Guest User 5/31/24 Guest User 5/31/24

Carnival Paradise: A 4-Day Adventure from Tampa to Cozumel

If you're dreaming of a quick getaway filled with sunshine, turquoise waters, and endless fun, look no further than the Carnival Paradise 4-day cruise from Tampa to Cozumel. This journey promises an unforgettable mix of relaxation, adventure, and vibrant cultural experiences. Here's a look at our recent cruise with friends on the Paradise:

Day 1: Departure from Tampa

Embarkation and Onboard Exploration

Our adventure began at the Port of Tampa, a bustling hub where anticipation hangs in the air. Embarkation was a smooth process, thanks to Carnival's efficient staff. We were eating our first Guy’s burger about 30 minutes after parking the car at the Port of Tampa! Once onboard the Carnival Paradise, we explored the ship, and the first thing we noticed was the classic charm, with its Art Deco design and vibrant decor. Don’t be fooled by her age or size, she’s well-maintained, and, well… some things really do come in smaller packages.

Setting Sail

As the ship pulled away from the dock, we grabbed a drink and went to the upper deck to watch the Tampa skyline fade into the distance. The sailaway party set the mood with live music, dancing, and plenty of fun as we began our journey into the Gulf of Mexico. As the Carnival Paradise sails from Tampa, one of the most breathtaking moments is passing under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The structure, with its soaring cables and vibrant yellow supports, stands tall against the bright blue sky. From the ship's upper decks, we had a unique vantage point as the colossal bridge loomed above. It was a thrilling start to our cruise.

First Night Fun

The first evening on the Carnival Paradise offers a taste of the ship's diverse entertainment options. From the sailaway show at the Normandie Theater to live music at the Rex Piano Bar, there's something for everyone. We enjoyed a delicious dinner in the main dining room with fantastic service, spent some time in the casino and then made our way to the sailaway show in the theater.

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

Activities Galore

A day at sea provides the perfect opportunity to explore everything the Carnival Paradise has to offer. Start your day with a sunrise yoga session on the deck or hit the gym if you're looking to stay active. For a more relaxed pace, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat offers a quiet space to unwind. We chose the latter, and hung out in the Serenity Retreat area, chatted with other guests, soaked up some sunshine, and enjoyed a few cocktails. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete until taking a few trips down the waterslide.

While we didn’t join in on deck games or trivia contests, there are plenty of them if that’s your gig.

Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico

Arrival in Cozumel

Waking up to the sight of Cozumel's stunning coastline is a treat in itself. This vibrant island is known for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and vibrant local culture.

Excursions and Adventures

Cozumel offers a plethora of excursions to suit all tastes. Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. For those preferring to stay dry, a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum or a beach day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park are excellent choices.

Our group chose to rent a car and explore the island on our own. Renting a car in Cozumel is easy, inexpensive (about $50 to $100 depending on the car chosen), and an excellent way to explore the island's less-visited east side, known for its untouched beauty and tranquil ambiance. As we drove along the scenic coastal road, we encountered pristine beaches, dramatic rocky shorelines, and charming seaside bars perfect for a relaxed pit stop. We also made a stop at the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins and enjoyed a great tour with our guide, Angel (entry fee of $14.50 per person and $36.00 for a guided tour group of six or less).

Day 4: Return to Tampa

Relaxation and Reflection

The final day of the cruise is all about enjoying the last moments of your vacation, and we did just that. We spent a leisurely morning relaxing after breakfast, played a game of bingo in the afternoon, watched a Q&A with the cruise director, and attended the Military Tribute. If that’s not your gig, you might take advantage of the ship’s spa services with a relaxing massage or facial, try your luck at the vibrant casino, or simply lounge by the pool with a good book.

Farewell Festivities

The last evening, we found some luck in the casino, listened to the casino band play several great tunes, watched the hilarious comedy show, and finished the evening with the casino band and dancing, a great ending to a fun day onboard.

Disembarkation

Arriving back in Tampa, the disembarkation process was as smooth as our embarkation. With our bags in tow, we left the Carnival Paradise with a smile and a promise to return soon.

Final Thoughts

The Carnival Paradise 4-day cruise from Tampa to Cozumel is an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in a world of fun, relaxation, and a bit of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this trip offers something for everyone, ensuring you return home refreshed and rejuvenated. Pack your bags and set sail on an unforgettable journey with Carnival Paradise. Bon voyage!

