just back from the Paradise

[vivalv66]

Just got back from the 4 night sailing. Nice ship. Fun cruise. Unfortunately weather was sooo cold. Told my hubby this cruise didn't count because I was to cold! He didn't buy it lol! Went with my mom. Carnival did a good job of sitting us with other mother/daughter and gals at dinner. We had a fun table.great wait staff! Had a window cabin midship on Riviera deck. Would probably go 1 or 2 decks up next time. Sometimes was a little loud. Food was good.

Loved the late night comedian (Merle ?)

Only negative was disembarkation. Lot of people looked confused and frustrated. When did they start the carry your luggage and get off ship at 7am program? We were off by almost 11am.

All in all a great cruise but I still need some sun!

Would be happy to answer any questions...

Happy crusin

Sherry:)

[victory2020]

Was almost there with you! Glad we chose May1 instead when we got the rain, etc. Can you tell me what is in the goody bag in room if you remember? I would like to know what I don't have to bring. Also, is there sandwich bar on Paradise(where they make you sandwiches to order?) Also, is there still tea on sea days? What time were you allowed on ship?Thanks! (also, do they have chocolate buffet???)

[vivalv66]

The bathroom shower has a shampoo and soap dispenser. There was a basket by the sink with razors, small packet of shampoo and conditioner, small packets of flavored toothpaste, floss and a bodywash packet. Robes provided in closet. There is an ice bucket. Bottle water and some canned sodas on vanity for purchase. We carried on a bottle of wine and champagne with no problem. The one thing that I would recommend everyone bring and I forgot is an extra outlet adapter. There is only one outlet next to vanity. Was hard for two gals with blow drying and curling irons. There is a sandwich bar in the back pretty close to pizza bar on Lido. I never had a sandwich but they do make them to order. They must be yummy the line was always long. There is tea but not sure when. I remember seeing it in the Capers early in the week They open the embarkation about 11:30. We were on board by noon. They don't let you go into your room until 1:30. There was a small chocolate buffet in the Lido no midnight buffets.

Something we learned while waiting to board...

There were some people in another line that already had there room keys as they checked in next door at the Queen Mary. Don't know much but it was only for a certain time that morning you could do it. They got to board right away.

Hope that helps! Have fun!

[boaterette]

Thank you for the review. We will be on this trip April 3rd. We will be on the Riveria deck and I am wondering about the noise you mention. Where was it coming from? Did you happen to notice if there were any of those new penny slot machines in the casino? Also did you do any tours?

[cruzegirl]

Sherry,

I'm so with you.... It was way too cold....lol..... So this cruise shouldn't count.... Wish I could convince my check book of that too..... I'm so sad we didn't get a chance to chat before leaving on the cruise..... I was hoping to meet at some point..... :p

Boaterette,

I was on the Riviera deck below the Atrium and I only had noise from neighbors but it wasn't bad.... Didn't bother me much at all....

[kanyon24]

I was on the same cruise and did the early check in at the Queen Mary at 10:30. I think they stop at 11:00am. I also did the self disembarkation and was off the ship and through customs by 7:45 am.

[Hawaiianjessica]

I was on the same cruise and did the early check in at the Queen Mary at 10:30. I think they stop at 11:00am. I also did the self disembarkation and was off the ship and through customs by 7:45 am.

 

Hey Kanyon, i'm confused about the Queen Mary...so you can check in there if your at the pier earlier then the paradise is open for check-in? Will they take your checked luggage and transfer it to the paradise? I'm confused about this :confused:

[southbayer]

You first get there, and your met at the garage by porters who can take your checked luggage, you keep your carry on's.... then you walk over to the Queen Mary's early check in desk, which is located at the back end of the ship, you'll see a sign.... Then after your checked in, you wait around for the lines to form at the dome, which start to form about 11:45 - 12:15 .. Once you enter the dome, you will be checked by security, then let on board...

