Carnival "Paradise".....Not Really

[PMGNJ04]

Let me start by saying that we have cruised several times. However, this was our first trip on Carnival and we went on this trip with less than high expectations based on what we knew of Paradise and Carnival in general.

 

There were 12 of us on this cruise and the others with us had traveled Carnival several times before and even they were both bothered and surprised by the issues we had.

 

The food service was very lacking. The dining room staff just didn't seem to care. The food quality was poor and the wait for "your time dining" was long even with empty tables.

 

The ship is overdue for a complete overhaul. Things like faded and worn carpet in the public areas and the discolored tiles and grout in our bathroom were just a couple of things we noticed right away. As the week progressed, more things became evident. From sewerage smells throughout the ship and yellow colored tap water in our cabin. Our stateroom attendant advised us not to drink it as it was not "100 percent". There are no signs anywhere warning of this.

 

The ship was pretty clean, although there is no enforcement for hand sanitizing in the eating areas. There are hand sanitizer stations for people that want to use them.

For the soda drinkers, No fountain soda onboard. All soda was from cans.

The entertainment was good. Singers, dancers, shows, etc. Brandon the cruise director does a great job as well as Ryan and Lisa from the bingo games

 

We made the best of it although I am not sure I will cruise with them again.

[SuiteTraveler]

Paradise is pretty run down.

 

I do want to share some good news with you:

Carnival Magic, Breeze and Vista are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better overall and I would recommend that should you ever decide to try Carnival again, you stick with their newer ships as everything on them is much better. That's something about newer ships - they usually have the better crew and everything is just nicer overall. Usually, in the ship's first year or so, most cruise lines transfer their top performers to the brand new ship, so that is a way to insure you get the best possible service - follow the best employees.

 

In fact, my suggestion would be that you try to stick to the newer ships across all cruise lines except when you get to luxury lines which should have outstanding service on all ships (at least you would hope so at that price point.)

[Hoosierpop]

Did you do research on the ship ahead of time? I've never been on that ship and have seen lots of reviews about it showing it's wear. It seems like that is important to you.

 

I agree that going on a different, higher end line might be best for you.

 

 

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[MtnDweller]

The ship was pretty clean, although there is no enforcement for hand sanitizing in the eating areas.

 

And there shouldn't be enforcement of hand sanitizing. Some people are allergic/sensitive to the stuff. Some people wash before going into the eating areas. Just because you didn't see it happen, doesn't mean it didn't.

 

I wash before eating. If it were enforced, I'd just walk on by. I am an adult and do not need someone watching over me to make sure I do so.

[BeachChik]

And there shouldn't be enforcement of hand sanitizing. Some people are allergic/sensitive to the stuff. Some people wash before going into the eating areas. Just because you didn't see it happen, doesn't mean it didn't.

 

I wash before eating. If it were enforced, I'd just walk on by. I am an adult and do not need someone watching over me to make sure I do so.

 

I was just going to say the same thing. It should be available for those that WANT to use it. I'm an adult and won't be forced to use any. People have a false sense of security with sanitizer. It isn't nearly as good as people seem to believe. Simple hand washing is all that is necessary.

[elainmir]

And there shouldn't be enforcement of hand sanitizing.

I'm going to gently beg to differ. When you see people wiping their eyes, mouth and nose with their hands then touching tongs it's just gross. Or pulling their wedgie out of their hiney or touching their feet:eek: There need to be some type of protective measure in place. I do sanitize before and after using the tongs,etc.

 

In regard to the Paradise, it's smaller and that's a big draw for me. When you start getting to much to do and to many folks in one area it's a bit much for me. She is one of my favorite ships.

[Florings]

I also enjoyed the Paradise the 2 times we went on her. We enjoy the smaller ships and I didn't find her any less attractive than the larger, newer ships in the fleet. One good thing about cruising, there is a ship and a cruise style for everyone! What works for me may not work for someone else.

[MtnDweller]

I'm going to gently beg to differ. When you see people wiping their eyes, mouth and nose with their hands then touching tongs it's just gross. Or pulling their wedgie out of their hiney or touching their feet:eek: There need to be some type of protective measure in place. I do sanitize before and after using the tongs,etc.

 

 

So what good is sanitizing enforcement if wiping eyes, mouth and nose with hands then touching tongs, pulling their wedgie out of their hiney or touching their feet happens while in line??? None.

 

The protective measure in place is you washing on your own accord and being responsible for your own well being. You can have all the protective measures in the world, but they are not fool proof.

[MtnDweller]

I was just going to say the same thing. It should be available for those that WANT to use it. I'm an adult and won't be forced to use any. People have a false sense of security with sanitizer. It isn't nearly as good as people seem to believe. Simple hand washing is all that is necessary.

 

A big "thumb's up".

[easyboy]

Sorry your experience did not live up to your expectations. Maybe another ship next time. Thank you for your honest review.

 

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[riclop]

Let me start by saying that we have cruised several times. However, this was our first trip on Carnival and we went on this trip with less than high expectations based on what we knew of Paradise and Carnival in general.

 

There were 12 of us on this cruise and the others with us had traveled Carnival several times before and even they were both bothered and surprised by the issues we had.

 

The food service was very lacking. The dining room staff just didn't seem to care. The food quality was poor and the wait for "your time dining" was long even with empty tables.

