My husband, two sons, ages 19 and 25, and I cruised Jan 12 out of West Palm Beach. We had a great time and really enjoyed comparing one of Carnival's oldest ships, now rebranded, with its newest ship, the Vista, which we sailed in November.

Embarkation was so easy. We pulled up to the curb at the easily accessible and attractive glass port building and got out luggage out. The valet took our car and we chose to tag two bigger bags so we wouldn't have to take them to the lunch buffet. We were sent in and had no wait time to say we preferred the earlier dinner hour of six pm. Huge chocolate chip cookies and water were available and though I grabbed one for each son, they weren't needed as there was no waiting, just a quick walk onto the ship where an employee was greeting everyone and directing us straight up to the buffet.

Bahamas Paradise is 100 feet shorter than the Carnival Sensation, but it doesn't feel like a small ship as there are still 10 decks and the cabin are on very long halls. The buffet does, however, feel a lot smaller. They don't offer a big variety, but we think the food is better than on the Carnival or Royal buffet. DH said less variety, but we don't care about a huge variety of not great food. Lunch was fried chicken, soup, large salad bar, fresh fruit and cheeses and desserts. Hamburgers and hot dogs are available pool side. Waiters are plentiful as is seating. We enjoyed sitting in the shade but there was plenty of room in the dining room and plenty of loungers. We were eating at 1 and arrived at 12:15. Read more