Falling Out-of-Love with Carnival Cruise Line

Item: Carnival Paradise
Rating: 3.8
Author: phatmomme

Carnival Paradise Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

phatmomme

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 13

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 20, 2024

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: M38

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 4 months ago

Review summary

I like Carnival but is beginning to dislike Carnival. Every menu is the same since I started cruising in 2009. Over the years, the same breakfast items, lunch and dinner items continue to bore me. I believe that many of us are eating differently and healthier and Carnival should try to please us with this option. My appetite was different because there were not many choices without meat. I did choose FREE options of a veggie burger, tuna sandwich and fish tacos but other than that, there were no other choices. I purchased seafood and sushi for over $25 each. Pizza was plentiful, long lines waiting for it, but always served hot and fresh. 4-days were short and sweet. Our room steward knew us by name and was sure to call us by name every time we saw him. He kept out room clean and made sure it was comfortable too. Jonny, the cruise host is kind and funny. He shows love and respect to all.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Quick and easy

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Not to my liking. There are not many Pescatarian options available. The dining rooms were clean and well prepared to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a few different options to choose from. So many of the dishes are served with meat added. Vegetables were offered during lunch and dinner.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Pool, Jacuzzi, paddle ball, basketball, camp for the children, Karaoke, miniature golf and shopping were all enjoyable times while cruising.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

DJ was exception. He entertained very well. Comedy show was canceled during our cruise due to unforeseen circumstances

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

My children enjoyed Camp. They made new friends and loved the staff, entertainment and activities.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our room steward worked diligently daily to provide professional services to us. The dining room waiters were kind and professional until the final morning of the cruise. This is when attitudes began and kindness went out the door. Everyone seemed tired and wore out after 3-days of services.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The design of the Paradise is average. Cabins are all about the same size. The common areas were cleaned daily and very well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Our cabin was cleaned daily but the toilet smells really bad, even after our steward's cleaning. I'm not sure if the urine sits right below or what but we had to keep the door closed to keep the odor from escaping the bathroom. The size of each cabin varies. We reserved an oceanview for four. We didn't have a sofa or chairs to relax on. Beds only with two pull down bunks.

Ship tip

DO NOT GO TO THE MEDICAL CENTER! I was charged $800 for a visit after my husband was ill, during our sailing. No if's ands or buts about it, my sail and sign account was instantly charged after I notified the doctor and nurse that we could not afford their services. When trying to make contact with Carnival about this practice, there is no one to talk to after the cruise, you have to go online, fill out a form, then wait several days hoping someone will respond. They refuse to refund my cash,,

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

The Port of Tampa is located a hour away from my home. The staff there were all kind and professional.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

We went shopping while at the port of Cozumel, then headed to the beach which was beautiful. White sand and beautiful waters.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Quick and easy. At 8:05, we were on our way to pick up our car. I registered the day before on the Carnival Hub app, and made our disembarkation much easier. My husband used a wheelchair for assistance and the services were exceptionally well.

Traveler Photos

8 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

javawoody 4 months ago

Appreciate your view

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

AuntPinkie 4 months ago

Appreciate your feedback. It always confuses me about needing more options for breakfast. What do people want? Carnival has so many breakfast options: dry cereal to beans and most breakfast staples. Some days pancakes other days French toast or waffles. Remember they want to appeal to everyone’s “taste” the you that you are now and then you that you were (and someone else is now). They try to appeal to most folks. Glad you mostly enjoyed your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

cruising2004 4 months ago

Did you inform Carnival of your dietary needs? Thank you for your review.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Gwbigdog 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

maryred 4 months ago

Did you not ask for the vegetarian menus in the MDR? These do need to be ordered about 24 hours in advanced of the meal to ensure no cross contamination of ingredients with meat containing ones. Additionally, you can ask in the buffet Marketplace for the manager to help you navigate to which stations have meatless options.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cortneyb 4 months ago

did you think they offered free medical care? they don't on land. if you had insurance, you can file the claim then get reimbursed

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

HeavySeas 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience

Thumbs Up 1

Flag