carnival cruise paradise tampa

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Carnival Paradise

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Tampa (Florida)

Carnival Paradise current position

Carnival Paradise current location is at Gulf of Mexico (coordinates 24.28293 N / -81.35772 W) cruising at speed of 13.5 kn (25 km/h | 16 mph) en route to US TAM-BS BIM. The AIS position was reported 34 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise current cruise is 5 days, round-trip The Bahamas . Prices start from USD 339 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 15 Apr, 2024 and ends on 20 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Paradise

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Paradise Itineraries

Carnival paradise review, review of carnival paradise.

The 1998-built Carnival Paradise cruise ship is the 8th/last of CCL's Fantasy-class liners, with sisterships Fantasy (the first in the series/1990-built), Elation , Imagination , Inspiration plus the "balcony ships" Fascination , Sensation , Ecstasy .

The vessel (IMO number 9120877) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 355833000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 2200-passenger ship Carnival Paradise is one of the oldest Carnival liners, with building cost USD 300 million. Carnival Paradise was industry's first and only all-non-smoking cruise ship.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Paradise staterooms (1061 total, in 25 categories) include 78 Suites, 98 Balcony, 526 Oceanview and 359 Inside cabins. Most cabins are sized 170-185 ft2 (16-17 m2). CCL Paradise ship has 32 wheelchair-accessible cabins (ADA staterooms adapted for passengers with disabilities). The largest (Grand Vista Suites) are sized 350 ft2 / 33 m2 plus 60 ft2 / 6 m2 terrace and accommodate up to 5 passengers. Grand Suites feature large sitting areas and spacious bathrooms (with whirlpool bathtubs, separate shower), VIP services and amenities.

The boat has 14 decks , of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

During drydock refurbishment 2018, a total of 38 new cabins were added, of which 2x Grand Vista Suites, 22x Junior Suites, 2x Scenic Oceanview, and 12x Interior. A total of 98 balconies were added to existing staterooms, which were upgraded to 230 ft2 / 21 m2 sized balcony cabins. The number of passenger staterooms was increased from 1026 to 1064, which increased the boat's passenger capacity from 2052 to 2128 (max 2462 to 2554).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Paradise features two main dining rooms, Destiny and Elation. During dinner, both offer feature set seating, with early meals at 6 p.m. and late at 8:15 p.m. Carnival's open seating option, "Your Time" dining, is available between 5:45-9:30 pm. Tables in Your Time dining section are "first-come, first-serve" - better arrive early if you are looking for a two-top. Paradise's menus feature starters (including soups, salads, and appetizers), main courses and desserts. A vegetarian starter and main course are always available, but better ask about the vegetable soups, most of which use chicken stock bases. The sugar-free orange cake is among the low-calorie items, designated with "Spa Carnival" symbol.

Don't miss the chance to visit The Paris Cafe on Lido Deck, as it is one of the prettiest cafeteria-style restaurants at sea. At night it transforms into Seaview Bistro, an upscale version of the cafeteria-style service, with menu items from ship's main restaurants, presented to the passengers who prefer to dine casually. 

Unlike other Carnival ships, there is no specialty restaurant or Supper Club onboard Carnival Paradise. However, as is also available on all of the Fun ships is Chef's Table - a dining experience that affords a dozen guests a multicourse dinner with a private cocktail reception, a tour of the galley and a master chef. This dining option takes place in a non-traditional venue, like the library or the galley, and can be booked onboard for US$75 per person.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Paradise restaurants and food bars.

• Elation Dining Room (650-seat, forward Main Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings, or “Your Time Dining”; offers themed breakfasts - “Seuss At Sea”, for $5 cover charge)
• Destiny Dining Room (658-seat, aft Main Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings).
• Paris Lido Buffet Restaurant (722-seat, complimentary self-service restaurant with various food stations; operates as a bistro in the evenings).
• Sushi Bar (complimentary)
• BlueIguana Cantina (poolside Mexican fast food bar / complimentary)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar
• Guy’s Burger Joint (poolside burger bar / complimentary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Though built in 1998, cruisers won't make the mistake that Carnival Paradise is an old ship. Carnival company did its best to spiff it up by adding a devoted teen and tween clubs, adult-only sun deck tucked away on the aft deck and further Evolutions of Fun upgrades, which include the addition of more waterslides and a refit pool place. Two production shows take place in the Normandie Lounge each night. The two-deck, 1,300-seat theater offers stadium seating and bar stools on the balcony. Besides the Las Vegas-style song and dance revues, it hosts illusionists, comedians, passenger talent show, and the Gender Showdown. Daytime activities include country line dance classes, trivia, and bingo. Paradise's secondary venue for entertainment is the Queen Mary Lounge, featuring karaoke, "R-rated" comedy shows and art auctions.

