Bait and Switch

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

MrNowBoarding

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 15

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 01, 2017

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: E190

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

4th time cruisers but first time with Carnival, we chose this cruise primarily because of the itinerary- a stop in the Cayman Islands. However, Carnival changed the itinerary after we booked due to engine problems with the Paradise. Their compensation to customers? A $25 per person ship credit- wholly inadequate and likely less than they saved in fuel costs. To top it off, they cancelled the substitute port of call in Costa Maya due to what they called weather issus, despite other ships clearly in port.

The staff were all all very friendly and accommodating, but the ship is dated and cabins were very worn, and the pools were crowded and decks not kept very clean. But in the end, it's Carnival's corporatedescision to cancel a port of call due to problems with a vessel under their control (yay, we've booked a cruise with engine problems) and then offer customers a token compensation. #neveragain

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Dated and worn.

Ship tip

Don't.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

1 out of 5

3 Comments

ScottNWDW 7 years ago

I will be on the Paradise in 3 weeks. The itinerary on my cruise was also changed, Instead of Key West, we will be going to Costa Maya, Was I upset, Yes, since Key West was the main reason I chose the cruise. The cruise line, doesn't matter which one, can change the itinerary at anytime and that Is why I always book a cruise for the ship. The Paradise is an almost 20 year old ship so yes, I do expect to see wear and tear. It's not going to looks as fresh and new as the Carnival Vista. As far as the decks not being clean, well that falls primarily on the guests more than the crew. I worked 13 years at Disney World and I can say the so called "guests" are absolute slobs. Trash cans every 20 steps and people still throw trash wherever, and expect the same is true on the ships. as for the pool, go to a popular hotel or resort and you sill see the same thing- pool areas being crowded, Especially like I see here in central Florida.

When Carnival changed the itinerary the only obligation they had was to refund the port charges, or the difference between the port charges between the two. They gave everyone $25, technically they didn't have to do that. I am disappointed I am not going to Key West, but I plan on making the best of it.

The problem I read in many f these reviews is people complaining about the age of the ship. Do your research people it's almost 2 decades old. You're going to show some age after that amount of time.

After reading this review it is of my opinion that the writer went in with a chip on their shoulder and rather have a good time on the ship they were determined not to enjoy anything about the cruise,

Thumbs Up 2

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