Carnival Vista 2021 – Embarkation Day!!!!

Please be aware, throughout this blog, I will be writing about our experience with the new protocols in place. The protocols were not a problem for us. Now, let’s start today’s blog.

It’s finally here!!!! Today is the day we board the Carnival Vista.

Jim likes to start his day with a relaxing hot/warm bath. It prepares me mentally for his day. Unfortunately, that was not to happen on this day as there was no hot water!!! Oh well, I guess a cold shower will have to make do. I have repacked and rearranged all the packing trying to eliminate the unnecessary. I tend to be an over-packer. So now it is time for breakfast.

We decided to go to the Gumbo Diner for breakfast as it is next to the hotel. They open at 8am so we did have to wait for a bit, but that’s okay. It comes with being early risers. The breakfast selections on the menu were good. We were able to find something we wanted and when it arrived, it was hot and tasted great! The only issue I had was that my sausage was somewhat rare. But other than that one small issue, we were satisfied with the selections and the waitstaff was very attentive. We will definitely come here again for breakfast.

After we finished our breakfast, we packed up the car and checked out of the hotel. Our cruise check-in time is 10:30 to 11:00 and we wanted to make sure we timed things right. On this day, the Carnival Vista was docked at the pier primarily used by Royal Caribbean. No big deal. We dropped off our luggage and made our way to the Port of Galveston parking garage which is directly across the street from the Carnival cruise pier.

The walk to the pier was longer than we expected but we managed and arrived about 5 minutes before our check-in time. We showed our boarding pass, vaccine card, and negative COVID test and were in the terminal in line to board!!! The one thing I noticed is that this pier is hot inside. Luckily I had our handy-dandy necklace fans with me so I was able to keep us from sweating too much!!!

The line moved quickly and we were soon on the Carnival Vista! Our first stop was to our muster station. The E-muster is quick and easy!!! Before long, we were sitting on the Lido deck having our first Guy’s burger and our first drink of the day!!!! We also indulged in a bit of dessert sampling.

We stayed here until we heard the announcements that the staterooms were open! Since we booked a stateroom on the Lido deck, it was a very easy walk for us!. The stateroom was the typical port side balcony. And this is where we watched us sail-away from Galveston and just relaxed until dinner time.

For dinner, we selected Your Time Dining when we booked the cruise. We used the HUB app to check in for dinner and within a few minutes, we were alerted our table was ready. We made our way to the Horizons Restaurant, deck 4 aft. We definitely had a wonderful view from our table. But as is typical on the first night in the MDR, service can be hectic and maybe not as attentive as the remainder of the cruise. The first thing we noticed was a change in the menu. Instead of the bread being served as soon as you got there, the menu now has the breads shown on the menu along with condiments for the bread. Today’s selection of bread was Baguette or Multigrain Cranberry and the condiments were Whipped butter, olive oil & balsamic, and bacon pan drippings. We were served one of each bread selection and Jim selected the olive oil and balsamic while I had the bacon pan drippings. Jim had the Strawberry Bisque, Roasted Beef Brisket, and Tiramisu while I had a Caesar Salad, Broiled Strip Loin Steak, and Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake. For some reason, the steak I had was not that great. I ate but it just seemed off for some reason, but not reason enough to complain. Everything else was fine. Unfortunately I only remembered to take pictures of our bread, appetizers, and my dessert.

After dinner, we returned to our stateroom to find our first towel animal of the cruise!!!

The remainder of the evening/night was spent unpacking and relaxing in our stateroom. We are very boring people!

Next installment will be the first our first sea day. Please come back to read all about it.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #11 It’s go time!!!!

Friday, August 27th… the day I have been waiting for is finally here. It is time for our road trip to Galveston. Of course, we do need to make some stops on our way out of town. But this is nothing out of the ordinary.

First stop is to see mom and bring her some goodies she is likely to run out of while we are away. Things like mini cokes, cookies, and toothpaste. I know she has plenty of toilet paper and kleenex so she should be good in that area. Starting our trip with a visit with mom is always fun. She is so excited for us to be able to get away although she wishes she was going as well.

As with every trip, we need to go to the bank and make sure our cards are flagged as we travel and where we will be. And we need cash. Not a lot of cash, but some cash. We arrived at the bank just after it opened so it was not crowded and we were able to get in and out very quickly.