Use of the Fitness Center is complimentary. Some yoga classes are organized for a modest fee. The top deck offers a jogging track. 8 times around the deck equals 1 mile. Every afternoon live musicians entertain the public at the main pool. But the best thing on Carnival ships is the Serenity. This special adults-only area features 120 comfortable lounges and two whirlpools.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Paradise lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Paradise Atrium Plaza (7-deck high midship open area served by Plaza Lobby Bar)
• Internet Cafe (24-hour Internet computers room)
• Normandie Theatre (1300-seat, 2-level main show lounge)
• Paradise Boulevard Promenade and Bar (230-seat)
• Cafe Il De France (58-seat specialty coffee bar)
• Leonardo Lounge and Bar (109-seat, with karaoke and dance floor)
• Rex Disco and Nightclub (230-seat Dance Club)
• Rotterdam Bar (92-seat cigar bar with piano)
• Cherry On Top (Carnival's signature candy shop)
• Alchemy Bar (Carnival's “cocktail pharmacy” lounge served by professional mixologists)
• RedFrog Rum Bar (frozens, beers, Carnival’s private label ThirstyFrog Red/draught beer)
• Queen Mary Lounge and Bar (540-seat, hosts Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch)
• Art Gallery; Photo Gallery and Shop (digital platform / Pixels-brand); Formalities Shop (tuxedo rentals, special occasion gifts); The Fun Shops (offer “Bon Voyage” store menu, souvenirs, watches, jewelry, logo merchandise, duty-free liquor, fashion boutiques / Guess Store, Pandora Store)
• Circle C (kids' complimentary club lounge with movies, video games, parties, planned activities)
• 24-hour Video Games Arcade; Club O2 teens' lounge for movies, karaoke, parties
• Majestic Casino (450-seat, served by the 38-seat United States Bar)
• Serenity (adults-only sundeck with padded lounges, hammocks and two Whirlpools).
• Paradise Lido Pool area; Aft Pool area; Carnival WaterWorks Aqua Park (features the 4-deck high Twister Waterslide, two racing waterslides, fountains, jets, splash pool, kids area)
• Camp Ocean (marine-inspired play area for children 2-11 with more than 200 ocean-themed activities)
• Camp Ocean (kids' club lounge with complimentary supervised program, indoor and outdoor playground areas)
• Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark with the 300-ft long waterslide Twister, 2x 82-ft long racing mini-slides, kids splash zone)
• Spa Carnival (Spa and Fitness complex with Relaxation Room, Steam Rooms, Saunas, Massage Rooms, Beauty Salon, Gymnasium with Aerobics Studio)
• Basketball/Volleyball Court, Jogging Track, Tennis Tables, 9-hole Mini-Golf Course, Bocce Court, Shuffleboard.

Itineraries

Carnival Paradise itinerary program is based on 4- and 5-day short Western Caribbean roundtrips from homeport Tampa FL to Cozumel and Grand Cayman .

• The boat's Cuban itineraries were inaugurated on June 29, 2017. The program offered 4- and 5-days roundtrips from Tampa to Havana (4-day) and to Havana with Key West Florida (5-day). Both included overnights in Havana City.
• Also operated were 4-day (Tampa to Cozumel Mexico) and 5-day (Tampa to Cozumel, Isla Roatan/Mahogany Bay, and Key West FL/or Grand Cayman). Cuban ports were included in itineraries with length up to 8-days (with partial Panama Canal transition).

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the CCL ship Paradise was paused for 2 years (between March 2020-2022). The restart was scheduled for March 12, 2022 (Tampa to Western Caribbean).

