Just off of the Paradise 12/21 - 12/24

[Parrothead420]

Just off of the Paradise!

Had a great cruise!

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

Review to come.

Merry Christmas

[DarthGrady]

Are the two hot tubs still in the spa behind the gym? Or have they already converted it to an aerobics area?

[victory2020]

Are the two hot tubs still in the spa behind the gym? Or have they already converted it to an aerobics area?

It's an aerobics room now.

[DarthGrady]

Dang it! That was the only useful part of the spa for me.

[VIPBY40]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

Thank you!

[jleq]

Also from the Valley. Was on the Paradise a week before the OP. Ship wasn't "trashed" during my 4-night trip to Catalina and Ensenada. Not the most "formal" of ships I've been on...but I didn't expect that when I booked. I had no problems with her. Some "random thoughts" I posted elsewhere:

 

...There were 6 [yes, six] fabric softener sheets in the bathroom's "goodie basket". Six sheets for a four-night cruise

...Also in that basket, they included a tube [not just those foil things] of toothpaste

...There was no Chocoholic/Grand Buffet [there was the Mexican Buffet, tho]. According to our waiter, Carnival only does them on longer cruises now

...We didn't get to Catalina as scheduled [winds/waves]. We got there later in the cruise

...If you frequent the Carnival board, you may have heard them say good things about the Rock band "Blood Power", which was on the Conquest for several years. Well, now they're on the Paradise

...No domestic beer/"FooFoo" drinks in the Lobby Bar [they were available in other bars, tho]

[CRUISEGUY1970]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

Thank you!

 

The ship is in actually pretty good shape. Minor wear here and there, nothing major. Try the 4 night(Monday-Friday) cruise less rowdy than the weekend cruise. The design on the inside is pretty low-key by previous designed Fantasy Class ships. Less gaudy neon.

[Parrothead420]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

Thank you!

The Paradise was built in 1998. The cabin color scheme really date it but, it is all clean and well maintained in my opinion. I was on the Imagination in September before the referb and it was in very poor condition, so I was a little scared when I booked the Paradise. I would not hesitate booking the Paradise again.

[JayS]

I was on the Paradise Caribbean cruise out of MIA when it was a smoke free ship. One thing that I remember was the casino was DEAD. Very few passengers gambled. This as far as I know the was a regular cruise not one with an affinity group like a church where the expected gambling would be down.

 

How were the casino crowds and the the amount of smoke on the ship?

[Parrothead420]

I was on the Paradise Caribbean cruise out of MIA when it was a smoke free ship. One thing that I remember was the casino was DEAD. Very few passengers gambled. This as far as I know the was a regular cruise not one with an affinity group like a church where the expected gambling would be down.

 

How were the casino crowds and the the amount of smoke on the ship?

The casino seemed to be hopin in the evenings. I didn't notice an excess amount of smoke. The people on this cruise were quite courteous. I think it had something to do with the holidays.

[luv2cruise777l]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

I have been on the Paradise 4 times and I'm leaving tomorrow for the 5th sailing on her. It is one of the ship's in my opinion that has it's act together. The food has always been great and the entertainment has been good too. The ship has always been clean not "trashed" as some say. It does have a few more "younger people" than most ships. Let's say, I wouldn't sail her during spring break! I have noticed that the 3 day cruises are a little more rowdy then the 4 day cruises.

 

I'll report back on Monday when I get off the Paradise!:)

[cathyz]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

Thank you!

We were on the Paradise end of last year and she was in very good shape, we saw no wear or dirt and they were cleaning constantly. We did the 4-day during the week and it was not a 'booze cruise' at all, there was no one 'throwing up'. And she doesn't go to Tijuana, it's Ensenada and Catalina. Maybe you should give it a try before believing all the 'rumors'.

[Rouge Wave]

Also from the Valley. Was on the Paradise a week before the OP. Ship wasn't "trashed" during my 4-night trip to Catalina and Ensenada. Not the most "formal" of ships I've been on...but I didn't expect that when I booked. I had no problems with her. Some "random thoughts" I posted elsewhere:

 

...There were 6 [yes, six] fabric softener sheets in the bathroom's "goodie basket". Six sheets for a four-night cruise

...Also in that basket, they included a tube [not just those foil things] of toothpaste

...There was no Chocoholic/Grand Buffet [there was the Mexican Buffet, tho]. According to our waiter, Carnival only does them on longer cruises now

...We didn't get to Catalina as scheduled [winds/waves]. We got there later in the cruise

...If you frequent the Carnival board, you may have heard them say good things about the Rock band "Blood Power", which was on the Conquest for several years. Well, now they're on the Paradise

...No domestic beer/"FooFoo" drinks in the Lobby Bar [they were available in other bars, tho]

 

I was on the same cruise..... I like the Paradise and love it when it is called "old" What 10 years old is OLD? Really, compared to what, fruit cake?

Been on The Paradise twice this year alone and will be back in Feb 08, and again some time in 08 as well, so I guess it meets my needs for a quickie cruise. (I am good for 5 or 6 cruises a year with 2 being over 14 days) Is it perfect, no, but I have been on brand new ships that are not perfect. For the money is it a great value, a nice, clean ship.

I did find the energy level down a bit however and I blame that on the CD. It does seem the CD has a great effect on the over all vibe. The Christmas décor was nice and the staff friendly as usual.

Funny you mention the goodie bowl in the head, sorry, Bathroom, it was empty and stayed that way. No big deal for us. In some ways I dread the face-lift coming (Was told it was going to be dec 08 /jan 09) will make it more kid friendly.

