Carnival Paradise Review

Fabulous first time cruise experience!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Paradise
User Avatar
NCSuz
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2013

After years of thinking about taking a cruise, I finally got to check that off my bucket list and the adventure was awesome! Booked a last minute cruise in early December and a few days later I was sailing the high seas without a care in the world.

DAY 1: Woke up at 5:30am to catch an early flight to Atlanta, then a connection to Tampa. Smooth flights, no issues. Super Shuttle dropped me off right in front of the pier. Embarkation line moved along at a steady pace. Enjoyed people watching and listening to all the different accents and languages spoken around me. Ate lunch on board, participated in the muster station safety drill, and then went to the spa for a massage which was wonderful except for the product sales pitch. I freshened up in the cabin before a scheduled late dinner in the Destiny dining room. Formal dinner was a little awkward the first night. Large table included a family from Indiana, a family from Florida and me. Conversation was strained but the food (duck appetizer, flatiron steak entrée, black forest cake and decaf for dessert) was delicious and the service was impeccable thanks to Sergio, Alexou, and an Asian woman whose name tag I couldn’t read because she moved lightning fast around the table. After dinner I explored the ship a bit but was too tired for any evening activities so I went back to the cabin to rest.

Cabin R52 was the smallest, cheapest interior mid ship cabin available when I booked my vacation. I couldn’t find any photos of it online which led me to think it was going to be the size of a postage stamp compared to the other staterooms. My low expectations were blown away when I opened the door for the first time to drop off my bags. There was a fold down bunk affixed to the wall which I didn’t need since I was traveling alone. The other bed was well placed in the corner leaving more open floor space than anticipated. The bathroom was cozy but functional. There was plenty of storage for my things since I packed light. Most importantly, the cabin was clean and comfortable. And Floyd the cabin steward was outstanding; he folded the most adorable towel animals!

Cabin Review

Cabin R52 was the smallest, cheapest interior mid ship cabin available when I booked my vacation. I couldn’t find any photos of it online which led me to think it was going to be the size of a postage stamp compared to the other staterooms. My low expectations were blown away when I opened the door for the first time to drop off my bags. There was a fold down bunk affixed to the wall which I didn’t need since I was traveling alone. The other bed was well placed in the corner leaving more open floor space than anticipated. The bathroom was cozy but functional. There was plenty of storage for my things since I packed light. Most importantly, the cabin was clean and comfortable. And Floyd the cabin steward was outstanding; he folded the most adorable towel animals! I would likely pay extra for a balcony during an Alaska cruise, but for most other cruises I think an interior cabin like R52 would meet my needs just fine.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Carnival Paradise Cruise from $269

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.