a-bout That Had Montego Bay Sign
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View From The Bus: Shopping Center
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View From The Bus: Shopping Center
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View From The Bus: Billboard & Mountains in Background
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View From The Bus
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View From The Bus: Side Road
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View From The Bus: Golf Course Behind the Fence
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The ride to the Rose Hall Great House did not take too long and would have been quicker if we would have encountered less traffic. Our bus driver stopped for a few seconds to allow people to get pictures of the front gates of the Rose Hall Great House. The tour guide told us we may be asked to stop taking pictures once on the grounds for a few minutes while the site's photographers took pictures of people. Although we were NOT asked to stop taking pictures, I am not including any interior photos of the house because the Great House's website says photography inside was prohibited. When the bus stopped we were allowed out and told to wait outside the gift shop. After waiting about 5 minutes a lady came out and told us she would be giving a guided tour of the house.
Great House In Background
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Front Gate To The Great House
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View Of The Water From The Great House
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Once of the first things pointed out to us was a wooden bench that sat outside the house. I do not think it had any historical significance,but was something the tour guide wanted to briefly talk about. When we got near the front steps of the Great House a group of photographers were waiting to take pictures of everyone in front of the house. These pictures were available for sale in the gift shop afterwards and could be purchased in a special frame.
Landscaping Outside Of The Great House
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Wooden Bench Outside The Great House
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Side View Of The Great House
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View Of The Ocean From The Great House's Front Lawn
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Front View Of The Great House
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Great House Front Lawn
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After everyone that wanted their picture taken was done, we were led up to the front of the house. We had to climb stairs to get up into the main level of the house. The stairs were a little steep, but manageable. The view of the ocean from the house was nice.
View Of The Ocean From The Great House
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View Of The Ocean From The Great House
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The tour started on the main level of the house after we climbed the stairs. Our tour guide took us into each room and told us what it was used for. Besides describing the usage of each room, the tour guide told us about the story of Annie Palmer and how her history impacted each part of the house.
Although our tour guide allowed us to take pictures inside the house, the Rose Hall Great House's website says no interior photos of the house are allowed. For that reason, I am not able to post any interior photos of the Great House. However, I can post exterior photos of the site because was allowed by our tour guide. If you want to see the Rose Hall Great House you will have to visit it in person!
Although our tour guide allowed us to take pictures inside the house, the Rose Hall Great House's website says no interior photos of the house are allowed. For that reason, I am not able to post any interior photos of the Great House. However, I can post exterior photos of the site because was allowed by our tour guide. If you want to see the Rose Hall Great House you will have to visit it in person!
Outside The Great House
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Great House Welcome Area/Office
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Shore Excursion Stop At The Shoppes At Rose Hall:
After visiting the Rose Hall Great House we boarded our tour bus and left the Rose Hall Great House grounds. Our ride was short because a shopping complex was built across the street. This shopping area had a variety of shops and some of the shops were on the Fun Finds Shopping Map. We were allotted 40 minutes at this shopping area, which was way too much time. The 40 minutes I spent here were some of the slowest in my life! Here are a few pictures taken from the shopping area:
After visiting the Rose Hall Great House we boarded our tour bus and left the Rose Hall Great House grounds. Our ride was short because a shopping complex was built across the street. This shopping area had a variety of shops and some of the shops were on the Fun Finds Shopping Map. We were allotted 40 minutes at this shopping area, which was way too much time. The 40 minutes I spent here were some of the slowest in my life! Here are a few pictures taken from the shopping area:
Shopping Area Front Water Fountains
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Shoppes At Rose Hall
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Shoppes At Rose Hall
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Shoppes At Rose Hall
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Shoppes At Rose Hall
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Shoppes At Rose Hall
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During our ride back to the ship our tour guide shared more information about Montego Bay. The bus ride back took about 25 minutes and we drove close to the water. Here are some pictures from the ride back:
View From The Bus: Ocean
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View From The Bus
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View From The Bus: Margaritaville
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View From The Bus: Carnival Vista In The Distance
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View From The Bus: "Free House" (It's The Jail/Police Station)
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Arriving Back At The Cruise Terminal Area
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Arriving Back At The Cruise Terminal Area:
When our bus approached the cruise terminal area, a security guard stopped the bus and opened the doors. Everyone had to show her their Sail & Sign cards in order for the bus to continue. After everyone's card was shown, the bus continued towards the parking lot. After getting off the bus I was ready to head back to the ship because it was close to lunch-time. Before we were allowed to enter the cruise terminal building we had to show our Sail & Sign cards again. This security guard carefully examined our cards and told us to walk on the pier to the ship's front gangway. It appears the middle gangway was not being used for guests at this time.