Carnival Paradise - user reviews and comments

Photos of carnival paradise.

Carnival Paradise ship related cruise news

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Carnival Paradise Wiki

The vessel was constructed by STX Finland (at Kvaerner Masa-Yards/Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki ) under yard/hull number 494. It has volume 71925 GT-tons, DWT/deadweight 6894 tons, max draught 8 m (26 ft). The powerplant is based on Wartsila marine diesel engines (models 12ZAV40S and 12V38) with total power output 47,52 MW.

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade was done in 2015. Paradise was Carnival's and the world's first-ever (until 2003 - the only one) completely non-smoking passenger ship. Curiously enough, the vessel was even constructed and built by non-smoking personnel. It had the "No Smoking" sign under the name, and also on both hull sides. Paradise was supported by groups for anti-smoking and cancer prevention. The poor revenue of the non-smokers (who were not drinking or gambling as much as the smokers) forced Carnival to paint over the "No Smoking" signs and to change this "non-smoking cruise ship" into a regular Fun Ship in December 2003. Paradise is very attractive to younger cruisers due to its affordable, more casual and shorter voyages.

MS Paradise was (still is) a very "green" vessel featuring a revolutionary new dry-cleaning system (significantly reducing the hazardous chemical runoff) along with the fleet's new "enviro-engine" (diesel-electric propulsion). Paradise is of Carnival's oldest (Fantasy-class) vessels, with sisterships Ecstasy , Elation , Fantasy , Fascination , Imagination , Inspiration , Sensation . The vessel was christened by Paula Ann Zahn (US journalist, newscaster, anchor at ABC, CBS, Fox, CNN).

The ship used to sail to Baja California out of LA (visiting Catalina Island, and Ensenada, Mexico), but at the end of 2011, she was repositioned through Panama Canal to Florida (replacing there the Inspiration ship). Paradise is scheduled to receive the new "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrades in 2015 adding several revolutionary new venues, bars, lounges, dining options and entertainment specials making her one of the best cheapest Fun Ships in the Carnival fleet.

Due to scheduled drydock refurbishment projects , in September 2020 CCL canceled all planned for 2020 and 2021-Q1 itineraries for 4 ships.

• Carnival Magic itineraries from Miami Florida were canceled from November 7, 2020, through March 13, 2021 (1st departure).
• Carnival Paradise itineraries (25 total) from Tampa Florida were canceled from November 2, 2020, through March 19, 2021 (1st departure).
• Carnival Valor itineraries from NOLA New Orleans were canceled from November 2, 2020, through April 29, 2021 (1st departure), including two Transatlantic crossings - from NOLA (January 25) and from Barcelona (February 26).
• Carnival Spirit itineraries from Brisbane Australia   were canceled from December 6, 2020, through May 16, 2021 (1st departure is on June 12 / repositioning cruise from Singapore to Brisbane).

Carnival Paradise refurbishments review

The list of deckplan changes after the ship's 2018 drydock refurbishment  (February 22 - March 25, done in  Freeport Bahamas ) includes:

• A total of 38 new cabins were added, of which 2x Grand Vista Suites, 22x Junior Suites, 2x Scenic Oceanview, 12x Interior. Balconies were added to 98 cabins (on decks 5-Main, 6-Upper, 7-Empress). This changed the vessel's passenger capacity from 2052 (max 2606) to 2128 (max 2554).
• (Lido Deck 10) Guy’s Burger Joint was added (complimentary poolside dining venue serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries )
• (Lido Deck 10) BlueIguana Cantina was added (complimentary poolside Mexican eatery for fresh-made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, with salsa bar and a variety of toppings). Also here was added BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Mexican-themed outdoor bar for frozens and beers).
• (Promenade Deck 9) Alchemy Bar was added (Carnival's “cocktail pharmacy” lounge with professional mixologists and made-to-order drinks). Also here was added RedFrog Rum Bar (rum bar for frozens and beers, serving Carnival’s private label ThirstyFrog Red /draught beer).
• (Promenade Deck 9) Cherry On Top was added (bulk candy store, also selling Carnival Cruise Lines logo apparel, gifts, toys)).
• (Verandah Deck 11) the old Camp Carnival (kids complex) was redesigned and transformed into Camp Ocean (playground area for kids ages 2-11, with fun interiors and over 200 ocean-themed activities / science-oriented, arts, and crafts). Also here (aft) was installed the Carnival Waterworks aquapark with Splash Zone for kids, 2 mini racing slides (82ft / 25 m long ), Twister Waterslide (300 ft / 91 m long).
• (Deck 14) the 9-hole Mini-Golf Course was relocated and redesigned (added bocce court).
• Retail Shops were completely redesigned and upgraded with new brand boutiques (Guess Store, Pandora Store). The Photo Gallery was replaced with a digital platform (Pixels-brand).

