Carnival Vista Seafood Shack Review

It is easy to get wowed while on board the Carnival Vista. Everywhere you turn, something will amaze you. While on our recent 6 night cruise, I fell head over heals for the Seafood Shack. An open air restaurant, where your fresh seafood is cooked to order at a small additional fee.

When the Carnival Vista released their first press video, the Seafood Shack was mentioned. Right then and there, I knew I had to sail on this ship ASAP.

One of the coolest things about the Seafood Shack is that you can purchase local fresh catch from the and have it prepared to your liking at any restaurant on the ship, at any time. When the ship is docked, the Seafood Shack will get locally sourced fresh fish to offer when you're back on board. The prices are not bad either!

Ordering at the Seafood Shack is simple. You receive a pager and when your freshly prepared food is ready, you pick it up. Keep in mind, this is not a quick counter service style restaurant. While it is outside in the open air just like Guys Burger Bar, this is just like ordering at a restaurant. Don't expect your food to come out in a flash - everything is cooked to order.

I am a huge fan of everything Lobster. My family has a house in Maine and we have a reunion every three years. Six years ago, I had my first Lobster Roll and everything changed. I became obsessed. Anytime I see it on a menu, I have to order it. Most of the time, I am left disappointed.

I was not disappointed with the Seafood Shack's Lobster Roll. In fact, if I didn't have to be in a bikini multiple times on this trip, I would have eaten one everyday. The lobster roll is actually lobster roll's. For $12, I got two filled fresh lobster salads stuffed in perfectly grilled buttery buns. There wasn't too much mayo or filler. It was just lobster perfection served with a side of fries.

My friend Keri ordered the Lobster BLT - and she said it was one of the best sandwiches she's ever had in her entire life. Using the same lobster salad as the lobster rolls, this was stuffed between bacon, tomato, lettuce and two grilled pieces of bread. Also served with fries for $12.

I was starving when the order was placed, which resulted in me ordering two dishes. We also got the buffalo shrimp for $8. I was only able to eat one, and gave the others away. These shrimp were giant. While very good, it was too much combined with the lobster rolls I already devoured. We did see another group order grilled shrimp and those looked amazing. We had planned on going back but cruises go quickly and next thing we knew, it was over.

I strongly suggest dining at the Seafood Shack at least once if you are on the Carnival Vista. I am hoping that other ships will receive this amazing restaurant. Having the option to order fresh oysters, steamed crab legs, beautiful lobster tails and customized fresh fish is only the beginning. You can check out the entire Seafood Shack menu here. Now I want a Lobster Roll!