Tell me about The Paradise

[karenscruises]

I've sailed on the Imagination, the Victory and now booked on the Paradise for June 24th, 2013. Joining me will be my 21 yr old daughter, her friend that is 22, and a friend of mine. 4 women in an Ocean view cabin...am I NUTS?? Money is tight, gotta do whatcha gotta do! This is a first time cruise for DD and her friend, 1st Carnival cruise for my friend. Any tips on what we must do? Or Not do?? I thought about bringing a power strip to have extra sockets for blow dryers and straightners---will we blow out all fuses on our deck?? LOL! Our ports include Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I've stayed at an All Inclusive in Cancun and visited Cozumel for shopping but never been to GC. Recommendations on shore excursions for both ports?? Considering swimming w/stingrays in GC and snorkeling in Cozumel. Yes? No? Maybe?

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

TIA

[LoriSan]

I did that cruise this past Feb. While it was only my 2nd cruise (and first in 9 years), we had a blast on the Paradise. It's a smaller ship, which I liked, as it didn't take forever to get from one end to the other.

 

We did the snorkel/stingray swim in Cayman through Capt. Marvin (booked on my own, not through Carnival). It was a nice excursion. I loved the snorkeling, but could have passed on the stingrays (but it wasn't anything to do with Capt Marvin, I just got the heebie-jeebies being with the rays).

 

In Cozumel we did the Nachi Cocum private beach (also booked on my own). It was OK. It came with lunch and open bar, so it wasn't a bad deal. We were there on Mardi Gras, so I might of had more than my share of margaritas. :p The sand in Cozumel is a very rough sand which I didn't care for. The beach at the resort had a very quick drop off as soon as you entered the water, but if you don't have small kids with you, it should be ok.

 

If I were to do it again, I would probably do a "lay on the beach" thing in GC and a non-beach excursion in Cozumel.

[CheckersMidwest]

We sailed on the Paradise last May and loved it. My son was 20 then.

 

We liked the comedy club. The guys won a lot at roulette in the casino. Bingo was $25 a card and I lost very quickly. Food was good.

 

The coffee café sells chocolate covered strawberries, 3 for $2.50 , they also have some other yummy desserts reasonably priced. I had one each evening. :)

 

On the last sea day, there is a Bella Perlina bracelet sale. They're $20, $25, and $30. They're like the Pandora sets. I got a black/white one with a cruise ship charm. I'm going to collect them - a different one each cruise. They also had a watch sale. There are $10 tshirts , Carnival as well as Cozumel and Grand Cayman ones in the gift shop.

 

In Cozumel, my husband & son went scuba diving. My daughter & I went to the San Gervasio mayan ruins. Our tablemates went to a Beach club (Carnival excursion) and said it was WONDERFUL. I loved shopping in Cozumel. Once in the shopping area....there is a sunglasses place to the left. I bought a nice pair of 'coach' sunglasses for $30. I still wear them today....wondered if they would hold up. The kids bought 'Oakley's'. If you go downtown shopping, they're cheaper.

 

In Grand Cayman, we did the Deluxe Stingray through Carnival. It was good, but we've seen Stingrays before, so lost some of it's first time luster. Our tablemates went to the Turtle Farm and said it was great & had great pictures to show us.

 

We're going to Grand Cayman again the end of May. We're just going to the beach on 7 mile Beach. I regretted not having more beach time last cruise.

 

We had an oceanview cabin. I'd bring the surge protector. If I remember correctly, there is only one outlet when you're doing your hair.

 

The night of Cozumel, there is a midnight Mexican buffet on the lido deck. The first section had all kinds of salsas and homemade chips that were really good. My favorites were a mango one and one with corn.

 

My review is in my signature. Any other questions ? :)

[Tampa cruiser1963]

I got off the Paradise on Saturday on the same itinerary you are. I didn't bring a power strip this time, but did tyhe last. Lately people have been posting that on some ships they confiscate those as a "fire hazard". The Paradise is Fantasy class like the imagination, so the layout is the same except the Paradise does not have the water works on the aft Veranda deck, instead there is a pool and two smaller ones for the kids, a basketball court and lots of sun loungers back there. The ship is in excellant shape and has a very fine crew. I did not book any excursions in GC but many fellow guests I spoke with enjoyed the swimming with the sting rays. Snorlking in Cozumel is a fine idea, there are numerous excusions that offer it, but beware that the cataraman one only provides for 30 minutes of it. Check out the all inclusive beach resort excursions that are available. One advantage to booking one of those via Carnival is that transportation is included. Some of the beach resorts are a $15 cab ride each way.

Be sure to be up top at 6:30 PM on embarkation day, you will sail under the Skyway bridge, which the ship only clears by 12 feet, it is way cool! You will have a grand time on this cruise, enjoy!

[JaniceB]

Enjoyed the Paradise in April.

 

Here is a link to my review

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1828014

[poison7fl]

I got off the Paradise on Saturday on the same itinerary you are. I didn't bring a power strip this time, but did tyhe last. Lately people have been posting that on some ships they confiscate those as a "fire hazard". The Paradise is Fantasy class like the imagination, so the layout is the same except the Paradise does not have the water works on the aft Veranda deck, instead there is a pool and two smaller ones for the kids, a basketball court and lots of sun loungers back there. The ship is in excellant shape and has a very fine crew. I did not book any excursions in GC but many fellow guests I spoke with enjoyed the swimming with the sting rays. Snorlking in Cozumel is a fine idea, there are numerous excusions that offer it, but beware that the cataraman one only provides for 30 minutes of it. Check out the all inclusive beach resort excursions that are available. One advantage to booking one of those via Carnival is that transportation is included. Some of the beach resorts are a $15 cab ride each way.

Be sure to be up top at 6:30 PM on embarkation day, you will sail under the Skyway bridge, which the ship only clears by 12 feet, it is way cool! You will have a grand time on this cruise, enjoy!

 

I was on the same cruise, and had a great time. I was with a first time cruiser and she had a great time as well, but had nothing to compare it to. We only ate on the Lido deck for lunch and dinner, and breakfast in the dining room. On the next cruise we will hit the main dining room on a day or two, I am just over the dressing up. Anyway, There was ALOT of downtime and the Cruise Director was not the best, I was not impressed, although he inserted himself in a few shows and he is a mean fiddle, he was mediocre at best. The shows were old and recycled, but my first timer thought they were OK. The comedy club had about the worst female comedian in history. The ship was clean, but the casino was really smokey, almost choking, and I couldn't stay in there. Staff was friendly as usual. I am really fond of the Fantasy class ships as they are easy to get around and homier.

 

In Grand Cayman, we got off the ship and found the first $20 island tour guide on the dock, it was great, and a lot cheaper than Carnival excursion. My first timer just wanted to do a quick trip around the island and then hit 7 mile beach, so it was perfect.

 

In Cozumel, we just did some shopping and not much more, I hate Cozumel and would have preferred to not leave the ship. Although on past cruises I went to the mainland and visited Tulum ruins, which was insanely awesome.

 

Anyway, I hope you have a great time!

[Tampa cruiser1963]

I was on the same cruise, and had a great time. I was with a first time cruiser and she had a great time as well, but had nothing to compare it to. We only ate on the Lido deck for lunch and dinner, and breakfast in the dining room. On the next cruise we will hit the main dining room on a day or two, I am just over the dressing up. Anyway, There was ALOT of downtime and the Cruise Director was not the best, I was not impressed, although he inserted himself in a few shows and he is a mean fiddle, he was mediocre at best. The shows were old and recycled, but my first timer thought they were OK. The comedy club had about the worst female comedian in history. The ship was clean, but the casino was really smokey, almost choking, and I couldn't stay in there. Staff was friendly as usual. I am really fond of the Fantasy class ships as they are easy to get around and homier.

 

In Grand Cayman, we got off the ship and found the first $20 island tour guide on the dock, it was great, and a lot cheaper than Carnival excursion. My first timer just wanted to do a quick trip around the island and then hit 7 mile beach, so it was perfect.

 

In Cozumel, we just did some shopping and not much more, I hate Cozumel and would have preferred to not leave the ship. Although on past cruises I went to the mainland and visited Tulum ruins, which was insanely awesome.

 

Anyway, I hope you have a great time!

 

I agree with you about smoke in the Casino. I liked the CD myself and I got a real kick out of the Comedian. To each his own of course. I am glad you enjoyed the cruise, I sure did. The lovely bartenders in the casino bar were great and kept up with my ever changing drink preference. My favorite entertainment on board was the band "Blood Power".

[joeyancho]

Nasty, tired, old rust bucket, filled with blue eggs.

