My husband & I (30's) took both sets of parents (60's & 70's) for a cruise together, and the Paradise was definitely the right ship.  We chose it primarily for the smoke-free environment and were not disappointed - a whole week of clean air! Discos, bars and casinos that we could actually use, not just view from afar!  It was so delightful that we are now willing to try any ship or land resort that will offer a non-smoking environment.

However, we did worry a bit about whether the 'Fun-ship' environment would suit the older members of our party.  No problem!  There were activities available for all of us to enjoy.  We all appreciated the ballroom dancing in the Normandie lounge and the jazz trio in the Leonardo every night, and when our parents slipped off to bed or a walk on the deck, we hit the Rex disco.  We met for meals (almost always in the Elation, since we appreciated the relaxed pace and great service), afternoon tea, and sunbathing on deck.  Between meals, my husband and I enjoyed the fabulous exercise facilities (the top deck jogging track was great at sunset) and aerobics classes, art auctions, and games.  My in-laws loved the photographer & photo gallery, the Galleria shops, and the casino.  My parents, who are a little younger, got into the shore excursions and dancing.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ship itself.  My 2 previous cruises were on smaller, older ships (Seawind Crown and Bolero), so I was pleased that the Paradise was so easy to get around in spite of the larger size.  Although the decor is fanciful, I did not find it gaudy or overwhelming.  I was extremely impressed with the passenger/space ratio.  The cabins were HUGE - nearly the size of some hotel rooms.  We had lots of storage space and the bathroom did not induce claustrophobia.  Everything from the television position to reading lights and closets was well positioned, and the single beds could be pushed together.  As for the public rooms, the only time I noticed crowding was in the Normandie lounge during the main shows (Shout and Dream Voyage) and during the customs clearance at San Juan.  I could always find a deck chair in the sun.  We had 3 days at sea, which really promoted relaxation.

We did not choose this cruise for the ports, and our goal was to relax on-board.  Half of us took an excursion in St Thomas ('Sailing the Virgins') and had a great time on this half-day sailing/snorkeling tour to Buck Island.  The others loved the shopping.  San Juan was less exciting, as it is a big, busy, smoggy city.  We did enjoy touring the forts but found limited shopping in Old San Juan and ended up enjoying the afternoon back aboard Paradise.  In Nassau we rented a taxi for a tour, and found little to see and limited shopping.  The Atlantis resort and casino looked amazing - if I return to Nassau on another cruise I will either spend the day there or try the excursion to Blue Lagoon island, which others on board loved.

Debarkation was extremely smooth - we met in our waiting area at 9:15, were called by colour and were off the ship by 10:00.  Embarkation was OK, although it did involve some standing in line.  We arrived at the port at 11 am and were on-board having lunch by 12:30.  We did not use Carnival for our air or transfers, which I think helped to avoid the crowds.

Of course, any experience has its downsides.  My one significant complaint, which is relevant only to non-US citizens, is that the customs process in San Juan is poorly handled.  About 600 guests were advised to meet at 7:30.  On arrival we stood in line to enter the Normandie, where we....got a cup of coffee!!! Then we were told to leave the lounge again and line up in the foyer to get back in.  This second line did not move for 1/2 hour.  Finally we made our way S-L-O-W-L-Y back in to pick up our passports.  Then we sat and waited until 8:30, which is when the customs officers actually came on board.  The 3rd line-up to have passports stamped went quicker and we made it out at 9:00.  We should have missed breakfast since the Elation closed at 9, but our waiters let us 'sneak in' late.  I know the customs process is necessary, but I felt Carnival could have improved things by calling people in groups by deck or something every 15 min, and by having us go through 1 line instead of 3.  They DEFINITELY should extend breakfast until 10 that day so that Canadians who wish a served breakfast can have one!

Other minor complaints:  the air conditioning is aggressive (take a warm sweater or wrap for INDOORS), our initial DR waiter was hopeless (but we were quickly switched to another table by the maitre 'd), and yes, the sight-lines in the Normandie lounge are abyssmal.  However, we didn't think the shows were that great anyway (good dancing, lots of lights, colours and costumes, NO plot and ridiculous song lyrics!).  If you're into that kind of thing try to get there early and sit on the lower level.  The seats in the balcony all have obstructed views. 

So, overall, we loved the Paradise and would cruise on her again.  We will try the western Caribbean next time although we've been to all those ports.  My hope is that Paradise will be rotated to other itineraries, such as the Panama Canal and Alaska.  I would be delighted to see other cruise lines follow Carnival's lead in offering a vacation from second-hand smoke.