Carnival Vista Havana Cabana & "Experience" Walk Through

[@mgfrisb]

I love the Havana areas on ship. One day I want to book a Havana cabana. Great video! My son and I really miss cruising!

[@pquirk777]

Johnathan, there are a lot of crappy cruise videos on KZbin but yours is not one of them. Great job! I really enjoyed it.

[@johnathansawicki8067]

pquirk777 thanks very much for the kind comment! We had trouble finding a good Havana Cabana video before our cruise, so my goal was the make the video I wish I’d have had before we sailed! Cheers!

[@largol33t1]

I agree. He did good camera work. I've seen too many videos where the uploader is too close to everything so the viewers can't see what the room looks like! (MAJOR facepalm)

[@johnathansawicki8067]

largol33t1 thanks so much! My basic thinking was to shoot the video I wish I’d been able to see before sailing on the Vista!

[@sirmikey3111]

Excellent video!

[@SpeedNoodles]

Camera work = great. Audio = not so great, unfortunately.

[@Rkg1205]

Aaaannnnd I just booked my Havana suite thanks to this! 🎉💚

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Gigi212414 ! Wow, now that’s a compliment! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you have a great cruise!

[@olivertaylor3045]

Have 5201 Havana cabana on the vista booked for February 27

[@bernicecapers1919]

Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to sail on this ship.

[@johnathansawicki8067]

No problem, bon voyage :)

[@susanwilson9807]

Thank you for sharing! We are sailing on the Vista later this year in a Havana room and I've been looking for video on the Havana area. Hope you had a great time!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

You're very welcome, Susan! Hope you have a fabulous cruise on the Vista :)

[@Nicoleksarro]

Your video is the best on this topic! We just booked our FIRST cruise for our honeymoon in July for the Carnival Horizon and we chose a Havana Aft Balcony........SO EXCITED!!!!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Sounds like a great way to honeymoon! Enjoy the Horizon!

[@laislabella]

Amazing area and suites!!!! so beautiful. I like the fresh and tropical style.

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Relaxing Videos From Caribbean couldn’t agree more! Great amenities and a nice tropical vibe :)

[@jeremiahsanchez4235]

I just booked mine too may 16th on the panorama these rooms look very comfortable

[@nancyreal8767]

Thanks! Great Video recap!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

You're very welcome, Nancy! Glad you enjoyed.

[@largol33t1]

I like how the gazebo is still in the water with the spa nearby. I wish Carnival would do a Costa Rican/Swiss theme. It would attract customers. The area of Costa Rica I went to had a massive spa that was next to a river heated by a volcano! It serves AMAZING food. Even the cheesecake is smoother than silk. They could dress up the interior like a Swiss chalet with a tropical theme outside if facing the interior of the ship. I went to the Swiss-owned lodge in the off-season and was surprised how large it was. As with many Swiss owned businesses, customer service was always excellent. They even offered a free van service to the airport and downtown although it's scary driving next to an active volcano...

[@johnathansawicki8067]

largol33t1 I actually just returned from Costa Rica and agree, it’s a beautiful vibe there!

[@asia6991]

This is why I like Cabana rooms

[@ArmyVegan]

Awesome video!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@TiffanyBrewley]

Hey! I know that the Havana pool area is exclusive to those staying in the rooms until 7:00pm. However, if you have friends and family and they are not staying in this type of room can they accompany you in the pool area if you are staying in a Havana room??

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Hi Tiffany. Unfortunately not. Until 7pm it is for guests of these rooms only. Guests are given wristbands to identify themselves, and we found they were pretty strict in enforcing this. However, if you have a balcony or cabana room, you can of course have guests on your balcony/lanai at any time.

[@audreyholley6049]

Are the sliding glass doors made of mirrored glass for privacy?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

They are not mirrored. During the day, they are fairly private. But in the evening you can certainly see in. However, few people walk by so we didn’t find it disruptive. Usually we’re out and about in the evenings, and just closed the blinds when we were in. Only closed them during the day on occasion when we needed privacy.

[@arl4945]

Thank you for the video, I don't see anyone working at either of the bars. How do you get a drink?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Arlene Stone we never had an issue getting drinks. They would actually come out and take orders poolside, which was fantastic! They must’ve been hiding when I filmed this. No complaints about service.

[@ThomasSands]

Excellent video Johnathan. My wife and I are considering a Havana Cabana Balcony (Room 5220) on the Carnival Panorama in 2020. I am assuming that your room is very similar to what our would be like (once the Panorama is built). Our concern is if the 'noise' or 'food odors' from the Horizons Restaurant on the deck below were any kind of issue for you. Thank you for any comment that you could make.

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Hi Thomas. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I can honestly tell you there was zero issue with the restaurant below. Honestly, I had forgotten that the dining room was down there. Occasionally you get some noise from the aft pool area if there is music or such in the evenings, but we kind of enjoyed it actually. Made things feel a bit more lively and we enjoyed going around to see what was happening! No issues in the room if the door was closed. If you book the Panorama, I certainly hope you enjoy it :)

[@ThomasSands]

Thank you so much for helping us with this question. We are now confident with making the reservation. We really appreciate your help (and your video).

