First time on Carnival, sailing the Paradise on 7/31 - Any tips or tricks?

[Theora]

Hello!

 

Our first cruise was in February, a 7-day Princess on the Crown which was fantastic. This time, we're just going for a brief little jaunt to celebrate my BF's birthday. Since we won't have the whole family with us this time, just one other couple, I think it'll be a bit more relaxed with much less coordinating of schedules and suchlike.

 

We're totally open to new experiences, and since we're new to and addicted to cruising now, we want to try almost everything. On the Crown, we did the Chef's Table, Balcony Dining (dinner and breakfast), spa massages, etc. What should we know about Carnival and the Paradise to make our little trip that much better?

 

He's a soda drinker, I'm a coffee drinker. I know there's a soda card, but what do they offer for coffee drinkers? How is the coffee on Carnival in general, and is there a cafe like there is on Princess?

 

How's the sushi?

 

Though I'm not a huge "bask in the sun by the pool" kind of girl, I'm definitely going to try out the waterslide at least once, and I know that there's a coconut monkeyhead with my name on it!

 

For reference, we're in our mid-thirties, and our companions are just slightly older. We're looking to graze (moo), relax, be entertained (by either the shows or the fellow passengers, people-watching is a sport for us), and just enjoy each other's company while not having to be at work.

 

Also, I tried getting a roll call going for this cruise, but it would appear that nobody else from here will be along. The CC Meet & Greet on the Crown was awesome. I'm a little sad that I won't get to do that on this trip as well.

 

Tell me, Carnivangelists! Preach to me the gospel! What do I need to know about this trip that the brochure and the website aren't telling me?

 

Thanks in advance,

Theora

[yogi2929]

Hello!

 

Our first cruise was in February, a 7-day Princess on the Crown which was fantastic. This time, we're just going for a brief little jaunt to celebrate my BF's birthday. Since we won't have the whole family with us this time, just one other couple, I think it'll be a bit more relaxed with much less coordinating of schedules and suchlike.

 

We're totally open to new experiences, and since we're new to and addicted to cruising now, we want to try almost everything. On the Crown, we did the Chef's Table, Balcony Dining (dinner and breakfast), spa massages, etc. What should we know about Carnival and the Paradise to make our little trip that much better?

 

He's a soda drinker, I'm a coffee drinker. I know there's a soda card, but what do they offer for coffee drinkers? How is the coffee on Carnival in general, and is there a cafe like there is on Princess?

 

How's the sushi?

 

Though I'm not a huge "bask in the sun by the pool" kind of girl, I'm definitely going to try out the waterslide at least once, and I know that there's a coconut monkeyhead with my name on it!

 

For reference, we're in our mid-thirties, and our companions are just slightly older. We're looking to graze (moo), relax, be entertained (by either the shows or the fellow passengers, people-watching is a sport for us), and just enjoy each other's company while not having to be at work.

 

Also, I tried getting a roll call going for this cruise, but it would appear that nobody else from here will be along. The CC Meet & Greet on the Crown was awesome. I'm a little sad that I won't get to do that on this trip as well.

 

Tell me, Carnivangelists! Preach to me the gospel! What do I need to know about this trip that the brochure and the website aren't telling me?

Thanks in advance,

Theora

 

There is a coffee card available. 4 or 5 drinks for the price at the coffee bar. There are also pastries and chocolate covered strawberries to purchase. I don't like coffe so I cannot rate it. You can get espresso and cappuccino for free in the dining room at dinner (and maybe at breakfast and lunch).

 

The sushi is supermarket quality. 3-4 choices. The marinated carrots are very good. The sushi bar is located near the casino.

 

There are several omelet stations, the deli normally has the shorter line.

Have Tea at 3pm in the Piano bar on your sea day.

 

The waterslide falls directly into the Lido pool. There is an Adult only Serenity deck on 9aft. There are two jacuzzis here.

 

Lots of opportunities to people watch on the Paradise. If you are not in a rush to get home, the best 'show' is watching everyone rush to get off the ship. Stake out a portion of railing in the Atrium and watch all the self-debarkers in the extremely long multi-headed line. We are almost always one of the last off the ship at 10am.

 

The rollcalls for these short cruises are usually short to non-existant.

 

The Fantasy class ships are easy to navigate. The exception to this rule is getting to the aft dining room.