For the people who fear it is to old, don't sail it. Carnival has no problem keeping it fully booked.

[skiorcruise]

I was on the Paradise on it's first smoking cruise from Long Beach in 05 (my first cruise). I will be on her again in Feb 08. I've been on the Conquest and Pride since my first cruise. I would say the condition of the ship is comparable to the other two. I did see more maintance going on on the Paradise (carpet scrubbing vs vacuming, painting, etc) than on the other two.

 

Rouge Wave - can the Paradise really be sailing full all the time? Many empty cabins still available for my Feb 4 sailing and less than 40 days out.

[VIPBY40]

We were on the Paradise end of last year and she was in very good shape, we saw no wear or dirt and they were cleaning constantly. We did the 4-day during the week and it was not a 'booze cruise' at all, there was no one 'throwing up'. And she doesn't go to Tijuana, it's Ensenada and Catalina. Maybe you should give it a try before believing all the 'rumors'.

 

Darn it....I really meant Ensenada! Not Tijuana.....the rumors arent really rumors..(stuff happens)....it just well enlightens me on things that may or may not happen in the staterooms and how they are handled. (cleanliness) So no negetives thus far to report for those that have traveled recently...waiting for I think Sherry to get back this week......I am in need of a quick fix...maybe I shall partake! thanks for all positive responses!

[binkey36]

Since I am a "semi" local to the Long Beach port...(no flying) how is the Paradise? Since she is so close I would like to ride....BUT....she is old....and I have heard so many negative's from past cruisers as far as interior/exterior things. Simply put....is the Paradise a nice clean "fresh" ship? I am from the valley and not a stiff O.C.'er as (I dont require caviar and Crystal or D.P. upon departure) Im satisfied with cleanliness, a beer, a great party, and a nice clean comfortable bed in a room that I dont have to even imagine what went on the week before my arrival! Is it possible? Maybe I know too many "locals" that have cruised her, but what Ive heard that ship gets pretty trashed on its small trips to Catalina and Tijuana! Would love a "fresh off the boat" response, from an impartial passenger at this time! Maybe I've heard one too many "throw up" or "too $ucked up" stories....I donno...please let me know what you thought of this ship!

 

Thank you!

 

We sailed on the Paradise on 11-30-07. Cabin U89. We sailed with 42 other people. I was hesitant about the ship for the reasons you mentioned above. However, my husband and I, and the whole grooup were very impressed with the condition of the ship. The rooms were clean, and the ship did not show it's age. I don't know if it is because the Paradise was a non-smoking ship for so long, or what, but there was virtually no noticeable smokey smell, except at the back end of the casino. I won't hesitate to sail on her again!

[terri910]

We were on the same sailing as Parrothead (12/21/07-12/24/07), and we enjoyed it! We'd done the same itinerary/cruise over this past Labor day weekend, too. Since we are sort of "local" also (Ventura County, so not too much driving) this is just a really nice way to relax over a long weekend.

 

On this particular cruise we especially liked the piano bar (Barry Miller was the entertainer), but we thought the food was not up to par with our Labor Day Weekend cruise on the same ship. We mostly eat in the Dining Room, and the New York Strip steak we ordered in addition to our lobster on Formal Night was tough, and the lobster tail on the small side. Our tablemates said the Prime Rib was tender, however, so I guess we just made the wrong choice on that one!

 

We were impressed with our Cabin Steward this trip. Although our Cabin Steward over Labor Day Weekend was good, this one was better.

 

The ship had a different Cruise Director this sailing. Labor Day, the CD was a female (can't remember her name)....but the CD this time was Halliday (I THINK his first name was Ben?).

 

Mysty was still the karaoke hostess, and we think she rocks. Too bad about the new karaoke policy, though. :(

 

I watched the Christmas Show (hubby was napping! *L*) and I thought it was entertaining and touching when they had the Camp Carnival kids go up on stage and sing, and then crew members parade through the aisles with candles in the darkened Normandie Lounge.

 

Same comedians both weekends: Lance and Seth. They were good each time!

 

I thought the ship was well maintained and clean, but we didn't find as many opportunities to dance as we'd have enjoyed.

 

The Purser's Desk had a sign that the ship was full, no available cabins, but we didn't believe it for a moment. There were not nearly as many children as we expected, and we never felt that any part of the ship was crowded or even full. Not even the Paris Restaurant on the Lido Deck!

 

If you live anywhere near Long Beach, I'd recommend taking the Paradise for a nice little break when you need a little rest, relaxation and pampering!

[letscruisegd]

Mysty was still the karaoke hostess, and we think she rocks. Too bad about the new karaoke policy, though. :(

What's the new karaoke policy?

[terri910]

What's the new karaoke policy?

They will not allow passengers to supply their own karaoke disc to sing to.

 

Karaoke regulars almost always have their own disc, with their favorite arrangements, etc.

 

Now we're restricted to the dismal karaoke selections supplied by Carnival. :(

[BobbyK]

Hi Binky. I really enjoyed that Nov. 30 cruise with all the campers ;). I agree with all the positives already said. I would add a couple also. The cabins were a very good size. I was impressed. The decor of the ship was very interesting, ship themes throughout the ship. This was my second time on a Carnival ship and the first being years ago. Truthfully, I was a little apprehensive with the unfamiliar. It was a great ship and a great group. Later. Robin (Joanne and Alan's friend) :cool: