tch912

We needed a short vacation so I booked a 2 night cruise on the Bahamas Paradise Cruise on their ship the Grand Celebration. Leaving Baltimore with an overnight in Charlotte NC to pick up two grandchildren, my friend and I were on our way with an overnight in Ormond Beach Florida. After a brief visit to Daytona Beach, we settled in for the night at Sleep Inn.

The breakfast was enough to get us on our way to the Port of Palm Beach. About a three hour drive and we were in line for the valet parking. It is the only parking at this port, $18 per day. $36 later we were in line for luggage check, they do not have porters to take your luggage. After getting luggage tagged, taken to the luggage room, we had to get on the elevator to the next floor for sign in. There was a table to fill out papers with your credit card, then to the lines for check in.

After completing the paperwork, we were in line for less than ten minutes, we were on our way. We stopped to make sure of our dining time, we didn't do the up charge restaurant, buy drink coupons or excursions. We were some of the first people on the ship.

The buffet was small, offered a variety, including fish, ham and roast beef carving. Overall the food was very good. The dining room food was good. I only ate the free menu items. There was an upcharge for lobster.

The room, R34, was adequate for 4 people. Since we are not room people, it was great for sleeping.
The room was very clean and the mattresses were extremely comfortable. We had to ask for extra towels,the room steward got them immediately.

The show was good, but I didn't think the comedian was great. I don't know about the adult comedy show.

My friend is not a casino person and I lost $2.00. I thought for the size of the ship, it was a good casino.

There were several small pools and one hot tub. None of them appeared to be crowded.

Some people use Groupon to purchase this cruise, others fall prey to free cruise and have to do a timeshare presentation. They give this cruise negative reviews because of the timeshares pressure or high expectations. I knew what to expect so it was good cruise.

Overall, this was a good cruise for a short vacation. Price wise it was cheap, $206 per person plus 25.98 gratuities.

Cathinjoetown

Certainly sounds very reasonable. Fun for grandkids?

tch912

My grandchildren, ages 11 and 17 really enjoyed the cruise. My other friend's grandson went to the kid's club on the return from Freeport and he really liked the activities.

jacketwatch

It sounds like you had a great time and at a bargain price. And that's a good feeling!

tch912

Yes, Jacketwatch, we did have a great time. I would sail with this company again if they are going to another port. There are rumors that Bahamas Paradise cruise line may purchase another retired Carnival ship.
My next cruise is not until December, 30, 2018 on Carnival Breeze, so this was a quick fix.

jacketwatch

Cool.

We go dec. 7 out of Sydney, 10 days, all NZ.

tch912

Jacketwatch I want to be like you when I grow up ������. You always have a blast. Enjoy, I will be waiting for your trip report.

jacketwatch

Some would say I've never grown up. Maybe that's the key. Stay in touch with your inner child while having the adult in charge of it all.

Oh what do I know. .

Thank you, .