Worst Cruise I've Ever Experienced

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

heidibennett103

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 30, 2016

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: R112

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

First of all, let me begin by saying that the Cheers program is a complete joke. We had to pay for each day of our cruise, even though we were at port for one full day. That's one full day that we didn't really drink on the ship, yet we paid nearly $100 for each day on this cruise. Not only that, but the Cheers program will NOT allow you to have buckets of beer, so your drinks just get warm in the hot sun.

Second, the food on this ship is PATHETIC. Everything tasted like styrofoam. Plus, the buffet times are all a lie. The Paris restaurant breakfast buffet is "supposed" to be open until noon, but when we got there at 11:10 in the morning, they were already closing everything down. All of the food was put away. It's as if this ship doesn't want to feed its guests.

The only good thing about this cruise was a server named "Preja" on the pool deck. He was the best. The ship itself is terrible. Awful food and warm drinks at high prices.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Absolutely the worst

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

17 Comments

JessBlair 7 years ago

There is nothing wrong with the Cheers Program only with the people that purchase it. No one is forcing you to purchase the program, if you felt that it didn't suit to your best needs that's completely your fault for not doing your research before you purchased it.

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hardman01 8 years ago

That's kinda what my gf and I are doing on the glory, she's rooming with my sister (under 21) and getting the cheers package. We'll split the drinks.

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kldnqnd 8 years ago

We have two kids under 21 my husband goes in one room with one kid and I go in another with the other kid. Then we get one drink package for him. We get extra room keys and put the kids in one room. Genius.

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hardman01 8 years ago

My only problem with the cheers program is that everyone that is 21 or over in a cabin must buy the if one person in the cabin buys it. Even if you don't drink. I agree that the food on the paradise was sub par at best. Had a waiter tell me I could pick out a part of the dish when I tried to order it without. I'm going on the glory next month and I can't wait.

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hardman01 8 years ago

I got my money's worth and then some when purchasing the cheers program when I went on this boat in March. If you have 5 margaritas in a day you pay for the program that day, plus you can upgrade the sprit in the drink to whatever you want because it's included in the $50 per drink limit.

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cajun204 8 years ago

I can only laugh and shake my head when I read review like this. Amazing. I knew it would only go south when she failed to read up on cheers before purchasing and try to blame Carnival. Oh well.

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MattAndJulie 8 years ago

Wow sour grapes

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kldnqnd 8 years ago

Totally agree. I wrote a review but it was informational, there was a little negative just the truth but it never ruined our time. Our site wasn't working we called they brought us a fan and it was sufficient. In fact I preferred the fan since I'm used to a ceiling fan at home. But for some the no air would ruin the trip. Whiners!

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judyclark 8 years ago

Thanks Joey112 I also love cruising sometimes I wonder if some people like to dwell on the bad and can't find the good if they do this all the time it makes me think they must be very unhappy people I am going on my dream cruise in 3 days so excited cruise out of Seattle to Alaska I'm sure there will be things that won't be perfect but in my eyes I will see that it is perfect in all ways

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kldnqnd 8 years ago

First of all cheers is not $100 a day. Let's not exaggerate here it's 54.95 a day for 15 drinks on a 7 day cruise less for a 5 day. If you are a beer drinker cheers is not for you. Pay per drink.

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judyclark 8 years ago

I agree Carnival is a business and there hoping they can make money on every cheers package they sell

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batch123 8 years ago

Should have mentioned too. It was your choice to get off at the port (I would have too). But you could have stayed on the ship and drank your moneys worth too. Your choice. Also, did you think to ask for a bucket of ice? They will do that. Lastly, Carnival, like all businesses, are in it to make money. Not lose it. You must have got too close to Cuba for your sake.

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batch123 8 years ago

Been on Paradise twice. Always a good time. No complaints. They make it crystal clear on the website as to the cheers rules. Safe to say you didn't read that. Do you purchase cars, houses, tvs, etc without reading anything too?

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Rwp5245 8 years ago

I also have never found the ship terrible going for my 4th time in just a few days. I think you were not a cruiser and you certainly did not do your research as has been suggested. Also I never cease to be amused by people who give personal rants and then praise certain crew and don't seem to realize that this is a private website and Carnival does not see what is being written.

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TravelMomnGirls 8 years ago

Always do your research before going on a cruise FAQ is in the website, maybe you know next time. I love the paradise no complaints here.

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judyclark 8 years ago

I never thought the cheers package was good you should have did more research to figure out if you thought it would be good for you after all you know how much you drink and than figured out on port days if you could drink that much

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TNTGreen 8 years ago

It's pretty obvious you didn't read the Cheers program on Carnival website before purchasing because it clearly states how the program works. I know on the Fun Times we would get they listed the times everything was open and for breakfast they had times for late risers but that did not include the hot food mostly continental type stuff.

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