It was an OKAY cruise

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Paradise

4 Night Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 16, 2010

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

This review is coming from a couple in their mid 20's so it might now be helpful to everyone.Overall the cruise was average/ok. The boat was ok, the destinations were the main problem. Being from southern California, I thought this would be a new and exciting experience to view some of the local areas. I thought the amount of time spent in Catalina was far too short. It only allowed people to do 1 organized activity before being forced back on to the boat. I feel that the trip should have allowed people to explore the island more or allowed time for multiple organized activities. Ensenada ... well its... ensenada. Anyone who lives in southern CA I'm sure has been too baja and Ensenada is TJ on the beach. not much to do other then get wasted at papas and beer and visit pharmacies. BUT for those who have not been to baja ( out of state visitors) and anyone under 21 Ensenada can be a lot of fun. drinking age is 18 and most people under 21 returned to boat WASTED, it was funny to see, no one got out of control. There were a lot of actives offered at the Ensenada stop, which was great. because there is surely nothing to see in the harbor. it really is a horrible site, it looks like a 3rd world country right when you get off the boat. The day at sea was the day I most looked forward to, I thought the day at the sea would consist of the ship traveling back to Los Angeles and we would be able to , from time to time see the shoreline and possible some city light maybe drive by a school of dolphins...etc but instead the day at sea is the boat parking itself out in the open sea, with nothing to see , and to top it off the wind out in the open sea was so unbearable that the pool/sun bathing area cleared out by 1 pm which was really a shame. I feel if you are visiting LA and are looking for a cruise this would be fun, i would suggest perhaps spending a few more dollars and booking a cruise that takes you to Cabo instead of Ensenada, it is much cleaner, much SAFER ( mexico is extremely dangerous right now especially near the border) and So much more fun, beaches are beautiful and its a resort town that really knows how to take care of tourist. the only other issuse I had was too many GD families. Old people are cool but leave your snot nose kids at home. at times you find yourself being run down by swarms of kids, its not too bad . also for couples or groups of friends who are there to relax and catch up I HIGHLY recommend booking the ANYTIME DINNING. you can eat dinner at your leisure and at a table of only your party.... and if you happen to make a friends on the ship you are allowed to have them sit with you. your alternative is being sat at a table of 10 surrounded by strangers being forced to make meaningless small talk and wait for everyone to be ready to order before you can get your dinner.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Everything is very boring and often times not good tasting. The pizza is really good. but everything on the room service menu and most of the items on the formal dinning menu were flavorless.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
There is always some game, or contest going on, they are a bit cheesy but can be fun.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
everyone is nice

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
Meh, its small but then again what do you expect... OH THE TV's are horrible!! so take a laptop or portable dvd player if you want to enjoy a movie late at night.

Ports of call

Ensenada, Mexico

3 out of 5
The atv riding is fun but the main thing to do there is to party like you are on spring break at papas and beer and mango mango
Don't Miss: Papas and beer, mango mango

Catalina Island, California

5 out of 5
It is beautiful. If you have the time rent a golf cart and travel to the other side of the island to the bigger beaches for some of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches you will experiences. A MUST is the zip lining!!! SO much fun, so safe our group consistited of a kids age 12 to ladies in their early 60's. They also offer great finishing trips. but i think the best bet for everyone young and old men and women is kayaking around the island. it really is beautiful.
Don't Miss: Ziplining

Pros: Catalina and the staff was friendly

Cons: The day at sea was a waste, the subpar tasting food,

Recommends Carnival Paradise? Yes!

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