[Gemynii]

We were on Paradise last July for our 1st cruise and LOVED it.

We had an OV cabin for 3 on Main deck and it worked out great for our family.

 

In Grand Cayman, we did the Turtle Adventure Tour at the turtle farm. This included a tour of the farm as well as access to the lagoon, where you can snorkle with the fish and turtles, their small waterpark with slide & waterfall and some other areas that aren't included with the basic tour. It was $45 per adult, but we got 20% off for booking online.

 

In Cozumel, we went to Chankanaab National Park. Sis was able to book her family for a dolphin swim there, mom snorkled at their beach where they have submerged statues and we hung out by the pool. After we all had our fill of swimming, we toured their replica of a mayan village which we thought was really cool. The park costs $21 per adult and minus the $2 off coupons that I had printed out for each of us.

 

Like many of the previous posters, I also did a review of our cruise. The link can be found in my signature.

 

Have a great cruise!

[cruizinisthebest]

We sailed the Paradise for our Anniversary cruise back in 2002 and it was great. Back then, it was the Eastern Caribbean out of FLL and we loved it!

 

Do your own excursions. Just plan them well so you get back on time. That will save you money. Definitely see if you can get a power strip on board with all those women. LOL. I've been to Grand Cayman when on the Imagination and the beach was gorgeous. Get to it if you can. Also saw the turtles. An excursion I would personally skip if I ever go back.

 

Have a great time!

[Swayde]

We had a nice time on that cruise in October on Paradise. In GC we did a sting ray and reef snorkel combo excursion through Carnival. We enjoyed it, but probably wouldn't repeat it. Sort of a been there, done that feeling about it.

 

In Cozumel we did Isla Pasion by Twister which is a speed boat ride to an all-inclusive beach place. The boat ride was crazy and fun. You get harnessed in like a roller coaster and whipped around like a roller coaster. Very good if you are a thrill seeker. The island had food, all you can drink rum drinks, beach chairs, water toys and some shops. Not my favorite beach, but it wasn't bad. Just not white powder sand, crystal clear blue water that I was hoping for in the Caribbean. I have seen pictures and heard of people impressed with the water there, but it was rainy that day and so I think that affected it. I'd probably try Nachi Cocum or Mr. Sanchos next time we go there instead due to rave reviews or even Chankanaab.

 

The ship itself was a joy. The crew was phenomenal and we had a wonderful time on board. Do go to the tea time when it's offered. That was nice =)

 

Oh we also did the Behind the Fun Tour on the last sea day. That was very good. $55 per person. We didn't decide to do it until the day before the tour. We were fortunate enough that they ran a 2nd group and took us on it. Only 6 in our group. The 1st group was filled up with 15. Husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and were really glad that we did it.

 

My mother and stepfather sailed on her a few months before we did. It was their 1st cruise and they had a terrific experience. They are trying to decide which cruise to do next =)

[srb2cruise]

We also just got off the Paradise last Saturday! It was an awesome cruise, no problems at all! Food and service was excellent!

 

I would recommend swimming with the sting rays in the Caymans. If you like cooking, Salsa and Salsa is great in Cozumel. They teach you how to make numerous kinds of Salsa and enjoy endless margaritas!

 

Enjoy your cruise! Wish we were going back that soon but have to wait until October to cruise on the Conquest!

[2013CruiseBride]

We also just got off the Paradise last Saturday! It was an awesome cruise, no problems at all! Food and service was excellent!

 

I would recommend swimming with the sting rays in the Caymans. If you like cooking, Salsa and Salsa is great in Cozumel. They teach you how to make numerous kinds of Salsa and enjoy endless margaritas!

 

Enjoy your cruise! Wish we were going back that soon but have to wait until October to cruise on the Conquest!

 

Yay!! Glad to hear the good about this ship. We will be on her on Monday and getting married on Wednesday in the Queen Mary Lounge. Can't wait!

[poison7fl]

I agree with you about smoke in the Casino. I liked the CD myself and I got a real kick out of the Comedian. To each his own of course. I am glad you enjoyed the cruise, I sure did. The lovely bartenders in the casino bar were great and kept up with my ever changing drink preference. My favorite entertainment on board was the band "Blood Power".

 

Yes the band was great... And I went to the Family Friendly comedy show, so maybe she was better later. ;)

 

Oh, and the Huge JENGA was fun too!