Now there is one stop that was not planned on. We had to stop at Home Depot because someone, who shall remain nameless, forgot to punch out when he left yesterday. The store manager was very surprised to see us and asked why we were there when we were to be on vacation. Such a nice man. We were able to leave rather quickly after the necessary paperwork was completed. And now we can officially begin our road trip!

For this trip, it was decided we would take Hwy 6 to Galveston and do everything possible to avoid the Houston traffic and road construction on I-45. Our plan is to have two stops before reaching our final destination. One is West, TX and one in Waller, TX.

Our first stop in West, Texas was strictly for trying Kolaches the area is famous for. We stopped at Slovacek’s which was easy to get in and out of. I ordered a lemon Kolache which was very good and Jim ordered a couple of burritos. I decided to also get a turkey and swiss sandwich which I was not a fan of. Luckily I had also grabbed some Cheeto’s and a Dr. Pepper. I do not think this is a place we will return to on our next pre-cruise adventure

No road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s. We stopped at the Buc-ee’s in Waller, Texas to get gas and to use the extremely clean restrooms. Buc-ee’s is awesome!!!! We did not get any snacks while there which is very unusual for us. Well, maybe I should say very unusual for me!

And just like that, we are checking into our hotel for the night. We stayed at The Commodore On The Beach which is located on Seawall Boulevard. We have stayed here before so we are familiar with the place and location. When we checked in, we were informed that they cable TV was out so there is would be no television available. No problem. We just wanted a place to sleep and enjoy the excellent beach views.

It is our pre-cruise tradition to have dinner at the Original Mexican Cafe. The food is ALWAS great and the service is EXCELLENT. We recommend this place 100000%. I’m already planning on my next trip to eat here!

Now to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Embarkation is always fun.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #10 Last minute preparations…

With time ticking away, it’s time to get things together.

The most stressful part has been getting the COVID Antigen test. Luckily, the results came back as negative for both of us!!! This means that tomorrow will be a very busy day but at least it will end up relaxing.

First stop is to Amazing Lash Studio. Need to make sure my lashes look outstanding.

Stop number 2 is to Ross in search of a belt for my husband and also some socks for him.

Stop number 3 is to Marshalls still searching for a belt for my husband.

And, of course, since I’m in the area, I will need to go to Ulta.

And one last stop at CVS for prescriptions. While there, I decided to use my $7.00 worth if coupons I decided to get a couple of things.

The rest of the afternoon will be finishing the packing and double checking each and every list known to mankind.

Finally, it’s time to relax and manicures and pedicures for my hubby and me.

Ending the night with a visit with mom. Unfortunately, her Alexa mysteriously disappeared, so Jim is trying to set up the replacement he bought. He’s not a happy camper.

I’m sure tonight will be sleepless as it usually is the night before a road trip.

Tomorrow will be a fun day so hopefully before we get on the ship, I will be able to share that blog as well

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #9 Packing my jewelry.

This is always the most difficult thing for me to do. I’m always changing my mind on what I want to take and what I want to wear. But one thing never changes. And that is how I pack my jewelry.

On our last cruise, I used one container for my daytime jewelry and one for the evening jewelry. Yes, I am that extra. It’s the only time I get out!!! These containers can be found at any hobby or craft store and also on Amazon. I love using them as you can arrange the sections according to your needs.

Now it’s time to sort this mess and get them into containers.

Here’s the daytime container.

Here’s the evening container.

Now it’s time to get all the last minute errands run and finish getting our stuff together.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #8 What’s in our first aid kit!

The list of items in our first-aid kit is rather long. But why take any chances when you’re on vacation.

All of the items are contained in a trifold bag I purchased from Thirty-One. It works real well and it is easy to store in our carry-on luggage.

Now for the list, in no particular order.

Tylenol

Advil

Tylenol PM

Aspirin

Excedrin Migraine

Band Aids

Hydrocortisone cream

Athletes foot clotrimazole cream

Absorbine Jr back patch pain relief

Cold and Hot extra strength medicated patch.

Biofreeze.

Day time cold & flu.

Night time cold & flu.

Nasal spray

Vitamin C drops

Cough drops

Pepto Bismol

Laxative

Antacid

So, I guess you can tell I have included just about everything I could think of that could be of use. But if history repeats itself, the only thing we will use are the BandAids and antacids.

Not sure which blog will come next, but I hope it will be something useful.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #7 Shopping Amazon for the extras!

