Paradise Review 8/20-8/25

[NJ CRUISE]

NJ CRUISE & family go on the Carnival Paradise for a 5 day to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. This is my first review.

 

Overview,

Mrs NJ Cruise and myself are late 40's with three mid & upper teenage children. This is our 18th Carnival cruise and the kids 11th.

We all flew into TPA on 8/18 out of PHL, no issues, and the flight was good. Our closest airport would be EWR, but the fares were way higher at the time of booking, so we drove a little over a hour to PHL and saved some money. The flight coming home was a different story, more on that later, but it worked out fine.

 

Pre-Cruise,

We stayed in the Orlando area for a few days before the cruise on Saturday. We stayed at the Royal Palms Resort in Lake Buena Vista. We had a 2 bedroom suite on the 21st floor. Great place, can't say enough nice things about this resort. The view was great, location, cleanliness and there was a washer/dryer in the unit. That saved some packing, we only checked one bag coming down, everyone else had a carry on. Saved a few $ there.

 

We are all kids at heart, so we went to the Magic Kingdom. The last time we were there was about 5-6 years ago. It was hot in the afternoon, but is was a great day.

 

Embarkation Day,

So the logistics of moving 5 people can be challenging at times. We had rented a car from Dollar, at TPA. We had to wait about 40 minutes at pick-up for a car to become available. They assigned us a VW Passat, nice car.

 

Back to embarkation day. As you can see, we are regular travelers. This is the best way I figured to move us to and from. We left LBV about 9:30am. Its about an hour to the Tampa port. I drove to the port and dropped off the family. Went back to TPA to drop off the car. I called and its the only Dollar drop off point in the area. The taxi ride from TPA to the port is about $25 plus tip and about 15-20 minute ride. I tried to share a taxi, but it didn't work out. There is a Super Shuttle rep right outside the door. Asked the clerk about the fare and wait time. She responded, $12pp and 15 minute wait. I have been told the ole' 15 minute wait story before with shuttle services. Remember the family is still waiting outside the terminal, back at the port. Super Shuttle indeed arrived exactly 15 minutes later. Quick ride no issues, on the way back to the port.

 

Ok, so that took about a hour to complete. Drop the family off, then the car and return via shuttle back to the port.

 

By now its about 12:30pm, through security, and to priority check in. This went pretty fast. There was a line for regular check in, but it seemed to be moving good. We carried all our luggage on the ship. The cabins were ready, and dropped our luggage. No time to unpack now, time for some lunch and cold drinks out on Lido.

 

More to come later.

[SkyMaster]

GREAT start. I'm boarding "Paradise" on Saturday, the 3rd, so I'm anxious to hear more about your cruise. Thanks for taking the time, and effort to post this. ;)

 

"SKY"

[NJ CRUISE]

Note; The resort we stayed at in Lake Buena Vista was the Blue Heron, not the Royal Palms. That was in Grand Cayman. Can't seem to edit the original post.

 

Embarkation Day Cont.

 

It was a warm sunny Florida day. Everyone had some lunch on Lido. I had a cheese burger from the grill, it was good and the line moved quickly. Had a couple of cold drinks, then time for the safety drill. We were assigned to muster station A. It was in the main theater. Usual speech, then everyone was directed out to the open deck. It was hot by now and seemed to take a little longer then usual.

 

Back to Lido for the sail away. Usually we hang out by the pool bar on the port side for the sail away, and that's where we were. Drinks were cold, had a good time. The entertainment team did the normal line dances, everyone looked like they were having fun.

 

Before you know, it was time for dinner. Our dining assignment was Elation restaurant, early seating, 6pm. Went to dinner. Our wait staff was really good. More on the dining room later.

 

After dinner, went to the comedy show, it was funny. Then went to the casino for a little while, no luck there for the entire cruise. The casino staff was friendly though.

 

So a long day, went to the cabin about 1am and to bed.

[NJ CRUISE]

The Ship,

Yes the ship is older and not a lot of the updates, however the ship was well taken care of and clean. Seen the crew cleaning and maintaining the ship through-out the day. I have read other posts about the cigarette smoke smell around the ship. It didn't notice it other then in the area of the casino bar and the rear of the casino, however it did to be more noticeable in these areas then on any other ship I have been on.

