Typical cruise experience -with a few surprises

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

fornal

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 26, 2015

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: U27

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

If it wasn't for people who post their experience, I would never have know the stateroom would not have a hair dryer. We got to the terminal at 11:30, no problems getting checked in. Once aboard I was surprised how small the atrium was compared to other ships I've been on. The staff in every area was friendly and appear to enjoy their job and the guests.

If you have been on cruises before, this one is no different. Food is average. But now you have to pay extra for steak and/or lobster. One of these days the chefs will learn how to make a decent pizza, but not on this ship.

Beware of the drink package. Yes it's $49 per day plus gratuity, but that is for each person in the stateroom over 18. So if one of the guests does not drink, too bad. Also, you only get up to 15 drinks a day, and they can't be more than $10 each regular price. It would have cost the two of us just under $600. We only drank $120 worth by paying as we drank.

Embarking and debarking are set up much better than I've known it to be like. Getting luggage when off the ship is easier than it used to be too.

We did not book any excursions. We bring our own snorkel gear and find the hot spot. Grand Cayman it was Paradise Restaurant, they offer a snorkel package for $18, but if you don't want their gear and need a locker, it's only $5. But I don't think the package includes the locker. When at Cozumel, we rented a little car for $85 for the day with full insurance, and traveled the island on our own. We ate at Coconuts Bar and Grill, wonderful food, drinks and decor. Stopped at for a Tequila Tour, gained a lot of knowledge, had a drink, tasting of different tequilas and a souvenir, all for $10.

Last day was cruise day - relaxing day but trying to find two lounge chairs next to each other was rather difficult, but after 20 minutes we found some.

Ship experiences

Entertainment

5 out of 5

I give the entertainment a 8/10. The shows after dinner were not very good. I grew up listening to classic rock, the performers obviously did not, it was not as exciting as it could have been. There are 1000's of songs to pick from and they were not very enjoyable with a few of their choices. But the rest of the entertainment, bar singers and comedy were fabulous.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

You can see many areas they improved. But I still found a few areas they should pay more attention to. I found rust on vents walking around the lido deck.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We usually get interior because we like darkness and we would rather spend our money elsewhere , When we're ready to see the outside, that's when we get up. The wake up service is good. I was surprised to see shampoo and body wash in the shower. But there was not a hair dryer. I'm glad we brought our own. Was very surprised at the amount of room. There was just the two of us, but we had 3 medium suitcases and a backpack. Plenty of hangers and bathroom cabinet space. The TV was a bit small for the room, but the reception was wonderful.

Ship tip

Bring a hairdryer if you really need one.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

This is a great beautiful island, but the time spent here doesn't allow you to see enough. We did not book an excursion, we walked about 10 minutes into town to Paradise Restaurant to go snorkeling. Since we have our own gear, we only spent $5 on a locker. The water and the variety of fish were amazing. you could get your gear with them for $18.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

If you have been here before or your not into shopping or excursions, go out on your own and explore. We rented a car with Target. Although the car was a stick-shift, at least my husband could drive. The cost was only $85 for the Chevy Pop with full insurance, plus about $5 in gas. Be sure to bring cash, many stops and restaurants only take cash. The people were super friendly. Go to The Tequila Tour. $10 gets you a drink, souvenir, tour, and tasting of about 10 different tequila's they sell.

Thumbs Up 3

Traveler Photos

water slide - not very big or a lot of water for sliding down.

Hacienda Antigua - Tequila Tours -$10 per person, worth every penny

Paradise Rest. great place for snorkeling

Punta Sur, Cozumel. $14 per person to enter

4 Comments

Tjnm2012 8 years ago

Thanks for the review. I will make sure to bring my hair dryer. Thanks for the info on the cheers program. We have been debating that one. As for the person who asked about the tequila tour, the cabbies know about them. I guess there is more than 2. I know there's a Cuervo one and a free one.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

kslee 8 years ago

U can Google and see what they have to offer. Sanchos has alot of stuff they do

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

eQ3lOhtmhBLzLBvAqLAE5kUBD 8 years ago

would you happen to remember how you cane across the tequila tour?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

kslee 8 years ago

did u call guest services?. on sensation they brought me one..

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Service excellent, the rest sub par

First time Cruise travel

Christmas cruise