My boyfriend and I cruised on Carnival's Paradise April 23, 2000. From the beginning to the end we had a fantastic trip. I did a lot of reading on this site and many others both before booking and right up until we left. I hope some of what I learned can help you as you plan your cruise. I will try to include the information I kept looking for and found most helpful on our trip.

We went on the western Caribbean (Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios Jamaica) and had heard some bad things about Jamaica even from crew on the ship, but we found it wonderful. Of the three ports, this was where we found the best deals for shopping. Merchants in both Cozumel and Ocho Rios both wanted to bargain on price, but we found the ones in Ocho Rios the most intent on selling and therefore the best prices.

One thing I would note is that the local merchants really want cash, American cash for sales. They will take credit cards, but usually only for large purchases and will take a lower price for cash than credit card. So even though all of your costs are covered with credit on the ship, take plenty of cash for purchases, taxis, meals, etc. in port.

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Related Content More info about Ocho Rios, Jamaica Port Guide

The few disappointments we had:

• Ships captain was rude when asked about getting a tour of the bridge
  
  
• Although beds were put together, they would not make them up with king sheets, leaving a big crack in the middle of the bed, right where we wanted to sleep together
  
  
• Pools and hot tubs close at 8 p.m. so no evening dips in the pool
  
  
• Would like to have seen a pool for adults only just for a little peace and calm from all the kids
  
  
• Kids running down the halls of cabins -- I fault the parents for not controlling them, but it did get out of hand a few times.
  
  
• I found the required 15% gratuity on drinks absurd. If you sat on your but and someone walked it to you or if you had to chase down a waiter or go to the bar yourself, it was till included, even if the drink was bad or the service surly.

Overall, I was totally impressed with the cruise, the efficiency of the operation and the crew. Embarkation was amazingly fast and painless. Within 15 minutes of parking our car we were in our cabin. The agents in Miami were very efficient and had us upstairs to get our picture taken in no time! We were in cabin E93. I loved the location, just a few doors down from the main level of the atrium, information desk and one hall over from the photo gallery. Sure saved a lot of walking from being down several levels. The Elation Dining Room was right above us, but that was only minimal noise. We never heard the people in the cabins on either side of us.

The food was great and plentiful. Plan to gain weight on the cruise. Take something not very form fitting for the second formal night or you may find yourself miserable! The lobster and the alfredo was a little overdone but other than that the food was always great! There is a sushi bar before dinner every night outside the casino and that is also where they have the crepe buffet one night. We only ate in the dining room at night so we could enjoy the sun and the buffets on the lido deck was always good. The 24 hour pizzeria had great breadsticks and pizza.

Take a multiple outlet, there is only one in the room. Also, a clock, especially if you have an inside room. When you wake up, it is impossible to tell if it is 5 a.m. or 5 p.m. They did have a basket of goodies in the bathroom, but bring all of your own toiletries, they don't replenish this supply.

There are lots of activities, we didn't make a lot of them, our main interest was just relaxing and enjoying the cruise. You can do as much or as little as you choose. The photographers take great portraits, but not many candids around the ship or by the pool.

We didn't take any of the ships shore excursions and had fun just taking off ourselves and saved some money too! Although the drinks will cost you, I always found them to have ample alcohol in them, so at least you are getting something for your money. The Mexican fiesta party when departing cozumel was really fun.

I've read lots of people brag about how nice the smoke free ship is, but since we have never cruised before it is hard to comment on that aspect, but we sure had a blast and can't wait to go again.

My biggest complaints were rude children taking over, but you can get that anywhere you go and it ended way to soon!