Carnival Paradise Review

3.5 / 5.0
989 reviews

Heavy seas did not hamper the fun

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Paradise
User Avatar
Crustybucket
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

Rating by category

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

Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2018
Cabin: Porthole

We have sailed Carnival many times, and the PARADISE several times. We prefer the Fantasy class of ships, and this was no exception. Weather was not great, so outside activities were a bit on the "cool" side. This was probably the best in terms of boarding and debarking. Never before has it been so seamless, and quick. There is a big difference in the decor....the atrium and public areas keep the outdated "disco" gaudy decor, but the cabins go with a bland theme, ie, no room "character". We had a PT category, and select this when available. It's only drawback is, when seas are rough, you will get the full effect, from the "slamming" of the waves to the side to side motion. I am NOT a fan of the new American menu. Several evenings it was difficult to find something to entice my appetite. The lack of tablecloths just enhances the downgrading of service, (especially on "cruise elegant" night), but the waiter service has remained very good. The shows in the theater were definitely not for us, and after the very first sampling (sailaway night) we skipped them altogether. The Comedy Club entertainers were fairly good, especially the R rated shows. (all comedy does not need trash talk every few words, and these comics did not use trash talk). One area of concern was the lack of discussing, or enforcing, normal food safety and handling issues. We observed numerous passengers avoiding the hand sanitation stations, even after coming out of the Lido restrooms. One passenger was observed putting their bare hands into a platter of cut fruit. When the food manager was notified, all that was done was give us a "thumbs up", walk over to the platter and remove some of the fruit, mix the remaining around, and walk away. (food safety guidelines dictate that the entire platter be removed.) There is a definite downgrading of cruise experience, but a relatively new cruiser would not be aware of it.

Cabin Review

Porthole

Cabin PT

This particular cabin is our favorite (and its corresponding even number) due to its layout and larger shower area. The safe is a problem (if not used) since the safe door interferes with the cabin door. Solution.....use the safe. Our cabin steward was there, always available (and present)with no issues. The usual complaint....there is only the one 110Volt power outlet, and it's at the desk. A definite plus is the addition of several USB ports which are great for recharging your devices (phone, tablets, etc)

2 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Carnival Paradise Cruise from $269

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.