[@johnathansawicki8067]

My pleasure! I'm so glad this was the info you needed. This video started out of frustration and basically me making the video I wished I could've seen before I cruised the Vista! Nothing fancy, just the highlights on a normal sea day :) anyways I'm glad you're ready to book! If you happen to need a (fantastic) PVP at Carnival to book with, I'd be happy to refer you to mine. Either way, have a great cruise!

[@donnaharper8096]

'anyone been on Vista and had the Cheers drink program? Heard that the Havana Bar was not included under the Cheers package......staying in the area and plan on doing most of my drinking in that bar!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

We had the Cheers program and the Havana Bar was definitely included. I hadn't heard of any changes to that, except that I think the fresh-squeezed juices from the Havana Bar are no longer included. Cocktails and such should all be included as long as they're under $20 each. It was very convenient to have that bar so close by, and we also loved the small breakfast items they'd have in the mornings. Great way to start the day, and only steps from our room. Cheers!

[@CJ-hc8wp]

Is the rate for these staterooms more than the standard staterooms? My only problem would be with the fact that the people who did not pay the same rate as the occupants in the Havana Cabana can enjoy those amenities after 7 pm.

[@johnathansawicki8067]

These rooms do sell for a higher rate, usually closer to the price of a suite. However, Carnival changed the policy and access is exclusive 24/7 now. Non-Havana guests no longer can access this area after 7pm. Very exclusive area and more than enough room, even when all rooms are sold/full.

[@bigguy1403]

​@johnathansawicki8067 that's great we leave in 5 more days but I've heard that the havana aft extended balcony is full of soot all over balcony floor and furniture. Quite a few videos on this problem. You would think buy now they would have fixed this but we'll see. We would like to book some more cruises in this area but if it's full of soot we'll move on from Carnival.

[@robertcalderas4671]

We just booked this area for June I'm so excited !! I can't wait!! Looks amazing How is the room?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Excellent choice in booking! The rooms are comparable in size to Carnival's standard balcony cabins, so I have no complaints. They do have new furnishings and decor though, which were a very nice touch. The special Havana toiletries and robes were both lovely. The lanai and aft pool are really where this room becomes special! Don't forget to go into the Havana bar in the mornings for their Cuban breakfast offerings and a coffee, what a perfect way that was to start our days!

[@not_just_a_pretty_face]

Hey awesome video. I am looking into booking one of these cabins in the future. Just a quick question: can the sliding door to the cabana be locked and unlocked from the outside? Or do you have to use the inside cabin door all the time?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Great choice, Susanna! Short answer: yes you can lock/unlock the sliding door from outside. You can enable/disable this feature as you see fit. For example, we kept it locked from the inside (so no outside access) when we were in for the night. Normally during the day, we'd have the outside lock enabled. So it would lock shut behind us, and we could use our cards from outside to get back in. Very convenient for accessing the aft area and taking a shortcut to the exterior promenade to head forward!

[@not_just_a_pretty_face]

Thank you so much for the fast reply. This information certainly puts my mind at ease. I was worried that you have to leave your cabin unlocked while going to the pool area. Which would make the whole cabana idea a little pointless. Thanks!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

You're very welcome! I agree that it's a helpful feature, we were pleased with the functionality :) enjoy!

[@kennaskalicky2420]

So in the evening did it get real busy with other guests?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Kenna Skalicky not at all. They kept the side access locked, so other guests could only walk past if they came from the pool. Though I hear they’re changing the policy so only Havana guests can access the pool area 24/7. Overall it was much more private than we expected, and we became friends with our neighbours and enjoyed seeing them once and a while as we came and went.

[@kristenjohnson4894]

quick question, after 7pm does the pool close or is it open to the public? Also cpuld you here the music from the cabana bar in these suites

[@johnathansawicki8067]

At 7pm the pool (and all outdoor Havana areas) are open to the public. I'm not sure what time the pool normally closed at, but it was open past 7pm. Never heard the band that played inside from our cabin, though occasionally you'd get some noise out on the lanai depending on what was going on at the aft area, was never disruptive and never heard in the cabin though. We enjoyed being so close to the action!

[@ccrreilly22]

How do they keep non Havana cabin cruisers from the pool area especially before 7pm?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Ccr Reilly the staff around the pool are quite diligent about ensuring all guests in that area have their wristband on. It’s a special wristband you’re given for your sailing. If you aren’t wearing one in the Havana area before 7pm, you’ll be asked to leave. The rule breakers seemed to get tired of being kicked out after the second or third day on our sailing.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

I really like this idea, but I think I would miss having a "private" balcony. How as that for you?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Very unOfficial Travel Guides it’s certainly a consideration, but we didn’t mind the set up at all. There is very little foot traffic down the lanai at any time of day. Not even all our “neighbours” used the lanai to get around, a lot seemed to enter/exit thru their front door. Those who did use the lanai were usually friendly and we liked that community type of feel. However, if privacy is important to you, I’d suggest looking at one of the Havana rooms on a higher deck, with traditional balconies instead of the cabana/lanai. Either way, I certainly recommend the Havana area!

