Carnival Paradise

[frankdp]

Wifey and I just got off Paradise after a four night jaunt to Cozumel and back. Actually, just got home today. The ship looked pretty good and the cabin was adequate, but it was downhill from there. The buffet was terrible both in food quality and logistics. Long lines at all stations, pizza station took forever to bring out a couple of small pizza's with 50 people waiting in line. It was like they had never done this before. The breakfast steam table had the typical fair, self service except for the bacon, which was doled out by a server when you could get one to help you. They also serve a thing called "panco encrusted egg". Trust me when I say, don't even try them, unless you like fish flavored hard boiled eggs. Coffee was undrinkable.

 

MDR food was just OK but the service was spotty at best and the wait time for anytime dinning was usually around 1/2 hour.

 

I thought the entertainment was cheesy although I do give credit to the singers and dancers making the best of a mess of a production.

 

I'm sorry I can't be more positive but it is what it is. I did win $3,000 in the casino so that made the trip quite fun. I hit vid poker for a jackpot, $2004.00 and got the BJ tables for another grand. Wife lost about $600.00 but that's OK, it was ship money.

[tandemcruzr]

I was on her before drydock and she already had flat screens.

 

Not in our room in Jan, 2012.

[tandemcruzr]

Actually, most of Carnival's ships have the safes that require a card, only the newest newest ships have the safes with codes. The only ship we've been on with the codes is the Splendor, otherwise, all cards.

 

We tried a spent gift card, and it would not work. We had a conversation with another cruiser who used their 'old' Sail and Sign card for their safe.

[BooBooMonkey]

Wifey and I just got off Paradise after a four night jaunt to Cozumel and back. Actually, just got home today. The ship looked pretty good and the cabin was adequate, but it was downhill from there. The buffet was terrible both in food quality and logistics. Long lines at all stations, pizza station took forever to bring out a couple of small pizza's with 50 people waiting in line. It was like they had never done this before. The breakfast steam table had the typical fair, self service except for the bacon, which was doled out by a server when you could get one to help you. They also serve a thing called "panco encrusted egg". Trust me when I say, don't even try them, unless you like fish flavored hard boiled eggs. Coffee was undrinkable.

 

MDR food was just OK but the service was spotty at best and the wait time for anytime dinning was usually around 1/2 hour.

 

I thought the entertainment was cheesy although I do give credit to the singers and dancers making the best of a mess of a production.

 

I'm sorry I can't be more positive but it is what it is. I did win $3,000 in the casino so that made the trip quite fun. I hit vid poker for a jackpot, $2004.00 and got the BJ tables for another grand. Wife lost about $600.00 but that's OK, it was ship money.

 

We saw a guy win exactly $2004.00 on a video poker machine...must have been you! About 3-4 machines down the wall from the casino bar??? Near the penny slots? You didn't look too excited about it either! LOL. We were wondering why that guy looked so pissed off after winning so much cash. Can you fill us in?

 

How did you have such a bad cruise?

 

We didn't spend much time in the buffet, so I can't comment on the food quality. We chose to eat most of our meals in the MDR and had a scheduled dining time. Heard the anytime dining had long waits at times (especially around 7:00 on elegant night--like 45 minutes).

 

We chose to avoid the buffet this time, mainly because of the recent Noro scares...

If you cruise Carnival again, please eat all your meals in the MDR, and try a scheduled dining time. You might like it better. I must say, while we never ate at the buffet, we never saw more than 10 ppl in any buffet line as we walked by the whole cruise (Deli line at lunch may have had 8-10 ppl waiting for made-to-order). We did the pizza station late-night once (when it was the only remaining option) and it took about 10 minutes with about 5 ppl in front of us. When did you see 50 ppl in line for pizza? What time/what day? Just wondering...

 

We did not go to the production shows, but did enjoy the comedians.

Coffee was very drinkable. Not Starbucks, but not gas station either. They do offer a coffee bar where you can pay for fancy coffee if that is what you like. Did you try that? (I wouldn't since I can't afford to pay extra for coffee).