 

So if you arrive at say 9:30am, at the check in desk, theres usually no more than 4 people in line at that time, you'll be out of there in less than 15-20 min..... Then you can kill some time doing the self tour of the queen mary for a discounted price of $10. The guy/gal standing at the enterance of the early check in area can sell you the ticket for that if you want. ;)

[victory2020]

Thanks so much for all the info!

[rgbs_2000]

going on four night cruise but don’t have dates yet. won it but have to pay port and tax fees. it will be for our 20th anniversary thinking September sometime cannot wait and don’t even have dates yet but getting stuff together already

[vivalv66]

Boaterette,

The noise wasn't too bad. Could hear the engines when we were docking mostly. Could also feel the vibration a little. I think the aft cabins are worse. Nothing really to worry about. Just good to know for next cruise. Yes there were penny machines.

 

rgbs-2000,

Congrats on winning a cruise. I have been on this itinerary in late Sept. weather was pretty warm then.

 

Debbie,

Maybe will will meet on some future cruise ;)

[Cotton]

quote=victory2020......Was almost there with you!

 

I was on the Paradise in November. My experience was a bit different in some areas from Sherry's.

 

Can you tell me what is in the goody bag in room if you remember? I would like to know what I don't have to bring.

 

The amenity basket/bowl will be slightly different on each cruise. On various cruises, I've had Skittles, Rolaids, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, razors, sample packs of conditioner, shampoo, bodywash, bar soap. Your cabin steward will get more for you if you ask, but some items may not be available. It's always best to bring the products you like from home.

 

Also, is there sandwich bar on Paradise(where they make you sandwiches to order?)

 

There is a Deli, and they made the best grilled Reuben sandwiches! Usually a little wait, but well worth it. My DD had a Panini, and said it was excellent. The calzones at the Pizzeria were very good, too.

 

Also, is there still tea on sea days?

 

Tea Time was at 3:30 on sea days.

 

(also, do they have chocolate buffet???)

 

There was a Midnight Buffet on Thursday (on the four night cruise) in November. A small chocolate buffet was set up on the evening we were docked at Ensenada - most folks were still in Ensenada and missed it.

[kanyon24]

Hey Kanyon, i'm confused about the Queen Mary...so you can check in there if your at the pier earlier then the paradise is open for check-in? Will they take your checked luggage and transfer it to the paradise? I'm confused about this :confused:

 

You check your luggage with the porters at the garage. Walk towards the Queen Mary and there will be signs saying early check in. After checking in we stood in the loading zone 1 line and around 11:30 they let us in the dome.

[southbayer]

Cotton, I didn't see any Deli area on board the two times i was on the ship last year..... Where was it located ? And what kinds of sandwhiches did they make ??

quote=victory2020......Was almost there with you!

 

I was on the Paradise in November. My experience was a bit different in some areas from Sherry's.

 

Can you tell me what is in the goody bag in room if you remember? I would like to know what I don't have to bring.

 

The amenity basket/bowl will be slightly different on each cruise. On various cruises, I've had Skittles, Rolaids, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, razors, sample packs of conditioner, shampoo, bodywash, bar soap. Your cabin steward will get more for you if you ask, but some items may not be available. It's always best to bring the products you like from home.

 

Also, is there sandwich bar on Paradise(where they make you sandwiches to order?)

 

There is a Deli, and they made the best grilled Reuben sandwiches! Usually a little wait, but well worth it. My DD had a Panini, and said it was excellent. The calzones at the Pizzeria were very good, too.

 

Also, is there still tea on sea days?

 

Tea Time was at 3:30 on sea days.

 

(also, do they have chocolate buffet???)

 

There was a Midnight Buffet on Thursday (on the four night cruise) in November. A small chocolate buffet was set up on the evening we were docked at Ensenada - most folks were still in Ensenada and missed it.

[kanyon24]

The Deli is right next to the salad bar facing towards the pizzeria and bar. I wanted to eat there but I was always full from eating something else but one of my table mates said they made a great turkey sandwich. :)

[boaterette]

Did any of you do the Fox studio tour? If so did they serve drinks on the bus ride. Also how much did you tip the bus driver? Thanks for the help.