First Cruise - LOVED IT

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5
Carnival Paradise

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 22, 2017

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: U159

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

First cruise of my life, and I can tell you that it won't be my last. I had a blast! My family and I bonded over this vacation and it was so relaxing, but also so exhilarating! Would definitely do it again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We arrived before our reserved time, which was 1:30, we were there at 12:45 and by 1:00 we were already inside the building, waiting in the check in line! Staff was friendly and quick.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Amazing! I loved the pizza, but the dining room was a real treat! Changing up the menus, amazing service (perusal). Breakfast buffet was always loaded and delcious. I gained a couple pounds, but it was worth it!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
The pool was so fun! The slide was a great time (I'm 18). I loved the mini golf, and the casino was a great time too! Bingo was fun too, Misty was so much fun!

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Oh my goodness! These performers are some of the best I've ever seen. The Epic Rock show was especially great, and I was truly impressed. Johnny Millwater had me crying laughing, he was a real treat, and I had a chance to meet him! He was so kind off the stage, and he's the first comedian I've ever seen live!

Children's Programs

I'm an adult.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Loved the staff! The waiters were so friendly and so was our steward Emanus! All the staff was amazing, but Jamie, cruise director, was the best!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Clean rooms, clean everything! Clean silverware at dinner, clean bathrooms in the room and out in the public restroom!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Cabin was a bit small, but that's alright because we were busy doing things to spend a ton of time in there anyway! Super clean though!

Ship tip

Bring money or a credit card! Stuff is expensive but come prepared!

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5
We visited family in Tampa at the Bahama Breeze Resturant. No excursions, just family time by the beach!

Key West, Florida

5 out of 5
No excursions. Just went on a train tour, so much fun! Lots of good shopping options! The aquarium is adorable and the shipwreck museum is fascinating.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
We went on a jeep snorkeling excursion! We saw a Mayan ruin (not the big one), that the Mayan's used to alert them of hurricanes coming. We also saw a lagoon, and then headed to the beach to snorkel! We saw some sea creatures, including a stingray and sponges! Then we headed back to the beach for a Mexican buffet! After stuffing our faces with authentic Mexican cuisine, we drove to the lighthouse to either walk 100+ stairs, or try some tequila! I chose the latter. Delicious tequila, then headed back to the boat!

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Quick and easy! No issues, got our bottle of tequila back with no problem!

Traveler Photos

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