Just Back from the Paradise 5-24 - 5-28

[bryan5557]

Just back from a quick four night cruise on Paradise with my wife and two adult children and thought I'd share a few thoughts for those going on this ship. This was our first time on Paradise and a four nighter - all previous cruises were 7 nights.

 

Overall, no real complaints with the ship or service. Embarkation in Tampa was pretty simple. Once arriving, we did valet parking (which was $80 instead of $60 just to park), but was well worth it - especially when coming back - no luggage to drag over to the deck. Only took five minutes for the car once we got to valet desk.

 

Check in took only a few minutes. After arriving at 12:30, we were on the ship by 12:45 and already sampling from the pool buffet restaurants.

 

Food service was as expected. No real stars in food, although the elegant night had a nice seafood selection, and the waiters were generous with extra servings of shrimp and lobster if you wanted. Ate all other meals at the pool, so I can't give you much info on breakfast or lunch in dining room.

 

Room was always kept very clean and beds made anytime you used them. Didn't see the steward much after check-in, but I do know that he kept tabs on my kids in their cabin from time to time. We had an ocean view on upper deck mid-ship. Room was fine for what we needed.

 

Entertainment on the ship was major difference from the 7 night, larger cruise ships. We weren't too impressed with the shows in the main theater, so usually opted instead for the casino or other entertainment venues.

 

It had been 5 years since last sailing on Carnival, so I wasn't expecting some of the price increases, but shouldnt have been surprised. Not much of a beer drinker, usually prefer mixed. Classic drinks were $10, beer around $6.50. But with the classic drinks you did get a $5 chip coupon to use in the casino with a matching $5.00 chip, so we took advantage of that. Had played bingo in the past just for fun, but at $20/game, opted to skip that this time.

 

This cruise stopped only in Cozumel - we opted to go to Mr. Sanchos for the day. It was great. Very friendly staff, all you can eat/drink for $50/person. We did not make reservations in advance, paid when arriving, and could use our credit card. Cab fare was $15/each way for four people.

 

Overall a very pleasant long Memorial Day weekend. Just remember this ship is a little older, but still in good condition after dry-dock. But not quite as spacious in pool areas and dining rooms as newer ships. What the ship lacked in facilities, though, was more than offset by the staff.

 

This cruise is a good bargain for a short getaway, and since Cozumel is by far my favorite W. Caribbean port, we all enjoyed our time. If you're planning to consider this cruise, give it a shot.

[Captain Carnival]

What were the names of the shows?

Thanks!

[Gemynii]

Glad you enjoyed yourself. Thanks for the review :)

[vivavegas]

Nice review! Thanks for taking the time to write your review and share with us! Glad that you enjoyed your cruise.:)

[sunshineonmymind]

did all 4 of you stay in 1 cabin? If so, how cramped was it? I have 4 of us in 1 interior cabin in June. I know it will be cramped and have to just make the best of it and be organized. Thanks for any info

[AdoptAtty]

Thanks for the info. I think we will try the valet parking.

[Kelane]

Just back from a quick four night cruise on Paradise with my wife and two adult children and thought I'd share a few thoughts for those going on this ship. This was our first time on Paradise and a four nighter - all previous cruises were 7 nights.

 

Overall, no real complaints with the ship or service. Embarkation in Tampa was pretty simple. Once arriving, we did valet parking (which was $80 instead of $60 just to park), but was well worth it - especially when coming back - no luggage to drag over to the deck. Only took five minutes for the car once we got to valet desk.

 

Check in took only a few minutes. After arriving at 12:30, we were on the ship by 12:45 and already sampling from the pool buffet restaurants.

 

Food service was as expected. No real stars in food, although the elegant night had a nice seafood selection, and the waiters were generous with extra servings of shrimp and lobster if you wanted. Ate all other meals at the pool, so I can't give you much info on breakfast or lunch in dining room.

 

Room was always kept very clean and beds made anytime you used them. Didn't see the steward much after check-in, but I do know that he kept tabs on my kids in their cabin from time to time. We had an ocean view on upper deck mid-ship. Room was fine for what we needed.

 

Entertainment on the ship was major difference from the 7 night, larger cruise ships. We weren't too impressed with the shows in the main theater, so usually opted instead for the casino or other entertainment venues.

