Carnival Paradise

I am going on the Paradise in February. Can anybody clue me in as to what to expect on the ship and or the itinerary. I have never cruised before. Maybe you can tell me your experiences.

Are you going on the four day cruise, leaving on Monday, or the three day cruise, leaving on Firday (yes, it does make a difference).

Four day

This is not meant for your personally, but the passengers on the four day have been described as, "The over fed, newly wed or nearly dead."

You will visit Catalina, Ensenada and spend one day at sea. It is a great introduction to cruising. It is not as relaxing as a one week cruise, but a good way to get your feet wet (pun intended) and see if you like cruising.

Neither port is going to remind you of a Caribbean Island (that may be good or bad - depends on your point of view). Though Carnival tends to attract more active people, there is a big difference between the four day passengers (described above) and the three day passengers who are looking to party until they drop.

Though I have been to Catalina and Ensenada, there is not much to say about either. In Catalina you do not dock, so you have to take a tender (a small boat) to get from the ship to the shore (and back). In Ensenada you will dock (just walk on and off the ship). However, Ensenada is not what one would call a tourist town. Still, some like for exactly that reason. The day at sea is a very nice relaxing day. However, in February, do not expect temperatures in the 80s (though it can happen).

Your question is very general and I don't want to type for the next five hours. Do you have any specific questions?

Thanks for the info, I am cruising for the first time. I used to be in the Navy (yes the ships are built different) well anyway I would get tired of constant movement of the ship. I know that Catalina and Ensanada can be low-key, any of the shore excursions worth booking?

We, husband 34, myself 36, and daughter 4, took this exact cruise just last Oct. 31st. It was our first cruise all around and hubby was a navy man as well. We had decided to try this cruise to see how we'd like cruising and lets just say we sail out this Feb. 4 on the Pride for the 7 day Riviera.

The Paradise is a smaller ship and still it seemed large with plenty to do. I didn't focus on the other cruisers enough to label them. We were there to have fun with eachother and to relax. But as I think back this is what I can say: As we walked around the ship I'd see some senior citizens playing tile games in the lobby areas, kids in Oct were not RUNNING the ship, there were probably 30 from infant to teens total. As I think back to the recorded video the cruise puts out every night there was just a real mix match of people, young, old, and inbetween. We totally had a blast!!

The ports were not EXCITING but we did get off at both. We didn't book a thing, bec we had our 4 year old we just didn't know what the day would hold! At Catalina, we just did the semi submergable, walked the beach, had some lunch and got an ice cream cone! It was pretty fun :)

Ensenada, well, it was "ok" we took the shuttle to the street with all the shops and on the way the guy was talking about the flea market and La Bufadora (the blow hole). We decided to do that and I decided to given the man said it was only 15 minutes away. We get on the shuttle and it took 45 minutes to get over there. Not that the ride wasn't interesting, not that my 4 year old didn't do well, not that La Bufadora wasn't AMAZING (we LOVED hanging out watching it blow) but I wouldn't have taken it if he would have said it was that long one way.

The flea market was awful. We didn't buy anything, we didn't go into a single store, but then again we weren't in the market for knives, stain glass, leather products, cigars, sunglasses, or JUNK!

Again, the cruise was PERFECT to check and see if cruising was for us...let's just say my 4 year old LOVED it just as much as we did and we're all looking forward to February.

If you haven't already check out my review (if the link doesn't work it's under reviews, paradise, mom2joce) http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=13665

And below in my signature are pictures from the exact cruise you'll be going on! Enjoy :)

The flea market was awful. We didn't buy anything, we didn't go into a single store, ...

I don't get it, why would anyone want to buy a flea? :)

I am going on the Paradise in February. Can anybody clue me in as to what to expect on the ship and or the itinerary. I have never cruised before. Maybe you can tell me your experiences.

Hi my name is Kathy and I just went on my first cruise on the "PARADISE" over Thanksgiving 2005 and it was absolutely wonderful. The reason I am sending you this e-mail is because I need your help if you dont mind.

While on my cruise I met a very special someone his name is "ROBERT". He asked me to please leave my contact information with the "INFORMATION DESK" on the ship before I leave. I did leave it but I dont think he got it because I have not heard anything.

Would you PLEASE give him my contact info? I would be so greatful.

This is the information I know about him:

His name is "ROBERT"

He works in the "MAJESTIC CASINO" (usually at nite)

What he does at the Casino is walk the floor and help Carnival guest with any questions and or difficulties. He is a "SUPER NICE" guy.

He is in early 30's and born on "VALENTINES DAY"

I also know his cabin number if you might need it.

Here is my information:

My name is KATHLEEN SPENCER

My e-mail is: kiss4katt@yahoo.com

My cell phone# is (253) 219-0282

It's actually out of minutes right now(pre-paid) although I will have it back on real soon. (long before your trip).

Please let me know if you dont think you can. To be able to hear from him would be GREAT!!!

Thanks and I will look forward to hearing back from you.

The Ship is absolutly BEAUTIFUL dont forget to take your best Formal Wear to wear on "FORMAL EVENING" (dinner) you will have a great time there are so many fun things to do and Great shows forENTERTAINMENT.

I would love to hear how much fun you have when you come back home.

Thanks

Kathleen Spencer:)

Kathy, I think you're sharing a bit too much info. Read the guidelines of Cruise Critic.:rolleyes:

BRT - I was on the Paradise in November. It was an exceptionally nice cruise, even though it was only four nights. I had been to Catalina before (visiting DD in L.A.), and we rented a golf cart and rode all over the island, then had lunch. It was a nice day there. Ensenada was equally nice, just very laid back and not a whole lot to do - but then, that was what we wanted, a laid back day. I seem to have the ability to have a nice time no matter where I am, or with whom. SO - it was a great day! Sea days are always wonderful. Nothing like a quiet deck, good book, and an adult beverage in hand.:) Enjoy your cruise!

Probably for the same reason they would buy a baby at a Baby Sale. :D :p ;) :)

I don't get it, why would anyone want to buy a flea? :)