Review - Paradise 4/19-4/24/14

[bailey57]

I sent this in to be published in member reviews almost a week ago, and they must be backed up as it isn't up yet. Decided to post it here (as well). Fairly long, hope it will be helpful...

 

Itinerary: Sea Day/Cayman/Cozumel/Sea Day

 

A few comments about the ship: This is an older ship, but it is clean and well kept, and a very manageable size. I knew from sailing the Legend that the décor would be over-the-top – way too flashy for my tastes – but for the price paid, I can ignore a lot.

 

My cabin was R12, porthole (curiously, Carnival considers this an inside), port side. This was my first PH cabin, and first time sailing alone. Loved the cabin and loved sailing alone. There was good and bad as in all things, but nothing bad here would keep me from sailing this ship again. I figure a bad day on a ship will always trump a good day at work, so I go with the flow, and pretty much always have a good time. Attitude is everything. :) That said…

 

Things I liked, in no particular order:

* Embarkation was fast; I was dropped off at 11:30, was on board by 12:15 and had my luggage by 2:30. This is the only cruise line I’ve been on that doesn’t require a “have you been feeling ill lately” form completed prior to checking in. I don’t know if this is good or bad.

* Hot tubs were open at embarkation, and I was in one before 2:30. 

* Serenity deck – smallish, but adequate, and the only even remotely quiet place on the ship. I spent most of my time here. Loved the two hot tubs – for the most part they were hot and jets were good, tho’ one was decidedly better than the other. There was chair saving; I never had a problem getting one, but traveling solo makes this easier.

* Cabin was quiet and very comfortable, if dated in décor (expected). Plenty of towels, shower was roomy, water very hot and strong! Lots of hooks; I always pack suction cup hooks and didn’t even need them. Also enough hangers and great storage. Steward Teofilo was extremely nice, unobtrusive and efficient, and he filled my little cooler twice daily as asked, no complaints here. Noticed a slight “sewer” smell in the bathroom late on the first night, but it was gone by the next morn. And it took a few days, but I eventually realized there was a thermostat over the bed, and I did need to adjust the temp a few times. I’ve always thought thermostats in cruise cabins were for decoration only; this is the first time I had one that actually worked.

* Had fixed 6pm seating at a large table of other solo travelers. Very smart of Carnival to seat this group as they did. People came and went – one night only 3 of us showed up – but for the most part, it was a fun and congenial bunch. Servers Danilo (Danny), Emery and Marlon were all terrific.

* Lido was well laid out, and easier to negotiate than other ships I’ve sailed. If there was a line at one station, there was usually none at another station. I liked that there were also tables outside along the sides of the Lido, not just aft.

* All crew I encountered were friendly and accommodating.

* The muster was almost an hour long, but given the last couple of years in the industry, I was pleased that they took it seriously. It didn’t seem very efficient, but it was thorough. One large group of 20-somethings talked and laughed through it and had to be repeatedly “shushed” by crew. If there was a problem, who do you think would be the first to scream “lawsuit!”??

* Mongolian wok – freshest food offered anywhere. Very good! Food otherwise was okay. Some was good, some not so. Desserts were better than main dishes (chocolate melting cake and cappuccino pie to name two. Fortunately, food is just fuel for me.

* Very much enjoyed the comedy shows that were on most nights, but don’t understand why they are so short. If you’re going to have shows at 10:30 or 11 pm, consider making them at least 45 minutes.

* Newlywed show was a blast – as they always are. Not sure about having it at 11 am on the last sea day…?

* REO Speedwagon was fun. I didn’t plan to go but got free tickets and there was nothing else going on that night (at all – zip, nada). I was glad I went, it was fun. One thing: there were some very drunk women at that concert – one who actually tried to start a fight with another woman. Very classy… Just sayin’. :rolleyes:

* Kudos to the cruise director and staff for their ability to get people involved. It was indeed a FUN ship, and if you want to get involved in activities, there were plenty. I’m not a joiner, but I caught some of the hairy chest contest the first sea day and it was hilarious; major props to both the men and women who participated. You wouldn’t catch me doing that, but I sure enjoyed watching it! :D

 

Things I didn’t like, or that I liked less, or that I thought curious - also in no particular order:

* My biggest complaint and the thing I had the hardest time ignoring (er, not complaining about): This is a very noisy ship. And loud. Everywhere. All. The. Time. Rap / funk / techno-pop at 7 a.m. on Lido deck… Can’t play a little nice jazz or blues for the morning coffee? Other than the Serenity deck, it was nearly impossible to find a quiet place to sit and talk, at 7 a.m. or at midnight. I don’t understand the general societal trend to amplify everything to the maximum 24/7. Will the ship be considered any less a Fun Ship if pleasant music at a more reasonable noise level is played from, say, midnight to 8 am?? Motown is cool, classic rock is fine, whatever – but everything was just too loud.