Various technical enhancements were implemented, including shoreside power capabilities.

Routine maintenance works included new hull coating. During refurbishment 2018, the crew area was also renovated.

Drydock 2021

In 2021 (September-October) Carnival Paradise was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works as well as repainting (receiving CCL's new livery).

Drydock 2023

The ship's last drydocking was in 2023 (October 10-28) conducted at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport. The two-week project included regular maintenance and classification works, as well as updates and renovations of passenger staterooms and public areas.

Serenity Deck (adults-only sundeck) was renovated and received a central Jacuzzi/hot tub.

The Casino was expanded, the Piano Bar was updated, and the main public areas were renovated.

The windows,  tiling, and carpets in all passenger staterooms were replaced.

Cuba cruise itineraries 2017

In 2017, Paradise became Carnival Cruise Line's first ever ship to visit Cuba. All itineraries are with round-trip departures from Florida ( Tampa ).

• Itineraries (4- and 5-night in length) started in June 2017, and all include overnight stays in Havana .
• The first Carnival cruise to Cuba was scheduled for departure on June 29.
• The 4-night itinerary's departure dates in 2017 were scheduled for June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 and 21, October 5 and 19, and in 2018 - May 3.
• The 5-night itinerary's departure dates in 2017 were scheduled for August 14 and 28, September 25, October 9.
• 4-night cruises are to Havana exclusively, while 5-day cruises additionally visit either Key West FL or Cozumel Mexico .
• Carnival's Cuba cruise deals require a valid passport.
• Prices started from USD 450 pp (4-day itinerary Tampa to Havana) and USD 550 (5-day itineraries).

At the end of August 2017 were added new Cuban itineraries for season 2018:

• 5-day Tampa to Havana and Cozumel / Key West (departures February 17, July 2, September 5)
• 6-day Tampa to Havana and Grand Cayman (departure August 26)
• 8-day Tampa to Havana, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel (departure August 18)
• All new itineraries again included Havana overnight stays.

Itinerary change 2017

As the ship was experiencing a technical issue affecting its maximum cruising speed , the regularly scheduled itinerary was changed for the following Tampa Florida  departure dates in 2017 - March 13 and 27, April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, June 5.

In the new itinerary, Grand Cayman Island was substituted with Mexico ( Costa Maya and Cozumel ). The Cozumel port stay was extended with 5 hours. Passengers were compensated with USD 25 per person shipboard credit.

Follows the revised itinerary with port times:

• Day 1 (Monday) Tampa FL (departure 4 PM)
• Day 2 (Tuesday) Day at Sea
• Day 3 (Wednesday) Cozumel (arrival 8 AM/departure 8 PM)
• Day 4 (Thursday) Costa Maya (arrival 7 AM/departure 3 PM)
• Day 5 (Friday) Day at Sea
• Day 6 (Saturday) Tampa (arrival 8 AM)

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Carnival Paradise Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Paradise

