newlife_2010

I have the 24 hour hold for 3 night December cruise on the Valor. I understand that it is just out of dry dock which I am not excited about the changes. Does the Valor no longer have the carnival grill: that served the burgers, dogs, chili, hot cheese, chicken tenders, onions, etc.? Specifically, regarding the chicken tenders, where else can I get them on the ship?

What makes the Valor so great? Why should I sail on her? Loaded question but now I am down to a few hours left before I need to confirm with payment.

We are sailing the Paradise on 2/7 and can't wait!

 

Some questions for you -

 

Did your cabin still have the big box in the corner? If so, did you request that it be moved and did they?

 

How was the entertainment - for the late 30's to late 40's range? We got spoiled to the Blackjack Band on the Dream and haven't seen anyone to compare to them yet. We did enjoy the entertainment on the Fascination though - it was just in a bad spot right outside the casino.

 

What about the shows? Any that we don't need to miss?

 

Also, how was the staff? We've always had excellent luck except for our October Sunshine cruise - wasn't impressed with the staff at all on that trip.

 

Can't wait to read more!

Excellent questions and have a wonderful cruise. My responses are below.

Some questions for you -

Did your cabin still have the big box in the corner? If so, did you request that it be moved and did they?

My cabin (E76) had a white portrait box with a ship on it in the corner but I am not sure if it could be removed.

How was the entertainment - for the late 30's to late 40's range? We got spoiled to the Blackjack Band on the Dream and haven't seen anyone to compare to them yet. We did enjoy the entertainment on the Fascination though - it was just in a bad spot right outside the casino.

I am early 30s - I thought the entertainment on board was quite well done. Everyone pretty much ends up in their group ages anyway. The older folks typically stayed on deck 7 and 10. The promenade deck was the party deck. The band was great - I recall them playing a range of music. There was a lot going on after 7pm - the ship comes alive around 11. On the last night of the cruise - the entire ship was a party until about 4am lol.

What about the shows? Any that we don't need to miss?

The welcome show was a bore but it was quick so it was tolerable. SHOUT was amazing - this was the last night show where they performed music from different decades. The motown set was amazing. There is an african american girl that is one of the lead singers in all the shows - she was simply spectacular. The lead male not so much. The country show (I think this was the 2nd night) was great - steve the CD plays the fiddel well. The talent show was good (I think the 3rd night) that is where ship mates perform.

Also, how was the staff? We've always had excellent luck except for our October Sunshine cruise - wasn't impressed with the staff at all on that trip.

The staff was really hit or miss. The bar staff was the most questionable - I had purchased the bubbles program and on more than one occasion the staff would look irritated that I was getting a refill of soda 5 minutes after them giving me one. In their defense, the fact they have to swipe the card, print the receipt, and i have to sign it - is quite irritating on both ends. In the past - they just checked for the sticker, refilled, and I would be on my way. The MDR staff was hit or miss as well. I did your time dining. The staff at the podium greeted me by name every night as did the head server. However, more than once I was told that I ordered too much food and the server got mad. I was really irked at the seaside brunch because I ordered several entrees (and ate them all) but the server got an attitude with me when I placed my order. If you go to the brunch - try the rolls they are DELICIOUS. My room steward also was too persistent - one evening (during turn down time) I forgot to place the do not disturb sign on my door and he knocked once then came in while I was knocked out sleep. He apologized but that was quite unsettling. I found the staff on the lido deck buffets to be exemplary which high marks given to the staff at the mongolian grill.

Can't wait to read more!

Have a wonderful cruise

We are sailing the Paradise on 2/7 and can't wait!

 

Excellent questions and have a wonderful cruise. My responses are below.

 

Some questions for you -

 

Did your cabin still have the big box in the corner? If so, did you request that it be moved and did they?

 

My cabin (E76) had a white portrait box with a ship on it in the corner but I am not sure if it could be removed.

 

 

How was the entertainment - for the late 30's to late 40's range? We got spoiled to the Blackjack Band on the Dream and haven't seen anyone to compare to them yet. We did enjoy the entertainment on the Fascination though - it was just in a bad spot right outside the casino.

 

I am early 30s - I thought the entertainment on board was quite well done. Everyone pretty much ends up in their group ages anyway. The older folks typically stayed on deck 7 and 10. The promenade deck was the party deck. The band was great - I recall them playing a range of music. There was a lot going on after 7pm - the ship comes alive around 11. On the last night of the cruise - the entire ship was a party until about 4am lol.