 

Sorry if I sound critical, but you sound like you were expecting much more than what you paid for and went home with more $ than you paid :rolleyes:. What did you LIKE about the cruise? What did you do on Cozumel? Just wondering how your experience could have been so much different than ours.

[BooBooMonkey]

We tried a spent gift card, and it would not work. We had a conversation with another cruiser who used their 'old' Sail and Sign card for their safe.

 

We always use an old gift card or a grocery store loyalty card or something like that. Hide it somewhere that all members of your party know where to find it, but hidden from where others could easily find it.

 

Ours worked fine this week.

[LUVMYGSDOG]

We just got back from the 4-day and will post a long review with pix!

Glad to see some reviews finally showing up about this ship since it has moved to Tampa.

 

 

Looking forward to your review since we sail on Paradise in May!

[med9114u]

You say you could not tender in Georgetown but you did tours?

 

How did you get to shore to do the tours?

 

I will be going to Grand Cayman as well and have been worried about not being able to tender but maybe there are other ways to get ashore?

 

Think you mis-read what they wrote...they said that snorkeling excursions were cancelled...sounds to me like that were still able to tender though.

[marym933]

I did the 4-day Paradise cruise on January 19. I had a wonderful time, but then, I could have a good time in the middle of a hurricane. Yes, the ship is older. I knew that when I booked.

 

We did early seating. Our first night dinner took 1 1/2 hours. Of course, some people at our table of 10 were late for dinner. That threw the whole thing off course.

 

I enjoyed the main dining room for most of my meals. It just seems so much more special to have a sit down meal instead of the buffet.

 

My only complaint - the slot machines could have been more generous!

[CroozinFamily]

Still working on pics but will try to address a few questions.

 

No fridge in the cabins.

 

Not sure if the cabin decor was redone or not since I don't know what it looked like before. I would guess no. Maybe updated bedding and perhaps carpeting, but that would be about it. I'll post pics of the cabin and you can see. (hopefully tomorrow).

 

The ship had to drop anchor at another part of the island and that's why we didn't tender directly into Grand Cayman. The tenders came into this ugly area somewhere else. Tours dropped you back off at the tender and therefore, shopping in Georgetown was only possible if you paid your own way back to the ship (or had a really nice tour driver who agreed to stop in Georgetown for 30 minutes).

 

We did dock in Cozumel and they now have this long building that you have to walk through. It's very narrow and full of liquor and other breakable stuff. Very annoying. The crew can walk along side the building. Next time I would try to do that. I was just in Cozumel in September and there was no sign of this building anywhere. I can't believe how quickly it sprung up!

 

Yes....artichoke dip....that's what was cold, not the guacamole (sorry, still had vacation head!)

 

I agree with the other poster who said that the logistics of the buffet were not good. Lines were also very slow. Omelet station took FOREVER and then if you wanted potatoes or bacon or anything else to go with your omelet, you had to stand on some other long line. Pizza took FOREVER to get....even though I was the ONLY person there when I wanted pizza.

 

Yes...there was martini tasting. I'm not sure when. I heard some ladies in our group talking about it.

 

The shows on our 5 night cruise were the first and second nights and then the last night of the cruise. They were the usual cruise ship singing and dancing. The gals and guys sang and danced their hearts out.

 

We went to the one comedy show. Was good. Not hilarious but certainly entertaining enough.

 

Hopefully pics tomorrow!

[huntkc]

We just got back from the 5 day Paradise cruise. I will have to say everyone has to have a worst cruise and this was ours. That being said, the worst cruise is still better than being at work.

 

The poster earlier about the buffet area is exactly right. The lines were TERRIBLE.

 

Pizza - always a long lines & none prepared in advance

 

Fresh sandwiches - the line (again long)was in the middle of tables with most of the time one poor guy trying to keep up.

 

Salad Bar - this was the easiest to get to, one on each side

 

Buffets - Two in the back then a burger line and a wok line. The lines for these were again LONG. We found it quicker to just go to the room and order room service. One day at sea full ship 11:15....only one of the four was open with left over breakfast food. One evening at 8:30 start of 2nd seating dinner...only one of the four was open. The food was ok but pretty much the same all the time.