* The Lido was the only place to eat at embarkation. MDR was closed, and no alternative dining is offered on this older ship. Not serious, tho’ more options would be nice.

* Limited meal service in MDR. I always try to lunch in the MDR at least once per cruise, but I don’t think it was ever even open for lunch. There was a brunch both sea days, but I didn’t go.

* Very odd and particular to Carnival – I thought this on the Legend as well: why do the servers sing & dance every night? Don’t they have enough to do? Fortunately, our team embraced the task with gusto, and seemed to have fun with it, which made it less painful to watch anyway. I do think the tradition (on all cruise lines) of diners twirling used napkins overhead in solidarity with the singing waiters (or the “Baked Alaska March”) is pretty disgusting. Ick.

* They did not seem concerned if passengers used hand sanitizer. Other cruise lines have dispensers everywhere and someone at the doorway to every dining room, dispensing cleanser. Not on this ship.

* The daily paper is so poorly done. Lots of plugs for bingo, spa treatments and other activities with a cost, plus a list along one side with everything going on every 10 minutes all day, but virtually no descriptions or information about those activities. They could do this a lot better – and might even have more participants if they did.

* This is the first cruise I’ve been on that I didn’t go to the main show every night. I didn’t see even one. Went one evening, but something else going on in the theater prior was running late, and no one seemed concerned about the main show starting on time. So I left. The theater shows just seemed a very low priority. Too many other things to do, I suppose, but I kind of missed the nightly show.

* Constant announcements. More noise. And of course, as is the case on most ships, the PA system sound quality is awful, and sounds like someone talking very loudly with marbles in their mouth.

* Regarding the spa drawing on embarkation day: Advertised as one $500 prize, it was ultimately split into 5 smaller prizes, which was fine and more fun for more people, to be sure. However, the last drawing was for $200 – no small thing. They let a woman who had entered the drawing pull the name and – wait for it… you got it – she pulled her own name. No kidding. We saw her look into the tub of tickets and pull out her own name. Blatantly cheated, the staff saw it and allowed it. It seems quite ill-advised to let someone who entered a drawing pull a name – especially looking into the bucket. People were justifiably upset. Shame on the woman, and shame on the staff for allowing it. And that’s all I’m saying about that. ;)

 

I can always opine more, but without going into excruciating detail, that’s about it. Good and bad in balance, I have come to appreciate that Carnival does some things very well. I enjoyed this cruise and would do it again.

[bailey57]

comment deleted.

Edited May 11, 2014 by bailey57

[cookiejarvis]

Thanks you for your comments/review. DH and I are looking for a packngo trip early June and this is one we are considering. I have a couple of questions:

1) Was the ship crowded or feel crowded?

2) How was the live music on board, ie, bands, piano player, guitar -lounge acts?

3)How was your porthole...can it accommodate two adults?

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Cookie

[bailey57]

Hi - I'm surprised that your note is the only one received in response to the review. I appreciate your thanks. :)

 

As to your questions:

 

1) Was the ship crowded or feel crowded? No it didn't seem so, other than the promenade deck mid-ship during evenings - lots going on (casino, photos, people going to dinner, etc.) and seemed everyone was walking through there all evening. I learned to avoid it by cutting down a deck and crossing over then up at the atrium, etc... depending on where I was headed, that is. :)

 

2) How was the live music on board, ie, bands, piano player, guitar -lounge acts? Didn't really do much in that regard. DJ on Lido deck, but I didn't hang out there. there was a band at the casino bar every evening (when it wasn't karaoke) that sounded okay. I caught snippets here and there, but didn't really do any shows. The piano bar was dead - I really wanted to hang out there, but the one time we made it there, the guy went on a break so we left. I'm sorry I can't be more help on that one.

 

3)How was your porthole...can it accommodate two adults? It was a full size cabin, so yes, absolutely - comparable to any 2-person cabin. I've stayed in smaller, and the bathroom was surprisingly roomy. The shower was almost tub size - not the "capsule" style seen on some lines.

 

Hope that helps, happy to answer others if you have them.

[BobbyD]

Sounds like you rolled with the good and bad and had a fun week! My wife, her sister and her mother will be going on the Paradise in early June for my SIL's first cruise and 50th birthday. The reviews on Paradise are what I expect from an older ship. I'm sure they will have fun just being together! Thanks for the review.

 

We recently cruised Celebrity for the first time and they only announcements that they have are the daily Captains report. Carnival is certainly the other end of the spectrum, with RCCL somewhere in the middle!

[SMSACE6]

I just saw your review now, and thank you for posting it. It is very fair and balanced, detailed and informative. So thank you for taking the time to post this.

 

I have never done a 4 or 5 day cruise, merely because I have to fly into the port from Canada, and given the cost of airfare, I might as well make the best of it and do a 6 to 8 day cruise when possible.

