First cruise ever!

Item: Carnival Paradise
Rating: 3.7
Author: barbiesimonson

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

barbiesimonson

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 12, 2018

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: E191

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Really enjoyed the staff, the experience and the chance to get away and relax. We would select a newer ship next time.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Organized, friendly representatives, moved quickly.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Main dining room food and experience was superb! Loved it! Buffet was ok. Food was plentiful, but average in quality. Desserts on buffet were subpar - looked gorgeous, tasted a lot like cardboard. Dining room desserts at nite were amazing! Loved the smaller portion sizes!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Shows were ok. Comedy was decent, the guy was funny, girl - not so much. Pool and hot tubs were both average or below. Desperately needs updating. Leigh the CD was great. All staff were really. My husband worked out and said fitness center was awesome, I did t check it out. Putt putt golf was a large waste of space. Old, outdated and took up valuable real estate for something more people would enjoy.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

We saw the Epic Rock show and it was just ok. Song selection good, but costumes and decor, tone and energy were very angry and dark. Maybe lightening it up a little?

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

ALL staff were superb! Vernon, our cabin steward was friendly and proactive, Jason, our main dining room server was personable, knew each of us by the 2nd night and anticipated needs - watch for him to go places!

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Needs updating, no gut and start over. Everywhere was very clean, but aged tile that no longer cleans, pool tiles that have black mildew in grout, rust and weathered surfaces everywhere. I have heard that some other ships in Carnivals ok e aren't as old looking, so I would try them again. Just not Paradise.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Very clean, but again super outdated, rusted, weathered window, very uncomfortable bed, weathered carpet with snags, runs and stains.

Ship tip

Pick another ship that is refurbished. Really enjoyed our experience, but for the money and how competitive the market is, I would choose a nicer, more comfortable ship.

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