SkyMaster

I too, enjoyed reading your review. THANKS for posting. I'll be doing "Magic" in November, and can't wait to get aboard.

"SKY"

"Paradise" no longer has the once GREAT big shows, but as a younger cruiser, your grandson will probably enjoy the current offering. Other than that, everything is pretty much the same as it was five years ago. I've sailed "Paradise" many, many times, and never hesitate to recommend that cruise to most anybody. ENJOY

"SKY"

I've been on lots and lots of cruises, and the Serenity Deck, (Especially on "Fantasy Class" ships ) is my favorite spot, and I spend lots of time there, listening to music, and just relaxing. I've NEVER seen topless women there. (Yes,,near topless, but not topless.) I have seen topless women around the main pool on the first day of a cruise. I presume they are European, and assume that it's O.K. Not a big deal

When they did have a topless deck around the stack, I'd ALWAYS go up there to check to make sure that the lovely, and talented Mrs. Jones wasn't there. (That's my story, and I'm sticking with it!) :cool:

"SKY"

These are 4-K cabins,,,not in the bow. BEST bargain for any cabin on the ship IMO. Used to be the exact same price as any other inside, but Carnival found out how much folks like me like 'em, so the price went up slightly. Still OUTSTANDING cabins, at a fair price.

"SKY"

Other than the price, (which isn't always higher) one of the main reasons I don't sail Princess more often is that they don't sail out of Port Canaveral, or Tampa. Ft. Lauderdale really isn't that far (about 4 hours for me) but it's just so much easier to sail out of Tampa, or Port Canaveral. Guess I'm spoiled. LOL

"SKY"

I too, am "Diamond" on Carnival, but I too am starting to tire of the constant cutbacks, and poor substitutes for entertainment aboard. I've sailed 'em all at one time or the other, and since I sail SOLO a lot, it can get expensive very quickly. Princess is starting to call me again, with Celebrity a close second. Used to sail NCL a lot, but since they went to ALL Your Time dining, I've stopped booking them, as the dining experience is one of the things I look forward to. RCL is normally just too expensive, and I feel like I'm paying for all that stuff that I NEVER do,,,like the Wave Rider, the Zip Line, etc. etc. (I prefer the smaller ships, in any case.)

"SKY"

Twenty-eight since leaving the "Paradise", and One hundred-forty-nine till I board "Magic". (WAY too many).

"SKY"

No, but I wish I had. IMO, the shows are getting worse and worse, and are more slanted toward the "Snowflakes" than the people who actually cruise aboard Carnival. HARD ROCK, NOISE, FLASHING LASERS and SCREAMING GUITARS are not my idea of an entertaining show.

"SKY"

Got mine on "Paradise" last month. No problem.

"SKY"

Go out of your way to find the "Serenity Deck", aft, as many folks don't find it until late in the cruise,,,,if at all. It's truly nice, relaxing, and well worth seeking out.

"SKY"

Aboard "Breeze", we were bumped up from an inside to an "Ocean Suite". WOW,,,,,what a surprise that was! We didn't know we were assigned that cabin, until we checked in at the port.

"SKY"

As I recall, the aft dining room (Monet, upper and lower level) is reserved for assigned dining only, and the forward dining room (Renior) upper level was for Your Time Dining, and the lower level was reserved for assigned dining. I don't know of any reliable way to find out what your dining room assignment will be before hand, but as soon as you board, you can check with the Maitre'd to find out what type of table, and where it is located. (Your sign-n-sail card will give you the dining room, time, or, Your Time Dining, and your table number. If you want to see the Maitre'd, check with the guest services desk, or the Fun Times for the location, and time he'll be available. (Almost always on the upper level of the forward dining room, and usually there by 1 P.M.)

Good luck, and have a FANTASTIC cruise.

"SKY"

I'm booked on "Magic" for Nov 11th, and it too, has dropped off the list. Once again, I can only assume that it's booked solid. (HMMMM,,,maybe I'll get a call from the upgrade fairy????)

"SKY"

We cruised a while back with a convention of "cross dressers". Yep, a whole bunch of mostly 6'4", red headed guys in cocktail dresses. LOL They turned out to be a HOOT, and we had a great time with them. Truly an unforgettable cruise.

"SKY"

I wouldn't bother getting there much before eleven. As noted, if you do you'll wind up just sitting there until the ship has been cleared for boarding,,,,and that's seldom before 11:30.

Have a GREAT cruise.

"SKY"

My May 13th, five day went exactly as expected with outstanding service, excellent food and a nice, relaxing trip. No problems with the ship at all, and the only disappointment at all for me was the Playlist shows that were presented. Just a bit too "current" for me, with screaming, distorted guitar music, and songs that I've never heard before, and don't want to hear again. :D People who are a bit younger than I am, will probably enjoy both BIG SHOWS. Food and service in the main, aft, dining room was very good, even though there wasn't as much variety offered. Still very good.

"SKY"

Yep, I'd not arrive before 10:30, as you'll wind up standing in the sun. I usually arrive at 11 or so, and walk right in.

"SKY"

Does serenity deck still exists ?? And what all is allowed there?

YES,,,,Serenity does indeed still exist, and it's restricted to those over 21 years old. At least that's the case on "Fantasy Class" vessels. As noted access is through the aft lounge, with doors on both sides of the stage, or down from the Lido Deck, far aft. I personally LOVE the Serenity Deck on the small "Fantasy Class" ships. Usually not too crowded, as not too many passengers find it until late in the cruise. ;p

"SKY"

For all those folks who are "grumbling" about replacing "professional entertainment", I just returned from a five day aboard "Paradise", and the "professional" entertainment couldn't have been worse! There was a hypnotist who was terrible, and the Playlist shows consisted of "Epic Rock" which was nothing but distorted guitars and NOISE! The second show, "80's Pop to the Max", was a bit better, but not much. The "Hasbro" show sucked, as usual, and the "Love & Marriage" show was the most entertaining of the bunch. Bottom line, I've seen some passengers who can sing, and dance circles around any of the "Pro" entertainment.

How about Brandon Kovshoff? I'll be sailing the "Paradise" next week, and have never even heard of this guy.

"SKY"

:cool:

Spring breakers don't want to spend the money on a longer cruise should be a nice mellow cruise.

Triton is 100% right. The longer the cruise, the older the crowd. ;) You won't find spring breakers on the 10 day cruise, and I'd bet that it'll be a fantastic voyage. As a matter of fact, I'm looking into it myself! (Yep,,,I'm OLD!) LOL

"SKY"

I too, have sailed a lot of Celebrity cruises, but frankly not for some time now. I LOVE the customer service aboard Celebrity, and their entertainment, but wish they sailed from somewhere in Florida other than Miami. Oh well, it's usually worth putting up with embarkation there, to get their great service.

"SKY"

Thanks SkyMaster. Glad to hear something nice about the Paradise. Have her booked for Dec. on a Journey Cruise.

 

Sandra

You're welcome. Go aboard with a positive attitude, and I have no doubt that you'll have a fantastic cruise. I thinking of booking again in that time frame. Maybe I'll see you aboard. :cool:

"SKY"

Thanks for posting. It appears to me that about 95% of the problems you experienced could have/would have happened on any ship. (The rowdy Spring Breakers) Not much you can do about that, except don't sail during Spring Break. Glad to hear that you did indeed get assigned another cabin. Too bad it didn't happen sooner.

"SKY"

I too, have sailed "Paradise" over, and over again, and will be sailing her again this week end. I've not experienced any problems while aboard, and have no qualms about boarding this ship yet again. GREAT ship, with an OUTSTANDING crew.

"SKY"