Four Days of Paradise: Baja Mexico - Aug. 8, 2011 Review with Photos

[Inklight]

We are loving your review. We will be sailing on the Paradise next February out of Tampa. Great Pictures and wonderful writing. One question, my wife is a laundry nut. Are the 2 laundry rooms you mentioned the only ones on the ship? We will be on Deck 1 and were hoping there would be a laundry room on that deck also. Thanks for taking the time to write this for all of us to enjoy.

 

Thank you for following. You are getting a great ship with the Paradise moving to Tampa, I'm sure you will enjoy her. I believe there are only 2 Self-Serve Laundry Rooms on the Fantasy Class ships. We only used the Laundry on Empress Deck. :)

 

 

 

Hi! Great review!! Really makes me more excited for my trip on her Sept 26th!!!! I love the pictures too!! Can I ask what kind of cameras you used? Love this!!

 

Thank you! I would be excited too if I were leaving that soon! I shoot with a Canon 7D and DH shoots with a Nikon D300. Have a great trip! :)

 

 

 

Great. Pics and review! Thanks.

 

Thank you so much! I am happy you are enjoying it. :)

[Inklight]

Great review and pictures. Thanks for sharing.

 

Thank you for your kind words ... it's encouraging! :)

 

 

Love your pictures! The Queen Mary looks like it would be a neat experience.

 

We really did enjoy the Queen Mary and would do it again. Thank you! :)

 

 

Just wanted to say that I like your review. Good photos! :)

 

I am happy you are enjoying the review ... thank you! :)

[Inklight]

great review and pictures. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I know how much effort it can take!

 

Thank you, tiggerman! It does take some time writing a review, but the effort has been worth it. I enjoy your reviews as well. In fact, it was your Spirit review that inspired us to look seriously at taking an Alaskan cruise. We are now booked for next May and can't hardly wait. So, thank you for that! :)

 

I see you are leaving very soon ... Bon Voyage! Hope you have a great cruise!

[Inklight]

Santa Catalina Island

 

 

The ship dropped anchor at Santa Catalina Island sometime before 7:30 a.m. I know this for a fact because from where we were it sounded like we had run into something. I really don’t mind noises on the ship, in fact I actually like all the different sounds you hear. Besides, dropping anchor makes for a great wake-up call.

 

So does ordering breakfast from room service the night before.

 

Right around 8 a.m. we received a much-welcomed knock on the door and lo and behold *key the grand music* there was breakfast. A word of caution - every number you place by a food item on the room service order form produces a covered plate. We had seven covered plates ... most of which was fruit! I wish I had taken a photo of the breakfast tower because it was quite impressive how it filled our little room.

 

I then took what will now and forever be known as the ‘Best Shower Ever.’ *key more dramatic music here*

 

The steady and powerful stream of water just couldn’t be beat. I don’t remember having such a memorable shower experience on any of my other cruises. Maybe it’s just the showers on the Paradise. Or maybe it had to do with being the very front cabin, and I was simply taking all the water pressure from the rest of the ship. Whatever it was ... that shower rocked!

 

 

Time to head off the ship! Catalina is a tender port and we were all advised to not leave between 10 and 11 a.m. because the tenders would be the busiest. So, what time did we leave? Yes, we left at 10:20! So, of course there was a line. But, really it wasn’t all that bad and it did keep moving.

 

 

Before we knew it we were on our tender and speeding away from the Carnival Paradise.

 

 

Bye, Paradise!

 

 

We didn’t have an excursion planned for Catalina. We have been there quite a few times and just wanted to venture off on our own. It’s an easy port to do that, though I will say Carnival had some interesting shore excursions offered. Once you get off the tender there are also plenty of options for tours available. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s a pretty cool port.

[Inklight]

Golf Carts and a Casino

 

The most common mode of transportation on Catalina would have to be the Golf Carts. There are no cars and everyone who lives here travels by golf cart. How fun is that? You can also rent a golf cart to tool around the island by the hour. So what happens when you put a family of tourists in a golf cart?

 

 

Who’s watching the road?

 

 

We didn’t rent a golf cart this time around, but we have in the past and they are a lot of fun. It’s amazing how much land you can cover in an hour. Though DH says I have a lead foot and that I’m a crazy golf cart driver ... maybe that explains it.

 

Instead, we opted to walk along the water towards the Casino. The Casino is the most recognizable landmark in Catalina, for sure. And for those who have never been there before - it isn’t the type of Casino you are probably thinking of. There is no gambling there.

 

 

 

The Casino was built by Wrigley (yes, the gum guy) in the late 1920s as a place for the locals to gather. The building houses both a large ballroom as well as a movie theater. There is also a museum inside.

 

 

The Art Deco styling of the 20s can be seen in all the details of the Casino.

 

 

The details are really pretty. The tiling was intricate and had murals portraying underwater scenes.

 

 

They show movies in the theater late afternoon and evening. One day, we’d like to be able to see a movie there. The theater is quite large and ornate. Watching a movie in there would be an event.

