I have been reading all the NEGATIVE reviews from cruisers about the Carnival Paradise and let me say this after having been on close to 60 cruises since I first started sailing in 1982. When I went on my first cruise in 1982 (Aboard The Emerald Seas) the cruise industry had only a handful of ships and Carnival actually only had 3 at that time. The Carnivale, Mardi Gras, and Festivale. Since then the cruise industry has experienced ENORMOUS changes and growth starting in the early 90's and I've had a front row seat to it all and have applauded it loudly. I have sailed on 3 nite cruises all the way up to 14 nite ones and have sailed on almost every cruise-line in the world. I have been on the Paradise 3 times as well and not by mistake.

We live in Tampa Bay and find it a great getaway~ Of course some whiners and complainers who have only been on 5-15 cruises are going to complain that the Paradise falls short of the mark when they are comparing it in their small minds to the newer RCCL, NCL or Celebrity ships they have been on but that's like comparing apples with oranges so please do wake-up!! This ship first sailed in 1998 folks~ That's 17 long years ago so it's truly like comparing a 1998 laptop computer to today's newer models. With all this being said sure the Paradise is showing its age but for the $$ you pay this is one ship that really hits the mark in most areas. They have good food, a nice Mexican/Cayman itinerary, good service, and it is an overall fun ship with something always to do. Sure they don't have many balconies,suites,specialty restaurants,Broadway shows, etc.. but if that's what you truly want go on the NCL Epic, Getaway or Pearl like we did last year so you can quench your desires but that all comes with a higher price tag and much bigger crowds. This ship is what it is~A great small size ship to do a short cruise on. So all you novice cruisers please keep your jaded opinion's of this fun ship to yourself so beginner cruisers are not swayed away from the Paradise as it pretty much hits the nail on the head for a short relaxing 4-5 nite cruise complete with a great time~So if you don't COMPARE it to your last RCCL Oasis or Allure of the Seas cruise as I surely don't you will have a good time on-board the Carnival Paradise~ Life is short~ ENJOY the ride~