Guest User 5/31/24 Guest User 5/31/24

Margaritaville at Sea Review

Sailing into Paradise: A Review of Margaritaville at Sea Cruise

Looking for a quick escape with laid-back vibes? Look no further than Margaritaville at Sea, where the sun-soaked spirit of Jimmy Buffett's iconic brand meets the high seas. Recently, my party of 17, all friends in the 50- to 70-year-old range with “fun” as a common denominator, embarked on a 2-day jaunt to Freeport, Bahamas aboard the Paradise cruise ship from Palm Beach, and here's our collective take on the experience.

First things first, let's set the scene: Margaritaville at Sea isn't an ultra-modern, swanky cruise liner. With over 30 years under its belt, it exudes a retro beach vibe. As a seasoned cruiser with 45 voyages under my belt, I knew not to expect the glitz and glam of newer ships like Icon of the Seas. I prepped my friends, advising them to adjust their expectations accordingly—it's Margaritaville at Sea, not the Ritz Carlton at Sea.

Our decision to book this itinerary was driven by the allure of a quick getaway from our southwest Florida stomping grounds, with a pitstop in Freeport, Bahamas. In Freeport, we skipped the cruise line organized shore excursions, opting instead for a DIY adventure, and we weren't disappointed. Thanks to our trusty taxi driver, Arnold, and his 12 passenger van, we embarked on a tour of the Bahamian Brewery which included tastings of their various beers, followed by a stint of shopping at Port Lucaya and local culinary conch delights from Daddy Browns. Despite the less-than-stellar weather, we made the most of our time ashore, drank rum punch from coconuts, and had a blast. Taxis were plentiful and not terribly expensive right off the ship.

Now, let's talk grub. The JWB steakhouse, though requiring an additional charge, delivered tasty fare and commendable service for our large table. Even the Fins main dining room offerings were tasty, though lacking in healthier options. As for the iconic Cheeseburgers in Paradise—yes, they lived up to the hype. The Oceanview buffet was mediocre, but the morning omelets made to order, a hit among our crew and available at Its 5 o’clock Somewhere. We even treated ourselves to a champagne breakfast, located in the steakhouse during the morning, rounding out the culinary experience on a high note.

When it comes to entertainment, Margaritaville at Sea offered plenty, from lively shows to fun games like Quest, there's never a dull moment onboard. For music lovers, the ship offers an abundance of Latin beats, piano melodies, and karaoke sessions if that’s your scene. And for the high rollers, the casino offers ample opportunities to test your luck, with friendly hosts and complimentary drinks for gamblers after earning a few points on the casino card. See the casino host for your card, unlike most cruise lines, it’s not your cabin key card.

All this said, there's room for improvement, particularly in the embarkation and debarkation process. Patience is a virtue, especially when faced with valet lines and wait times at the port. It took us about 45 minutes for both embarkation and debarkation. As for libations, internet, and specialty dining, the ala carte costs left something to be desired, with many of us yearning for the convenience of a comprehensive “all inclusive” package akin to larger cruise lines.

Margaritaville at Sea offers a fun-filled escape for those seeking a brief respite from reality. Just remember to keep your expectations in check, given the ship's vintage charm. Whether you're cruising with friends or flying solo, there's plenty of fun to be had onboard. Pack your parrot-head gear, kick back, relax, and let the good times roll—it's Margaritaville, after all.

Guest User 5/31/24 Guest User 5/31/24

British Isles Cruise Tips

British Isles Cruise Tips

Last autumn, a good friend and I embarked on an enjoyable 9-day voyage through the British Isles aboard the Carnival Pride, setting sail from Dover, England. Our journey was a whirlwind, encompassing six ports of call: Greenock (Glasgow), Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Belfast, Cobh (Cork), Holyhead (Wales), and Liverpool. Each stop brimmed with historical marvels, adding layers of richness to our experience. Allow me to share some invaluable insights gleaned from our adventure for those contemplating a similar itinerary.

Navigating the distance between Dover, England, and the bustling airports of London, namely Gatwick and Heathrow, can be quite the journey. Anticipating this, we opted to forgo the cruise line transfer. Arriving a day prior to embarkation, we touched down at Gatwick and seamlessly secured a taxi outside Gatwick airport. The journey was smooth, and taxis were plentiful. It was a $200 taxi ride, but the cruise line transportation for the two of us would have been even more expensive.