 

 

We stepped behind the Casino to have a look at the harbor. Yes, there goes those golf carts again! These guys kept going back and forth behind DH. I’m not sure if they ever made it out of there.

[Inklight]

More of Catalina

 

Here are some more photos!

 

Hey, there's the ship!

 

 

Scenery around the Casino.

 

 

Behind the Casino and down this walkway is another beach area.

 

 

 

Catalina must really love their pigeons!

 

 

 

Carnival -- to the right for the Tenders.

 

 

Time to board the Tender and head back to the ship ... I'm hungry for lunch!

[Inklight]

Water Sports and Birds

 

Once back on the ship we headed up to the Lido Buffet for lunch then off to see what was happening on deck. Boy, there was a lot going on both on the ship and off!

 

On the ship, the water slide was in full use and the kids looked like they were having a great time.

 

 

Off the ship, we watched parasailers being pulled by like kites on a string. They look pretty high!

 

 

The tenders were also moving at full pace back and forth to the Island.

 

 

Oh, what’s this I see? The Catalina Express! Like I’ve said before, we’ve traveled to Catalina quite a bit (we love it there). So I was really excited to go to Catalina on the cruise ship ... I feel like I’m somehow beating the system and getting a free ride. I didn’t have to pay for the Catalina Express! Woo hoo!

 

 

I saw this boat heading towards us and at first couldn’t figure out what they were pulling. It wasn’t until they got closer to the ship that I realized it was their kids on an innertube being pulled behind. I guess that’s one way to have some peace and quiet on their boat! (Okay, don’t hate me for the joke ... remember, we have five kids ourselves!)

 

 

Most of the action, however, was happening back on the boat. Well, actually in the air above the boat ... dozens of sea gulls were performing flybys over the deck, the pool and the sunbathers. I think they were trying to partake in a little vacation of their own.

[Inklight]

Caution -- More Bird Photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent the rest of the afternoon photographing the birds ... we thought it would be good practice for our Alaska cruise next year when all the Bald Eagles start flying by! LOL!

[Singer4Him]

I'm loving this review and the pictures are wonderful! DH is into photography and shoots with a Nikon but I don't remember the model number. I look forward to seeing the rest of the review and pics.

[Crusin Karen]

Holy Moly! I didn't even know there was a place named Catalina Island let alone that CCL cruised to it. :o(geography was NOT my best subject and it has been a loooonnnngggggg time....well, we won't go there! :confused:) Your pictures are just beautiful. Kind of wish I could book a cruise there to see it. Thanks for sharing.

[Meyer2]

Loving your review & pictures! What a neat experience with the Queen Mary.

[SwedishCruiser]

Try this link to see if you can find the laundry rooms!

 

https://www.goccl.com/irman/bookccl/the_fleet/interactive_map/paradise/interactivemap.html

[Caliber1]

Great review Robin. Loving the pictures.

 

We stayed aboard the Queen Mary before our canal transit on the Pride back in '09 and absolutely loved it. Not nearly enought time to see it all.

[vanislandcruisers]

Great Review and Photos...brings back a lot of great memories from our Cruise on the Paradise...Thanks for sharing

[Inklight]

I'm loving this review and the pictures are wonderful! DH is into photography and shoots with a Nikon but I don't remember the model number. I look forward to seeing the rest of the review and pics.

 

Thank you! I will be posting more tonight. I'm happy you are enjoying it.

 

 

 

Holy Moly! I didn't even know there was a place named Catalina Island let alone that CCL cruised to it. :o(geography was NOT my best subject and it has been a loooonnnngggggg time....well, we won't go there! :confused:) Your pictures are just beautiful. Kind of wish I could book a cruise there to see it. Thanks for sharing.

 

Yes, you must cruise to check out Catalina! :) It's a beautiful Island ... and part of Los Angeles, actually. Plus, you can check out So. Cal. while you are here! Thank you for your kind words, they are encouraging!

[Inklight]

Loving your review & pictures! What a neat experience with the Queen Mary.

 

Yes, we LOVED the Queen Mary ... you could tell, right! Thank you!:)

 

 

Try this link to see if you can find the laundry rooms!

 

https://www.goccl.com/irman/bookccl/the_fleet/interactive_map/paradise/interactivemap.html

 

Thank you for adding this link ... very handy! :)

 

 

Great review Robin. Loving the pictures.

 

We stayed aboard the Queen Mary before our canal transit on the Pride back in '09 and absolutely loved it. Not nearly enought time to see it all.

 

Yes, I agree ... a person could definitely spend more than just a day onboard the QM. We would love to do a Canal cruise ... maybe in the near future. Thank you for following this review! :)

[Inklight]

Great Review and Photos...brings back a lot of great memories from our Cruise on the Paradise...Thanks for sharing

 

Thank you for your comments! :) BTW, love your 'Journal' titles. When I'm done with this review I will be checking yours out ... they sound like fun!

[Inklight]

Elegant Night and being a VIP

 

 

 

First stop, the Atrium Bar where we noticed our piano player, Geza, was all dressed up for Elegant Night. I love the live music Carnival has in the Atrium, it really helps set the mood and creates a nice atmosphere.