 

Dining room - service was ok to fine....food was ok...but remember your on a 5 day and don't get the same food as the 7 day cruises. Deserts are just basics...none of the souffles or creme brulees.

 

Rooms

 

1. The life jackets are in some big wood box that blocks your way around the bed....stupid set up.

 

2. Suitcases if very big will NOT fit under the beds.

 

3. We still had a big wood box with a tube TV that really did not view good from hardly anywhere in the room. And movie service went out 2 times in 5 days.

 

4. NO hair dryers, wife was always calling and asking for the few shared dryers they had. Would be ok if they advertised this and told you so you could plan ahead.

 

5. Bathroom was fine.

 

6. We had a locker room smell that never really went away. They would not use any chemicals and put an ionizer thing in the room for a while....really did not do much. But they did try hard.

 

7. No room thermostats. Just on/off dial in the ceiling for cold air only. And trust me they keep this ship COLD.

 

Entertainment - They do have quite a bit going on for a smaller ship. The shows were so so. Comedy is pretty good...that is all about who you get...we had one good one bad. Dance rooms were pretty active and fun. The area where all this goes on gets pretty crowded. There can be a pretty good bottleneck when they have a band at the casino area bar and there is a small stage for the band.

 

Pools - This is not a good ship if your a pool person. The main pool in the middle is tiny with very few 'poolside' chairs. There is a giant stage taking up most of the room then a big floor on the side of it with nothing. The back area pool has lots of chair space but the pool is the size of a big hot tub.

 

Cayman is tender and we had to tender on the back side of the island due to weather.

 

Cozumel we docked at the new dock about 2 or 3 miles from the old 'downtown' dock which I think got tore up in Wilma.

 

Overall we still had a blast and a good time.....Carnival is just not our choice and feel they skimp on food and extras to maintain the lower prices compared to the other lines.

[frankdp]

We saw a guy win exactly $2004.00 on a video poker machine...must have been you! About 3-4 machines down the wall from the casino bar??? Near the penny slots? You didn't look too excited about it either! LOL. We were wondering why that guy looked so pissed off after winning so much cash. Can you fill us in?

 

How did you have such a bad cruise?

 

We didn't spend much time in the buffet, so I can't comment on the food quality. We chose to eat most of our meals in the MDR and had a scheduled dining time. Heard the anytime dining had long waits at times (especially around 7:00 on elegant night--like 45 minutes).

 

We chose to avoid the buffet this time, mainly because of the recent Noro scares...

If you cruise Carnival again, please eat all your meals in the MDR, and try a scheduled dining time. You might like it better. I must say, while we never ate at the buffet, we never saw more than 10 ppl in any buffet line as we walked by the whole cruise (Deli line at lunch may have had 8-10 ppl waiting for made-to-order). We did the pizza station late-night once (when it was the only remaining option) and it took about 10 minutes with about 5 ppl in front of us. When did you see 50 ppl in line for pizza? What time/what day? Just wondering...

 

We did not go to the production shows, but did enjoy the comedians.

Coffee was very drinkable. Not Starbucks, but not gas station either. They do offer a coffee bar where you can pay for fancy coffee if that is what you like. Did you try that? (I wouldn't since I can't afford to pay extra for coffee).

 

Sorry if I sound critical, but you sound like you were expecting much more than what you paid for and went home with more $ than you paid :rolleyes:. What did you LIKE about the cruise? What did you do on Cozumel? Just wondering how your experience could have been so much different than ours.

 

Certainly not pissed off, maybe the look was shock. I was quite happy but of course tried to maintain that poker face thing.

 

What did I like about the cruise? Several things

1. Being at sea. I spent six years sailing on grey ships so any cruise is fun for me.

2. Hanging out with friends and meeting new people.

3. Winning at the casino, obviously.

 

I guess my point is that I expect better service and food on a cruise. I say again, that buffet was terrible and the mdr was only adequate. I know that Carnival is the least expensive line but I was hoping for a little better than I got.

 

You don't sound at all critical and I take no offense at your opinion. I'm always happy to chat with another cruise lover.

[NorthGeorgiaCruiser]

Think you mis-read what they wrote...they said that snorkeling excursions were cancelled...sounds to me like that were still able to tender though.

