We just returned from the 5-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Paradise. With one first-timer and one traveler with no recent experience aboard a "normal" cruise ship (several trips aboard the now-defunct Cruise West small ships, and many dive liveaboards) we both found the ship in good shape and very clean.

Our ocean-view cabin on the Upper deck was chosen for its proximity to travelling companions, and was comfortable. The beds were not converted from twins to a king as reserved, but was handled by steward Mario during dinner. Storage, bath/head space, etc. were all great, with the ubiquitous lifejacket box being the only impediment to being able to move freely throughout the cabin.

We had only one complaint that plagued us the entire cruise: lack of water pressure in the shower. Specifically, there was no cold water pressure. With it fully on, there was less flow than a normal bathroom sink. The hot water was so scaldingly hot, that you could barely turn it on, so the combined water pressure came out as a small stream, rather than a spray. Read more