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Jenhem31

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Posts posted by Jenhem31

    On Board Costs

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    We just got back from a 5 day on the Paradise and it was our first cruise. Our total on board account was $350. We both got beach towels, and I spent about $40 in the gift shop. We bought 2 photos. The rest was casino and cocktails. We didn't spend nearly the about I thought we would. If you are heavy drinkers get the cheers package. If not, be prepared, the cocktails will run you about $10. The souvenir drinks of the day about $17.

     

    We didn't even bother with the soda package. Just bring a couple 12 packs on board. The soda they serve is also from a warm can.

     

    Have a great cruise! ⚓️ImageUploadedByForums1399578084.679160.jpg.061766710f34d0b7a157caee03349795.jpg

     

     

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    Nachi Coccum

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    I was there last week. It was great. The food was awesome! ImageUploadedByForums1399561711.649638.jpg.4414177a7ed4fd2d768819bac44fddec.jpg

     

    Steak fajitas and flan. I snarfed down my chips and guacamole too quickly for a picture.

     

     

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    ImageUploadedByForums1399561691.271245.jpg.f2dd005495b034c5ed8a4795719fd0f6.jpg

    Thinking of booking last minute Paradise cruise - concerned about smoking

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    I just got off the Paradise. The only smoke I encountered was in the casino. It wasn't that bad to me and I HATE smoke. There's no smoking in the shows but it is allowed on the balconies. Our neighbor smoked and it didn't bother me. I think we were only both on our balconies at the same time once.

     

    I just posted my review of the Paradise if you'd like to read!

     

     

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    Paradise and First Cruise Review

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    I sailed the Paradise last week and wanted to share a few of my experiences.

     

    This was my first ever cruise and since I booked it, I've been flooding myself with information just so I had an idea of what to expect. What can I say, I like to research. I do wish I had researched the ships and itineraries more before I booked. But, it was a good deal and we went for it.

     

    I will say the Paradise is a much smaller ship. It is in desperate need of a good makeover. It was the gaudiest thing I've ever seen. Think if Elvis had a cruise ship. Holy smokes. It was awful. However, that's just cosmetic. It didn't effect the cruise itself. As outdated as the decor is, the way the ship is set up is awesome. It's super easy to navigate and had everything you could have needed. It was nice that it didn't take forever to get anywhere.

     

    We were booked in a grand suite. The room was huge complete with a lounge area and large couch and chairs. It also had a wet bar area with a nice vanity and chair. There was a fridge and lots of glassware. I guess they expect the grand suiters to really whoop it up. I don't know. The balcony was a cove style. Very private and large. 3 chairs and a tiny table. Again, the room was hideously decorated.

     

    The steward was awesome. He was like a ninja. We never caught him in the room yet if we left for 20 minutes the room would be immaculate when we got back. He filled our ice twice a day without us asking.

     

    We had any time dining so we didn't really bond with the wait staff as they were different most nights. Every server and assistant we had was amazing. The food was pretty good. It wasn't the best, but good lord there was a lot of it. And it was included in the fare. Who could complain about that? The best was the chocolate melting cake. I hate chocolate and I couldn't get enough of it. I was like an animal.

     

    Drink of the day. Enough said. You won't be disappointed.

     

    I can't express how amazing the staff on this ship was. Literally every single crew member we spoke to or had any interaction with was phenomenal. They were so genuine, kind, personable, and helpful. I truly can't speak highly enough of them. They were awesome.

     

    [ATTACH]311684[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311685[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311686[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311687[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311688[/ATTACH]

    ImageUploadedByForums1399252987.416212.jpg.a263717fd51e577638fc42957d435395.jpg

     

    Would I sail the Paradise again? Probably not. If I lived in Tampa sure. I'd like to try out some of the bigger ships. I have no complaints aside from the decor and I'm not really even complaining about that. It may really bother some people but for me it's not a deal breaker.

     

    The Paradise will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope she gets the makeover she deserves.

     

     

     

     

     

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    FTTF, anyone else have mixed feelings?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    I just got off the Paradise yesterday. I did purchase FTTF but also had a grand suite which included priority check in. I sailed out of Tampa, and I saw no VIP lounge. There was a different area for us to check in, but once that was complete, we sat with the regular folk in the terminal.

     

    They made a call for Diamond and Platinum to board, and after called for suite guests and FTTF. I saw no trampling.

     

    I purchased FTTF for one reason only- so my room would be ready when I got on the ship to drop off my carry ons. That was worth the $50 to me and I'd do it again.

     

    I won't lie, priority tendering was nice. I didn't plan on utilizing it but we asked where we were supposed to go and were personally escorted down. I also appreciated the priority debarking. I got no nasty comments from anyone.

     

    I wish people would stop flaming the FTTF folks. It's a money maker for Carnival plain and simple. Platinum and Diamonds should remember that they too had to take their first cruise at some point. You have to start somewhere!

     

     

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    OK, I'm Stupid. Is FTTF Really Worth It?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    I bought it for my cruise coming up this Monday. It's my first cruise and I initially didn't completely understand the logistics of cruising.

     

    We bought for the sole purpose of our room being ready when we boarded so we could drop off our luggage. I also like that bags will be delivered quicker as well. Never knew it could take hours! For me, the $50 is totally worth it. I've already got priority boarding as we are in a suite. :)

     

     

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    need question answered about bags at pier

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    I'm so confused, I'm sorry! This is my first cruise and we are in a grand suite but we also purchased FTTF for the expedited luggage delivery.

     

    My tags are orange and say FTTF but they do not say priority.

     

    We upgraded to a grand from a junior and those luggage tags were hot pink so I thought the color changed deck to deck.

     

    Do I need to ask for an orange sticker? This is the first I've heard of this. Thanks!

     

     

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    Nachi Coccum

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    I have friends who have been trying to make a reservation for an upcoming cruise and have not been able to get the website to load for the last few weeks. I have been trying this morning to no avail. My reservations are already made so I have emailed them to see if I can get them reserved. Has anyone been successful in getting reservations via email?

     

     

     

    Rachel

     

     

    I made my reservation last night with no issues. Hopefully they get thru!

     

     

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    Southern Gentlemen

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    And I must say there are many Texan gentlemen who will tip their hats and give you a pleasant "ma'am" as you walk by. I miss that the most.

     

    It's just different in Texas and you can't really explain why. Only Texans know.

     

     

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    Carnival Paradise Review

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    We are sailing on the paradise in almost 2 weeks! First cruise :D

     

     

     

    What areas of the decks would you recommend for shade? I burn very easy so I'm hoping to stay covered but not limited to the inside.

     

     

    April 28? Me too, and first cruise also!

     

     

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