Tell me about Paradise

[murph1031]

Tell about the Paradise, 5 day cruise from Tampa. I did a search and found some dated reviews, was hoping someone sailed recently. We are stuck between booking a 7 day from Charleston which is only a hour away, but making stops at two ports we went to on our first cruise in July on the Fastincation. But the 5 day from Tampa goes to stops we have never been to, yes it does mean a 7 hr drive, but that fine. I haven;t seen much on here about the Paradise, so please tell me all you know. Plus the stop in Cayman seems short, besides Hell what else is there to do in that time period, and yes we do what to do hell. Cozumel is longer so I'm sure I can figure that out.

Thanks for any help

[SadieN]

Can't tell you anything about the ports from Tampa but we really like the Paradise on the West Coast.

 

The Paradise is pretty much in her original floorplan and is the youngest of the Fantasy Class ships. The slide goes into the Lido pool and there is a pool and jacuzzis on 11aft instead of the newer Waterworks. All her balcony cabins are suites.

 

We have sailed on her 10 times and always had a good time. Her Captain, Maitre'D and CD run a tight ship. My understanding is that the Captain and CD are staying in LA when the Inspiration repositions.

[mavis2222]

I did a 7 day on the paradise out of Miami back in the early 2000s, back when it wasnt ruined by Cigarette stench.. One of my best 7 day cruises ever since i had a OV cabin originally and was uprgaded to a GS at no extra cost. I know that was many yrs ago. To bad they allow smoking on that ship now. You could tell the interoir as very nice and not stained by smoke expecially in the casino and some of the bars/ clubs.

[cathyz]

Tell about the Paradise, 5 day cruise from Tampa. I did a search and found some dated reviews, was hoping someone sailed recently. We are stuck between booking a 7 day from Charleston which is only a hour away, but making stops at two ports we went to on our first cruise in July on the Fastincation. But the 5 day from Tampa goes to stops we have never been to, yes it does mean a 7 hr drive, but that fine. I haven;t seen much on here about the Paradise, so please tell me all you know. Plus the stop in Cayman seems short, besides Hell what else is there to do in that time period, and yes we do what to do hell. Cozumel is longer so I'm sure I can figure that out.

Thanks for any help

You're not going to find any current reviews about the Paradise from Tampa since she's still on the West Coast and will be moving to Tampa in December. We have been on the Paradise many times and sorry to see her leaving, but also will be nice to have the Inspiration in exchange.

[CWcruisers]

You're not going to find any current reviews about the Paradise from Tampa since she's still on the West Coast and will be moving to Tampa in December. We have been on the Paradise many times and sorry to see her leaving, but also will be nice to have the Inspiration in exchange.

 

 

Trust me, the West Coast is getting the better end of this trade. Was on the Inspiriation a couple of years ago and her cabins were all updated with new cabinetry and flat screen TV's and they got rid of that corner storage table which opens up more floor space.

[av8tr21]

I'm curious about the Paradise too. Having been on two of her two sister ships, it will be interesting to see how the "youngest" is compared to the others. Shame it still isn't non-smoking....oh well, what can you do? :cool:

[murph1031]

Ok wasn't aware that the boat was still in the west coast. Thanks for info. As for the Non-smoking issue, I thought all boats where non-smoking except in certain areas? Will the boat dock for awhile for a clean up beforem it starts its run here on the east coast?

Thanks for info.

Murph

[crazyfrazee]

CW's right! We were on the Inspiration Oct 3 and it was nice, not as nice as the Paradise. We will be on the Paradise Jan 5. In Cozumel, check out Paradise Beach. It's nice and you should be able to Google it and get their website. Grand Caymen, they have to use tenders to get you to shore but it's not bad. We snorkled there and loved it. Caymen is very nice.

[marym933]

She is set for a dry dock in early 2012. I think it is February, after my cruise.

[sassyredhat]

Can't tell you anything about the ports from Tampa but we really like the Paradise on the West Coast.

 

The Paradise is pretty much in her original floorplan and is the youngest of the Fantasy Class ships. The slide goes into the Lido pool and there is a pool and jacuzzis on 11aft instead of the newer Waterworks. All her balcony cabins are suites.

 

Her Captain, Maitre'D and CD run a tight ship. My understanding is that the Captain and CD are staying in LA when the Inspiration repositions.

 

What she said !! :D I really like the decor too. Love those turquoise eggs.

And yes, she will get upgrades when she moves to the east.

