I booked a cruise back in March for my girlfriend and myself. I had the BEST cruise agent help me pick out an itinerary and all considering, it will be the very first time for the two of us to be on a cruise. What can anyone tell me about Carnival's new ship Paradise other than it's smoke free. We will be sailing on the 10th of October for 7 nights to the western caribean. Is there anything we should not miss and what is there that really does't matter if we see or not. All your advice and information is very much appreciated. Thank you in advance --- Mike

Mike, we were on a similar Western cruise on the Sensation in June. Grand Caymans are great for snorkeling. In Cozumel, a trip to the Tuluum Mayan Ruins is a nice trip. Also you will get better prices on jewelry and liquor in Cozumel. Try Carlos and Charlies bar it is fun just to watch everyone party even if you don't drink!

Mike, <BR> <BR>I got back a month ago from the Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Paradise. You will have a ball. I have been on the western itinerary though. Do not miss 7-mile beach in Grand Cayman, swimming with the stingrays there also. And, go to "Hell". It's a town on Grand Cayman - you can mail postcards there and get a postmark of "Hell". In Jamaica, do not miss climbing Dunn's River Falls. <BR> <BR>If you or your girlfriend are going to be celebrating a birthday or another occasion, let your dining room waiter know and you will get a special cake and song. <BR> <BR>I think the Paradise was the prettiest ship I've been on. (I've been on 6 Carnival ships). The best part of course is the no-smoke. <BR> <BR>Just sit and people watch for a while on the Promenade Deck. And don't worry about sea-sickness - you won't even think you're on a ship at all. Great slide pool. If I can think of any other tips, I'll write again. <BR> <BR>Carol

Smoke free is a very good thing about the Paradise - perhaps the best thing. We just got back from a 7 day cruise on Paradise to the W. Caribbean. If you are young, are into low level and low grade popular culture, want to overeat with fair to modest food, what to be on the receiving end of a endless stream of hard selling on a "glitzy" ship decorated in bad taste this is the cruise for you. <BR> On the other hand you can party and gamble to your heart's content, visit three interesting places and stay in staterooms that are quite good and functional. <BR>

You will love the Paradise, it is great. We loved it I see that someone already told you about Carlos and Charlies on Cozumel but you must see Chankanaab Park also. the coral comes right up to the beach and the snorkeling is awesome. They also have a gorgeous botanical garden with ocean fed lagoon and there are dolphins. I believe there may be a dophin swim excursion. Have a great one.

Hello all. I just wanted to follow up with my message that I sent prior to my cruise onboard the Paradise! I just returned last Sunday 10/17 from the cruise. We both had the best time of out life! Unfortunetly, because of hurricane Irene we couldn't get into the Caymans so we ended up with and extra day and a 1/2 at sea which wasn't bad. I really wanted to get into the Gayans to do some snorkeling with the sting-rays but I guess next time I go, hopefully we can do some. We did get to Carlos' n Charlies in Cozumel which was a lot of fun! Jamica was very colorful, we climb Dunn's River Falls which was sooooooo much fun and a must do to anyone that will be visitin Ocho Rios! I would love to do another cruise in a heartbeat and I would love to take the same crew I had with me! From the waiter, busboy to the bar-waiter! They did an ooutstanding job!