Bored on the Paradise

[BettyPC]

I am happy to say that if I have my kindle - I am never bored! I can sit up in serenity and just chill!

[crusinpsychRN]

Paradise cruise 8/28/16 had the best Mexican buffet party I've ever seen! There was tons of dancing by many, many people to good music, a great conga line and lasted just the right amount of time.

 

The food was plentiful but not very good. There was about a teaspoon of beef in the hard shell taco and barely any toppings on it. The line started early and people were loading up plates like they had starved all day!

 

Some of the trivia was very odd, questions everyone just had to guess about. It was well attended and a lot of fun!

 

Room service was very prompt and both times I ordered, the order was correct! Love the shrimp salad--get the toasted French bread on the side with butter. The roast beef sandwich was fabulous!

[ConshyCrock]

This is why we always research the ship we're thinking about sailing on prior to booking. I'm with everyone else, I'll take the low key cruise any day of the week. IMO a boring vacation is always better than real life.

[cruise_girl2002]

Went on a 5 day western carribean on Paradise Aug 31

We were bored with a total lack of entertainment. Only two shows with the dancers. They were good. But the first show was country western them. We did not like that. The cruise director did a fantastic job of playing the fiddle just like Charlie Daniels. The other show was a revue of 50' to 70's It was amazing. That is the kind of show they should do every night. The other choices involved using the passengers. You get dressed up. Have a wonderful dinner. Then all you have to do is to go the main theater to watch on stage passengers learning how to dance. Awful! Hardly anything to do in the daytime.

If you don't drink heavy, gamble, smoke, shop or bingo you will be bored.

Bring something to do like cards or books. The lounge areas stay empty. Saw many passengers walking around bored. No discovery at sea programs,movies under the stars, ceramics, game shows, just bingo and art auctions and shopping.More stuff to entertain kids.

Food was alright. But not gourmet as it should be on a cruise. About like going to Golden Corral buffet. At the main dining room some food looked like it was throwed on the plate. Not attractively presented as should be.

Don't waste your money on this ship. Try Princess instead!

 

I 100% DISAGREE with you. I sailed the paradise in February, and was never bored. I don't drink heavy, gamble, smoke or play bingo and I hate shopping, but I always found something to do.

[KLD1019]

id rather be bored on a cruise ship, than sitting at home! im just grateful to be ON a cruise! :p:p

[fin]

Well, it has already been said here and said well, but the basic truth, in my opinion, is that only boring people are bored for very long.

[justusfour2014]

I don't understand why you chose Carnival.

 

I'm not a smoker, heavy drinker, or gambler and I don't get bored :confused:. I've always found a lot to do.

 

Exactly what he said!

[skittl1321]

We found our first trip on the Spirit to be pretty boring. There was nothing to do on sea days that interested us- because we aren't Lido deck people and the trivia was always in the casino lounge, which was incredibly smoky. (I don't drink, gamble, or play bingo.) And sadly there were many sea days on that itinerary. (There were shows at night...) Thankfully, we always travel with playing cards, books and my knitting/DH's handle held games- but still, I could have done that at home!

 

We've since learned to avoid sea days as much as possible and bring as many board games as we can.

 

We do love trivia and I really appreciate the ships that schedule it out of the smoky areas. But honesty, if you aren't a party on the Lido deck type- Carnival does not have much to offer. There really aren't enrichment type programs. So you do have to expect to create your own entertainment.

[JohnSpo]

Sure Paradise is a smaller ship but I found it had most of the perks of the larger/newer ships. I cruised on Inspiration, Ecstasy and Paradise and they ranked just as high on the fun activities scale than the larger Carnival ships I have been on.

 

Your best bet is to check the Explore Ships section on Carnival's website before you book another cruise. They tell you all about your ship and you can make a comparison of their ships to see what is offered. There is a lot of information out there and the Carnival website is user friendly.

 

My family cruises with Princess and they like it because it is usually quiet at night. Make sure you check Princess to make sure they offer enough of the activities you want.

 

Enjoy your future cruises.

[SadieN]

We found our first trip on the Spirit to be pretty boring. There was nothing to do on sea days that interested us- because we aren't Lido deck people and the trivia was always in the casino lounge, which was incredibly smoky. (I don't drink, gamble, or play bingo.) And sadly there were many sea days on that itinerary. (There were shows at night...) Thankfully, we always travel with playing cards, books and my knitting/DH's handle held games- but still, I could have done that at home!

 

We've since learned to avoid sea days as much as possible and bring as many board games as we can.

 

We do love trivia and I really appreciate the ships that schedule it out of the smoky areas. But honesty, if you aren't a party on the Lido deck type- Carnival does not have much to offer. There really aren't enrichment type programs. So you do have to expect to create your own entertainment.

 

 

Enrichment programs depend on the itin. Our HI cruise on the Miracle had a lecture every sea day.

Not too sure what is being looked for. Even our 3, 7, 9 & 10 day Princess cruises didn't have daily lectures.

Edited September 13, 2015 by SadieN

[beachbrat]

"discovery at sea programs, movies under the stars, ceramics, game shows"....

