This cruise was my 10th; 3rd on Carnival; 1st on Paradise; 1st solo cruise. I am a middle aged widow. I booked this cruise after my husband's passing to relax and figure out who I am. I live driving distance from port so no flights nor hotels.

Paradise is a smaller, older ship which needs some cosmetic updates. She is a beautiful ship. I had an Oceanview aft cabin facing the wake. The room was on the small side (typical for older ships). The air conditioning control is in the ceiling and not reachable. The only two possible air conditioning levels are very cold or off. The room steward gave me an extra blanket upon my request. There were no cups (plastic, glass nor disposable) in the bathroom. The first night, I didn't even have drinking glasses in the cabin. Fortunately I had a small bottle of water to use to take my medications and brush my teeth. I had to get one from the buffet and hide it in my medicine cabinet in order to have a glass. The room steward told me they put glasses in the bathroom anymore.

The food in the Main Dining Room was good but could've been served hotter. I had traditional early dining and was at a table with several other solo travelers as well as a couple of people traveling together. I ate breakfast in the main dining room every morning. There is a brunch on sea days which was very good. Didn't eat much in the Lido buffet, but what I had was okay (the pizza was very good). Read more