The Carnival Pride is a very clean and well run ship. I found the decor to be a bit dated but they obviously put much effort into design and layout. Despite carrying a full passenger load there are numerous areas where few people are present. Staff are either friendly or a bit passive; we experience no rudness from anyone and several people go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
There is no end to the food and many people clearly come to tie on the food bag. Breakfast was and lunch selections were average and dinner was hit and miss. Some dinners were excellent and others just so so. By the end of the week cruise much of the food began to taste the same.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The "vegas" style shows were pretty poor. Other activities seemed geared towards older people. Dancing was fine though they don't start that until 10:00 pm which seems pretty late after baking in the sun all day ( I guess I'm getting old, too).
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Many friendly staff members and others who seemed a bit burned out. Never any rudness. In speaking to some we found they sign contracts to keep them at sea for months at a time. Most employees are not from the USA, probably because Carnival pays too little for most american citizens to wish to work such long hard hours.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our stateroom was cleaned very well twice a day. They were in and out quickly and attentive to any request or need. Bathrooms are a bit small (and I wonder how all the 300 pound plus people managed) but servicible.
If you are able bodied, get a water taxi to take you to "lovers beach". It's a short distance from the port and the beach and caves are great. You know what's best? Since you can only arrive by water taxi there are NO BEGGERS. You can actually enjoy the beach and the ocean without being harassed. Since it is out of the way though keep in mind there are no bathrooms, water, etc. You're on your own. It was a great afternoon and despite my worries the water taxi guy actually came to pick me up as promised. You must be able to jump in and out of the boat pretty quickly.
Again, the beaches are beautiful and the water wonderful but people selling junk overwhelm you. I suggest you find any restaurant that boarders the beach and eat there. In exchange, most will allow you to use the pool on their property that is restricted (no beggers allowed). If you don't do that, you can't get a moment's peace from the poor souls selling gunk.
Some of the beaches are very nice. Unfortunately, people are so poor there there is a constant wave of people approaching you to buy trinkets. Some of them are very persistent. It's hard to enjoy the beautiful beach and ocean when being constantly asked for money.
Pros: Pleasant staff, clean ship, great room service
Cons: Constant efforts to seperate us from our money. Photos taken constantly to buy, pushing the spa, gift shop each day, overeager attempts to push drinks.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
