Carnival Cruise Line·Carnival Paradise

Carnival Paradise - Belize, Roatan & Cozumel from Tampa

3.8(3,438 reviews)
via U.S. News & Cruise Critic · Jun 2026
|6 Nights|3 Ports|2 Sea Days

Carnival Paradise's longest regular route from Tampa trades her usual quick Cozumel runs for a deeper 6-night Western Caribbean circuit. Tender in for cave tubing and Mayan ruins from Belize City, spend a day at Carnival's new Isla Tropicale development on Roatan, then wrap up with an evening departure from Cozumel.

Budget TravelersFamiliesAdventure Seekers

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureTampa, FL
Dress CodeCruise Casual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Carnival Cruise Line before booking.

Ship Details — Carnival Paradise

View full Carnival Paradise details

Year Built

1998

Tonnage

71,925 GT

Passengers

2,606

Crew

920

Decks

11

Class

Fantasy

Itinerary & Route Map

Loading map…

Onboard Amenities

Lido Deck Pool & Hot Tubs
Guy's Burger Joint
BlueIguana Cantina
Casino
Cloud 9 Spa
Camp Ocean Kids Club
Alchemy Bar
Punchliner Comedy Club
WaterWorks
Fitness Center
Three swimming pools
WaterWorks waterpark with 214-ft twister waterslide and racing slides
Seven whirlpools/hot tubs
BlueIguana Cantina (tacos & burritos)
Pizza Pirate (24-hour pizza)
Main dining room
The Punchliner Comedy Club
Playlist Productions stage shows
Spa Carnival
Camp Ocean kids club (ages 2-11)
Serenity adults-only retreat
Mini golf
Piano Bar
RedFrog Rum Bar
BlueIguana Tequila Bar

Cruise Highlights

Cave tubing and Altun Ha Mayan ruins excursions from Belize City
Isla Tropicale, Carnival's revamped private destination on Roatan
Eight hours in Cozumel for reef snorkeling or the Tulum ruins
Drive-to Tampa homeport with two full sea days on a cozy Fantasy-class ship

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Carnival Paradise

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Carnival Paradise sailing. Based on 4,200 discussions.

Carnival Paradise is one of Carnival's oldest active ships, a Fantasy-class vessel launched in 1998 and lightly refreshed in 2023 that sails short 4-5 night cruises out of Tampa to Mexico and the Caribbean. Its appeal is squarely about value and convenience rather than flash: it's small, easy to navigate, and routinely among the cheapest ways to get on a cruise. The vibe is casual, social and unpretentious, drawing budget-minded travelers, first-timers and groups looking for a quick, affordable getaway rather than the theme-park spectacle of Carnival's newer megaships.

What People Love

  • Among the cheapest ways to cruise from Tampa - aggressive pricing makes it a favorite for budget travelers and first-timers
  • Small Fantasy-class footprint means quick walks from cabin to pool, dining or theater with no long elevator waits
  • Crew and dining staff earn consistent praise for friendly, attentive service that regulars say makes the trip

Common Complaints

  • Ship launched in 1998 and shows its age - dated 90s decor and worn finishes are a frequent complaint
  • Cabins are small (around 185 sq ft), functional but dated with limited storage
  • Main pool is undersized for the passenger load and gets packed 'like sardines' on sea days
See the full Carnival Paradise ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

More Caribbean Cruises

View all Caribbean cruises