 

It had been 5 years since last sailing on Carnival, so I wasn't expecting some of the price increases, but shouldnt have been surprised. Not much of a beer drinker, usually prefer mixed. Classic drinks were $10, beer around $6.50. But with the classic drinks you did get a $5 chip coupon to use in the casino with a matching $5.00 chip, so we took advantage of that. Had played bingo in the past just for fun, but at $20/game, opted to skip that this time.

 

This cruise stopped only in Cozumel - we opted to go to Mr. Sanchos for the day. It was great. Very friendly staff, all you can eat/drink for $50/person. We did not make reservations in advance, paid when arriving, and could use our credit card. Cab fare was $15/each way for four people.

 

Overall a very pleasant long Memorial Day weekend. Just remember this ship is a little older, but still in good condition after dry-dock. But not quite as spacious in pool areas and dining rooms as newer ships. What the ship lacked in facilities, though, was more than offset by the staff.

 

This cruise is a good bargain for a short getaway, and since Cozumel is by far my favorite W. Caribbean port, we all enjoyed our time. If you're planning to consider this cruise, give it a shot.

 

Doing the same cruise/same port/same beach:D in July. Booked again for Sanchos also! Agree...it's the ONLY way to get a quick getaway to Cozumel! 1st time on Paradise. I like all ships; regardless of size...as long as I am on them heading out of cell phone range!!

[markntara]

Just back from a quick four night cruise on Paradise This was our first time on Paradise and a four nighter

 

We were on the same cruise with you. Our first time on Paradise also. We initiated this cruise, and took 4 other friends, 2 of which had never sailed.

 

Embarkation in Tampa was pretty simple. Once arriving, we did valet parking (which was $80 instead of $60 just to park), but was well worth it - especially when coming back - no luggage to drag over to the deck. Only took five minutes for the car once we got to valet desk.

 

Same here, we arrived at 11:00 and was on ship by 11:30. I did notice a new scratch and dent on my rear bumper that wasn't there before we cruised, but cant say for sure it happen in valet. I'm not filing a complaint, just stating.

We walked off the ship, and was on the interstate within 30 minutes. Very easy!

 

Food service was as expected. No real stars in food, although the elegant night had a nice seafood selection, and the waiters were generous with extra servings of shrimp and lobster if you wanted.

I agree, this was our 12th cruise, and this was the first time the wait staff kept insisting they bring more lobster to our table. They brought one plate we didnt even order!

 

Room was always kept very clean and beds made anytime you used them. Didn't see the steward much after check-in, but I do know that he kept tabs on my kids in their cabin from time to time. We had an ocean view on upper deck mid-ship. Room was fine for what we needed.

 

It seems we saw our steward every time we entered or exit the cabin, he did a fine job, and just as always, called us by name. Excellent job!

 

Entertainment on the ship was major difference from the 7 night, larger cruise ships. We weren't too impressed with the shows in the main theater, so usually opted instead for the casino or other entertainment venues.

The late night Adult comedy guys were great, or so I thought, some of the best I have seen on a Carnival ship. We did catch the show on the last night, SHOUT it was ok, seemed to be like the other shows on ships.

The show band played at the casino bar a couple times, the first night they had the show female singer, and I thought she did an excellent job!

 

It had been 5 years since last sailing on Carnival, so I wasn't expecting some of the price increases, but shouldnt have been surprised. Not much of a beer drinker, usually prefer mixed. Classic drinks were $10, beer around $6.50. But with the classic drinks you did get a $5 chip coupon to use in the casino with a matching $5.00 chip, so we took advantage of that. Had played bingo in the past just for fun, but at $20/game, opted to skip that this time.

We sail about 3 times a year, so I am well aware of the prices. My wife and I, sail and sign bill was 735.00. 95 of which was tips, and 40 was photos. that leaves $600 in bar . . . I heard it all the way home, so please, enough said about the bar tab . . .

 

This cruise stopped only in Cozumel - we opted to go to Mr. Sanchos for the day. It was great. Very friendly staff, all you can eat/drink for $50/person. We did not make reservations in advance, paid when arriving, and could use our credit card. Cab fare was $15/each way for four people.

We were right next door, Nachi Cocom, cab ride was $5 each in a van. We had fun, I don't remember much about the afternoon, but I'm sure we had fun.

