Brief Review of our Paradise Cruise, 9/2 - 9/6

[Florings]

Parked at "241" and was 30 minutes from pulling into their parking lot until we were on the ship. Literally that fast. We got into the port at about noon. Our cabins were ready, so we were able to stow our carry-on's right away before making our way up to Lido for lunch. After a bite to eat, we explored the ship until time for Muster. I thought that was quite easy - meeting in Queen Mary Lounge for a "sit down" muster, then a quick walk up on deck to where we would meet for the life boats. I think that is the quickest most painless muster I have ever attended. Then sail away! We had our drink of the day, which was a bit too sweet for me to finish :p.

 

We had a lovely table in the MDR next to the window, but they would never let us open the curtains because the sun bothered the other people so we got to have them open the LAST NIGHT only!! The other thing about the MDR is that I don't like how they have the entertainment in the center of the room only. I have always enjoyed when the waiters dance / sing near the tables which they serve. Instead, all of them marched up to the center of the dining room and none of the rest of us could even see them! But the food was good - actually the best meal I had was on the last sea day, lunch in the MDR, the trout almondine was superb! The very best meal I had in the MDR. We missed eating there on both port days, because we just weren't hungry at 6pm. I think next cruise, we will try the anytime dining.

 

The buffet was plentiful and always hot. Ate way more than I should have and gained 8 pounds!! :eek: I couldn't believe that lying scale upon my return home!! Of course, I ate more icecream in the 5 days than I have in the entire last year!

 

We had our beds made into the twin set-up so neither of us would have to climb over the infamous box and that gave us so much room in the center of the cabin. Plenty of storage in the cabin and in the bathroom. No complaints at all with the room or with the service/cleanliness. We were right off the aft elevator, so it was noisy a couple of evenings when we went to bed early. More of what sounded like carts rolling around with glasses on them than people talking though....like the wheels bumping over thresh holds. I had packed ear plugs, so used them and the rest of the nights were heavenly.

 

Lost $20 in the casino, but husband Tom won $170 in a slot machine and daughter Katie won $45 at blackjack, $30 one night and $15 another night (her first time ever playing)!! Both production shows were very good - high energy and entertaining. Didn't make it to the comedy shows, but daughter did and said it was very funny, though too short.

 

Spent a lot of hours out on the Serenity reading and napping in the lovely sun. Never had a problem finding a spot, though it was just me - it's easier to find ONE chaise lounge. For the most part, the Serenity deck is...well....serene. But the later in the day (the more alcohol imbibed) the louder it became and not so serene any longer. I would take my book and go elsewhere. This is just my opinion of course, but I think those hot tub antics (drinking, hollering & hooting, cussing, etc) shouldn't be allowed in Serenity. Honestly, I would rather have a couple of 18 year olds chatting away, than 4 or 5 middle aged drunks acting out.

 

In Grand Cayman, we wandered around the shops a bit (daughter loves Guy Harvey) and had a coffee and free wifi at Barnies. Then our friends picked us up for lunch in their restaurant. It is called Carlos & Martin's Tex-Mex Cantina. Yummy food and 13 flavors of margaritas! We had the mango ones and they were lovely. Hot chips and salsa - I had the chicken burrito and it was very good. We all took mango margaritas "to go" when we headed back to the dock for tendering. We were in the long line at 2:10, but made it back in time.

 

In Cozumel, we went on a tour of the island. We stopped at the chocolate factory, went to a local market to buy coffee beans and vanilla, then drove to the other, wild side of the island. It is so beautiful and unspoiled. After the tour, daughter & friends went to Mr. Sanchos to jet ski and Tom & I wandered around outside the port area for shopping. I have to say, those people are a bit too pushy for my taste, but I did buy a couple of pieces of the brightly painted pottery for good prices - they will "haggle" with you. And some lovely beaded jewelry inside the port area for better prices than I had found online for these pieces!

 

Did not make it to the Mexican Fiesta deck party that night. The sun and busy day took its toll on me, and I was in bed by 11pm!

 

We enjoyed the live music from the country/rock band. They played in the United States bar area the first night, then in another venue a couple of other nights. They were quite good. Didn't really pay much attention to the other live entertainers, so can't comment on them.

 

Got a pedicure in the spa by a very nice young lady, Vicky, from South Africa and we spent a lovely hour chatting away while my feet were transformed to soft and colorful! A bit pricey, but well worth the time and relaxation!

 

Spent some time in the steam room which I loved and some time in the sauna, which wasn't hot enough! I think if I had pushed the "on" button for the sauna before I went into the steam room to give the sauna time to heat up, it would have been better. I gave it about 10 minutes in that sauna, then went back into the steam room - I liked that better! Never used the gym (it's sacrilege to try to work out when I'm eating like Pumba), so can't comment on that, although when I peeked in, the machines were being used by other more dedicated people! Also showered in the ladies locker room - they are twice the size of the cabin showers and the water pressure was really good for hair washing.

