Carnival Paradise Review

Overall Good Time!

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Paradise
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babykates
First Time Cruiser • Age 20s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2009
Cabin: Ocean View

The cruise was exactly what we were looking for - an affordable weekend away (alone) together where we'd have changing scenery and optional activities or endless relaxing and sitting in the sun.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- The weather was beautiful for us, and the September ocean was as smooth as glass. Unlike every other cruise we've been on, we couldn't tell the difference between sitting still (port and sea day) or moving. - I never intended to use the gym but when I saw it, I could not resist the row of treadmills on the next-to top deck, looking out the front windows of the ship. The gym was immaculate. - A school of ~40 dolphins swam by the ship (on sea day), entertaining everyone for at least 15 minutes. - Our previous 3 cruises had balconies. We were happy to discover we could survive just fine with an ocean-view. The window was huge compared to the small room. - Our assistant waiter, Victor, loved his job, and esp. loved entertaining us during the dinner show! - We shared the Drink of Day card ($26.45/5) and Coffee Card ($13.23/5) and it worked very well for us. The souvenir glass could be used for more drinks at 20% off. - Robes and beach towels are provided in the room (make sure they are there so you don't get charged). - We were very well matched to our table mates. We were all couples, about the same age, and from Northern California. - The Serenity Deck (adult only) was awesome. Usually it was peacefully quiet, with a great view of the ocean. The deck chairs were sturdy wood-type with plump cushions. There were ~6 big, nice umbrellas. There was a staff member on deck at all times, and you could check out towels. The bar staff came by regularly, and the Paris Restaurant (buffet) was a deck up. Go early on Sea Day, esp. if you want an umbrella or even a seat because people save the seats; all the chairs were claimed by 10am.

Cabin Review

Ocean View

Cabin 6E

I would not particularly recommend stateroom E139. The Empress deck 7 was great and is conveniently close to everything. However, during the middle of the night we heard a lot of loud clanging noises that disrupted our sleep many times. We were not sure what the cause was - perhaps either the laundry room below us or the dining room above us?

The water temperature during the shower was extremely inconsistent.

The room was tiny with little room to maneuver around the bed (king-size).

The walls were not sound-proof.

The bed was comfortable!

The room needs a clock and more electrical outlets.

I liked that the bathroom door could be propped open, and that the stateroom door did not shut automatically.

Great, huge ocean-view window!

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