Thread: Carnival Paradise review.

Just posted my thoughts on my recent visit on Carnivals Paradise!

http://www.cruiselinefans.com/vbarti...&articleid=191

Joey's Full Article
The Carnival Paradise exceeded my expectations.
Let me start by saying Carnival was the first cruise line I had ever sailed on. This was some 7 years 295 days before this one on the Ecstasy. After that first Ecstasy experience I had no intentions of sailing with Carnival ever again however when I became a travel specialist. I felt that I owed it to my future clients not to mention myself and the cruise line itself to try the product again.

With that being said I booked a single supplement for the Carnival Paradise for the March 8th 2010 sailing from Long Beach. Both cruises have been the exact same itinerary. Long beach/Los Angeles ...Catalina Island, Ensenada and back to LA a simple four nighters.

Even though I used to be a resident of Long Beach, and have visited the Queen Mary several times. I had never been to the “dome”.

I found check in to be a little slow but was on board within 15 minutes and after 2 photo opportunities. It was now 1:45pm, and the state rooms were open. So, I carried my own bag onboard so as to expedite my exploration of the ship.

I was assigned table 183, which is a 6 top booth style table in the Elation dining room with late seating. (8:15pm)
If you know me, then you know if David is not traveling with me, I prefer to dine alone. I always request a table for one. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don’t, such is life.

The cruise Gods must have been shining because I had the table to myself the entire cruise. The wait staff greeted me nightly with a big smiles, The food its self was flavorful and the presentations were outstanding. Especially the chilled soups! Very Nice..

The Service throughout the ship was a little too laxed for my taste, however they do, do a wonderful job at what they do.

This particular Ship was overwhelming smoky in the public areas the piano bar reeked. This is located very near my dining room. And the Casino whew..I did not notice a no smoking section in the casino at all very smoky… (I left 50 up!)

I was able to gain some refuge in Leonardo’s located on the avenue every evening to catch the Carnival Orchestra as they played for an hour or so ..very Nice.

I booked an inside stateroom on Rivera Deck it was comfortable although I froze to death most of the time..
I even broke par on the 9 hole golf course..
This ship is clean, the service is adequate the food is terrific.
Would I sail on Carnival again?
Yes if the need arises,
Would I book Carnival as a personal vacation Choice?
No .. David and I apparently aren’t “Fun People”.
But I can definitely see why people do like Carnival. They are Definitely Good at what they Do!
Bon Voyage!!

Nice review! And my thoughts exactly! Not my first choice in lines, but I will be holding my annual scrapbooking group cruise on her again next year.

We noticed the smoke smell also. Be thankful you were in the Elation dining room, because the Destiny dining room sits right below the open staircase to the cigar bar, and that whole dining room smelled. Leonardo's is a nice respite.

The conference room we used to scrap book in was also freezing, I had maintenance in there 3 times trying to turn it off. It took me awhile to figure out that the a/c control in the cabin was in the ceiling! Really bad design.

Originally Posted by ScrapperJen

Nice review! And my thoughts exactly! Not my first choice in lines, but I will be holding my annual scrapbooking group cruise on her again next year.

We noticed the smoke smell also. Be thankful you were in the Elation dining room, because the Destiny dining room sits right below the open staircase to the cigar bar, and that whole dining room smelled. Leonardo's is a nice respite.

The conference room we used to scrap book in was also freezing, I had maintenance in there 3 times trying to turn it off. It took me awhile to figure out that the a/c control in the cabin was in the ceiling! Really bad design.

Always nice to get confirmation!! TY... yes i found the thing in the ceiling two setting on and off

Great review Joey. If you get a chance try the longer cruises on Carnivals newer ships. It does get a lot better.

Reggie

We enjoyed the 4 day Baja cruise last year and the food was great. We also had problems with the AC. Way too cold in our cabin and after they fixed it oh boy was it soooo hot. We had them fix it again and froze but that was better than being hot. I have to agree about the smoke at times. We really enjoyed the adult hot tub area. A great area day and night!! We'll enjoy her again July.

Thanks Joey for the review!!!

Originally Posted by reggierail

Great review Joey. If you get a chance try the longer cruises on Carnivals newer ships. It does get a lot better.

Reggie

Reggie no doubt as I grow my business, there will be those occasions where I will indeed have the opportunity to sail the newer ships and longer Itineraries.. and I look forward to those as well. After all Carnival is pretty good at what they do!