 

All in all, a great time and just sorry that it went by so fast. I've only ever done 7-day cruises before, so this one seemed to zip by. Never the less, it was fun each and every day.

 

One more thing: I had warned the girls to "cash out" whatever was left on their Sail & Sign cards the night before we disembarked - after they were finished drinking/spending money. Their account was all Cruise Cash that they had put on prior to the cruise date (use it or lose it).

 

Neither of them did. So on Saturday morning, when I told them that they would not be getting any of that money back (daughter was $38 and friend was $81), they were fit to be tied. Finally decided to try to "spend" it on board if any of the shops were open.

 

Daughter bought pictures that were still in the photo shop and a couple of Carnival thermal mugs/cups. Friend bought two lattes from coffee shop, three of the Carnival thermal mugs, and 3 sets of the photo album/frame gift packs (one of which she gifted to me :)). So the money was spent - although on unplanned purchases. Better than just giving it to Carnival! Wish the shop had been open so they could have gotten bracelets or watch gift sets for Christmas!!

 

Paradise is a great ship, though older, and a great value. A wonderful vacation!!

[coho ken]

Thanks for the review! Will be sailing on Paradise in March...can't wait! What deck was your cabin on?

[barbeecat]

Nice review..was on the sailing before you...agree about the Serenity deck and hot tub..by 4pm it was pretty noisy so we just got up and left..should be serene! Love the Paradise..been on her twice and plan a third since Tampa is our home port. We also had an aft cabin ,OV on Main deck right by the elevator..loved that location!

[58Piano]

We are going on the 21st. How long did it take using the tenders to get to the port in Grand Caymen? We want to know so we make it to our shore excursion in time. Was it a long wait in line using the tenders? We did not purchase faster to the fun. Did you purchase that?

Is this a smoke free ship?

What did they have for the broadway production shows?

What movies do they show on board?

Is there a nice lounge with slow dancing music? We like 60's and 70's music

How long did you wait in line to board the ship? What time should we get to the port to board?

Thanks for the helpful information.

[cathyz]

Is this a smoke free ship?

 

None of Carnival's ships are completely smoke free.

[heathercruisin]

None of Carnival's ships are completely smoke free.

 

The Paradise used to be smoke free when it was on the west coast but it isn't now.

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app

[cathyz]

Actually, it was smoke free when it was on the east coast, by the time it came to the west coast, smoking was allowed (been on it many many times). I think a smoke-free ship on the east coast doesn't work, but it could work on the west coast now.

[Florings]

Thanks for the review! Will be sailing on Paradise in March...can't wait! What deck was your cabin on?

 

We were on the Upper Deck, cabins 164, 166, 168. Very comfortable cabins, great service from Victor, our steward. Very convenient to elevators and stairs.

[Florings]

We are going on the 21st. How long did it take using the tenders to get to the port in Grand Caymen? We want to know so we make it to our shore excursion in time. Was it a long wait in line using the tenders? We did not purchase faster to the fun. Did you purchase that? We did not purchase FTTF, but it didn't take too long to get off the ship. We didn't try to get off first thing, but waited 1/2 hour before going down to deck 3 to disembark. The actual tender ride takes 10 minutes or less - very close to the dock actually.

Is this a smoke free ship? The entire ship is not smoke free but the cabins are. Port side outside decks are smoking, the other side is non-smoking. Serenity is non-smoking but there were some inebriated folks smoking one evening in the hot tub, and no one around to make them stop. The casino is the worst for smoking - UGH, I could hardly play it was very strong. The United States bar is smoking, but the lounge area is non-smoking - just the actual bar is smoking.

What did they have for the broadway production shows? 8 More Seconds, a high tempo musical/dancing show was on elegant evening and Shout, dancing/singing musical through the decades, both rock & roll and a bit of country. Both very good and enjoyed them.

 

What movies do they show on board? I didn't actually go to the movies, but I'm looking in my Funtimes and they showed "Trance" one afternoon (in the Queen Mary Lounge), and "Parental Guidance" one evening. I didn't pay attention to the movies showing on the TV's in our cabin.

 

Is there a nice lounge with slow dancing music? We like 60's and 70's music. Let's see...they have country rock , light jazz, Latin, Michael Jackson, and of course rock/hip-hop in the Rex Nightclub. I did hear one of the entertainers singing dance type 70's music in the United States bar one evening and folks were dancing.[/COLOR]

 

How long did you wait in line to board the ship? What time should we get to the port to board? Literally 30 minutes from the 241 parking lot to the ship. We got there about 12:30. Of course everyone wants to go early, so if you get there 10:30 - noon it's probably more busy. But there were NO people in line when we got to the line. Easy on for sure! Go about noon or after and your cabin will be ready, too! No lugging the carry on's, water, etc around the ship.[/COLOR]

Thanks for the helpful information.

