CheckersMidwest Posted June 4, 2012 #1 Share Posted June 4, 2012 This was our first cruise. We are a family of 4. Husband, myself, 20 yr old son, and 15 yr old daughter. We wanted a cruise with at least 2 sea days and the ports of Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I didn't know the Paradise was older/smaller until I found Cruise Critic. I have a fairly high standard when it comes to vacation, so was a little worried. We were very happy with the ship and cruise. My husband thought it was crowded. We flew Delta from Kansas City to Tampa on Sunday.....quick 10-15 min hotel shuttle ride to the Hampton Inn Rocky Point. We walked over to the Bahama Breeze for dinner. There was a long wait, so we sat in the grass and watched some jet skis and boats. The food was great and nice atmosphere. The Hampton Inn had a nice free hot breakfast and was in a nice part of town. The first hotel shuttle to the cruise port was at 11:00 and $10 per person. I wanted to be earlier than that, so called a taxi company in advance and arranged to be picked up at 10:15. They were outside waiting at 10:10. It took about 30 min and was $28.50. We walked through security and check in with no line. We were Boarding Zone 4 and were on board just after 11:00ish. Sorry......Don't know how to turn the picture. Should make it fun :o I went straight to Guest Services. Husband & Son were booked in one room, daughter & I in the other. I asked for our sign & sails to be switched or just for extra room keys. At first they said we couldn't switch, but after some quiet discussion and referring to the floor plan behind them, they just re issued our cards for the appropriate rooms. Our rooms were side by side. I also got our cards hole punched here for lanyards. My daughter bought a Carnival one for $5.95 in the gift shop, I got a free coiled one at the casino. I also confirmed that we had cash on our account. I called ahead several weeks to do this, my receipt said "Gift Certificates". This was easy. I added a little more later in the week and received a small refund check under our door the morning of disembarkation. I turned around and bought our Soda stickers at the bar behind me. They were also available at a stand on the lido deck. I am a huge soda drinker but was hesitant if I really needed it at first. Turns out the Ice Tea was nasty. We walked around a bit, took pictures, and went to the Lido Buffet. I had a salad and a Rueban from the deli. The Reubans were good, I had it 3 different times ! We played mini golf (you check out the clubs and sports equipment at a stand by the pool). Our cabins were ready early between noon and 1:00. We were on the Main floor mid ship with side by side rooms, oceanview. I was surprised at how much room we had. There were plenty of hangers, drawer & closet space, medicine cabinet was deep and held a lot too. Our room steward was Manit. We rarely saw him, however, our room was always clean, new towels, nice towel animals, etc. I pre ordered chocolate dipped strawberries for the kids through Bon Voyage and they were there waiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbtnewcruiser Posted June 4, 2012 #2 Share Posted June 4, 2012 thanks for sharing, we are sailing the Paradise at the end of June, and look foward to hearing and seeing more about the ship and your experience, this is our first time on Carnival Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsu_paintballer Posted June 5, 2012 #3 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Thanks for the pics. Looking forward to more, as we are also sailing on Paradise later in the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemynii Posted June 5, 2012 #4 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Great start! What room were you in? We also have an OV mid-ship on Main, so I was wondering if I picked a good location. I look forward to reading the rest of your review. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Carnival Posted June 5, 2012 #5 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Don't stop now - load them pics! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheckersMidwest Posted June 5, 2012 Author #6 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Just posted Part two, three, and four. I'm sure there is an easier way to load the pictures, but it is taking a long time. :) Tomorrow I'll post more.... (shopping), ports of call, and overall. Glad you are liking the pictures ! We were in 85 and 89. 85 had a flat screen tv, 89 did not. Otherwise identical. Great location, fairly close to an elevator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PathfinderEss Posted June 5, 2012 #7 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Thanks for part one of your review and the nice pictures. Can't wait for the rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vivavegas Posted June 5, 2012 #8 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Nice start to your review! Look the pictures too.... Looking forward to reading more!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjn911 Posted June 5, 2012 #9 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Great start..loved the Paradise..the older decor has those medicine cabinets and they are one thing that is better than the storage when repalcing fixtures in the bathrooms on these ships..I really think the smaller size has bonuses..especially in service sometimes..just loved the Paradise in O9 and those funny egg things...LOL..Sarah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemynii Posted June 5, 2012 #10 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Just posted Part two, three, and four. I'm sure there is an easier way to load the pictures, but it is taking a long time. :) Tomorrow I'll post more.... (shopping), ports of call, and overall. Glad you are liking the pictures ! We were in 85 and 89. 85 had a flat screen tv, 89 did not. Otherwise identical. Great location, fairly close to an elevator. OK... we're port side and close to the middle elevator whereas you were starboard and close to the forward elevator, but you answered what I wanted to know. Your room was close to an elevator and you considered it a "great" location. I was a little worried about noise from people coming off the elevator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayslilprnces Posted June 7, 2012 #11 Share Posted June 7, 2012 I have to wait until October so thank your for my fix!!..... Keep going! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheckersMidwest Posted June 8, 2012 Author #12 Share Posted June 8, 2012 Parts 2 through 8 are posted seperately....glad you're enjoying it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CheckersMidwest Posted June 11, 2012 Author #13 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stellfamily Posted July 24, 2013 #14 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Hi--do you recall which cabins on Main Deck (2). We were considering a last minute cruise on Freedom, Main Deck, but our travel agent was discouraging me from booking that deck, but it is cheaper! Thanks. Would like to know if you had any problems on that deck (noise, etc.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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