If there was an “Extreme Makeover” television show for cruise ships, the 1998 built Carnival Paradise would be starring in the latest episode.
The history of the ship is interesting. Carnival Paradise was built as the cruise line’s, and the world’s, first non-smoking cruise ship. “No Smoking” signs were welded on the ship’s hull, fines were imposed on passengers breaking the rule, and just five years into this experiment, the smoke-free ship began allowing people to light up.
You can still see remains of her time as a smoke-free ship if you look closely!
Carnival Paradise is not the youngest ship in the fleet and lacks hundreds of balcony cabins that are as common as butter on the buffet these days. However, Carnival is investing millions in a month-long dry dock that will bring several enhancements to the ship.
BONUS!: Read a Carnival Paradise Review and view photos from around the ship.
When she emerges from her makeover in Freeport, Bahamas, the Carnival Paradise will have an additional two Grand Vista suites, 22 junior suites, two ocean view staterooms and 12 inside staterooms. 98 existing staterooms will have balconies added to them making them new 230 square foot balcony staterooms. In addition to all staterooms getting upgraded interiors, passengers will find other new features including:
- Guy’s Burger Joint: a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries.
- RedFrog Rum Bar: a poolside watering hole offering Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red.
- BlueIguana Cantina: a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar.
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar: a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers.
- Camp Ocean: a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that showcases the wonders of the sea through fun and engaging interiors and more than 200 ocean-themed activities, including arts and crafts, science-oriented programming, and more.
- WaterWorks Aqua Park: Located on Verandah Deck, this expansive all-ages water park features an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide, two 82-foot-long racing slides, and a splash zone for kids.
- Miniature Golf Course: A nine-hole miniature golf course has been relocated to Deck 14.
- Retail and Photo Enhancements: The ship’s retail shops are being reimagined with a new design and enhanced product offerings with multiple brand boutiques, including Pandora and Guess. A guest favorite, the Cherry on Top sweets shop, is also being added, while the printed photo gallery is being replaced with a digital Pixels-branded platform that allows guests to identify and purchase images via their smartphones or at a nearby kiosk.
Carnival Paradise returns to service on March 26, 2018 and will offer a year-round schedule of four- to eight-day cruises from the Port of Tampa, in Florida.