When our bus approached the cruise terminal area, a security guard stopped the bus and opened the doors. Everyone had to show her their Sail & Sign cards in order for the bus to continue. After everyone's card was shown, the bus continued towards the parking lot. After getting off the bus I was ready to head back to the ship because it was close to lunch-time. Before we were allowed to enter the cruise terminal building we had to show our Sail & Sign cards again. This security guard carefully examined our cards and told us to walk on the pier to the ship's front gangway. It appears the middle gangway was not being used for guests at this time.
View From The Bus As We Got Back
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Covered Area At The Cruise Terminal
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Back Area Of The Carnival Vista
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One Of The Carnival Vista's Gangways
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Tent Setup By Gangway With Water
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View As I Boarded The Ship
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Getting Back On The Carnival Vista:
Luckily there was no line at the front gangway. After walking up the gangway, our Sail & Sign cards were scanned by security and then we went through a security checkpoint. All electronics and items had to be emptied from our pockets for the security checkpoint. After going through the metal detector and collecting our scanned belongings, we left Deck 0 and got ready for lunch.
Lunch In The Lido Marketplace:
The Fun-Times daily activity newsletter listed the day's lunch options. The lunch options for today's port of call day were a little different and some places did not open for lunch.
I did not realize Guy's Burger Joint was not scheduled to open until 1:00pm. I went around 12:15pm because I wanted a hamburger and found out the time was adjusted for the port of call day. Oh well, I didn't need the calories from the hamburger anyways!
TIP: Read the open times in the Fun-Times newsletter because times can be adjusted for port days. Don't show up somewhere and find out it has a different open/close time.
Unfortunately, the buffet was a little too crowded for me to get good pictures of the food and desserts. The rest of the review will continue plenty of food pictures! Here are a few pictures from today's lunch:
Luckily there was no line at the front gangway. After walking up the gangway, our Sail & Sign cards were scanned by security and then we went through a security checkpoint. All electronics and items had to be emptied from our pockets for the security checkpoint. After going through the metal detector and collecting our scanned belongings, we left Deck 0 and got ready for lunch.
Lunch In The Lido Marketplace:
The Fun-Times daily activity newsletter listed the day's lunch options. The lunch options for today's port of call day were a little different and some places did not open for lunch.
- Seafood Shack - The Seafood Shack is located at the back of the Lido Marketplace by the Tides aft pool. This venue costs extra and was open from 11:00am to 5:00pm for lunch. Dinner was also served at this venue from 5:00pm until 9:00pm.
- Blue Iguana Cantina 12:00pm - 3:30pm
- Mongolian Wok - This was located in JiJi Asian Kitchen on Deck 11 (right above the Lido Marketplace buffet). The open time was from 12:00pm until 2:30pm.
- Pasta Bar - This was located in Cucina Del Capitano on Deck 11 (right above the Lido Marketplace buffet). The open time was from 12:00pm until 2:30pm.
- Guy's Burger Joint - 1:00pm - 6:00pm
I did not realize Guy's Burger Joint was not scheduled to open until 1:00pm. I went around 12:15pm because I wanted a hamburger and found out the time was adjusted for the port of call day. Oh well, I didn't need the calories from the hamburger anyways!
TIP: Read the open times in the Fun-Times newsletter because times can be adjusted for port days. Don't show up somewhere and find out it has a different open/close time.
Unfortunately, the buffet was a little too crowded for me to get good pictures of the food and desserts. The rest of the review will continue plenty of food pictures! Here are a few pictures from today's lunch:
Shrimp & Chicken Taco From The Blue Iguana
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Turkey Wrap From The Deli
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Reuben From The Deli
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Passion Fruit Gelato
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Lanai
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Montego Bay Harbor
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After lunch, I went to a few trivia games and walked around the ship. It was nice afternoon on the ship!