 

:confused:

[keystonemama]

Still working on pics but will try to address a few questions.

 

No fridge in the cabins.

 

Not sure if the cabin decor was redone or not since I don't know what it looked like before. I would guess no. Maybe updated bedding and perhaps carpeting, but that would be about it. I'll post pics of the cabin and you can see. (hopefully tomorrow).

 

The ship had to drop anchor at another part of the island and that's why we didn't tender directly into Grand Cayman. The tenders came into this ugly area somewhere else. Tours dropped you back off at the tender and therefore, shopping in Georgetown was only possible if you paid your own way back to the ship (or had a really nice tour driver who agreed to stop in Georgetown for 30 minutes).

 

We did dock in Cozumel and they now have this long building that you have to walk through. It's very narrow and full of liquor and other breakable stuff. Very annoying. The crew can walk along side the building. Next time I would try to do that. I was just in Cozumel in September and there was no sign of this building anywhere. I can't believe how quickly it sprung up!

 

Yes....artichoke dip....that's what was cold, not the guacamole (sorry, still had vacation head!)

 

I agree with the other poster who said that the logistics of the buffet were not good. Lines were also very slow. Omelet station took FOREVER and then if you wanted potatoes or bacon or anything else to go with your omelet, you had to stand on some other long line. Pizza took FOREVER to get....even though I was the ONLY person there when I wanted pizza.

 

Yes...there was martini tasting. I'm not sure when. I heard some ladies in our group talking about it.

 

The shows on our 5 night cruise were the first and second nights and then the last night of the cruise. They were the usual cruise ship singing and dancing. The gals and guys sang and danced their hearts out.

 

We went to the one comedy show. Was good. Not hilarious but certainly entertaining enough.

 

Hopefully pics tomorrow!

 

Thank you for the info, we will have a good time no matter what! Food is just to survive on, now DOD's that's a must!:p

Happy Sailing,

[Gemynii]

Tks for review, we are sailing on her in July. Look forward to your pics.

 

We'll be cruisin' on the Paradise on July 14th as well.

It will be myself, DH and DD... sis, her DH and 2 DDs... mom and her BF.

 

I have to say that the negative reviews are bringing me down a bit. This will be our first cruise and I would hate to be disappointed... especially since it was so hard getting DH to agree to go. Are there any positives? :confused:

[CroozinFamily]

Here are some pics.

 

Let me know if you have any questions. Sorry I don't have more of just the ship but most of my pics were of friends.

[ThetaAddy]

We'll be cruisin' on the Paradise on July 14th as well.

It will be myself, DH and DD... sis, her DH and 2 DDs... mom and her BF.

 

I have to say that the negative reviews are bringing me down a bit. This will be our first cruise and I would hate to be disappointed... especially since it was so hard getting DH to agree to go. Are there any positives? :confused:

 

This was our first cruise and we had a blast! We didn't do every activity and we didn't make it to the dining room every night but we had a lot of fun! We found the crew to be very friendly and the ship was very nice (but we don't have anything to compare it to).

 

I was a little apprehensive before cruising on Paradise because of what people say on here but I think you just need to go in with a positive attitude and then make the cruise what you want it to be. It is vacation!

[Gemynii]

This was our first cruise and we had a blast! We didn't do every activity and we didn't make it to the dining room every night but we had a lot of fun! We found the crew to be very friendly and the ship was very nice (but we don't have anything to compare it to).

 

I was a little apprehensive before cruising on Paradise because of what people say on here but I think you just need to go in with a positive attitude and then make the cruise what you want it to be. It is vacation!

 

Thank you for your reply! I think I just need to remember that everyone has their own opinions, so what might be a bad experience to one person might be a pleasurable experience to someone else. :)

[TampaBayGirl]

this was our first cruise and we had a blast! We didn't do every activity and we didn't make it to the dining room every night but we had a lot of fun! We found the crew to be very friendly and the ship was very nice (but we don't have anything to compare it to).

 

I was a little apprehensive before cruising on paradise because of what people say on here but i think you just need to go in with a positive attitude and then make the cruise what you want it to be. It is vacation!