Nestled in Dover, we found a charming Inn called Sandown & The Annexe. The room was small but comfortable, and the owner, Martin was extremely kind and helpful, he even gave us a lift to the castle and cliffs of Dover! The location of the Sandown was about 2 miles to the cliffs, castle, cruise port and several restaurants and shops. We walked around town, had some great food at local pubs, visited the white cliffs, and Dover Castle. If you’re staying in Dover for a few days before the cruise and you don’t have transportation arrangements to the ship, do yourself a favor and arrange a taxi immediately upon arrival in Dover. There’s not enough taxi drivers to get everyone to the ship, and they book up fast. Martin at the Sandown made a call and arranged our taxi for us when we arrived.

A highlight of European travel is undoubtedly the exceptional rail networks, and Ireland did not disappoint in this regard. Opting to forego cruise line shore excursions, we embarked on independent adventures in most ports of call, relishing the spirit of spontaneity and saving substantially in the process. Both Cobh and Dublin boasted conveniently located train stations near the cruise ports, facilitating seamless exploration. In Cobh, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Cork, followed by a short bus ride to the illustrious Blarney Castle, where we eagerly partook in the tradition of kissing the famed Blarney Stone. Despite the inevitable queues, the experience proved well worth the wait. It is advisable to allocate ample time—no less than three hours—to fully savor the splendor of Blarney Castle and its surrounding grounds.

Liverpool greeted us with it’s vibrant dockside, while the cruise ship is docked in close proximity to many of Liverpool’s attractions including museums, churches, Albert Dock, and Mathew St where the Cavern Club was made famous by the Beatles back in the 1960’s, still a great place to listen to live music. Beware Beatles Fans, Abbey Road is not in Liverpool, it’s back in London. You can, however, go to Strawberry Hill and Penny Lane.

For the adventurous types, you might take the 400 stairs down to the lighthouse at South Stack in Ynys Lawd while in Holyhead Wales; the views were beautiful even on a foggy day and just a 20-minute cab ride from the cruise port.

SouthStack Lighthouse in Ynys Lawd (Holyhead Wales port)

Now, let's talk about money. While it may seem as though each port introduces a new monetary system, the reality is a bit less convoluted. British Pounds are the currency of choice in London, Dover, Liverpool, and Wales. In Northern Ireland—encompassing Belfast and Glasgow—Pound Sterling reigns supreme, while southern Ireland—comprising Cork and Dublin—embraces the Euro. Fear not, for currency exchanges and ATMs abound, facilitating seamless transactions. However, a word of caution: prior to hopping in a cab or bus, ensure you have the local currency on hand to avoid any awkwardness.

Our British Isles odyssey was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, cultural encounters, and historical marvels. By embracing spontaneity, immersing ourselves in local culture, and some planning, we unearthed the true essence of this enchanting region. May these insights serve as a compass for future travelers, guiding them towards unforgettable adventures amidst the timeless allure of the British Isles.

Guest User 5/31/24 Guest User 5/31/24

Why a Cruise Vacation?

Cruise vacations offer a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and convenience that make them a compelling choice for travelers. There are several reasons why going on a cruise vacation can be an unforgettable experience

All-inclusive Experience: Most cruises offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, entertainment. This simplifies travel planning and budgeting, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about additional expenses.
Variety of Destinations: Cruises can take you to a diverse range of destinations, from tropical islands in the Caribbean to historic cities in Europe. With multiple ports of call, you can explore different cultures, landscapes, and attractions in one trip.
Convenience: On a cruise, your accommodation travels with you, eliminating the need to constantly pack and unpack as you move from one destination to another. This convenience allows you to maximize your time exploring each port of call without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment: Cruise ships offer a wide array of onboard activities and entertainment options to suit every interest and age group. From swimming pools and spas to live shows and casinos, there's never a dull moment onboard.
Culinary Delights: Cruise vacations are a paradise for food lovers, with a diverse range of dining options available onboard. From gourmet restaurants to casual buffets, you can savor delicious cuisine from around the world without ever leaving the ship.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Cruises provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge. Whether you choose to lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze from your balcony, you'll find plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate onboard.
Family-Friendly: Cruises cater to travelers of all ages, making them an ideal choice for families and multigenerational groups. With supervised kids' clubs, family-friendly activities, and special amenities for children and teens, everyone can enjoy a memorable vacation together.
Safety and Security: Cruise ships adhere to strict safety and security standards, providing peace of mind for travelers. Experienced crew members are trained to handle emergencies and ensure the well-being of passengers throughout the journey.

Overall, a cruise vacation offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and convenience, making it an enticing option for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences on the high seas.