Boats In Montego Bay's Harbor
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View Of Montego Bay From Deck 5
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Montego Bay
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Deck 12 - Montego Bay In Background
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Looking Down At The Shops Outside The Cruise Terminal
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Carnival Vista's WaterWorks Area
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Departure From Montego Bay:
The ship's scheduled departure time from Montego Bay was 5:00pm. My cove balcony was facing the Montego Bay side and I was able to look outside at the pier. Shortly before 5:00pm the crew members began putting away the front gangways. The middle gangway stayed outside for a little longer because it looked like the ship was waiting on someone. Always make sure you have plenty of time to get back to the ship because the ship's captain may not wait for you!! We left shortly after 5:00pm to begin our journey to Grand Cayman. I managed to see our departure from my cove balcony before heading to dinner. Here are a few pictures taken from my cove balcony:
The ship's scheduled departure time from Montego Bay was 5:00pm. My cove balcony was facing the Montego Bay side and I was able to look outside at the pier. Shortly before 5:00pm the crew members began putting away the front gangways. The middle gangway stayed outside for a little longer because it looked like the ship was waiting on someone. Always make sure you have plenty of time to get back to the ship because the ship's captain may not wait for you!! We left shortly after 5:00pm to begin our journey to Grand Cayman. I managed to see our departure from my cove balcony before heading to dinner. Here are a few pictures taken from my cove balcony:
View Of Montego Bay From My Cove Balcony
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View Of Montego Bay From My Cove Balcony
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Departing Montego Bay
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Departing Montego Bay
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Departing Montego Bay
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Table Setting For Dinner
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Dinner In The Horizons Dining Room:
Once again, we had dinner in the Horizons Dining Room with the same waitstaff and table as the previous two nights. The service and food were just as good as the other nights! Since our window was at the back of the dining room I was able to look out and see Montego Bay get smaller and smaller as the Carnival Vista sailed away. On this night's dinner I had a romaine caesar salad and shrimp cocktail for my appetizers. My main course was grilled beef tenderloin with a side baked potato. This cut of meat was very good and I wish I could have had more. For dessert, I tried the smores parfait and really enjoyed it. I wish I would have tried the smores parafait on a previous cruise because it was extremely good! Below you will find my pictures of the menus from this night's dinner. Please click any photo to make it larger. |
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The first picture below is of the view I had from the back of the dining room. The rest of the pictures are food pictures!!
To make the food pictures larger, click on the picture!
To make the food pictures larger, click on the picture!
View Of Montego Bay From The Back Of The Horizons Dining Room
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Bread Basket
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Appetizer: Braised Ox Tongue
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Appetizer: Romaine Caesar Salad
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Appetizer: Shrimp Cocktail
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Appetizer:
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Main Course: Southern Fried Chicken
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Main Course: Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Side Baked Potato
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Side Dish: Broccoli and Carrots
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Side Dish: Ratatouille
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Dessert: Smores Parfait
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Dessert: Bitter N' Blanc
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Hasbro The Game Show:
Instead of a Playlist Productions show, tonight's entertainment was Hasbro the Game Show. This game show was scheduled for 7:30pm in the Liquid Lounge. When the show began our cruise director, Matt, came out and selected people from the crowd to be on teams. Players were selected by Scattergories and other mini games. This was a fun and fair way to select people. The two games played during this cruise's Hasbro the Game Show were Connect 4 and Simon Flash. At the end, all of the winners got to stick their big card into the Monopoly Electronic Banking Machine.
Instead of a Playlist Productions show, tonight's entertainment was Hasbro the Game Show. This game show was scheduled for 7:30pm in the Liquid Lounge. When the show began our cruise director, Matt, came out and selected people from the crowd to be on teams. Players were selected by Scattergories and other mini games. This was a fun and fair way to select people. The two games played during this cruise's Hasbro the Game Show were Connect 4 and Simon Flash. At the end, all of the winners got to stick their big card into the Monopoly Electronic Banking Machine.
Ship's Funnel At Night
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After watching Hasbro The Game Show, I went up to the jogging track on Deck 12. I did not stay outside too long because I needed to get to sleep early. Our anchoring time in Grand Cayman was set for 7:00am and our shore excursion's tender was scheduled to depart shortly after 7:15am.
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NEXT: Day 5 (Grand Cayman)'s Cruise Review Part 1
Day 5 Part 1's review will include pictures of my Grand Cayman Highlights shore excursion. Day 5 Part 2 will include food pictures, ship photos, Grand Cayman from the ship, dinner, and more! Click Here To Continue To Day 5 Part 1's Review! Click Here To Return To The Review's Main Page |