 

 

 

The ship photographer’s were all around the Promenade offering various backgrounds and props for formal portraits ... scenes from the bow, ship’s railing, a piano and even the grand staircase from Titanic (yikes!). We were dressed and on the Promenade pretty early, around 6 p.m., and noticed there weren’t any lines at that time. Later it would get a lot busier.

 

 

 

We had portraits taken in about four different spots. For the most part the Photographer’s were fun as they ‘molded’ us into position. This is the one we liked best.

 

 

After all the fun taking photos, it was time to go to dinner.

 

Want to feel like a VIP?

It’s simple, really ... just sign up for Chef’s Table. While our Chef’s Table dinner wouldn’t be until Thursday evening (more on that later) tonight we were graced at our dining table with a visit from Chef Jorg Schneider, himself.

 

He came from the galley. I had a direct line of sight to the galley doors and saw him approaching our table. Wow, was I impressed when he stopped there wearing his full-on Chef jacket and hat. Chef Jorg introduced himself to us, telling us he looked forward to our Chef's Table and inquired about any food allergies we might have. Now, I don’t have any food allergies (neither does DH) but I don’t care for seafood ... at all. I didn’t really want to be a bother, but as Chef Jorg pressed further I found myself admitting my dislike for fish. He was very accommodating and proceeded to conjure up a menu that would be to my satisfaction.

 

How did he even know we were there? I mean it wasn’t like we had a Traditional dining time with a set table. We had Your Time Dining and could come as we pleased. I’m convinced Carnival is just magical. Really, that is the only explanation.

 

Oh, and the people dining all around us ... envious stares of curiosity being directed towards us the rest of the evening, yes us the VIPs! LOL!

 

 

 

After dinner we decided to take a portrait of ourselves. I had changed out of my dress, I was having a wardrobe malfunction, but Hubby still looked pretty snazzy though, don’t you think?

 

 

Here I am at the Atrium Bar ... we really did spend a lot of time here. It was so convenient to our cabin! Also, the bartenders got to know us and practically had our drinks ready as we walked up to the bar. I really can’t commend them enough for their stellar service. Anyway, doesn’t the Atrium look gorgeous all lit up?

 

 

 

Well, another end to another great day ... and we were greeted in our room this night by my new favorite towel animal, the Elephant!

 

Tomorrow is Ensenada and our Shore Excursion!

[Inklight]

Wednesday Fun Times -- Ensenada!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Inklight]

Thank you all so much for following my review and for your kinds words of encouragement.:) Please bear with me ... I am working all weekend and will get the rest up as quickly as I can.

 

What's still to come:

 

Ensenada & Shore Excursion

Carnival Paradise at night

Behind the Fun Tour

Chef's Table

 

I will be back tomorrow with more! :)

[iceleven]

Great review and loving the pics. I'm really looking forward to your comments about Ensenada because I am having a really hard time imagining it to be anything but yukky as a port stop. Please tell me that you found something good there. I live here in the Bay Area and are considering taking a cruise out of San Diego but Ensenada is often the return port.

[momof3cruisers]

This is one of the best reviews I have read. You and your husband are just adorable and you seem so happy and fun. Thanks for writing this!

[cruiserguy11]

Nice review and pics ... thanks for taking the time to put it together.

 

We were on this same cruise as you a few years back ... and the first thing we did after getting off the tender was to walk over to the Casino to win some money. Yep, we soon learned we were just stupid tourists.

 

BTW, good luck in your mixed marriage. (You shoot a Canon 7D and Hubby shoots a Nikon D300S.) :D

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[Rosefloater]

Holy Moly! I didn't even know there was a place named Catalina Island let alone that CCL cruised to it. :o(geography was NOT my best subject and it has been a loooonnnngggggg time....well, we won't go there! :confused:) Your pictures are just beautiful. Kind of wish I could book a cruise there to see it. Thanks for sharing.

 

The funniest thing about going to Catalina is it is only 26 miles from Long Beach and about 1.5 hours on the Catalina Express, but if you look at a Carnival map, it shows 116 miles and 15 hours to get there. And on clear days, you can see Catalina when the ship leaves Long Beach.

 

Inklight - Love your review so far. If you haven't taken the Casino's "Behind the Scenes" tour, I highly recommend it. It takes you to Wrigley's viewing room, behind and onto the stage and also the Ballroom.

 

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_casinoBehindScenes.php

 

Also, we've like to play at the mini golf course there. Some real fun and challenging holes. Otherwise, we do exactly what you do, just walk around.

[Inklight]

Great review and loving the pics. I'm really looking forward to your comments about Ensenada because I am having a really hard time imagining it to be anything but yukky as a port stop. Please tell me that you found something good there. I live here in the Bay Area and are considering taking a cruise out of San Diego but Ensenada is often the return port.

 

 

I will be posting our adventures in Ensenada here pretty quickly. There are plenty of things to do there .... though we chose to book an excursion through Carnival. That added peace of mind was helpful.

 

Thank you for your comments! :)