BarbieGee

On the subject of MDR food quality, I would imagine that the chef (is there an actual CHEF in the galley?) might change from month to month. And the quality of the staff preparing in the galley will have a factor as well. It is nice when there are specialty restaurants on board but on smaller ships such as the Paradise where there are none of those, the passengers are at the mercy of the MDR. It's a bit frightening to think that my Paradise trip next year might not have excellent quality cuisine. 😧 The dining experience is an exciting part of the cruising fun and everyone should receive it. No? Yes?

Paradise has some great pricing for the Feb 6 - 11 cruise. I have a balcony suite for just over $700. We'll do a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet!

New family tradition... ice cream before bed? 🤗😁🍧

Was there a Cruise Critic Meet and Greet on this cruise? I've heard there used to be those held pre-COVID.

"Please sir, can I have some MORE?" You can't ask for seconds? 😉

Well, well, well.... success! AARP must have been reading this board! 😉

I agree... done with them. Not worth the aggravation.

I'm in! Got this 'subscribed' so I can enjoy vicariously to your adventure.

I just spoke via phone with a Fun Cruise rep. Chef's Table had been discontinued on Fantasy class ships post COVID but will be returning November/December according to the rep. Once restored the booking option will become available on Fantasy class ships. I'll be watching!

Although the Chef's Table is listed on Paradise, I cannot book it in advance for my Feb cruise. Carnival web page states "Reservations can be made at the ship’s Guest Services desk. " Should I call Carnival to make these reservations? I've heard this venue can fill up.

I too would like to know if Chef's Table has been restored across all ships.

I want to send this picture to Carnival Corporate! All ships are in need of this lox bar!

That is exactly the right words... HEAVEN! I'm in!

I had been contemplating the joining of and use of Verifly. Is this still useful for cruising?

Our cruise in February will have 2 people who have issues walking long distances 'up hill'. I am not sure what sorts of services could help these 2 adults manage that long ramp to the ship. Wheel Chair? Scooter? If a wheel chair is used, must this be ordered in advance? We may not need the chair to debark at the end of the cruise as the ramp is then all 'down hill'. They are able to walk well enough to get around the ship once on board. It is just that long walk up the gangway. I contacted the Port of Tampa and they referred me to Carnival to arrange assistance. Has anyone used Assistive Services at the Port of Tampa? If so, what was the procedure?

You went in August. I am hoping that as the months roll into winter the staffing issues will get better and the food issues will improve. 🙏

These periodic purchases makes me think, it's getting better? Someone is actually working on this issue? One can only hope... 😶

Just tried it at 5:45pm and it's a no-go. 😖

Is the Chef's Table the only specialty dining restaurant aboard the Paradise?

I agree, doing something that will help one's budget when on a cruise is very important. Using a credit card with a 'cash back' benefit is one way. Exploring other ways is why I would also use a gift card with a 10% discount, example: $500 Carnival gift card purchased for $450 = $50 savings + the 'cash back' cc benefit. Yeah, I'll go for that. 😁😁 I'm just hoping some super cruisers will post some good ideas for additional suggestions. And I've learned a LOT here!

I was thinking of doing this too as I live in the Kroger area. And since the AARP site is currently having issues.

No help via the phone. We must then wait. Check back periodically.

NOTICE: Cart checkout is currently unavailable and purchases have been temporarily disabled. We are working to remedy the issue & apologize for the inconvenience.

I found the same issue. Cannot 'check out', just reroutes me to 'log in' screen. I'll try making a call...

I checked on this, going to the AARP rewards link on their website and one can purchase either a $500 or a $100 Carnival gift card for a discounted 10%. Using ones credit card which gives a 2% cash back gives additional savings. As Schoifmom said, "win/win"! I would purchase the lower amounts of the 2 if I felt I was not going to spend $500 and add incrementally as needed however that would be an interruption of my fun time, yes? 😉🥳 I've got time so I will do some pre-planning and make a budget. I've learned so much here. 😁