 

What about the shows? Any that we don't need to miss?

 

The welcome show was a bore but it was quick so it was tolerable. SHOUT was amazing - this was the last night show where they performed music from different decades. The motown set was amazing. There is an african american girl that is one of the lead singers in all the shows - she was simply spectacular. The lead male not so much. The country show (I think this was the 2nd night) was great - steve the CD plays the fiddel well. The talent show was good (I think the 3rd night) that is where ship mates perform.

 

Also, how was the staff? We've always had excellent luck except for our October Sunshine cruise - wasn't impressed with the staff at all on that trip.

 

The staff was really hit or miss. The bar staff was the most questionable - I had purchased the bubbles program and on more than one occasion the staff would look irritated that I was getting a refill of soda 5 minutes after them giving me one. In their defense, the fact they have to swipe the card, print the receipt, and i have to sign it - is quite irritating on both ends. In the past - they just checked for the sticker, refilled, and I would be on my way. The MDR staff was hit or miss as well. I did your time dining. The staff at the podium greeted me by name every night as did the head server. However, more than once I was told that I ordered too much food and the server got mad. I was really irked at the seaside brunch because I ordered several entrees (and ate them all) but the server got an attitude with me when I placed my order. If you go to the brunch - try the rolls they are DELICIOUS. My room steward also was too persistent - one evening (during turn down time) I forgot to place the do not disturb sign on my door and he knocked once then came in while I was knocked out sleep. He apologized but that was quite unsettling. I found the staff on the lido deck buffets to be exemplary which high marks given to the staff at the mongolian grill.

 

Can't wait to read more!

Have a wonderful cruise :)

Just returned from Paradise - there were no free samples or bowl in my bathroom. I was quite bummed.

Just wondering is there place to get sushi? If so, how was it?

I do not recall a sushi place on board. I remember a few years ago there was a sushi place on other ships that was on the promenade deck during the dinner hours. I think on Paradise that has been replaced with the 'taste of' options where you can sample foods from other ships through the cruise. And honestly, those taste samples were not good at all on Paradise if that is what people are eating on more expensive ships i was not impressed. I do know there is a taste of sushi on the menu in the main dining room which was on the final night but i did not try it. But if its on the menu one night, i think you can order it anytime.

I hope you'll post a review soon. We will be on the 2/21 sailing of the Paradise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed there is no fog that morning so the ship won't be delayed. Coming back it really won't matter to us as much, as we aren't flying home until the next day. :) Plus it won't matter to passengers getting on after us, as there won't be any! The ship goes into dry dock that day. :)

There was fog this morning i am not sure if we were delayed bbecause of it but man was it dense. I see why they delay coming in. I fear what changes are coming after drydock. Paradise is perfect the way it is. Ive read they may do away with the bands and live shows, that wwould be unfortunate. More on that later

Hi! We will be leaving on Paradise on Mon and would love to hear all about her!

Pack an appetite. There was so much nonstop food. I was highly impressed with the quality of the food in both the main dining room and lido deck buffets. More on that later.

I am sitting on the lido deck having breakfast waiting to get off. There has been a delay in the terminal alot of people downstairs are crying because they booked flights out of Tampa at before 1130am and its now almost 10am and everyone is still stuck on the ship. I did relaxed exit as my flight does not leave until later in the day.

If anyone has any questions about paradise let me know.

One of my friends purchased cruise cash for me online this afternoon via the carnival website. The problem is that my cruise leaves in the morning - she nor I have received any confirmation but it shows the money has been deducted from her account. When I check in at the tampa port will they be able to tell me about my OBC? What if it does not show in their system - what should I do?

Another question - can i seal my luggage tag with clear packing tape?

Newlife, have I got a deal for you. If you come to the "Meet-n-Greet" right after the lifeboat drill, and identify yourself to me, I'll GIVE you a brand new Tervis Cup. That used to be the gift received by the platinum/diamond guests, and I have quite a few of them, so I'd be happy to share. I've already put it with my luggage so I'll remember to bring it along. Look forward to shaking your hand, and meeting you. OH CRAP! Just realized you're sailing on the 10th, and I'm sailing on the 19th. Sorry about that. Maybe next time....