Activities & entertainment

• Art Auction *
• Beauty Salon *
• Blue Riband Library
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Rex Dance Club
• Majestic Casino *
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast *
• Groove For St Jude *
• Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Internet Cafe *
• Massage Rooms *
• Photo Gallery *
• Photo Portraits *
• Whirlpools (5)
• Relaxation Room *
• Seuss_A_Palooza Parade and Storytime
• Retail Shops *
• Spa Carnival *
• Spa Parties *
• Steam Room *
• Video Arcade *
• White Party
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides
• Serenity _ Adults_Only
• Circle C _ Tweens Club
• Camp Ocean _ Kids Club
• Club O2 _ Teens Club
• Comedy Shows
• Leonardo Lounge
• Live Nightly Music
• Normandie Main Lounge
• Destiny Dining Room - Main
• Elation Dining Room - Main
• United States Bar - Casino Bar *
• Paris Lido Restaurant - Buffet
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• Guys Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar - Pool Bar *
• RedFrog Rum Bar - Pool Bar *
• Cafe Ile de France - Coffee & Pastries *
• Taste Bar - Light Bites
• Rotterdam Bar - Martini Bar *
• America Piano Bar - Piano Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 38
• Very Good 18
• Terrible 23
• All languages ( 118 )
• English ( 117 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Carnival Paradise

The Carnival Paradise is one of the Carnival Cruise Line fun ships that offers cruises out of Tampa. Guest capacity is 2124 and it has 920 crew.

The Carnival Paradise features Serenity adults-only retreat, WaterWorks aqua park, Playlist Productions shows, Spa Carnival, Punchliner Comedy Club, Sailaway Party and Mega Deck Party. Kids will enjoy Seuss at Sea, Hasbro the Game Show, Make it with Michaels crafts, Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, Towel Animal Theater, Zumbini for ages 2-5, Camp Ocean for ages 2-11, Circle C for ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 for teens.

Included dining options are Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, main dining room, Lido Marketplace, Pizza Pirate, Swirls and Carnival Deli. For an additional fee you can try Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast, Coffee Bar and The Chef's Table.

This video from All Aboard TV is about a Carnival Paradise cruise out of Tampa, Florida. It looks at the Seuss at Sea programs for kids and a behind the scenes tour.

Read reviews of the Carnival Paradise . Thousands are available to browse. You should also see this huge gallery of photos with commentary.

The Paradise sails from Tampa to western Caribbean destinations such as Cozumel and Grand Cayman. There are departures year round. Go to the Carnival Cruises from Tampa for the full calendar.

• Cruise From

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Paradise

* Coming Soon

Set sail from Florida’s Gulf Coast and you’ll discover just how convenient — and action-packed — cruises out of Tampa can be. Welcome to one of Florida’s busiest ports — where the historically Cuban district of Ybor City, the aquarium, city shopping and local art museums are all in easy reach. Wide beaches and urban adventures are also at your fingertips when you book a Carnival cruise from Tampa. And come nightfall, 7th Avenue in Ybor City heats up, Latin-style.

• Step into a surreal universe at St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum.
• Collect shells by sunset on the beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater.
• Canoe or kayak down the meandering Hillsborough River.

See it all from Tampa.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise was the final Fantasy class ship ever created, and it features all the innovations that Carnival has become known for. The two-deck Normandie Showroom is done in an art-deco style, with stained-glass chandeliers and cherry wood trim. In the six-story atrium, glass elevators silently glide up and down as passengers relax at the circular bar below. You’ll have to remember to pack your bathing suit with water spots like hot tubs, pools and the WaterWorks water park, featuring a spiraling slide and dual racing slides. Kids will enjoy their own clubs based on age as well as Seuss at Sea, which has an interactive story time and parade. Adults will enjoy some alone time at the Serenity adults-only retreat. Carnival Paradise is classic Carnival, fun packed from bow to stern.

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Cruises from Florida

Embark from Florida: A Gateway to Caribbean Wonders & Beyond

Carnival Paradise, Cruise from Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico, December 19, 2024

4-day western caribbean mini cruise to mexico with carnival cruise line.

Visit Cozumel, Mexico, e njoy magnificent scenery and unique experiences on an Western Caribbean cruise with Carnival Paradise

Cruises from Tampa, Florida, can be incredibly exciting and relaxing. Tampa is a great place to start a Caribbean cruise because of its unique blend of old buildings and modern landmarks. Its culture is influenced by Cuban and Spanish characteristics,[…]

Day 1 – At Sea cruising

The final Fantasy class cruise ship ever created, Carnival Paradise is proof that there’s plenty of fun to be found long before you reach your dream destination.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea at tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, regular port of call on Western Caribbean itineraries, particularly those leaving from Florida. The main town on the island is San Miguel de Cozumel. Most of[…]

Day 3 – At Sea cruising

Fun indoors, outdoors and everywhere in between, Carnival Paradise features great times in and near the water courtesy of hot tubs, pools and a Twister Waterslide.

