Paradise and Ensenada????

[starlita22]

Hey everyone! I went on my first cruise last April on the Diamond Princess (Mexican Riviera) and had a fantastic time! I'm going on a short, 3 day cruise the 29th of this month and was wondering if anyone could offer some insight on either the ship and/or Ensenada. I was wondering what age range is usually on the ship (I"m 23 and my friends are in there 2o's early 30's) We like to party and have fun so I was wondering what the clubs were like onboard. ( what type of music, people, etc.) I was also wondering about what there is to do/see in Ensenada. I've heard from lots of people that there isn't much to do in Ensenada but I'm sure someone knows something. I kind of wanted to go watch the Blue Whales...so if anyone can offer and advice, tips, suggestions I would be really greatful!

 

Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!

[BluexMoon]

The 3 day cruise has a very young party crowd. In Ensenada, there is Papas & Beer. A wild party bar. When I went people were dancing on tables! There is a lot of shopping also. I am going on the 4 day in May. It'll be my 2nd time. I am going to try the horseback riding in Ensenada and kayaking in Catalina.

 

Have fun!

[starlita22]

Cool! Thanks a lot for the info! Did you cruise on Paradise? Thanks again!

[starlita22]

Hey! Does anyone else have any advice/suggestions? I'm so excited about my trip and I just want as much info as I can get. :)

[BluexMoon]

Cool! Thanks a lot for the info! Did you cruise on Paradise? Thanks again!

No, I cruised the 3 day to Ensenada on Holiday and then did the 4 day to Ensenada and Catalina on Ecstacy. This will be my first time on Paradise.

[skiorcruise]

We did the 4 day on the Paradise last September. We are myself, DW and DW's friend, all in 50-55 range. All first time cruisers.

 

To make a long story short, we loved it.

 

don't miss:

Piano Bar - lots of fun, several 20 somethings keeping the energy high.

 

T-Rex Bar - probably your kind of place - loud music and a crowded dance floor.

 

Papas & Beer - everything you have heard is true, and more.

 

Midnight comics - they are good at the evening shows, fantastic at the late night shows. R rated for sure, don't go if you are easily offended.

 

don't bother (although everyone's taste is different):

 

Casino - go first night if you must, but the payoffs seem fewer and farther between as the cruise go's on.

 

Ship's tours in Ensanada - The blowhole tour was ok, but after an hour bus ride it's a long walk through an overpriced alley of junk to see the ocean spray up through a small hole and shoot into the air. We took the shuttle into town ($3 each), then paid $14 each to take the tour. The ship charged $19 each. We were on the bus with one of our tablemates, who paid ship's prices - same tour, same everything.

 

Other hints:

 

I bought a bag that was carried at three shops. First one started at $125+, and came down to $75. Second shop started at $75, came down to about $40. Third shop started at $60, and I paid $35. The moral of the story is to shop around a little, bargin like crazy, don't be afraid to walk away and come back later. It's a game played by the vendors, and it's your money at stake.

 

Drink of the day - save your glass, rinse it out in your room, and carry it out on deck the next day. Second and more drinks are cheaper (because you've already bought one). The take the glass away when the bring your new one.

 

Don't skip the dining room at night. Good food presented well. Lido was ok for breakfast and lunch.

 

The funnel (topless) deck is a nice quiet place to get away from the kids.

 

After a show, the elevators nearest the show lounge are packed. Walk to the midship elevators and get right on one.

 

Plan on having fun, and you will. go with a chip on your shoulder, and you won't. something will go wrong somewhere, let it slide because you are on vacation to get away from your work and stress. Embarkation and disembarkation are a hassle - don't let them ruin your trip.

 

Ski when the power's deep, cruise when it melts, and do it this year. Because if you don't, you'll be another year older when you do.

[gr81]

Just did the 3day (april 1 - 4). Did the Fox Studios tour. If you like geeky movie stuff like I do, its prety cool. My wife found it boring even tho she is a huge Titanic fan. You dont need a bus or taxi to go the 3 blocks to town but there will be plenty of taxis trying to talk you into it. Like any cruise get to the shows early if you want a good seat. The comedian act is in the normady lounge which is way smaller than the Queen Mary and fills up VERY quickly.

 

I drank to much to remember if there was anything else to mention.

[starlita22]

Is Ensenada near Rosarito? I went to Foxploration a few years ago when we went to Rosarito. Thanks for the info all!!!!!!!!!!

[gr81]

Is Ensenada near Rosarito? I went to Foxploration a few years ago when we went to Rosarito. Thanks for the info all!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its about a 50-60 minute drive north.