Florings

The tip is included in the price of the steakhouse. Even so, we always tip an extra $25-$35 depending on whether we order bottles of wine. From the Carnival website: The fee includes a starter, salad, entrée, dessert and the wait's staffs' gratuity; additional gratuities may be extended at the guest's discretion.

By the way, my PVP says that Paradise is consistently one of Carnival's top rated ship. Despite the lack of all the new bells & whistles, that's always good to hear.

We've sailed on the Paradise several times, with a few more booked. Love that deck 14. We've stayed in the G1 and G2 and G8 junior suite. It is very quiet and a lovely spot to be. If you need to take the elevator, the port side forward as sc4125 posted above is the only elevator that goes to that deck. BUT, if you don't need the elevator - say you want to go for a quick snack or cold drink, you can walk down the hall, take some stairs down and be on the Lido deck, and a short walk to the buffet, pizza, etc. She is a small ship, but a wonderful crew and we always enjoy the ambience. Hope you have a wonderful cruise.

First drink after boarding the ship: Fun Ship Special Sail away drink: Blue Iguana Patron Margarita & every day at my "happy hour" Wine at dinner time, and those yummy shots they walk around with in the MDR. And I love the Pineapple Chipotle Martinis

I didn't see this F B post you are referencing and I read his morning missives.

On our last cruise on the Pride in March, they showed the newest James Bond twice, both times at 6PM when we were heading in to dinner. The rest of the movies were "throw backs" - all old movies (like 13 Going On 30 for instance) or animated, because it was the 50th Carnival anniversary cruise. We were disappointed to say the least. Our next cruise is in October - generally the offerings in October are Halloween themed, many, if not all, older reruns. At least that's how it was last year and in previous years in October.

Great information and thank you for taking the time to share it. Paradise is one of my favorites. We almost always book a porthole cabin on Empress Deck.

The free bottle is only so-so, the red better than the chardonnay. But the 50% off is a great option, except last time I tried to order my favorite Sauvignon Blanc the were "out". Still got a good pinot gris and was happy.

Since cruising has restarted, we've gotten photo album, luggage tags, and several koozies, which I am going to pass along to my family who is joining us in October for a cruise.

Lots of great information, thank you!

Yes, but never had to use it...

My PVP told me that the Paradise is one of the highest rated ships in the fleet, from customer surveys. I've sailed on her multiple times and it is a great ship. Also, sailing from the Port of Tampa, only the Fantasy and Spirit classes will fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. We have a cruise on Paradise in February 2024, so looking forward to any enhancements.

Yes, they still do this. It is a nice way to enjoy new wines. But I did try to order a bottle of wine from their wine list in the steakhouse and they did not have it (this was in March on the Pride). Our server said they had a bit of trouble with their wine deliveries. Hopefully that has resolved itself in these subsequent months....because when I go on Spirit in October, I will once again ask.

Thank you for your comments and comparisons. We may have to take a look at HAL for our next cruise vacation.

I enjoy the spaghetti carbonara in the MDR and all of the hot soups (mushroom is by far the best). Spring rolls and pork tart appetizers. Creme brulee and bitter n blanc for dessert. Blue Iguana huevos rancheros for breakfast, delicious. The taco salad for lunch is quite good. I like the Pizza Pirate pepperoni in a pinch and a caesar salad to accompany it. I think all the cakes on the Lido dessert buffet are lovely, but they have no taste and the frosting just peels off in one long strip, not creamy. I always think the fresh salad bar in the Lido buffet is very good and a nice selection of fresh veggies.

Great review! Lots of LOL moments and the pictures were incredible. Thank you for sharing it all.

Thanks for the review and the lovely pictures!

We have received upgrade offers, usually via emails, but also shows on cruise manager if they are being offered. From porthole to balcony on the same Deck for $150. I took it. Then a couple of weeks later, from that balcony to a junior suite. I did not take that one. We generally book porthole cabins, which are few. So we do receive upgrade offers on occasion.

Thank you for the entertaining review, Willdra! Great pictures too.

What a great review! I have enjoyed reading your adventures and seeing all the photos. Thank you for sharing it all.

We love the steakhouse and book 1st cruise night each time. I don't get the free wine, but order the wine I love off the wine list at 50% off. Never had a bad meal there, always delicious and the ambience has always been pleasant and special.