I went on the Paradise on my first cruise two years ago in August. We took off from Miami and went to Conzumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. I dont know which itinerary you have but as for ship, we were very pleased. We were so pleased with Carnival, we booked our second cruise on the Destiny in August.
As for Paradise...THE ROOM:
We found the ship to be spectacular. I dont know if it was because it was our first cruise or because it is very nice, but we were amazed. I found the decor to be quite nice. Alot of reviewers on here would probably think differently. We had a basic cabin with a window. Our room steward was so attentive. We traveled with another couple. On the first day, our friends had mints on their pillows. Before going out on the ship to explore, I wrote our steward a cute little note about not getting any mints and when we returned, he left quite a few mints for me.
FOOD...The Dining Room was just fine. Our waiter remembered our names and little things that we like to eat. He remembered I had a big appetite and would always suggest me getting another lobster tail or filet mignon. The food was very good by the way. My husband and I ate 2 meals every evening. The 24 hr. pizzeria was AWESOME!!! My husband and I grabbed some pizza one night and took it back to our room and just pigged out. Breakfast was fine. It was your basic breakfast buffet. Im not a breakfast person to begin with but they offered you your choice of basic breakfast dishes. They would cook your eggs to your liking right in front of you. We didnt hit any of the restaurants or dining room for breakfast during our cruise.The nightly buffets are awesome, especially if you love food like I do.Unfortunately, we did not make it to the big gala towards the end but I did hear it was beautiful.
DRINKS...From the time we set foot on the ship (literally 10 min after getting on) we began drinking. The drinks were a little bit watered down but thats alright for someone like me with a low tolerance and the easy ability to get sick from liquor. By the 2nd day, the bartender by the pool knew us and started being very generous on the alcohol in the drinks.She even remembered what shots we liked! Both our waiter and the bartender showed us that the staff at Carnival took the time to remember little things. I know it is part of their job, but that personal touch is part of what made the trip to great. I drink alot of soda and alot of my bill at the end was soda. They charge for it, and not cheap either. If you can stand lemonade,tea, or water it is free I believe.
SHIP IN GENERAL...We did take advantage of using the spa and workout room. Well, I took advantage of the gym while my husband slept in late. We did both get massages though. It was very relaxing, although I did feel uncomfortable at the end of the massage where the sales pitch comes in. They try and sell you some of the products which are incredibly expensive. Being so naive and it being our first time I bought $70 eye cream. Be wary!! Just simply say "no thank you" and be on your way. I do highly recommend having a massage though.Even at the gym they try and reel you in by giving you a "free" fat analysis or whatever. Then afterwards they want to sell you products that will "detoxify" you. I'd say go with the "no thank you" again.
I do not quite remember the names of the bars or the club that had a safari like motif with animal print all around. Karaoke was alot of fun. The nightclub was fun although I could have done without teenagers running around. It didnt make me feel like I was out at a club, rather a wedding.The music was good though. Very ecclectic.The one thing I noticed is whenever there was a party on board whether at the club or outside on the deck that involved dancing, everyone was very friendly and danced with everyone. Real change from the way people act here in NY.
The people seemed very friendly. We made friends all over the place which made it nice.There are photographers all over the place to capture you. Theyll ask you to pose and then of course the pictures are displayed for sale. If the picture comes out nicely, of course you are going to want it.My husband and I bought quite a few pictures. We have them displayed to this day. Overall, the ship was clean and comfy (although cold in some areas..bring a sweater or light jacket), the staff was friendly and personal (but I can do without the sales pitches), the activities were fun (you have to put yourself in the " Hey, I am on vacation" mode.
I hope this gave you some insight on Paradise. I apologize for it being so long. I really did enjoy my trip. If you want to know anything else, don't hesitate to ask.
