This is my first attempt after 9 cruises to actually write a review, so here goes. First let me say that it seems the Carnival Paradise gets a bad rap. Nay sayers will be nay sayers, so let them say what they will. This was our experience. We got to the port of Tampa around 11:30 for our 4 day cruise. Check in at the counter was a breeze, we were given our room keys, and assigned a zone number within 5 minutes. We were zone 15, zone 11 was currently boarding. It took less than 5 minutes to have our zone called and onboard we went. Lunch was being served on the Lido deck, so we sat down for a bite of lunch, DH helped himself to a hamburger off the grill, and I got in line for the Mongolian Grill. It was delish!! The skies were cloudy and gray, and it was a little windy, so we stayed on the Lido deck (parked in chairs by the bar) and spent the afternoon people watching. Agus was the first server who brought us drinks, and throughout the cruise he remembered not only our names but what we liked to drink (go for the mohito - but be careful (it's got a kick!). The staff weren't pushy about selling you drinks or anything else for that matter. We were delayed about an hour departing due to the fog. Our cabin was on the Empress deck (E12). I was a little worried being under the stage, as we aren't late night people, but honestly, we never (ever) heard any movement from above. Our cabin steward JayJay kept our room tidy, he was great, brought us ice and made sure the ice bucket stayed full. I can't remember the names of our dining room servers, really wish that I could, they too were excellent. You want two of this entree and one of that? NO PROBLEM, you had it! Two sea days and one day in Cozumel made for a perfect little getaway. Back to squash the naysayers, this ship is older, but it was very clean, and the crew was always working to keep it that way. We didn't try anything that we didn't like foodwise, (the first day they served seafood fritters and they were REALLY good). We only went to two shows, 8 Seconds More and Shout, those performers really gave it their all, and we enjoyed both shows. We went to a couple of Trivia games, they were entertaining. The hairy chest competition was a riot on this cruise! So take my review for what it is, enjoy the Paradise for what it is, one of the smaller ships that pack a big old FUN that you can feel as soon as you board. Hope you enjoy your trip on the Paradise - because we DID!!!!