 

This sounds like PRINCESS! I was on the Regal Princess a few weeks ago and all of this was available...minus the heavy drunks, smokers, etc...

 

Sounds like you need to change cruise lines.

[derek005]

What were you expecting? Here's a piece of advice: before going on a cruise, or any vacation, you might want to do some research about the activities, food, entertainment, etc. before you go.

 

And, I won't even charge you for that advice.

 

You're welcome.

 

Hoosierpop,

 

Nice!!!!!:)

[ready2cruzagain]

While Carnival's entertainment IMHO has gone way down hill, I can honestly say I have never been bored.

 

We do prefer Princess now since Carnival has chosen to cut back on the entertainment but we will be sailing on the Journeys cruises with Carnival to try them out. Hoping to see improvements. If not, then back to Princess until Carnival improves.

Edited September 14, 2015 by ready2cruzagain

[skittl1321]

Enrichment programs depend on the itin. Our HI cruise on the Miracle had a lecture every sea day.

Not too sure what is being looked for. Even our 3, 7, 9 & 10 day Princess cruises didn't have daily lectures.

 

Enrichment programs can be many things- not just lectures. Anything that fills the day on the ship. It's a LONG day when there is nothing planned. The problem with the cruise I was talking about was EVERYTHING (even crafts- which I think have disappeared in recent years, they probably no longer have the budget) was scheduled in an area so close to the casino that you couldn't breathe with all the smoking.

 

For me, a sea day is boring. Some ships do better with their schedules than others (we really do enjoy trivia, if we can breathe through it), but everything people are suggesting, I could do at home. I can spend time with my husband, read a kindle, take a nap, play cards- at home. Why pay for the cruise? I know that a sea day is boring, or otherwise no different than my standard weekend day, and that's fine. It's a necessary evil to me to get to visit all the ports. I do bring my own entertainment. But a lot of people new to cruising don't realize they have to provide their own entertainment, because Carnival really doesn't do much.

 

Of course, for some people, hanging out on the Lido deck with the super loud music, or playing in the casino, or something else is a great day. It isn't for me.

Edited September 14, 2015 by skittl1321

[Florings]

We've been on the Paradise twice and will go again in 2016. It all depends on what you want to do. I think a cruise is for enjoying down time, sitting in the outdoors and listening to the sea. Reading a good book, working crosswords or Sudoku, napping. Eating when you're hungry, without having to cook it or clean it up afterwards. Not having to make your bed or clean the house.

 

We enjoy doing some of the activities - Bingo, $20 in the slots, watching a show or the comedy, listening to live music. But also enjoy just totally letting the stress of our working lives pass away for 5 days. Ahhh, bliss!

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Enrichment programs can be many things- not just lectures. Anything that fills the day on the ship. It's a LONG day when there is nothing planned. The problem with the cruise I was talking about was EVERYTHING (even crafts- which I think have disappeared in recent years, they probably no longer have the budget) was scheduled in an area so close to the casino that you couldn't breathe with all the smoking.

 

For me, a sea day is boring. Some ships do better with their schedules than others (we really do enjoy trivia, if we can breathe through it), but everything people are suggesting, I could do at home. I can spend time with my husband, read a kindle, take a nap, play cards- at home. Why pay for the cruise? I know that a sea day is boring, or otherwise no different than my standard weekend day, and that's fine. It's a necessary evil to me to get to visit all the ports. I do bring my own entertainment. But a lot of people new to cruising don't realize they have to provide their own entertainment, because Carnival really doesn't do much.

 

Of course, for some people, hanging out on the Lido deck with the super loud music, or playing in the casino, or something else is a great day. It isn't for me.

 

I'm not an "entertainment" junkie...waste of Carnival's money to provide high grade entertainment FOR ME. I went through my craft stage 40 years ago don't need all the whodinkies anymore....waste of Carnival's money to provide high grade crafting FOR ME. I'm not into comedians...would rather read a book of jokes. I'm pretty much up to date on the movies I want to see....don't think I've ever watched one on a cruise. Since I'm a horrendous dilettante I probably know more about my ports of call then the lecturers on ship. After X amount of cruises I've probably memorized the answers to most trivia contests so they are take it or leave it for me.

 

But, guess what, I am never BORED on a cruise...but then I find relaxing the ultimate part of my vacation pleasure. I just don't understand what some people want from a cruise....the need to be "entertained" 24/7 is just completely foreign to me.

[LMaxwell]

I'm not an "entertainment" junkie...waste of Carnival's money to provide high grade entertainment FOR ME. I went through my craft stage 40 years ago don't need all the whodinkies anymore....waste of Carnival's money to provide high grade crafting FOR ME. I'm not into comedians...would rather read a book of jokes. I'm pretty much up to date on the movies I want to see....don't think I've ever watched one on a cruise. Since I'm a horrendous dilettante I probably know more about my ports of call then the lecturers on ship. After X amount of cruises I've probably memorized the answers to most trivia contests so they are take it or leave it for me.

 

But, guess what, I am never BORED on a cruise...but then I find relaxing the ultimate part of my vacation pleasure. I just don't understand what some people want from a cruise....the need to be "entertained" 24/7 is just completely foreign to me.

