UPNYGuy

just off the paradise about a week and a half ago. she is in fine condition, especially for the age. I was surprised Carnival even added USB ports to the cabin, and in 2 separate areas.

Just got off the ship. Got in line at 11:30, went through security and check in and was on the ship in 15 minutes. Did the new muster and there were 4 other people at my station. Went and grabbed my keys (think it was 12:00-12:30), went to the lido and had a drink (paradise has a bar in the lido buffet) and ate outside (also has outside seating at the stern)

yes. I called for coffee and pastries so I could sit on the balcony and enjoy just this last cruise (disembark today).

We like the Vista class in the havana area

It's funny because it really doesn't look all that beat on. The only issue (minor) is that the balcony door has to be shut with gusto. I snapped this quickly, but there is minimal rust, and the cabin looks modern. They even added USB ports by the bedside, and on the desk.

Over 40 cruises here and have never seen containers on any cruise, on any cruise line. In assuming they would be for taking food from the buffet? I *have* seen the covered plates from the MDR and speciality restaurants, usually used for a cheese plate (or desert) to take back to the cabin.

Currently on Paradise, tea time was advertised on the PA by the CD, and bar venues SEEM to be appropriately staffed. We haven't really had to wait. FWIW... booked this cruise for sh!ts and giggles to try a fantasy class, and really enjoy it. Obviously doesn't have the bells and whistles of the newer ships, but it seems to be in excellent condition, especially given its age. DW and I booked a midship balcony on the main deck, and have ice cold air, good plumbing, and an excellent steward. We would do a B2B (10 days) on her.

And I promptly thought of this...

this is exactly why I thumbed my nose and made a snarky comment. I felt like they were addicted to gambling.

It was deliberately meant to be perceived that way. and like I said, 20k was a rough figure. The comps came up because they were making small talk with DW and I.

20k was an estimate on my part, but it likely isn't too far off.

Yup! Our last cruise was on Carnival (AK on Miracle out of San Francisco), and the couple talking to us was telling us how they were player's club (CCL CAS equivalent) elite (top tier) and they got their cabin comped, beverage package comped...etc. I said "thats great! You spend 20k in the casino per cruise to get about 5k in services comped. How is this breaking even?" They promptly left.

very accurate. DW and I also sail on MSC (Yacht Club) NCL (Haven), Oceania, RC, and used to sail on HAL.

for me, miami is easier to get to than PC, so Celebration it is. I dont really go into PC unless it is a port of call.

Doesnt the initial email you get from Carnival tell you when the final payment is due? I know it tells you when you log in and view the booking. I know the email from my TA tells me in black bold font the final payment date.

I am aware of this. They are vastly different.

this is what the cabana area looks like. we got good use out of this patio, much more than a balcony. imo 5207 is the ideal cabana room. you can see out with nothing blocking, (see the reflection), and it is far enough up that you don't hear the bandstand, but far enough back that you dont hear ocean plaza.

I have 2 Havana bookings pending on Celebration. right there with you 🙂

missed the last part. yes, non havana guests are removed if they find themselves in this area. I have personally witnessed it several times on Horizon and Panorama. The pool attendants keep an eye out for those that have Havana access as well as serve you. You can walk out there and sit down without having to worry about chair hogs, and have someone take a drink order for you and bring it directly over (at least in my experience on Panorama and Horizon).

totally valid question! it is a ship-within-a-ship area. the pool in the center of the pic, as well as the 2 giant hot tubs are for use of the people in the havana area only. This is at the stern of the ship on the promenade deck, and there are card controlled gates to only allow those that have access back there. In the havana bar, there are signs saying "havana experience only" or something to the like. You have a havana sticker placed on your keycard, and are given a wristband to mark you as a havana guest. Also, behind the pool (or in this case, in front) is a private bar area and ample seating area.

cruise in the Havana area on a Vista. definitely more upscale than a standard cabin.

we typically cruise 3-4x per year, and visit an all inclusive 1-2x per year.

Yes I am aware this is a reply to an old topic. But I am doing it to add info related to this discussion. This is EXACTLY WHY I do my own booking and look at the deck plans. Just looking at the deck plans could have informed you where the cabin was located, and that it was directly next to the band stand.

IMO the RC suites are nice, and they really do treat you better than if you book a run of the mill cabin. The concierge herself came down and filled the jacuzzi on the balcony while we were having dinner, so DW could soak when we returned.

I seem to recall I could get it in the concierge / suite lounge on RC as well.