Carnival Cruise Line
Paradise Cruise Review
Baja Mexico

Joanne F.

This was my Hubby's and mine first cruise so we really had no idea what to expect.

We got to Long Beach the day before and stayed at the International Guesthouse. They provided us with a shuttle from Long Beach airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the port where our ship was.

We went with some friends of ours, and we got up and arrived early the day we set sail. It was a good thing that we did because when you arrive early, you can register early, and get VIP check in. We registered on the Queen Mary, and good thing we did, because we walked right pass the line ups, got on the ship quite early! Our baggage handler, Bobby, was very helpful, and appreciated his help in guiding us in the right direction.

Once on the ship we went to Paris restaurant for lunch and drinks. The food was pretty good. I wasn't expecting allot after reading some reviews on here, but it far exceeded my expectations. After a good meal, hubby and I explored the ship, and found our cabin.

Again, I wasn't expecting a lot with the cabins, because of some reviews on here, but they were spacious, very clean, and the bed was really nice and comfy! Our steward was super friendly, and always had a smile on his face.

We were scheduled for the late dinner in the elation dining room. And we were fairly impressed with what they had to offer. They had a different menu every evening, and a good selection. My only complaint with the food on the ship was steak... those guys really don't know how to make a steak. It was bland and it lacked flavor, which in part may the beefs fault and not so much the chef's.

Our first day we were supposed arrive in Catalina, but it was very windy out, and the water was choppy, so our day at sea was bumped up to Tuesday, and Catalina was on Wednesday instead, and Ensenada was on Thursday. Catalina we just did a lot of shopping, and saw the glass bottom boat tour. Generally had a good time.

When we got to Ensenada, we went on the blow hole and winery tour. I read a lot of negative things about Ensenada, and for the most part, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. When we got to the blow hole it was beautiful. The flea market was an experience and a half though. I got allot souvenirs there though, and got in a lot of haggling!! I went to habbana banana's and got lots of cool cloth for my kids and myself.

The winery tour was nice, and had fun doing the wine tasting.. We ended up buying two bottles of wine, which for the tour the ship will waive the corkage fees for.

All in all, I had a GREAT time on the Paradise... and we are planning a cruise in near future, on the same boat, with our kids. PLEASE ignore all negative reviews, as I can't see what they didn't like about it, *maybe it was the steak*.