tennislvr1

Just curious if anyone has an opinion if its worth $1,000.00 for hubby and I to take Carnival's Paradise ship to Ensenada (a four night cruise). It stops in Catalina. The only cruise we've ever take is Princess about ten years ago and now we're looking for somewhere to spend our anniversary on 2/14. We're late 40's, and are easy to please.
I've read a few reviews on the Paradise on Fodors, but just wondering if anyone has something to add before I sign the dotted line.

Ida101

I donot think it is worth that money.
February can be chilly in Catalina Island and Ensenada.
catalina is a nice place, but much better later during the year.
Ensenada - well it is not Mexico....
Better make a cruise more southern - Cabo and Puerto vallarta are o.k. that time of the year.

jacketwatch

I'd skip that cruise and look for a better one. Also I'm not sure what is meant by "Ensenada-well its not Mexico" We were there about 6 yrs. ago and it sure seemed real to me. JM2C.

therenaissanceman

Catalina and Ensenada are not the greatest ports in the world, but you can certainly have a good time on the ship and at these locations if you go with a positive attitude. Paradise is a totally non-smoking ship I think, which is a real plus for non-smokers. I say go and have a great time.

garden

I've been on cruises. Haven't been on the Carnival Line, but have heard numerous negative comments about it from others who have gone. These are folks who are cruise-goers. Just thought I'd pass the info. on if you haven't booked that cruise vacation yet. good luck

jacketwatch

Actually Carnival suffers from their beginnings I'm afraid. Much has improved since then and there are also be be fair many positive comments here as well, more so than neg. IMHO. We've cruised them B4, no issues. I would go again w/o hesitation. For more info fo to: www.cruisecritic.com

pat

Didn`t I read that the Paradise had dropped their no smoking rule?

LLindaC

Paradise is no longer a smokefree ship.

tennislvr1

well, we did it...we booked a cruise for 2/13, but we decided on Royal Caribbean only for its itinerary. We know the weather can be "iffy" in Feb., but who cares. Its more about going somewhere for our 25th and we both agreed that a four day cruise is just the right amount of days for a true "get a way." Carnival's cruise was only 3 days and it ended BEFORE our anniversary on 2/14 so we opted for RC. Funny thing is that I was about to book a bottom of the barrel room because that's all that was left. Much to my surprize, when I finally got around to booking it this morning an oceanview room came available. Only hitch is that its unassigned...which means we could be assigned anywhere. Any thoughts on this idea?
I'm just thrilled that we are going somewhere...we own our own business and to truly "Get away" is nearly impossible these days!
P.S. And another reason for RC..they stop in San Diego, our favorite town, where our son is in college. We might even grab lunch with him and visit a few sites before we board the ship for an anniversary dinner. After all, he is such a big part of our life...why not celebrate part of the day with him?

LLindaC

I think you were smart to book RCCL. Although the short cruises are usually on the older ships without all the amenities, I have cruised both lines and had a much better experience on RCCL. Have fun!