 

We had 2 OV cabins, Empress Deck, forward, port side. I like this location. The cabin stewards did maintain the rooms twice a day. they work hard, so I never really have anything bad to say about them. It did have a small flat screen tv. On the fantasy class ships, seems like they don't have the couch in the cabin. We like to have the couch to stage stuff on. The temperature in the cabin was pretty good, maybe could have been a smidge colder, but it was ok.

 

Fun Day At Sea,

Being on a few cruises before, we kinda have the same routine. Wake up about 930, up to Lido for breakfast. Then Mrs NJ Cruise gets a lounger out by the main pool, and listens to the DJ, watches the pool games. I come and go, can't stay in the sun for hours and hours. The kids do the same, they find a way to keep busy. This trip was no different. DJ played a good mix of tunes, pool games were fun.

 

Few cold drinks out on the ocean during the day, dinner then casino. I didn't attend any of the production shows.

 

Once again back to the room about 1am, then to bed.

 

Grand Cayman next.

Edited August 30, 2016 by NJ CRUISE

[NJ CRUISE]

Grand Cayman,

Its been about 8-9 years since visiting this port. last time we went to the stingray area. This time I just wanted to something a little less expensive and have a beach day. We chose the Royal Palms Resort.

 

I wasn't completely impressed by the way this resort is ran. $2 pp to enter, $10 each lounger and $15 for an umbrella. IDK, I guess they have bills to pay also. Remember there are 5 of us. we reserved 2 loungers and 1 umbrella. However, the beach itself (sand) and water were absolutely gorgeous. Some calm rolling waves and clear water. Nice. AHHHH!!!

 

Getting to the beach we talked to one of the taxi drivers outside the pier. $4pp each way, and the taxi driver arranged the return trip and time. She was waiting outside for us. Worked good.

 

Back on the ship in plenty of time. Tendering worked well.

 

It was elegant night this evening. Took some family pictures with the photo staff. They came out nice, we purchased one. Dinner was good.

 

Later this evening, there was an announcement on the main speaker for a medical emergency.

"MEDICAL TEAM, MEDICAL TEAM" respond to deck 11 forward. The boys went and investigated. They said the medical team responded quickly and professionally. Packaged the adult male into a stokes and transported to the Dr's office. Looked like either a fall on the basketball court of possibly pool/slide related. Don't know the outcome of the injury or treatment.

 

Back in the cabin a little earlier this evening. We will have an excursion to Xcaret in the am.

[NJ CRUISE]

Cozumel,

Over the many visits to this port, I have been liking it more and more. Lots of things to do and see.

 

We chose the all day Xcaret Park excursion. Mrs and I were there about 4 years ago without the kids and had a great time. This time would be the same. Great day. It did get hot in the early afternoon though, hey it is the end of August.

 

Going through the underground river was fantastic, the kids loved it. This takes about an hour to complete. There are three tunnels. After the river we explored the park. Should of spent a little time at their beach and snorkel area, but no one wanted to get wet again. Walking through the trails was nice. One exhibit that stood out was the bird aviary. Beautiful, birds up close and nice waterfalls. A rope bridge that reminded us of the one in Shrek going to slay the dragon.

 

We had about an hour at the end to kill, met with our group and headed back to the ship.

 

The trip went good, no issues. Remember, this in on the mainland of Mexico, about a 7 hour day.

 

Right back on the ship. Time for something to eat.

 

Dining Room,

I will do the dining room comments here. We went 4 out of 5 nights. All the dinners and service were good and timely. All the cruises we were ever on, we never had the 2 1/2 - 3 hour time in the dining room. I have read post about that, never had a problem. Always out by 7:30ish.

 

On the Paradise, the Elation Restaurant is also the Your Time Dining place. The window tables are for Your Time and the middle is for early & late seating.

 

I don't like this, but I will write it anyway. I find the entire crew always tries to make our cruise enjoyable.

 

So, after the Xcarat Excursion (through Carnival), we would board after our dinner time. I went to the dining room and asked if we can jump in on Your Time Dining. we were denied this request, IDK if it Carnival's policy. The room was pretty much empty at this time, lots of tables open. It was after Cozumel, about 7:30. She told us we can return to the late seating at 8:45. I told here that was too late and we would miss the shows, and some cold drinks time, etc. We ate at the Lido buffet, it was OK. IDK, what do you think about this?