 

More activities provides more options for people. Yes, those things don't appeal to you, so, fine, if offered you can still elect to be perfectly content just relaxing. But others prefer a bit more stimulus or entertainment.

 

I've gone every which way with it; some sea days I love being lazy, other sea days (on other lines) I go from activity to activity because something is fun or interests me. I prefer to at least have various options versus very few.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

More activities provides more options for people. Yes, those things don't appeal to you, so, fine, if offered you can still elect to be perfectly content just relaxing. But others prefer a bit more stimulus or entertainment.

 

I've gone every which way with it; some sea days I love being lazy, other sea days (on other lines) I go from activity to activity because something is fun or interests me. I prefer to at least have various options versus very few.

 

I'm not being flippant and I really don't know what activities cruise lines provide people to keep them entertained 24/7. What type of activities are people referring to that are available for all ages and don't "cost" anything extra?

[sarmat1]

Went on a 5 day western carribean on Paradise Aug 31. We were bored with a total lack of entertainment. Only two shows with the dancers. They were good. You get dressed up. Have a wonderful dinner. Then all you have to do is to go the main theater to watch on stage passengers learning how to dance. Awful! Hardly anything to do in the daytime. If you don't drink heavy, gamble, smoke, shop or bingo you will be bored.

 

You didn't bother going to any of the comedy (family and/or adult)? There should have been two comedians on your cruise. How about the Welcome Aboard show on the first night? Lido deck party? Steve's Q&A talk about life on a ship that he does on sea day? As for watching other passengers learn how to dance, you do realize that typically anyone can go on stage to participate (including you)? The list goes on. We were on the Paradise last summer. No gambling, smoking, shopping or bingo and had a great time. :cool:

[LMaxwell]

I'm not being flippant and I really don't know what activities cruise lines provide people to keep them entertained 24/7. What type of activities are people referring to that are available for all ages and don't "cost" anything extra?

 

Well, I don't know about "24/7", but on cruises I have been on sea days have had free exercises classes, have had group dance classes, multiple trivia rounds, food cooking / carving demonstrations, free theater tours (behind the scenes), port speakers, always live music somewhere (usually a solo or duo in the atriums) contests and games by the pool (horse racing is long gone-- WHY?) but others like officers versus guest volleyball, or tournaments on the sports deck, towel folding demos, bartender battle exhibitions, photography workshops. Each area of the ship would seem to have something going on and have some energy to it.

[BTromboneFrack]

Wow! Really? Bored? On a cruise ship? There is so much to do on a cruise ship no one can every do it all -- and then there are the shore excursions. Everyone has their opinion, but your expectations must be really high. I've sailed on 9 cruises with Disney and Carnival and have never been bored. In fact, our Paradise cruise was the best we've ever had. Maybe your style of of vacation requires a lot more entertainment venues then ours. Did you ever spend an hour on a sea day just watching the ocean? How about spending a day in the sun with your DW or DH and enjoying a few drinks? A glass of wine at night on a balcony watching the other ships pass in the night? I guess everyone has their opinion. Not liking a cruise experience is something I can at least understand for some people, but being bored is something I really don't get. Hope you have a better experience next time.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Well, I don't know about "24/7", but on cruises I have been on sea days have had free exercises classes, have had group dance classes, multiple trivia rounds, food cooking / carving demonstrations, free theater tours (behind the scenes), port speakers, always live music somewhere (usually a solo or duo in the atriums) contests and games by the pool (horse racing is long gone-- WHY?) but others like officers versus guest volleyball, or tournaments on the sports deck, towel folding demos, bartender battle exhibitions, photography workshops. Each area of the ship would seem to have something going on and have some energy to it.

 

I don't think I would have had the stamina for that at 20. Guess I better read my daily cruise newsletter. Really, one ship on one line has that going every day? Let us know which one and I will relay that to my hyperactive family.

[LMaxwell]

I don't think I would have had the stamina for that at 20. Guess I better read my daily cruise newsletter. Really, one ship on one line has that going every day? Let us know which one and I will relay that to my hyperactive family.

 

Try Royal Caribbean's larger ships

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Try Royal Caribbean's larger ships

 

Been there.....really not that impressed, though I had a very good time.

[meatloafsfan]

I can understand it. Different strokes for different folks. You were bored because there was nothing that appealed to you.

 

Same thing for us on Royal and Celebrity cruises. We spend most of our time people watching on the Promenade on Royal and in Café Al Bacio on Celebrity. We go into those cruises knowing that they are not as lively (for us) as our Carnival and Disney cruises. I still sail with them when they go where or when we want to go or if we get a really good price (I have found a few cheap getaways on Royal - it's why we took the 2 February cruises on the Explorer out of Bayonne - nice cruises, cheap cruises but a bit boring for us).

 

When sailing on Royal and Celebrity, we always plan ahead and bring extra books, magazines, our tablets, cards, mandala colouring pages, etc. On our 14 night Carnival cruise we barely touched those things (coloured twice, used tablet for games maybe 3 times). On our recent Celebrity cruise, I spent a lot of time sipping coffee (or white Russians) and playing Minion Rush - it was very relaxing.