Western Caribbean cruises are fantastic ways to explore magical islands, beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, fantastic food, among other things. Discover Cozumel, Mexico. Carnival Paradise leaving Tampa, Florida for 4 nights from December 19, 2024.

Carnival Paradise - February 29, 2024

Click For Interactive Map

February 29, 2024

February 29 - 4, 2024

Carnival Paradise

Carnival Cruise Lines

4 Night Western Caribbean

from Tampa, Florida

The February 29, 2024 cruise on the Carnival Paradise departs from Tampa, Florida. On this 4 Night Western Caribbean sailing, the ship will visit a total of 2 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Paradise sets sail on a Thursday (February 29, 2024) and returns on a Monday (March 4, 2024).

The Carnival Paradise was built in 1998 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Paradise is included in the cruise line's Fantasy Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Paradise vs all other Carnival ships.

All Itineraries

The Tampa area features great attractions and theme parks, from Busch Gardens with it's African themed village and legendary roller coasters, to the calm serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Hand rolled cigars are made the old-fashioned way in the Latin Quarter. The atmosphere in Tampa is laid-back and slightly reserved, unlike the hustle bustle of Florida's east coast cities.

The Tampa area features great attractions and theme parks, from Busch Gardens with it's African themed village and legendary roller coasters, to the calm serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Hand...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Paradise Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. Residents still speak Maya, and sometimes wear traditional Mayan clothing. Nearby stand the great pyramids and temples of their ancestors.

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island...

Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas destination

M IAMI BEACH, Fla. — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will be welcoming ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals, and Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove.

Named in deference to the native Lucayan language, “lokono” means “the people.” It was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy said/ “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the excursion gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing mile-long beachfront expanse and massive freshwater inland lagoon the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. And adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Duffy when the pier expansion was announced. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit at orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Passengers furious about how Carnival cruise ship fire was handled

FLORIDA — Midway through a five-day cruise in March, the tail of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship caught fire.

Passengers chronicled the drama that played out on board in hundreds of social media posts. They showed flames shooting from the tail, water leaking from the 5th-floor interior, and shuttered areas like pools, sports venues, and restaurants.

For 9-year-old Katherine Drey and her family, it marked the beginning of the end of what had been a great getaway.

“We couldn't swim, we couldn't eat, we couldn't do water slides, we couldn't go to the sports area,” Katherine recalled.

Katherine's mom, Kelly Booth, said many of the venues on the back half of the ship, including the pool and restaurants, shut down for the day. Some closed for the remainder of the cruise. The main dining room opened that same night, but several on board described waiting in line for up to four hours for dinner.

Passenger Gemma Phillips is one of several who told ABC Action News that Carnival brushed them off when her family asked for cruise credit or some sort of compensation for the trip’s interruption.

“The second that happened, like, vacation was no longer a vacation,” she said.

Phillips created a Facebook page for Carnival Freedom passengers. It has more than 280 members from the nearly 3,000 that were on board the full-capacity ship.

Many of the people posting in the group are outraged that Carnival isn't offering a partial cruise credit or anything else to make up for the stress and inconvenience.

A Carnival spokesperson said in a statement:

Any venues that were temporarily closed because of lightning in the area, or from the brief cleanup after the fire was extinguished, were reopened by the late afternoon/early evening.

Veteran travel agent Tammy Levent, owner of Elite Travel, said there is no regulatory agency to advocate on passengers’ behalf when things go south on board. She recommended cruisers purchase travel interruption insurance, which could apply in cases where part of a trip is interrupted.

Gemma Phillips said this was her tenth cruise on Carnival and likely her last.

“I don't want to break up with Carnival," she said. "But I feel I have no choice by the way they are handling this.”

And Kelly Booth, a three-time Carnival cruiser, said she's already canceled a future Carnival trip and booked with one of their competitors.

“The way Carnival has handled this and the way Carnival has treated the guests that were on board has ruined what I think of them as a company,” she said.

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