Caring/helpful community

This was my mother's first cruise in her 88 year old life and she had a ball! With a rented wheel chair she was able to go from one end of the ship to the other. We especially liked the 10th floor "boardwalk" area overlooking the vast ocean. It was breathtaking.The food was delicious and beautifully presented.  The crew from cruise director, the entertainers, room steward and waiters were honest, open, very efficient and caring, not to  mention talented and funny.

    One difference on this Carnival Pride from a different cruise line was no knowledge at the service desk of any Sabbath service organized or a way to do so. (Despite that I was moved to say some prayers on our balcony, amazed by God's heaven, earth and ocean!)

     The shore excursions were wonderful. I found the history of the Grand Cayman island, 1511, as well as its present use, every square mile are 600 banks very interesting and the Seven Mile Beach's white sand and clear water true to its description! Cozumel, Mexico opened our eyes to Maya Indian "ball game" which was performed live for us - one where the winner would be sacrificed to the gods only to be reincarnated should they pass the 9 tests in the underworld. The costumes, war songs, drum beats, and fast ball moves were amazing as their athletic prowess was worked to the max! This was followed by a Mexican buffet with traditional Mexican dancing with long, colorful, swirling  skirts by the women and sombreros worn by tap dancing men. Our guide, Pedro Guy, was kind to push my mother on the sandy path, showing us Maya statues, and pointing out little pineapples growing from the ground. From morning to night my mother and I were busy with cruise talks, various trivia contests, towel animal lessons, dancing, singing, eating, meeting new people, shows, musical performance, etc.