The perfect family vacation!

Item: Carnival Paradise
Rating: 4.3
Author: rustyballard

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

rustyballard

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 22, 2017

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: U186

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I really had no desire to ever go on a cruise. I just assumed it was filled with old, fat, lazy people.. I guess I'm now old, fat and lazy:). The customer service was s fond to none. The head waiters and the staff are selected for a reason. They are really good at their job and take pride in their work. All staff members we encountered were extremely courteous.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very low stress and efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The Elation and Destiny were phenomenal! Excellent food, service and atmosphere.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Excellent live talent. The Playlist Performers were by far our favorite entertainment on the cruise. We were really blown a at at how good they were. We also really enjoyed walking around and hearing the other love music.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

The kids activities were a little lacking for the 9-11 age group. My 9 year old got put in a group that combined 2-11 year olds; I think that is too big of an age group to combine.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Absolutely excellent interaction with all staff!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cozy and quaint. We really enjoyed the cabin. It was perfect for our family of four.

Ship tip

A great cruise experience -probably good for a max of 6 days. After 6 days you will have run out of things to explore.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

4 out of 5

Key West, Florida

3 out of 5

Really not our cup of tea-just a tourist trap.

Thumbs Up 1

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Had a great experience snorkeling. But was irritated by the local jewelers and shops when leaving the ship. They were rude trying to get our business.

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

A lot quicker than anticipated.

5 Comments

erniewood 7 years ago

I didn't have your misconception about cruising, but we go on our first cruise in October. Too many long drives in bad traffic on vacations have pushed me in this direction. Living 4 hours or less from all the ports helps

Thumbs Up 4

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llbanddjb 7 years ago

We also enjoy cruising. once bitten by the cruise bug it is all overð

Thumbs Up 0

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venusofwisconsin 7 years ago

Haha! Yes in my opinion the best way to vacation!!

Thumbs Up 1

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GIL155 7 years ago

From one old, fat, lazy cruizer to another - glad you had such a positive first cruise experience. Now hand me the remote and go git us two beers. K? Or ask your missus.

Thumbs Up 4

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Summerholiday 7 years ago

Well it really tells you that your try something before you knock it my hubby and I first done a four day cruise as we did not think it was for us.... but 18 cruises later have been to some amazing places meet amazing people and have great memory's without having to pull our suitcases around waking up being in a different port each day is great we have 70 days until we leave Australia for our next adventure.. cruising is not for everyone but if it like it you get hooked ð£as we are have been on many different ships and 18 cruises later have not had a bad one yet .... enjoy ð¹ð

Thumbs Up 4

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Other reviews of this sailing

Better than I expected

First Cruise - LOVED IT

Lots of Fun, Lots of Concerns