 

amen! :)

[haley10594]

We have cruised many times before. Always loved the food, even when others wrote complaints. Smelly rooms would be horrible but we have never had that. Of course the entertainment is not the top but we have always enjoyed it.

Cruising is a time to be silly, have fun, enjoy being waited on. Laugh even when it is not the greatest. For the price of a cruise, it is still the best deal going. If you want top notch food, hotel room, pools, entertainment, you would pay 10 times more in a resort.

So kick back and enjoy.

We are cruising on Paradise Mar 5. Anyone else going? No one much on Rollcall. :)We will have fun!!! We are just that kind of family. We make the best out of each situation.

Some of you have real complaints but some of you are really expecting too much. Its a cruise ship with 2,000+ people. You can't please all the people all the time.

SMILE and laugh. It will make it a great cruise!:):rolleyes:;)

[haley10594]

For those of you who have been on the Paradise after the renuvations, I have a few questions

1) How did they handle the precruise drill? Mom and I both unable to do stairs etc. (Unless of course the ship were sinking....and then watch us scurry!)

2) How were the ports, weather and water temperature for swimming/snorkling?

3) Does anyone have the daily Capers to post?

Most of all, did you enjoy?

 

Thanks;)

[makentake]

We had a flat screen. We were in the cheapest inside cabin they have for two with bunk beds, could not see the tv from the bottom bed very well. My sister could see the tv ok from the top bunk.

[BooBooMonkey]

For those of you who have been on the Paradise after the renuvations, I have a few questions

1) How did they handle the precruise drill? Mom and I both unable to do stairs etc. (Unless of course the ship were sinking....and then watch us scurry!)

2) How were the ports, weather and water temperature for swimming/snorkling?

3) Does anyone have the daily Capers to post?

Most of all, did you enjoy?

 

Thanks;)

 

The drill was the same as I remembered it from every other cruise. If you are unable to do stairs, make sure to call them (I think they have a special needs department) and let them know ahead of time. They will help you get to your muster station if you need assistance.

 

We went to Cozumel and the water was PERFECT! We had excellent weather the whole trip.

 

I have the Capers, but it will be difficult for me to scan them. If you have specific questions about the 4-day schedule, let me know and I'll look it up for ya!

 

We enjoyed our cruise! No real complaints. My review in progress is here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1577170

[haley10594]

BooBoo, thanks for the speedy reply. The last cruise we were on, same ports 5 day, we had drill in show area, then "handicapped" remained while others checked out their musters. So much better than everyone outside in the hot sun for an hour waiting for those trying to hide out.

We have a cabin with trundle bed. Think that will be better for 21 yr old granddaugher to sleep than a bunk. She may be coming in from the clubs at night in a condition not good for climbing up to a bunk.

How were the numbers of kids on your cruise? Love kids but hope we don't get overpowered like in summer.

Thanks for all your posts. Very helpful. We will be 4 generations together. Mom, 86, me and DH 60's, our son 40 and his daughter, 21. Her celebration cruise!

[Gemynii]

We had a flat screen. We were in the cheapest inside cabin they have for two with bunk beds, could not see the tv from the bottom bed very well. My sister could see the tv ok from the top bunk.

 

We booked an inside cabin for our cruise as well. I was just wondering about the power outlets... is it just one outlet butted up next to the dresser and mirror as some people have said?

[declansdad]

We have cruised many times before. Always loved the food, even when others wrote complaints. Smelly rooms would be horrible but we have never had that. Of course the entertainment is not the top but we have always enjoyed it.

Cruising is a time to be silly, have fun, enjoy being waited on. Laugh even when it is not the greatest. For the price of a cruise, it is still the best deal going. If you want top notch food, hotel room, pools, entertainment, you would pay 10 times more in a resort.

So kick back and enjoy.

We are cruising on Paradise Mar 5. Anyone else going? No one much on Rollcall. :)We will have fun!!! We are just that kind of family. We make the best out of each situation.

Some of you have real complaints but some of you are really expecting too much. Its a cruise ship with 2,000+ people. You can't please all the people all the time.

SMILE and laugh. It will make it a great cruise!:):rolleyes:;)

 

We'll be joining you on the 5th.