 

However, the one and only shorter cruise I have considered is the Paradise, and it is because I know and love the Tampa/St Petersburg area very well and could combine a shorter cruise with a few days at the beach. I did one cruise 14 years ago on the Sensation, a 7 day from Tampa, so I know the layout of the ship and have no issues with that class of ship. Paradise does look less gaudy to me than others in her class, not that decor really affects my enjoyment of a cruise.

 

Thanks again. I appreciate and enjoyed your review.:)

[Jenhem31]

I was on the Paradise just after you. It was my first cruise. I agree with the majority of what you said.

 

The decor, oy vey. That was really my only complaint, which isn't really a complaint. I can look past it but I really hope it gets updated soon. It was a very clean, well managed ship despite being so outdated in my opinion. It deserves a little TLC.

 

The staff was superior. Everyone was so friendly.

 

 

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[FlaCruiser007]

We've been on the Paradise a number of times, most recently in Feb. We really like the ship! I will admit living in the Tampa Bay area also works in its favor as we can be at the port in 30 minutes.

 

We've stayed in a PH several times. We like the exterior light provided for the interior cabin price. We also like the PH ledge which provides an extra storage spot in the cabin.

 

One tip is that the very front PH cabins on each deck are actually about 2 feet longer than standard cabins. Allows us to change the bed configuration. There is one drawback to them - there is considerable noise when mooring - particularly the Caymans when the anchor is dropped.

 

But don't book a PH if you want a view. Yes you can see out of them, but the PHs do not provide a good view.

 

The Paradise may be the last (?) ship to still have the corner light. It interferes with getting in/out bed and access to the PH and PH ledge. Hence we like to change the bed configuration.

 

I posted a quick review here if interested http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1990809

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[Captain Carnival]

This is the only cruise line I’ve been on that doesn’t require a “have you been feeling ill lately” form completed prior to checking in. I don’t know if this is good or bad.

 

The question: "In the last 24-48 hours have you experienced any flu-like symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea" is considered a time saver for guests who whether filling out a piece of paper or provide a verbal reply shall answer as they wish so in the end (so to speak) it's up to the guest to provide a truthful answer whether it's written or spoken.

[BIG GUY]

Great Review. We are on Paradise in 2 weeks. Can you tell us who was the piano lounge player? Sorry Just saw your answer about the Piano player. Thanks

Edited May 13, 2014 by BIG GUY

[crusinpsychRN]

I cruised on the Inspiration many times out of Tampa before she moved to California. Really liked it.

 

I didn't like the Paradise. Very dated. Smoking so prohibited when it rained smokers could basically use the 3 stools at the Casino bar so it was packed in that little area.

 

Constant announcements; blaring noise on the Lido, couldn't even make out what the "music" was. Ran a lot of folks out.

 

My cabin door stuck and 3 maintenance guys couldn't fix it properly although they tried. Never knew if I'd need help to get the door open!

 

Had Steve Cassell as CD and he was a great fiddle player!

 

Comedy shows were 45 min and one lady was really funny, the guy made a stupid joke about different branches of the military and many got up and walked out, as did I, and didn't return to his other shows.

 

Mangolian Wok was a big hit! Very good! MDR food was pretty good and served hot.

 

This is a ship that needs some attention.

[bailey57]

We recently cruised Celebrity for the first time and they only announcements that they have are the daily Captains report. Carnival is certainly the other end of the spectrum, with RCCL somewhere in the middle!

 

Agreed. I prefer other lines exactly for that reason. Celebrity, for one, has this down to an art, and people actually do listen to the announcements on those ships. On Paradise, it's just more noise, and it dulls the message in that people just stop listening (aside from the fact that it's difficult to understand anything said anyway...).

 

As you can tell, I still really enjoyed myself. Thanks. :)

[bailey57]

The question: "In the last 24-48 hours have you experienced any flu-like symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea" is considered a time saver for guests who whether filling out a piece of paper or provide a verbal reply shall answer as they wish so in the end (so to speak) it's up to the guest to provide a truthful answer whether it's written or spoken.

 

 

Indeed. Hence my "not sure if that's good or bad," as my gut feeling is few who are embarking would say so if it were the case... so not sure it really matters. :rolleyes:

[bailey57]

Great Review. We are on Paradise in 2 weeks. Can you tell us who was the piano lounge player? Sorry Just saw your answer about the Piano player. Thanks

 

I'm sorry, I don't remember his name, and I didn't keep the daily patters... Perhaps someone else here can help.

[bailey57]

Thanks to those who posted thanks and all the kind words. I'm glad the review was useful to some - and generally in agreement with others' opinions of the ship. I try to be impartial... ;) By the way, the review has now been posted in member reviews. Happy to answer other questions if I can. Thanks again. :)

[jenanderic]

We enjoyed her too. It was our first cruise so to us everything was fantastic. Our only complaint was that one of the glass elevators was broken and the others seemed to crawl along. We got our exercise climbing the stairs which meant we could just eat more!

 

 

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