Paradise Eastern itinerary information

[Devoli]

I am just off the Paradise (july 4th sailing) and can answer questions if you have any.

[westernbugman]

Hi,

 

Thanks for posting. Im very interested in how your cruise went. We go out on the 15th of August. I have a couple of questions, and then anything you might want to add.

 

1. How where the excursions, anything you shouldnt miss ?

2. Dominican Republic, any advise ? Mosqitoes ? Does the ship dock at a pier or is it a tender ?

 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Glenn

3.

[DeckCadet]

The ship docks at every port on the eastern itinerary :)

[tracey980]

When will the Paradise be switching ports?

[Devoli]

In answer to everyones questions.....the ship docks at every port on the Eastern itinerary- no tenders. I was not impressed with the DR - we went to Catalina Island and did the beach break - no mosquito problems at all, beach was nice, but basically the part of the island that we saw was very poor.

 

USVI is by far the best port of call on this itinerary. Nassau is ok, but USVI is such a different world. We spent the whole day in port in the USVI and I could have stayed another day or two.

 

The Paradise is a great ship - very clean and has a lot of upgrades that the other Fantasy class ships do not have. The ship will be repositioned to the West Coast in Sept. with a 12 day Panamal Canal cruise before setting sail on 4 day cruises and will no longer be non smoking.

 

We were upgraded from a 6A to the Verandah deck w/a balcony! We also received an invitation to join the senior officers for dinner one night which was really nice. Two of us won some money in the casinos, which was an added plus. There was an emeregency our first day at sea and the coast guard had to fly in and pick up a passenger. As all of our group was EMS, this was exciting for us to see. I feel sorry for the family that was on board though - they had to wait until the next day to leave the ship and fly to wherever their relative was taken to. I guess this is where travel insurance comes in handy and I am definetly reconsidering this for next year.

 

One thing that I noticed was that security was very obvious at all hours. We came in at all hours and I was up early, and security was always around, scanning the floors, walking the blvd. on the decks at night, etc. I felt very safe.

 

All in all, the Paradise was a great ship and I would sail her again. I am sorry there will be no more non smoking ships in the Carnival fleet.

 

I noticed also that the shore excursions are getting to be very expensive - try Godfrey Tours in USVI - they were recommended on cruise critic and we were very happy with them. You can email them from their web site and reserve your place for a tour. The beach, shopping and a tour of the city is $20 pp.

 

Any more questions? I am happy to help.

[Devoli]

As an added note - Richard was our favorite bar waiter. He is from India and is a super nice guy! He may remember us - Sarah, Tammy, Cyndi, Lisa, Mike and James. We are from VA and he served us 90% of our drinks. He actually talked to my Mom on the phone when we were stil in port in Miami! Please tell him hi from us if you see him and let me know if oyu do catch up with him.

[DeckCadet]

When will the Paradise be switching ports?

De.Az/S Paradise, USCG Callsign 3FOB5 operated by Carnival Cruise Line will depart Miami on 5 September 2004 at 16:00 Local Time (21:00 GMT) for its repositioning cruise VIA the Panama Canal. Itinerary is:

Miami

At Sea

At Sea

Aruba

At Sea

Panama Canal Transit

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

At Sea

At Sea

Acapulco, Mexico

At Sea

Mazatlan, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

At Sea

Los Angeles (Long Beach), California

 

Arrives in Los Angeles 20 September 2004 and begins alternating 3/4 day Baja Mexico itineraries. At that time it will cease its nonsmoking policy.

[IrishEyes3]

I was wondering if you could tell me what time you boarded the Paradise in Miami. Also what time were you required to embark by in St. Thomas and Nassau?:rolleyes:

[Devoli]

We were at the pier around 1145AM and on the ship by 1230PM. It really pays to get there early. 5:00 PM is St Thomas embark time and I beliebve 3:00 PM in Nassau. The normal embak times are 30 minutes prior to sailing.

[IrishEyes3]

Thanks! That helps.

[westernbugman]

Devoli,

 

Once again thanks for your help. Which bar was Richard in im sure we will become friends during our week long stay.

 

Did you do your excursions through Carnival or on your own ?

 

Also if Deck Cadet reads this what are your favorite excursion on the Eastern Itinerary ?

 

We are considering, Nassau going to Blue Lagoon, DR-Catalina Island, maybe River Cruise, maybe Tale of two cities, St Thomas Godfrey tour, by the way which beach is nicer, Coki, or Sapphire.

 

Thanks.

[Devoli]

Richard was actually everywhere - from the aft deck pool to the karaokee lounge and casino. He also worked the deck party on Thursday night. He is very outgoing and should not be hard to pick out. He is tall, from India and wears little silver rimmed glasses. Probably around 35 y.o. We did Nassau and St. Thomas (Godfrey Tours) on our own, but Dominican Republic, we took a tour to Catalina Island, I believe it was. Have fun!

[tigers1852]

I was going to ask you if it was big richard or little richard, but you answered my question. I knew him well on our cruise. We spent a lot of time at the pool bar. I blame him for a lot of things that went on, just kidding. It was great.

[westernbugman]

Devoli,

 

On your trip to Catalina Beach, you mentioned that you beleive you had fun. Are the drinks that good on the beach ? :)

 

 

Thank you for all of your input.

[DeckCadet]

I didn't do any regular excursions on my three eastern cruises. we had a private excursion arranged by the purser in La Romana but that was it.

 

Incidentally I wasn't sure until you mentioned his description and the glasses....I do believe Richard was our bar waiter in the Destiny Dining Room in March!

[Devoli]

Westernbugmanb ~~ :-) I actually do remember the island, I just was not sure that the name was Catalina.