We just completed a 4 day cruise from Tampa to Cozumel on the Carnival Paradise. Even though we cruise often with another cruise line, we decided to try Carnival. I'm a a retired military office and cruise with my wife and daughter frequently.
On the good side: we stayed in a Grand Suite (U112) which had a great layout, plenty of space with comfortable bedding and a nice balcony. The food was excellent and there were plenty of onboard activities. The boarding process was excellent. The Serenity area (adults only) was nice but very small. One of the two hot tubs were not working on the second day. Nothing compared to the Solarium on the Royal Caribbean ships.
On the not so good side: Considering we paid for a Grand Suite, we expected additional amenities other than the priority boarding. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The debarkation process was a nightmare. We were given the wrong information. It took us more than two hours to get off the ship and we were told that we had no priorities regardless of where we stayed.
Best layout of a Grand Suite we have had. Spacious with plenty of storage space and comfortable bedding. Nice balcony.
Excellent experience at the Puerto Maya pier. Great shopping, nice layout. All the main stores were available. You don't need to go into town. We had a wonderful lunch at Panchos Back Yard and shopped at Cinco Soles.