Paradise and First Cruise Review

[Jenhem31]

I sailed the Paradise last week and wanted to share a few of my experiences.

 

This was my first ever cruise and since I booked it, I've been flooding myself with information just so I had an idea of what to expect. What can I say, I like to research. I do wish I had researched the ships and itineraries more before I booked. But, it was a good deal and we went for it.

 

I will say the Paradise is a much smaller ship. It is in desperate need of a good makeover. It was the gaudiest thing I've ever seen. Think if Elvis had a cruise ship. Holy smokes. It was awful. However, that's just cosmetic. It didn't effect the cruise itself. As outdated as the decor is, the way the ship is set up is awesome. It's super easy to navigate and had everything you could have needed. It was nice that it didn't take forever to get anywhere.

 

We were booked in a grand suite. The room was huge complete with a lounge area and large couch and chairs. It also had a wet bar area with a nice vanity and chair. There was a fridge and lots of glassware. I guess they expect the grand suiters to really whoop it up. I don't know. The balcony was a cove style. Very private and large. 3 chairs and a tiny table. Again, the room was hideously decorated.

 

The steward was awesome. He was like a ninja. We never caught him in the room yet if we left for 20 minutes the room would be immaculate when we got back. He filled our ice twice a day without us asking.

 

We had any time dining so we didn't really bond with the wait staff as they were different most nights. Every server and assistant we had was amazing. The food was pretty good. It wasn't the best, but good lord there was a lot of it. And it was included in the fare. Who could complain about that? The best was the chocolate melting cake. I hate chocolate and I couldn't get enough of it. I was like an animal.

 

Drink of the day. Enough said. You won't be disappointed.

 

I can't express how amazing the staff on this ship was. Literally every single crew member we spoke to or had any interaction with was phenomenal. They were so genuine, kind, personable, and helpful. I truly can't speak highly enough of them. They were awesome.

 

[ATTACH]311684[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311685[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311686[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311687[/ATTACH][ATTACH]311688[/ATTACH]

 

Would I sail the Paradise again? Probably not. If I lived in Tampa sure. I'd like to try out some of the bigger ships. I have no complaints aside from the decor and I'm not really even complaining about that. It may really bother some people but for me it's not a deal breaker.

 

The Paradise will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope she gets the makeover she deserves.

 

 

 

 

 

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[Jenhem31]

I hope my pictures upload correctly. All I can see is the melting cake and it's bringing a tear to my eye.

 

 

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[DGP1111]

. . . I can't express how amazing the staff on this ship was. Literally every single crew member we spoke to or had any interaction with was phenomenal. They were so genuine, kind, personable, and helpful. I truly can't speak highly enough of them. They were awesome . . .

 

Glad you had an enjoyable first sailing. :)

 

I'm boarding Carnival Paradise later this month, and hoping for the same service experience that you had. It's my first time on this ship (but I've done all the others in its class, so I know the layout well), and I've already researched all the upgrades it lacks when compared to the others.

My days onboard will pretty much be spent in my cabin (sleeping/resting away from my regular work schedule), lounging on the Serenity Deck, sitting at the Atrium Bar, or feasting in the dining room. I might not even leave the ship in Cozumel, unless Pancho's Backyard starts calling my name. This is just a needed getaway at a price I couldn't pass up. :)

 

Welcome back!!

 

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[SadieN]

You didn't like the turquoise eggs? ;)

 

The atrium is very pretty decorated with greenery at the holidays.

 

She is prettier than some of her other Fantasy Class sisters.