 

Overall a very pleasant long Memorial Day weekend. Just remember this ship is a little older, but still in good condition after dry-dock. But not quite as spacious in pool areas and dining rooms as newer ships. What the ship lacked in facilities, though, was more than offset by the staff.

The staff was awesome, and I wouldn't hesitate to this again tomorrow! My only downfall is our drive to and from Tampa. The 7 hour drive home on Monday, and 4:30 am work start on Tuesday was difficult for me!

 

This cruise is a good bargain for a short getaway, and since Cozumel is by far my favorite W. Caribbean port, we all enjoyed our time. If you're planning to consider this cruise, give it a shot.

Double that from us too!

 

It was nice sailing with Y'all!

 

Cheers!

[Cruisin'Trooper]

Will be on her in July - glad to see your review!

[jsjjkelly]

Thanks for posting about your experience on the Paradise. We are considering this cruise for a weekend getaway for my birthday in November. There's always TONS of other reviews for other ships but we haven't seen many for the Paradise.

 

Glad you guys had a good time!

Shawn

[Captain Carnival]

... SHOUT it was ok, seemed to be like the other shows on ships....

 

Shout.....again.....I seen this a few times and on different ships too - Oy Vey! :eek:

[tamirpr]

Shout.....again.....I seen this a few times and on different ships too - Oy Vey! :eek:

 

Cuss a monkey, I'm so tired of this show. :rolleyes: I think I have it memorized. Seriously, if your show contains the song "Achy Breaky Heart", it's time to retire it.:D

 

I really enjoyed the 80s show we saw on the Sensation. Anyone know what it's called? I'm hoping it's on the Paradise in September when we sail.

[hpilews1]

We'll be heading out of Tampa on the paradise for a 5 day July 23. We are first time cruisers so I get really excited reading reviews of this ship. Glad you had a great time!! Now, July needs to hurry up and get here!

[Gemynii]

Thanks for adding your review, markntara.

 

We will be on Paradise for 5 days in July for our first cruise (just like the previous poster only a different date), so I enjoy reading about people who had a good time. :)

[jrkracing1]

We leave Thursday on the Paradise.. Can you tell me if they offered Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer? I heard they got rid of it. and Do they still offer the drink of the day? I also heard they got rid of that. Thanks for your review!

[AmberTeka]

THANKS for the Review. I have been considering the Paradise and the reviews are mixed. Of course..usually the bad reviews once you get into them....are about another issue.

 

Like a price upset..a room upset...a bad air deal...results in the entire ship being flammed. And I know real issues occur..I was on the ship from Hell that had noro last year..and I had issues.......but it passes. and it was not the fault of the staff or fellow passengers.

 

So an HONEST review...is greatly appreciated.

 

What was the Casino Like?

One MDR or Two? Did one have just Regular time assigned diners and no anytime diner?

 

Thanks again..............

[Me76]

The staff was awesome, and I wouldn't hesitate to this again tomorrow! My only downfall is our drive to and from Tampa. The 7 hour drive home on Monday, and 4:30 am work start on Tuesday was difficult for me!

 

!

 

Thanks for the review, we are going in Aug. How far from Athens are you? We are about 8 miles west (Statham) and was just wondering which route you took to get to Tampa. We have 3 kids with us, so the shorter the trip down and back, the better?

[legion3]

The paradise has 2 dinning rooms. Has both Atd and both early and late seating. A very attractice vessel with a ocean liner theme. The blue ribbon library has several cool items in its liner museum.

 

Lunch and breakfast were in the forward dinning room and our 6 pm dinner was in the aft dinning room.

 

The staff was excellent. The ship is an excellent choice for a quick cruise.

[MuffyKismet]

Thanks for the reviews! This will be my 27th cruise but my very first on the Paradise! We got lucky and got upgraded 2X all the way up to the Veranda deck for only $10.00 more then our original price ( and that was a steal to begin with)! Have never had 3 in a room before but it is just myself and two girlfriends so we will manage! Hope it is not tooo cramped LOL.

 

This is my very first cruise without my DH (my friend wanted to do an all girls cruise for her Birthday). I have done Cozumel many many times and LOVE it, have done Nachi/Mr Sanchos/private resorts/and my favorite the Cozumel Bar hop which we booked again this time since my friends have never done it yet!

 

I love that we have mostly sea days and only one port....relaxxxxx! :D

 

Thanks again, we are looking forward to our Sept 13th sailing!