Our First Family Cruise

Item: Carnival Pride
Rating: 4.3
Author: JRSheb

Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

JRSheb

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 06, 2017

Ship: Carnival Pride

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 5160

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our first family cruise as well as our first Carnival cruise. It definitely won't be our last. Everything exceeded expectations from the staff to the food to the entertainment. If I had one thing to complain about, it would be Freeport. We didn't enjoy the port. There wasn't anything to see without purchasing an excursion.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

There was a 3 hour delay for embarkation, the reason being "scheduled maintenance." We enjoyed ourselves on the ship but the delay annoyed us because we rushed to board the ship on time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

My husband and two children are picky eaters and I have a food allergy. Despite this, we were totally satisfied with the variety and quality of food onboard.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We were never bored. There was always something for the family to do.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

We enjoyed the comedian and the Hasbro game show.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Our kids especially enjoyed the Build A Bear and the camp ocean craft hour from 3-4 pm daily.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone on staff was friendly, accommodating, and addressed us by name. Some went above and beyond our expectations.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Entire ship was clean but the decor needs an update.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our cabin was conveniently located, quiet, and clean. Our daughters enjoyed the bunk beds.

Ship tip

Purchase the FTTF early because it sells out. We weren't able to get it and we're disgusted about how long it took to board the ship. That is our only complaint on an otherwise awesome cruise.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Baltimore, Maryland Did not visit port

We just parked our car and boarded the ship.

Thumbs Up 0

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5

Water was beautiful but the beach was a bit small so we ended up enjoying the free pool at Margaritaville. I got a great deal on some Tanzanite in one of the shops.

Thumbs Up 11

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

This was our favorite port. The beach was big, the water was gorgeous. We were lucky to have gotten a clamshell to rent. Well worth the $30.

Thumbs Up 6

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

1 out of 5

We didn't care for this port. Our kids enjoyed buying souvenirs but there was nothing to see and we felt it wasn't worth purchasing an excursion because our time in port was so short. We ended up back on the ship early and enjoyed a less crowded pool.

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

We waited in the Taj Mahal theatre and got scolded for standing even though there weren't enough seats to sit.

Traveler Photos

12 Comments

JRSheb 7 years ago

Honestly my kids enjoyed the beach and pool at Grand Turk and the beautiful beach at Half Moon Cay. If you think your kids won't be happy with that then maybe a snorkel excursion or swim with the dolphin excursion. They are expensive tho

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Joey777 7 years ago

jsheb, thanks so much for the info but how about the other 2 islands do i need to book any excursion?? or the free one are good and suitable for my little kids??

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JRSheb 7 years ago

mickcruisin, we got lost on the ship and found ourselves surrounded by teenagers only to find out it was "circle c". It's for 12-14. They were all playing video games and having fun. I believe there's club O2 for 15-17. There's so much to do and things are spread out that I think your kids will be happy.

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mickcruisin 7 years ago

Sailing same ship.. same itinerary with 18yo daughter and 13yo boy June 2018... first time for kids and second for me and wife. Me and wifey very excited to "wet our feet" with this cruise bit slightly inhibited with excitement of taking kids on a secluded atmosphere. Still don't know how we will let them know about the cruise, thanks for the positive feedback!

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JRSheb 7 years ago

If I could do it over, I'd get the all inclusive resort for a day excursion at Grand Turk. U can get it on this app or Carnival's website. Hope you have a fantastic cruise!

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Joey777 7 years ago

so which excursion do you recommend?? And for which island?? Thanks so much for the great support

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JRSheb 7 years ago

I was nervous too. It all worked out. We got the adult drink package and have no regrets. I would book an excursion at Freeport because there's nothing but souvenir shopping right off the ship. For packing I just went on Pinterest and searched for cruise packing lists, LOL. Your family will love the cruise!

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Joey777 7 years ago

i did.. but am so nervous as it is our first cruise and we dont know what to pack or if i have to book any excursion and all these drinks deal.. dont know any thing!!!

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JRSheb 7 years ago

Joey777, my kids are 10 and 8 and they loved Camp Ocean. You can sign up on Carnival's website.

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Joey777 7 years ago

hi, any recommendations i need to take care of it.. that's will be my first cruise also with 9years old and 3 years old..

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Tiredofsnow 7 years ago

I couldn't agree more with twangster. A little taste of the different islands is an ideal vacation IMO

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twangster 7 years ago

Cruising can be pretty additive 🛳️. I tend to avoid cruises to the Bahamas but other people love it there so to each their own. For your next cruise research the ports and don't shy away from trying other lines, they all have pros and cons but with an open mind most will provide an awesome vacation experience.

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