It is amazing how the stuff you see on Instagram can easily found on Amazon. I found things I never knew I needed. But now I know the truth!!!! Amazon is the best! So let’s get started with the extra things I purchased on Amazon for this cruise.

Relavel marble makeup bag, marble pattern. It measures at 10 1/2 ” wide x 6 1/4″ long x 3 3/4″ tall.

Relavel marble make up bag, large marble pattern. It masures 16 1/4″ wide x 11 1/2″ long x 7″ tall.

O2COOL deluxe handheld battery operated misting fan, light blue (FML0001). Sold by MoveAbility Brands.

TowelTouch Cooling towel, 4 pack. Sold by CHMG online.

Sani-Hands hand sanitizer wipes. Sold by Preferred Pharmacy Plan.

Aqua 4-in-1 monterey hammock inflatable float. Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC

StrawExpert Set of 16 reusable stainless steel straws with travel case, cleaning brush, silicone tips, extra long metal straws for 20, 24, and 30 oz tumbler. Sold by StrawExpert.

Aloe facial skincare sheet hydrating mask. Sold by PalNour.

Cedize under eye collagen patch, 24K Gold anti aging mask. Sold by Arena Innovative Designs.

Face Mask, pack of 50, blue. Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC

Vaccine Card protector. Sold by AISON STUDIO.

And that is the end of the Amazon shopping… at least for now.

Coming up next, what is in our first aid kit.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #6 Shopping for clothes on Amazon

Amazon has been my go-to website for purchases, especially since the stupid pandemic. Today’s blog will be the clothes I purchased specifically for this cruise.

Let’s begin with the purchases for my husband.

Damipow mens short sleeve dress shirt, regular fit, white.

Van Heusen mens wrinkle free short sleeve button down check shirt, carbon blue.

IZOD mens performance golf grid short sleeve stretch polo shirt, riviera blue.

IZOD mens performance golf grid short sleeve stretch polo shirt, cobalt blue.

Nautica mens classic short sleeve striped polo shirt, carnation.

Red Kap mens standard active performance polo shirt, tan.

CRYSULLY mans short sleeve pullover outerdoor tactical mountaineering polo shirt, black.

Amazon Essentials mens classic fit wrinkle resistant flat front chino pan, light gray.

Amazon Essentials mens classic fit wrinkle resistant flat front chino pant, khaki.

Amazon Essentials mens expandable waist classic fit flat front dress pant, black.

Van Heusen mens short sleeve oxford dress shirt, english blue.

Now it’s time for the purchases I made for myself.

Design by Olivia womens front self tie short smocked tube romper, navy.

BTFBM women sleeveless halter neck ruffle belt boho leopard print sun dress.

Riviera Sun strapless tube maxi dress, navy.

Bandolino womens Mandie high rise 17″ roll cuff skimmer, winfall.

Bandolino womens Mandie high rise 17″ roll cuff skimmer, castalia triple stripe.

Dofaoo summer shirts for women loose fit V neck short sleeve, lake green.

Nautica womens comfort tailored stretch cotton short, navy/white stripe.

LZLER women fuzzy flurry slippers, grey.

And this is the end of my Amazon fashion purchases for this cruise.

Coming up next will be the miscellaneous Amazon purchases. Some items may or may not make it on this trip!

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #5 Shopping for Jewelry on Amazon

Jewelry shopping is always fun. For vacation, I like to purchase pieces that don’t break the bank if lost yet are of a good quality. Enter Amazon!!! Amazon is been a blessing especially during the pandemic. So, let the shopping begin!!!

VK Accessories Thread Ball Dangle Earrings (blue white stripe).

Bocar Fashion Collar necklace with Thread Ball Pendant (NK-10491).

Bocar Statement Collar Beaded Necklace with chunky earrings set (NK-10585).

Orchid Art black white earrings, 2 pairs. I will only be taking the pair that is black with white dots.

Faceted leopard pear shape link post earrings (WHITE). Sold by PHI PHI STORE.

Faux pearl hoop earrings. Sold by DAVIAWD.

D.Rosse 2 pairs chic boho matte flower statement stud earrings set with gold (pink pearl and blue pearl). I will be taking the blue flower earrings and leaving the white ones at home.

Gem Stone King infinity pink ribbon spring rose pendant.

Bohemian green earrings, enamel leaf drop earrings. Sold by Surray.

