Usually, we post complete articles here as we go, detailing one topic or another.  As we sail along, a theme might develop or a focus uncovered so we head in that direction as well.  At the end of the experience, everything all added up should bring a good idea of what it is like to experience any travel product, through my familiar voice. Reflecting on the entire experience later, we follow up with some thoughts only perspective provides and do a post titled as this one; Our Entire Journey.  This time we’re going in reverse, compiling the summary as it happens then going back to dissect each element of the experience later.  Still with me?  Ok, let’s dive in.

PART ONE: Returning To The Ship We Never Sailed Before

We began our Carnival Cruise history with Carnival Fascination on a short cruise to Key West and Cozumel from Miami.  At the time, Carnival Paradise is the last-built ship of a class that has served Carnival Cruise LIne well.  Interestingly, Carnival Paradise began service as a totally non-smoking ship, far beyond its time. On this sailing, Carnival Paradise takes over 2000 passengers and 900 crew to Cuba from Tampa.  We begin with a drive to Tampa from Orlando and a near perfect sail away day.

I chose to drive and park at the Port of Tampa, thinking easy in and out on my schedule.  That was true to a point but the parking lot booked in advance at a discount rate that was “right across the street” from the terminal, wasn’t. I could have chosen to wait for enough people in the lot to fill the van and fulfill the operators desire to be a good steward of the company’s gasoline purchasing funds but walked instead.

Once at the terminal it was non stop walking to the priority check in desk where I arrived, with the abundant Cuba intake documentation at hand, ready to whip it out at a moment’s notice.  Especially to anyone with a gun. Guns are serious, as are requirements for getting into Cuba/boarding the ship.  Magnificent Mom-like Margie pointed to a large area at the side of the check in desks; “Those are our people who need some help” in about as sweet a way as humanly possible to say “how many times do we need to tell you that just a birth certificate won’t get you to on the ship for this sailing, let alone to Cuba”.  A number of passengers on each sailing apparently have no clue. 

 

Embarkation amusement from Magnificent Mom-like Margie in the dust, it was non-stop walking to my oceanview stateroom on the Main deck (deck five) not far from a lot of stuff but very far from other things.  It’s an aft location which I love in general because usually straight above is food. And coffee. Although basic room service coffee is lovely.  Not as lovely as coffee from The Coffee Bar, which also offers buy six, get one free punch cards.  

The big event of the day was sailing away from Tampa which began with an exciting party on deck that evolved into a sunset sail away at sea. Here’s more from our first day aboard Carnival Paradise:

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Follow Along On Our Carnival Paradise Cuba Cruise

      

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