My family and I just returned home from our 2nd annual cruise aboard the Paradise . Sailing 4 nights to Baja Mexico cruise. Since we all live here in S. California the Mexico cruises are an easy embarkation.

We had a total of 9 cabins. Most situated Midship, Category 6D, Empress Deck. One of my sibling's booked late so I gave them my cabin on Empress Deck and I took their cabin on Main Deck Aft. It was one of the cabins looking out of the back end of the ship. I was situated right in the middle of the 6 and was about 2 feet longer than a standard cabin. It's window sill was also about a foot or so deeper than a regular window and it was perfect to sit in the window with a cup of coffee and watch the early morning wake. Although I did feel like a inhabitant of Amsterdam's Red Light District . If only there was someone around to see me..LOL. More on the cabins later.

This was my 5th cruise on Carnival and 17th overall. I have done everything from the now defunct Commodore Cruise Line to Crystal. As I mentioned before this was my family's 2nd cruise together. Last year we did RCI's Monarch of the Seas. Let me be honest, there is no comparison between the two ships. Carnival blows the Monarch out of the water on every level. From the cabins to the food, service and shows. Carnival was just a level or two better. We are already planning next years cruise aboard the Elation. Read more