[@MimmaMom]

It seemed very windy when you were by the room...was it typically very windy out there?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

We never found it particularly windy. Found it to be less windy than many other public decks due to the glass barriers.

[@MimmaMom]

thank you for the reply

[@raymondm82]

NO VIEW OF THE SUITES??????

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Nope! When I filmed this video (inaugural season - Nov 2016) there were countless videos of the suites themselves, but not many of the rest of the Havana area. Intentionally left out any footage of the cabins themselves, and tried to be specific on the video title/description about this. Hopefully you can find some though!

[@Livingwithgratitute]

Was it quiet in your cabin at night being so close to the bar?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

We never had any issues with noise. The sea itself drowns out most things, which is nice. Hardly ever heard anything from the pools or hot tubs. Some evenings they had music on, but we enjoyed that. Never heard anything from the bar or entertainment in the evenings.This cabin was about half way down in the row of Havana cabins.

[@Livingwithgratitute]

Thanks, good to know!

[@ilikecacti7309]

When i was looking at this cabin it said that the guest had to be 12 or older. So does that mean if your 12 you can go in that pool?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

You're right, there is an age restriction for all Havana cabins. If you're of age, you can use all Havana amenities, including the pool. After hours, I don't think there's any age restrictions on the pool, I think all guests are welcome. Though it's a bit late at that point, so never saw many kids around.

[@ilikecacti7309]

Johnathan Sawicki ok thx. And 1 more thing. Does this balcony cost more than a regular balcony. Because i was looking at a certain week on this cruise for next year and it said balcony cabins starting at $734. So does that mean every type of balcony is the same price or not?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

No problem! Yes all cabins in the Havana area (regardless of whether they are inside or balcony) will be more than regular cabins. You pay a premium to be in this area because of the extras you get with it. So when you see pricing "starting from", these cabins will almost always be a higher price than that. Just depends what it's worth to you! We paid the extra and found it was worth every dollar to have all that extra space, loved the private pool!

[@ilikecacti7309]

Johnathan Sawicki ok thx. And do you now if the aft balcony is the same price as the regular balcony? Sorry to bother you... again

[@johnathansawicki8067]

ColinPlayz aft balconies will usually cost more than regular balconies, but a bit less than Cabana balconies (the ones on the side of the ship that you see in the video).

[@242JonnyB]

Hi enjoyed your video!!! I have a question we're thinking about sailing on this ship and looking at the Havana Rooms. How late does the music play in the bar ?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Glad you enjoyed! It depends on the night but there were nights that the music would be playing until midnight or later. We never heard any of it in our room, the only people we talked to who noticed some noise were those in Havana Interior rooms that were further aft (closer to the bar area, as they are just a wall away from it). As with noise anywhere on the ship though, it can depend from day to day, and also depends on your tolerance for noise. The entertainment was excellent though, so I suggest checking it out whenever able!

[@242JonnyB]

Thank You !!!!

[@JCVideo600]

Thanks for the tour that looked really nice I’m shocked how empty it was. How many cabins are there?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

I believe there are almost 60 cabins that are part of the Havana category and would have access to this area. This was a sold out cruise and this was about as busy as it ever got for us. In our experience, there is more than enough space for all of the Havana guests. Never needed to go out early to save a chair, it was always easy to get a great spot. This really added a lot of value for us!

[@doulalaurac]

This was super helpful!!! Would non-Havana friends be able to access the pool through our room? Or do the stewards/bartenders ask them to leave?

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Laura Correia while you can have them in your room and on your lanai, it isn’t permitted to have non-Havana guests around the aft Havana pool during the daytime. You’re given a bracelet and the staff were pretty good at enforcing this to ensure only Havana guests were there (regardless of how they gained entry). In the evening, all are welcome to use that pool though. Enjoy!

[@bigguy1403]

Great video not great audio bro.

[@Jacquelyndorindachic]

I have this suite for December 2018

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Jacquelyn Jenkins that’s exciting! Hope you love it as much as we did. Bon voyage!

[@cruiseshipcrazy9447]

This is a suite? I booked it as just a cabana!

[@fjbltysuc]

Mine had paint all over the floor

[@lanaarambula4278]

No kids ?? I just booked room 5201 for 4 of us . Myself , husband 13 y.o. and 15 y.o. 😂 sorry ... 🎉🎉🎉

[@johnathansawicki8067]

You just passed the threshold! Ages 12 and up only. I believe it used to be higher when I filmed this, but can’t quite recall. Enjoy!

[@mgfrisb]

I love the Havana areas on ship. One day I want to book a Havana cabana. Great video! My son and I really miss cruising!

[@johnathansawicki8067]

Hope you can book one of these rooms sometime! My mother and I miss cruising too!