Pat

[cruznluvr3]

Since the Inspiration will replace Paradise on the west coast, then will the Inspiration go into dry dock and be updated?:confused:

My family and I were on the Paradise last June and enjoyed the ship. We are going again in June and I'm hoping for an upgraded ship.:D

[cathyz]

Since the Inspiration will replace Paradise on the west coast, then will the Inspiration go into dry dock and be updated?:confused:

My family and I were on the Paradise last June and enjoyed the ship. We are going again in June and I'm hoping for an upgraded ship.:D

It looks like the Inspiration was just in dry dock a year ago, so won't go again for another 2 years or so. The Inspiration has actually had more upgrades than the Paradise, but sounds like the Paradise will get some of them soon too. http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/Carnival/fleet/inspiration/InspirationFactSheet.htm

[cathyz]

She is set for a dry dock in early 2012. I think it is February, after my cruise.

You're right, looks like January 2012 for dry dock : http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/Carnival/fleet/paradise/ParadiseFactSheet.htm

[cathyz]

Ok wasn't aware that the boat was still in the west coast. Thanks for info. As for the Non-smoking issue, I thought all boats where non-smoking except in certain areas? Will the boat dock for awhile for a clean up beforem it starts its run here on the east coast?

Thanks for info.

Murph

Yes, all 'ships' (boats are the small things that hang on the side of the ship) are non-smoking except in specific smoking areas, usually one or 2 inside (bars and/or lounges and part of the casino) and most of one side of the outdoor decks (usually starboard side). It's definitely easy to get away from the smoking areas.

[sjn911]

Granted it was June "09" she is a happy fantasy ship with cool Library, nautical theme, showrooms on each end, pastry, sushi, serenity area and nice spa...great food then on my 4 day and great staff..those small ship staffs are happy..love the design eggs and Kareoke (sp) and had a blast at a 12 top with all cool couples and singles all ages...the 1a's on Empress, Upper and Rivera are roomy for 1 and quiet...a bonus of the old room decor is the old fashioned bathroom, cabinet..either old or new..does not matter to me..good size showers and great ships ...croissant and coffee in your room at preferred time before a discounted early massage the last day..they called to offer as they were low..what can I say a great trip....oh and they did not hassle me to buy either of my 2 trips to spa...Sarah

[DEBnGAB]

Granted it was June "09" she is a happy fantasy ship with cool Library, nautical theme, showrooms on each end, pastry, sushi, serenity area and nice spa...great food then on my 4 day and great staff..those small ship staffs are happy..love the design eggs and Kareoke (sp) and had a blast at a 12 top with all cool couples and singles all ages...the 1a's on Empress, Upper and Rivera are roomy for 1 and quiet...a bonus of the old room decor is the old fashioned bathroom, cabinet..either old or new..does not matter to me..good size showers and great ships ...croissant and coffee in your room at preferred time before a discounted early massage the last day..they called to offer as they were low..what can I say a great trip....oh and they did not hassle me to buy either of my 2 trips to spa...Sarah

 

Hey there Sarah! Based on my experiences this year on the Paradise, I can safely say she is still a happy ship :) I thought I was the only who liked the eggs!

 

When are you sailing again??

[miamivice435]

Just came back from the 4 night Paradise cruise. Fun and good food in the MDR. Buffet is ok.

Ship is showing its age, bad smell outside Paris resturant when in port. Rooms are nice,clean and kept very clean by staff. Rivera deck hears everything. Had bad sleep 2 nights out of 4. Clanging and banging outside and the shaking from the motor. We felt shaking from the motor even at the MDR 2 nights.

 

We had a great time, Casino paid out well for us with Roulette and Keno. Poker was ok, rake is 7%..

 

We sailed the SKY a month ago and thats the only ship I can compare it to. The SKY wins, Just more $$ for us to get to Flordia then CA. Maybe it is NCL but seems like they spend more $ to get better entertainment and upgrades.

 

Would do that cruise again for the price we paid ($500 for 2 with tax OV) but not stay on Rivera Deck.

 

REVIEW COMING>>>SOON

[Kris7562]

I'll be on the Paradise for the Feb 11th cruise - the first after dry dock! Can't wait to see what the updates are!

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Thinking of booking the May 10, 2012 cruise so thank you for all the info!

[megs1954]

When the Paradise was built, it was 100% smoke free. Remained that way until everyone realized that the casino and bars were not making any money. Too many families and not enough gamblers. Now, limited smoking. Look on the back of the ship and you'll see the cigarette with the circle and line through it. It's pained over.