 

"SKY"

Ken

Hi Ken - I got beyond excited :) No worries but thank you for the offer. Just missing each other by a few days. Have a wonderful cruise Ken.

Just in time, please post photos. Looking forward to your review

Oh and get some Poo Potpurie. I was given some for Christmas at work as a fun gift but the truth be known it really works. I brought on my last cruise because I Really hate the smell in the bathroom when using but spray the Poo Potpurie in the bowl and it conceals it. Happy sailing

I have used it from the tv nework and yes it works :)

"Paradise" is one of the very few Carnival ships that still has a full band, and full compliment of singers/dancers, so don't miss the BIG shows in the theater. "8 More Seconds" is an outstanding show, and I highly recommend seeing that one, along with "Shout". Both are EXCELLENT, and as noted, very few ships offer these shows. ENJOY! :cool:

Oh yes,,,CONGRATS on the PHD!

 

"SKY"

I have always enjoyed the carnival shows (the 2.0 upgrades seem to have eliminated alot of them). I am looking forward to the evening onboard - dinner in the MDR and a show. Thank you on the well wishes :)

You can get a trevis cup ( or comparable) in the Carnival gift shop. We got one first day on board for $10 a piece I think. What is the subject of your dissertation?

 

 

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I am looking at access and participation of African American Males in Graduate Programs. I may invest in the trevis cup.

Remember sunscreen, visor/hat, powerstrip, regular meds and meds for a cold/headache, singles for tipping room service, turn your phone on airplane mode once you hit international waters, highliter for marking Fun Times, chip bag clips to hold down hem of shower curtain, good book for relaxing on lido deck, more than one swimsuit, Tervis cup for soda refills, beach bag for lido or excursions.

Make a printout of your excursions, travel insurance if you have it and cruising travel docs.

I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions!

 

Have a great cruise!

 

 

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If i keep my phone in airplane mode that will not incur charges? The book is covered in the form of my dissertation, lol. I am editing on sea days. Where can i buy a trevis cup?

There are no clocks in the cabins so I always bring a battery operated clock and it's also the only time I wear a watch so I can stay on ship's and not local time when I get off in the ports.

Excellent reminder. I will add that to my shopping list

This is my third cruise but its been quite some years so I just want to crosscheck. Background - I am cruising on the Paradise, January 10 sailing out of Tampa (solo).

1) Are there any "must haves" packing I should bring? I am taking as little as possible but is there anything that I may need that I am liable to forget?

2) For a 5 night cruise - how much money should I place for a cash deposit (I would rather not use my CC as I will keep that open for emergencies)?

3) I am an avid soda drinker and will purchase the Bubbles program - I have read I should not purchase until after we sail to avoid taxes (but then I read they charge a .12 cent tax now anyway. Any suggestions on when I should purchase.

4) In the MDR - how will I receive my soda? Is there a bar in there I need to go to or will they check my card and bring my drinks to me?

5) For the "Drink of the Day" do they still offer the non-alcoholic version? How much are those?

6) Finally, any suggestions on things to check out on the Paradise that I may miss? Any links to a great pictorial review of someones Paradise crew?

chicken tenders the first night in the MDR.

And you will need to cruise before February before the upgrades in the dry dock

Yes - I am leaving next Saturday :)

For liquid products like body wash and mouthwash - this has to be carried on to the cruise?

Thank you everyone for the recent replies. One week from today i will be boarding paradise. I so need this vacation but im really looking forward to being cut off from all communication.

How much cash do i need to put on my 5 day cruise? I do not want to put a credit card.

I leave out of Tampa on January 10. Flight arrives in Tampa at 830am - if all goes well weather wise in the midwest I should have plenty of time to get to the port. Returning on the 15th my flight leaves Tampa at 830pm that night lol. I figure I will be one of the last people off the ship then I will hang out in the airport for the rest of the day.

We've been known to split up our dinner. Apps and dessert (usually the cheese plate for me) in the MDR then onto the buffet for the main, especially when they are carving lamb.

Very similiar for me. I like the MDR but I like to get in and get out. But I usually do the entrees in in the MDR then more food in the buffet. It has been a few years since my last cruise - do you know if they still offer the midnight buffet and what it consists of?

Work on a cruise - tragic. LOL I know the feeling. I am taking one of my dissertation chapters to work on on the in port days. I plan to go out and explore - have lunch and light shopping then come back hit the pool. Then pull out my laptop and do some edits :)