Smoke-free cruising amid the ghosts of a bygone era
Aboard Carnival Paradise, guests enjoy an array of amenities and a full schedule of daytime activities and night-time entertainment, including newly added Cuban-themed entertainment and activities.
Dining options include two full-service main dining rooms and expansive poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria.
The ship, which was refurbished in 2018, also features a 12,000-sq-ft Spa Carnival health and wellness facility and an exclusive Serenity adults-only retreat.
Family-friendly programming includes Seuss at Sea in partnership with Dr Seuss Enterprises as well as fun, supervised activities for kids in three age groups. Four swimming pools and a 115-foot-long cascading water slide are also featured.
When Carnival Paradise launched in 1998, it was the last one to be built in Carnivals Fantasy class (eight 70,000-ton ships) and at the time was considered the most successful series of cruise ships built in the industry. And in another industry first, Carnival announced that the Paradise would be totally smoking free.
In the ships two-deck-high theater lounge named after the Normandie, a striking art-deco design reminiscent of the era of this French liner is recreated. Here Broadway-style entertainment is presented under large stained glass chandeliers, warm cherry wood and Brazilian rosewood furnishings and Louis Comfort Tiffany details that were evident throughout the interior of that famous liner.
In watering holes such as the America Piano bar, red, white and blue floor-to- ceiling replicas of the famed SS Americas smokestacks grace the bars entrance on Atlantic deck. Other bar areas are named after the USS United States, the Leonardo da Vinci (Italian Line) and the Ile de France Cafe (French Line). lot machines and the requisite gaming tables.
Families are very important passengers. With this in mind, the ships designers incorporated a number of family-friendly amenities on board including a large high-tech play area for youngsters. A 2,500-sq-ft play area was built that overlooks the main pool area. Divided into three sections, Childrens World features spin and sand-art machines, a computer lab and a multi-tiered indoor climbing maze including an activity wall filled with toys and games for all ages. A 16-monitor video wall projects G-rated movies and cartoons.
In the adjoining outdoor area, jungle gyms and mini-basketball hoops are situated along with a schooner-shaped playhouse for toddlers. There are three outside swimming pools on board-the Lido pool has a 114-ft S- shaped slide that will appeal to both children and adults-and six whirlpools.
A variety of dining options awaits passengers. There are two elegant dining rooms, the Destiny and the Elation, which specialise in fine cuisine with a seafood emphasis.
An extensive, multi-million-pound refurbishment in March 2018 added a wide variety of spaces and innovations, including a spectacular water park, 38 new cabins, 98 balconies to existing staterooms, and an a host of exciting food and beverage concepts.
Following the month-long dry dock, in Freeport, The Bahamas, Carnival Paradise resumed its year-round schedule of four- to eight-day cruises from Tampa.
The new features included:
- Guys Burger Joint: a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries enjoyed amidst a décor that celebrates the chefs California roots and love of car culture.
- RedFrog Rum Bar: a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnivals own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red.
- BlueIguana Cantina: a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar.
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar: a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin by the pool.
- Camp Ocean: a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that showcases the wonders of the sea through fun and engaging interiors and more than 200 ocean-themed activities, including arts and crafts, science-oriented programming, and more.
- New Cabins, Stateroom Enhancements: Thirty-eight cabins have been added two Grand Vista suites offering floor-to-ceiling windows, 22 junior suites, two scenic ocean view cabins and 12 interior accommodations. Additionally, private verandahs have been added to 98 existing staterooms, creating spacious new 230-sq-ft balcony staterooms. All staterooms will offer new island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by Carnival Paradises tropical itineraries.
- WaterWorks Aqua Park: Located on Verandah Deck, this expansive all-ages water park features an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide full of exhilarating twists and turns, two 82-foot-long racing slides, and a splash zone for kids.
- Miniature Golf Course: A nine-hole miniature golf course has been relocated to Deck 14, providing a fun and relaxing pastime for families to enjoy in the fresh sea air.
- Retail and Photo Enhancements: The ships retail shops are being completely reimagined with a new design and enhanced product offerings with multiple brand boutiques, including Pandora and Guess.
A guest favourite, the Cherry on Top sweets shop, is also being added, while the printed photo gallery is being replaced with a digital Pixels-branded platform that allows guests to identify and purchase images via their smartphones or at a nearby kiosk.
The Paradise is now based in Tampa year-round, offering a variety of Caribbean and Cuban cruises..
Carnival Paradise offers a distinctive décor with dramatic public spaces that pay homage to great ocean liners of the past, with memorable venues such as the Queen Mary Lounge, Normandie Theater, Rotterdam Bar and the Leonardo Lounge.
The ship also features spacious, modern facilities and programming for children in three age groups, along with a three swimming pools, including one with a spiral water slide. Dining options include two formal restaurants with extensive menus and wine lists and an expansive poolside eatery with a 24-hour pizzeria. Other features include a 12,000-square-foot health and fitness center, a jogging track, and Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat.
PASSENGERS : 2052
BERTHS : 1028
CREW : 920
FACILITIES : Two dining rooms (two sittings), casino, library, three outside swimming pools, gymnasium, spa, internet cafe, 9-hole mini golf course, self-service launderette.