Nice cruise experience

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

LauraL11

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 02, 2012

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 12 years ago

Review summary

Having cruised 3x on Disney did not know what to expect from Carnival. THis was the longest cruise I have done and Carnival did an OK job, but not exceptional. We sailed on the Paradise. The ship was a little dated and dark/heavy in decor. The staff did a very fine job in keeping everything clean and tidy. There were not enough public restrooms and hand washing stations. The onboard/at sea days were a little boring for the kids. Carnival does give a great effort to keep all entertained, just wasn't wowed by what was offered. While the staff was amicable toward the guests, I did not find them very engaging and warm. Enjoyed the anytime dining...never like being boxed into a dinner hour. The food was ok, nothing exceptional. The selection of fruit/veggies lacked on the buffet line...was basically the same every day without variation. Kids loved the availability of pizza, chicken, fries and ice cream. Was impressed with not being baraged to purchase drinks or alcohol. Also no high pressure to purchase photos...really appreciated that. Night time family entertainment was ok...the comdians were fun and engaged the crowd/kids. The variety show was ok...if you like country western themes. The costumes were a little revealing given children were in the crowd. Enjoyed our excursions immensely...shore time was absolutely wonderful..perfect weather, incredibly efficient on/off boarding and Carnival did an excellent job getting us to our scheduled excursion on time and in style. The room accommodations were adequate as we did not spend too much time there. Room a little small. The shower was fabulous. Always welcomed back to our room with a freshly made bed, towel animals and chocolates...very inviting. Overall it was a nice cruise for the family. If I cruise Carnival again, I would pick the Dream class boats as they are a little newer and may offer more activities for the kids.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

several items were over seasoned or just poor...but overall most things were good. Desserts at dinner were wonderful! Appetizers were a little skimpy and sides to the entree were small servings. After a long day of excursions...we were hungry and looking for more to eat.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Nothing exceptional....trivia games, line dancing, cash bingo galore....on a nice day..bring a book and read in the sun...

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

my youngest (8yrs) tried the kids program 1 day...and really did not desire to go back. My two teens never gave their program a try...but I think that is kinda typical for them.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

A nod or smile was about all you would get out of the majority of the staff...sometimes not even a return "good morning". The cruise director, activities director and a few others were jovial and fun to be around.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Layout of ship was easy to learn and I never felt like I couldnt navigate or find something.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Adequate...no perks though..no shampoo, conditioner and replenishment of soaps ( you get these in a hotel setting!). Our location was good...not right next to the elevator/stairs...but close to be very convienent.

Pros: any time dining

Cons: entertainment and activities

Recommends Carnival Paradise? No.

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