My wife and I truly enjoy cruising. We have taken cruises that sailed as many days as 14, and as few as 3. This cruise, we were able to share with over 20 of us - including extended family and friends. Because it was Spring Break week, we were also able to bring my sister and her three boys, and friends of ours that were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. They were all new cruisers, and I couldn't wait for them to be wowed by Carnival. I do have three complaints, but I want to start out with the really good parts.

CONVENIENCE, FUN, PRICE, LOCATION. We chose the Paradise because of the affordability for everyone, and because it was setting sail out of Tampa. This was perfect for everyone going. We read the reviews, and were well aware of the age and size of the ship. After getting on board, taking a few photos and checking things out, we made it to our cabin. It was exactly as we expected, and we had sailed in inside cabins before. We are believers that you are really only there to shower, change and sleep. The only thing that seemed a little cumbersome was the large triangle cabinet that contained our life jackets in one corner. We had a king bed in our room, and a bed on the wall... so if you were unlucky enough to be the sleeper against the wall and needed to get out of bed, you needed to be a gymnast, or have good balance as not to trample or wake anyone else who might be sleeping. In my opinion, they really need to be removed, and just keep the life vests in the closet. It would have been much easier to duck under the bunk bed. There is only one crazy way to adjust the temperature in room . You have to open and close the vent in ceiling. It worked, but again, if you wanted to adjust the temp in the middle of the night... These are in no way deal breakers. As I said, we really don't spend much time in our room for it to TRULY be a big deal. The sheets and pillows are always soft, plentiful, and comfortable. It's something Carnival does really well.

SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE!! Service could not have been better. As always, the crew went above and beyond all expectations. Our waiters made dinner a lot of fun, and our cabin steward was always available when we needed him. I am still amazed how quickly they learn names cruise after cruise. I barely remembered the names of the people I came with. :O) Our cabin was kept spotless and serviced every time we stepped out for more than a few minutes. We were a big lot with all kinds of clothes, suitcase and messes spanning several cabins. They always stepped in to make sure we didn't need anything or to help keep things organized and fresh. My wife, daughter and I don't usually eat in the dining room. We like the quickness and ease of the buffet. However, with this many people, we decided it would be nice to do. Carnival added "anytime dining." All you have to do is show up, they give you a pager, and when your table is ready ... you eat. Our groups were big, and we didn't have to wait more than 20 minutes. There are things to see and do while you wait, or the library is right there if you would like to sit and chat. The wait staff is beyond entertaining. I had forgotten how much fun it can be. I am also going to throw in a plug for the bar staff. We got the soda sticker, AND we enjoyed the themed tropical drinks. As we would frequent our favorite bar spots, we would again be greeted by name, smiles and comradery. Read more