John Walker

Age: 53
Occupation: writer
Number of Cruises: one
Cruise Line: carnival
Ship: Paradise
Sailing Date: April 18th, 2005
Itinerary: Baja, Mexico

My wife and I took our first cruise aboard the Paradise. The ship is impressive, the crew professional and courteous. While I found most ship activities to border on the wrong side of hokey the enthusiasm of the presenters and performers cannot be challenged. Food was well presented and excellently prepared but did not rise above ordinary in flavor. Our cabin was well serviced each day but the exterior window surface was grimy preventing us from enjoying the ocean view we had hoped for during the night.

Catalina island is a worthwhile day trip from the ship but for my money Ensenada offers little in the way of value. I can’t fault the cruise line or the crew, perhaps there is nothing wrong at all, but having taken the cruise we are left with a feeling of disappointment. Take away the sailing and it compares to a stay at any three or four star hotel.