Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise is a Fantasy-class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Built at the Helsinki New Shipyard in Finland, she was floated out on 29 January 1998 and christened as Paradise by Paula Zahn. She carries around 2,200 guests and is one of the fleet's oldest ships. At that capacity, she is a mid-sized ship. During 2007, in common with all of her Fantasy-class sisters, she had the prefix Carnival added to her name.

The ship carries a distinctive piece of history. Carnival Paradise was built to be the world's first completely non-smoking cruise ship and she was entered into service supported by several anti-smoking and cancer-prevention groups. Due to lower revenue, Carnival decided to discontinue the smoke-free policy in December 2003. In 2018, she underwent a month-long dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas, which added a fourteenth deck to the front of the ship to accommodate 38 new cabins.

Onboard, Carnival Paradise blends the line's signature casual fun with thoughtful recent upgrades. She has two main dining rooms, Destiny and Elation, offering both set-time dinners and Carnival's open seating options. The Paris Café on Lido Deck is a scenic, cafeteria-style venue that transforms at night into the Seaview Bistro, offering a more upscale casual dining experience. The main entertainment venue is the 1,300-seat Normandie Lounge, spanning two decks with stadium seating and hosting two nightly production shows, illusionists, comedians, and game shows.

She features dedicated teen and tween clubs, an adults-only Serenity sundeck on the aft deck, and key fleet upgrades, including additional waterslides and a redesigned pool area. The ship has three swimming pools, seven Jacuzzis, and twelve lounges and bars. Cabins range from inside rooms to suites. The largest accommodations are the Grand Vista Suites with a private terrace and capacity for up to five guests, featuring large sitting areas, whirlpool bathtubs, separate showers, and VIP amenities.

Carnival Paradise is best for families, budget-conscious vacationers, and anyone looking for a classic ship feel with plenty of activities and choices without the bulk of a brand new mega-ship.