Like the company's seven other Fantasy-class ships, the
Paradise will be part of the "Evolutions of Fun" ship refurbishment program. Set to be completed by 2009, all Fantasy-class ships will undergo numerous upgrades, including expansions to the children's waterparks; new designs and features to pool areas; the creation of Serenity adults-only deck areas; fully remodeled staterooms and suites, complete with new baths and flat-screen televisions; and the addition of atrium lobby bars, coffee bars, miniature golf courses and multipurpose conference facilities. Once those renovations are completed, the ship will be renamed
"Carnival Paradise," to keep it in-line with other Carnival-brand ships.
This cruise liner was built in 2003, is a 70,367-ton, 855-ft megaship with a beam of 103 feet, 10 passenger decks and a passenger capacity of 2,052, double occupancy. The ship has a crew of 920, with Italian officers, and sails at 21 knots under the Panamanian flag.
Paradisesails on 3- and 4-day Baja cruises from Long Beach, California.
Rising seven decks, the six-story, glass-domed atrium displaying large works of art is centered around a circular bar, while the indoor promenade, with a disco, casino, bars, lounges, nightclubs and 14 elevators, seems better suited to a theme park than a cruise ship. Lavish Vegas-style shows are in the 1,300-seat main show room and in the 541-seat show lounge aft. Ten bars and lounges, a piano bar, cafe, disco, video-game room, conference center, library, boutiques, a large spa and a beauty salon are scattered around the vessel. For those inclined to more energetic pursuits, three pools, six whirlpools, a jogging track, shuffleboard and health club are on hand. A supervised youth program is offered year-round, with cookie turndown service for children.
Myriad dining choices await in two window-lined dining rooms forward and aft, at a lido dining area for 570 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in a 24-hour pizzeria. The fare is far from epicurean. A choice of four sittings for dinner is now available in the main dining rooms as part of a new flexible dining program. Room service furthers the options.
The 1,026 cabins come in 12 categories and feature TVs, phones, stereos, ample stowage and baths. Most staterooms have twin beds and whirlpool tubs, and 19 insides have upper and lower berths. 28 outside suites have king beds and whirlpool tubs, and 26 suites have balconies.