 

Fun Day At Sea,

Normal routine for a sea day. Breakfast, pool side a few cold drinks, casino etc. Fun day.

 

Next, Disembarkation day and the Tampa flight drama.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Working 2 cruise again]

Thank you for your review. Some friends and I are doing this cruise in November. Do you happen to have your fun times?

[NJ CRUISE]

Disembarkation Day,

OK, Here is the drama. I booked the SW flight out of TPA to PHL at 9:50am.

I know I'm gonna catch some heat for this, but at the time EWR was way more expensive and the later TPA flights were also. So I took a shot. When I booked, I did the times in my head and said, "self" we can pull this off. Getting closer to the trip, I was getting more concerned. Even looked for later flights, nothing good available.

 

So we would need everything to work out perfect.

 

The ship docked exactly at 8am. It took about 15-20 minutes to clear the ship. We are Platinum, the staging area for Platinum, suites and FTTF is in the main theater, deck 8. We were told the night before to meet at 7:45 am. Self assist.

 

We were right behind the Diamonds, quickly through Customs and out to the street in the first taxi to leave the port. No issues with the taxi ride. We did get a mini van, all 5 in one cab for $25 plus tip.

 

Checked in at the SW kiosk, checked all our bags, SW is one bag free pp. Took the monorail to the terminal, not a long line for security. Arrived at our gate at 9:05. SW started boarding about 9:30, doors closed on the plane at 9:53 and we were taxiing to take off.

 

WHEW We Made It!

 

Some Other Highlights,

I had the Cheers Program, worked out well. The milkshakes that are included in the program are really good, I had a few of them.

 

We do get the travel insurance, just in case of an injury or something unforeseen, its a small investment.

 

The crew works very hard and we are always appreciative.

 

There were plenty of lounge chairs available by the main pool.

 

I went to the gym on one sea day. Good condition Life Fitness cardio machines and enough equipment to get in a good work-out if you want.

 

I din't see any of the production shows, but the Love & Marriage and Adult Liars shows were funny. Comedy shows were good.

 

Calvin the Cruise Director was funny and helpful. Talked to him a couple of times during the week. He helped us get off the ship as quickly as possible. Thanks Calvin!!!

 

So All In All, Another great Carnival Cruise. Weather was great, the ship rode very smooth, no one got hurt, everyone had a good time.

 

Arrived back home safe.

 

Now time to look for the next one.

 

Thanks For reading,

NJ CRUISE

Edited August 30, 2016 by NJ CRUISE

[NJ CRUISE]

No, I didn't bring them home.

Edited August 30, 2016 by NJ CRUISE

[SMSACE6]

Nice review, and thanks for posting it.

 

I almost took a 5 day on this ship back in 2013, but the one week that I could do it, was for some strange reason very high priced. Still, I consider this ship often, and do love the Tampa and St Petersburg area, so would some day like to combine a beach week, with a cruise add on. Always on my list of possibilities.

 

Thanks again.:)

[Clarea]

Excellent review, thank-you.

[sjn911]

Thank you for review. Sorry abt the one dinner, I think they hold firm to times and reservation types to get all out and next group in..you sound like you take it in stride and have great travel rhythm. Paradise was my first Carnival cruise..I have only been on one other so far but I do think the numbers and service add to what the not as many bells whistles take away. I felt way more pampered and the service at a 10 top with rotating singles was awesome...you were a "special VIP" and it was spoiled feeling with tablecloth (lol) and holding your bottles of wine for next meal. Thanks for great review I have many little plans in my head of enjoying new to me places and taking a Fantasy class ship when price is right. I also sure can handle some repeats like Orlando. Great review.

Edited August 31, 2016 by sjn911

[Vacationdreamer<><]

Awesome. Lightly considering this cruise in Nov. Glad you took the time to write this.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[easyboy]

Thanks for the review.

[mairinmaureen]

3 weeks from tomorrow I'll be boarding the Paradise! Thanks for the review.

[JohnSpo]

I'll be on Paradise in Oct. I also like Cozumel. As you said, so much to do. I am glad I found your review. Thanks for posting.:cool:

[Florings]

Thanks for the great review! I've enjoyed the Paradise twice - my only issue is that 5 days just isn't long enough for me :)

 

Glad you had a fun cruise!