Carnival Paradise Review

3.5 / 5.0
989 reviews

B.D. cruise not to Mexico

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Paradise
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jnwinos
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Embarkation
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Additional details

Sail Date: Apr 2009
Traveled with children

This is my 6th cruise overall and 3rd Carnival. What started as a BD cruise for my 18 year old turned into a family BD cruise. There was a total of 11 from Nor Cal with 4 BDs to celebrate. We decided to all ride in my Mom's 32 foot RV. Great idea, left about 4:30a.m. got to the port at 11:00, parked at the Queen Mary parking lot. It took us maybe 20 minutes to actually get on the ship and get a drink in hand! We found chairs by the pool and the buffet, normal buffet food not great but I didn't have to cook or clean up. One of the issues we have had on other ships and the Paradise was not an exception was the waiters hounding us for drinks, gets old. Rooms were ready at 1:30 and most of us got our luggage without an issue. This was my first time with a inside cabin and we had 4 adults. Not so bad, plenty of places for all my luggage and even places for the others. The bathroom was pretty good size, plenty of storage there also. Our room steward Peter was great, ice was always full in our ice chest.Dinner time for 11 people is always interesting. We asked to have anytime dining, which they don't like to do with such a large group but they tried. The first night our waiter was not very nice but we are a little overwhelming. Food was good.Catalina, is nice if you have never been to a seaside town. We went over for a quick shopping trip to Vons for juices and a wine opener. We have done the golf cart thing before. My Brothers family did the glass bottom boat that they booked off the ship. They enjoyed it and paid a few dollars less. We were hanging out by the pool after we got back on the ship when they announced that all Mexican ports were closed, so we were not going to Ensenada, because of the flu issues. They told us that we were all getting a $20.00 credit, I thought not bad until now I learn that they are giving people more than that just to cruise. Oh well. That night was dress up night, some dress up some don't. I like to and I make my whole family dress a little nicer at least through dinner. Lobster and Prime Rib, not bad!Our Ensenada day was spent trying to stay warm by the pool. The direction we were heading was cold and very windy. Not many people spending money out by the pool. That night at dinner we had to wait an hour for a table large enough for us. Not a great time!Last day was our sea day and the captain took us someplace warm to hang out for the day. It was great! If you have a large group go to the traditional dining.We were on the Empress deck and elected to carry our own bags off, so getting off the ship took about 20 minutes. We were back in the RV by 8:15 a.m. and headed home.The ship is smaller than most of the ships we have been on. As most Carnival ships tend to be it is always a maze just to find your way around. There were strange egg decor everywhere. Ran into alot of people from the Sac. area which was fun. Also some people from other cruises we have been on.Fun was had by all!! I would do it again, hopefully we will get to stop in Mexico next time.

Cabin Review

A lot of storage space and a big shower! We are booking our next 2 cruises in an inside.

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