 

 

Hope this answers all your questions. Feel free to ask any others!

[omgletmeon]

Thanks for the review Florings. We will be on Paradise in 29 days and since I am cruising with two 16 yr old girls :eek: I have been thinking about using the showers in the spa like I have heard others mention just so I don't get crowded out LOL so my question is are they ever crowded and how crowded was the sauna and stream room? I have always heard you were allowed to take advantage of them but never made it there and want to change that this trip! Also, are the sauna and steam room unisex?

 

Thanks,

Kelly

[ManicHispanic]

Thanks for the review. :) My wife and I will be on the Paradise November 11. I'm thinking of using 241 parking as well.

[Florings]

Thanks for the review Florings. We will be on Paradise in 29 days and since I am cruising with two 16 yr old girls :eek: I have been thinking about using the showers in the spa like I have heard others mention just so I don't get crowded out LOL so my question is are they ever crowded and how crowded was the sauna and stream room? I have always heard you were allowed to take advantage of them but never made it there and want to change that this trip! Also, are the sauna and steam room unisex?

 

Thanks,

Kelly

 

Kelly, when I used the sauna, steam room, and shower...there wasn't a single person in any of them the entire time! One time, a staff member (cleaning/towel person) came through, but that's it! You will be pleasantly surprised!

[Florings]

Thanks for the review. :) My wife and I will be on the Paradise November 11. I'm thinking of using 241 parking as well.

 

 

They were fine. Fenced lot, good service, close to the port....excellent price! You can't go wrong with them.

[barbeecat]

They were fine. Fenced lot, good service, close to the port....excellent price! You can't go wrong with them.

 

We used them also for the 2nd time...they are great!

[58Piano]

My stingray tour in Grand Caymen starts at 8:30 Grand Caymen time.

That is 9:30 ship time. So what time do I get in line for the tenders to get to port? Thanks!

[bhanback]

None of Carnival's ships are completely smoke free.

 

My first cruise was on the Paradise out of Miami in 2001....... And it was COMPLETELY smoke free. If you were a smoker you had to turn over all smoking materials when you boarded. You could retrieve them when you went ashore. If they even found cigarettes or tobacco in your possession or in your cabin, you would be fined.

[Florings]

My stingray tour in Grand Caymen starts at 8:30 Grand Caymen time.

That is 9:30 ship time. So what time do I get in line for the tenders to get to port? Thanks!

 

I take it that this is not through Carnival? You will arrive there 8am ship time (7am Cayman time), so give it 30 minutes for the lines to go down a bit. You will still have plenty of time to get to your tour by 9:30 ship time.

[Florings]

My first cruise was on the Paradise out of Miami in 2001....... And it was COMPLETELY smoke free. If you were a smoker you had to turn over all smoking materials when you boarded. You could retrieve them when you went ashore. If they even found cigarettes or tobacco in your possession or in your cabin, you would be fined.

 

It wasn't too smoky EXCEPT in the casino. It was really bad there and right outside the casino in the bar area. The rest of the ship is pretty good - the occasional whiff of smoke, but not bad. I usually play every night on the slots, but this ship had no air movement in the casino and the smoke was particularly strong. I finally played $20 on the final night, but couldn't bring myself to stay in there any other nights. Only went on the last night because husband wanted me to at least try my luck....

[crusinpsychRN]

They were fine. Fenced lot, good service, close to the port....excellent price! You can't go wrong with them.

 

Regarding 241, I used them before and they were very nice. Lots a bit crummy, but fenced. I got there too early, 10:20am, and they weren't allowed to take anyone directly to the port so they dropped us off a block away, where they pick you up. If you get there later, they will drop you right at the door.

 

Enjoyed your review, thanks for all the effort to do it!

[cathyz]

My first cruise was on the Paradise out of Miami in 2001....... And it was COMPLETELY smoke free. If you were a smoker you had to turn over all smoking materials when you boarded. You could retrieve them when you went ashore. If they even found cigarettes or tobacco in your possession or in your cabin, you would be fined.

Yes true, but there are currently no Carnival non-smoking ships. Been on the Paradise a few times, it's definitely not non-smoking (unfortunately).

[Florings]

I don't see a non-smoking ship in Carnival's future any time soon. But I have to say except for the casino and the bar area directly outside the casino, it wasn't bad. Serenity is non-smoking, though there were some inebriated folks with cigs in the hot tub one early evening - but no one there to make them stop.

Long as my cabin smells good and there are places to go without smoke, I'm happy. None in the food areas or show areas. So more places to hang out for the non-smokers than for the smokers.

[mjgcruise]

Are there mini refrigerators in the cabins? So if you bring some water on, you can keep them cold.

[The4Cruisers]

We were on the sailing just after OP. Smoking on the outside decks was restricted a good part of the time, so most of the smokers congregated at the Casino bar. Even still, the smoke was not bad at all. There was just a glut of people in that area at most times.