Lux Accessories navy nautical starfish anchor arm candy set (5 pc). Sold by ShopLuxDirect.

CanMixs Smart Watch for Android phonies iOS Waterproof. Sold by CanMixs Co., Ltd.

And so this ends the Amazon jewelry shopping blog. The items I have shown are ones that I am 99% sure I will be taking. As I was writing this blog, I deleted several items that I purchased as I decided they will not be going on the cruise with me.

Coming up in the next blog, clothes I have purchased from Amazon for myself and my husband. Who did I purchase the most clothing items for??? Myself or my husband. I guess we will all find out on the next blog.

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #4 – It’s hair day!!!!

This blog with be short and sweet!

With 9 days to go until we board the Carnival Vista, it was definitely time to get my hair taken care of. Simple! My plan is to have my hair trimmed and have some subtle highlights added. I booked my appointment with my trusted stylist and friend, Theresa Bankston at Preferred Image Salon. She is amazing and truly listens to what I want and doesn’t roll her eyes too much when I say just whatever you think it needs.

Before…

And after. This photo was actually taken the day after my appointment because I left the salon without taking the after shot! I had to return as I left my cup of Dr. Pepper at the salon.

Now I have time to play with my hair to see how it will look with curls for the fancy nights or straight for daytime and casual evening.

I’m so ready to get on this ship!!!

Carnival Vista 2021 – Precruise #3 More Shopping!!!

In all honesty, my shopping for the cruise began in 2021 so there are some items I have not worn yet and I’m hoping I can fit into them!

WARNING…. I HAVE NOT IRONED OR STEAMED ANY OF THE CLOTHING ITEMS FOR FEAR OF ANOTHER CRUISE BEING CANCELLED. This will be the first time I will not pack until after I receive my negative COVID test. So, please do not shame me for the clothing looking like a wrinkled mess.

Most of my clothing items were purchased at Venus.com. I have been buying my vacation clothes from their website for a long time. I love their selections and the quality is fantastic. So, let’s begin with the items I purchased for our cancelled cruises and our upcoming cruise.

V-neck halter top in blue.

Lace inset smoked top in white.

Strappy deatil top also in white.

Fringe Earrings in navy.

Polka dot jumpsuit in black with white dots.

Bandage dress in black. Unfortunately I was not able to take a decent picture of the dress so this is one from their catalog.

Lace inset mock neck top in pink.

Grommet lace up one-piece swimsuit. I purchased 2, one in blue and one in white.

Angie smoothing one-piece swimsuit. I also purchased 2, one in blue and one in red.

Bandeau one-piece swimsuit in aqua. I may not take this one with me.

Asymmetrical strappy heels in black.

Another place we like to shop is Academy. I ordered 3 swimsuits for my husband online

O’Rageous Men’s Volley Swim Trunks one in the color Cabbage Wave, one in Dark Blue, and one in the color Living Coral Wave.

While at the store, I found some shoes!

BCG womens canvas lace up training shoes. One pair in black and one pair in white.

Old Navy had a sale on their variety 5-pack of triple-layer cloth pleated face masks for adults with ear adjusters son I ordered 2!

ShipTees.com had a fac cover that I HAD to have so I ordered one for me and one for my husband. He has not worn his yet but my is currently in the wash!

From DSW online, I purchased a pair of Nina Ranata Sandal in the color navy. I cannot wait to wear them!!!!

While looking at shoes at Macy’s online, I found a pair of Circus by Sam Edelman Camara Medallion flat sandals on sale so I purchased a pair in the color Pink Confetti.

I also purchased a pair of Jessica Simpson Women’s Rilane Slide Sandals in the color black.

On a trip to Costco, we purchased 2 pairs of shorts for my husband. They really have good prices, but they tend to sale out quickly.

When Steinmart had their closing sale, I found a pair of capri’s that truly gave me cruise vibes!!! So, of course, they had to come home with me.

And what is preparing for a cruise without shopping at Target. This time, my shopping was limited to jewelry. Specifically, I purchased items by the brand SUGARFIX by BaubleBar.

Three quarter fringe hoop earrings in navy.

Modern Statement necklace set in gold.

Layered link chain necklace in gold.

And that is where this shopping blog will end. The next blog will be the Amazon shopping I have done specifically for this cruise and maybe the cruises that cancelled. So, please come back.