 

The ship is overdue for a complete overhaul. Things like faded and worn carpet in the public areas and the discolored tiles and grout in our bathroom were just a couple of things we noticed right away. As the week progressed, more things became evident. From sewerage smells throughout the ship and yellow colored tap water in our cabin. Our stateroom attendant advised us not to drink it as it was not "100 percent". There are no signs anywhere warning of this.

 

The ship was pretty clean, although there is no enforcement for hand sanitizing in the eating areas. There are hand sanitizer stations for people that want to use them.

For the soda drinkers, No fountain soda onboard. All soda was from cans.

The entertainment was good. Singers, dancers, shows, etc. Brandon the cruise director does a great job as well as Ryan and Lisa from the bingo games

 

We made the best of it although I am not sure I will cruise with them again.

 

Keep booking those OLD CLUNKERS.

[joeyancho]

Keep booking those OLD CLUNKERS.

 

Two words....artificial reef. I'm just sayin.

[sprint180]

Sorry you didn't have a good time. Sounds like you went on expecting to have a bad time and that's what you got.

 

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[Raxter54]

I'm going to gently beg to differ. When you see people wiping their eyes, mouth and nose with their hands then touching tongs it's just gross. Or pulling their wedgie out of their hiney or touching their feet:eek: There need to be some type of protective measure in place. I do sanitize before and after using the tongs,etc.

 

Just curious. How many times do you stop and sanitize your hands while going thru the line at the buffet? Every time you use a tong? Now I know why the lines move so slow....[emoji57]

 

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[Raxter54]

Sorry you didn't have a good time. Sounds like you went on expecting to have a bad time and that's what you got.

 

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This. When you start your review basically saying you were expecting a bad cruise, then I would consider it a self-fulfilling prophecy. ...

 

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[tallnthensome]

Sorry, but I'm not going a cruise that I am underwhelmed with before I even book it, you shouldn't have either. I'm not interested in ships over 7-8 years old anymore unless the itinerary is out of this world.

Edited November 26, 2016 by tallnthensome

[Je Souhaite]

We never sailed this ship, as she was non smoking when she was launched.

 

After talking about Carnival for years, my mother took a cruise on her. She cam back thinking I was nuts. She still says it was her worst cruise ever.

 

I still haven't lived that down. Don't know what made that ship so different.

[crusinpsychRN]

And there shouldn't be enforcement of hand sanitizing. Some people are allergic/sensitive to the stuff. Some people wash before going into the eating areas. Just because you didn't see it happen, doesn't mean it didn't.

 

I wash before eating. If it were enforced, I'd just walk on by. I am an adult and do not need someone watching over me to make sure I do so.

 

100% agree.

 

She does need a make over. Lido on other Fantasy ships is so much nicer. I do like the Serenity deck has umbrellas. 6 stools at casino bar for smoking is dumb when the rest of the seats, 20 more are empty. Why not open the nightclub during the day for indoor smoking to keep it out of the casino?

Edited November 26, 2016 by crusinpsychRN

[JohnSpo]

I also enjoyed the Paradise the 2 times we went on her. We enjoy the smaller ships and I didn't find her any less attractive than the larger, newer ships in the fleet. One good thing about cruising, there is a ship and a cruise style for everyone! What works for me may not work for someone else.

 

I agree. I have been on Paradise twice with the most recent cruise being a month ago. I found the ship to be clean, the crew very good and the entertainment to be very good. For a smaller ship, it had most of the amenities of the bigger ships. The one thing I did miss was there not being a steakhouse. I know you can get the steakhouse selections in the MDR but the quality is not the same. My steakhouse selection was horrible on Paradise.

 

But overall I enjoy sailing on the smaller Fantasy class ships. I have 2 additional Fantasy class cruises booked on Elation out of Jacksonville and Fascination out of San Juan. I look forward to them both even without the steakhouse. Hopefully they prepare my steak correctly on these ships.:cool:

[KPfromCT]

I agree with some of the other posters. You picked one of the oldest/smallest ships in the fleet. Definitely not a good ship to judge Carnival on.

Try the Dream, Magic, Breeze, or Vista. They have come a loooooooong way.:D:D:D

 

I know a lot of people prefer the smaller ships, and that is fine. It's just not our cup of tea. We love the Dream class, most.

 

209 days 'til Magic happens!:D:D

[Sailor_Sally]

I have cruised 33 times and last month I went on the Paradise . The price was right and we wanted a quick get away . I was hesitant knowing it is an older ship . We had a great time . The service in the dining room was fast . We never waited for a table . The food was hit or miss . The buffet was actually better . Where the Paradise did shine is the crew . They were the nicest crew ever . The entertainment was non stop . We had a great time .Sure it is an older ship but it is a fun ship great for a quick get away .

[dill9900]

Just got off the Paradise and I couldn't DISAGREE more with the OP. We have cruised before but decided on this ship bc it fit our Thanksgiving break for the kids. It was the kids first cruise and while we concerned about negative reviews I and so glad I didn't listen.

The kids had an amazing time and we honestly have no complaints.

Our dining time was scheduled for 8:15 even though we had requested my time or early seating. After the second night they changed us to my time and had a complimentary bottle of wine waiting for us. We never waited more than 15 minutes for my time dining.

All of the staff was amazing including the dining staff.

Sorry your experience was very different than ours!

 

 

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