Relaxing and Beautiful Cruise
Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 75
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 20, 2017
Ship: Carnival Pride
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 7208
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
Beautiful ship , Beautiful staff , Multiple dining areas and food choices. Fun , family involvement and comfortable. Plan your ports of call opputunnies . Put on a smile or you can borrow one ,Relax and enjoy. Don't forget the Funshops keep an open ear for upcoming bargains and sales.Embarkation
We arrived to the terminal at the required time and we were on the ship within 30 mins.
The Baltimore terminal was well organized.
There were a few upset passengers . Over hearing terminal employee , The upset passenger showed up entirely to early and was asked to wait outside . Perhaps in the future they will pay more attention to their embarkarion information.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Truth is we found a bounty of food in both the main dining room and the buffet that was absolutely delicious , Also there was food in both places that was not to our liking .
Main dining food is food that is more decadent in its variety , preparation , presentation and service. Whether it be casual or dress attire night you get the same white glove service . The buffet area is plentiful in choices from the sweetest of sweet to the most savoury. Health conscious food is available in a variety of ways. Bonsai Reastaurant $ is very good and worth the 24.00 my daughter and I spent for a full tea service and lunch . Guys Burgers is the go to of all go to for a Huge as you want. Juicy burger in many combinations and toppings .Do not forget Extra Donkey sauce for frie dipping Blue iguana for all and any burrito mixing desired lunch and breakfast. Self serve ice cream . Pizza Cafe is open 24 hrs. The pizza is good and dont forget that you can pick up a caeser salad there too. Room service us quick and good. Continental breakfast room service can be ordered the night before with a delivery time of your choice.
Onboard Activities
There is 3 pools ,The Serenity Pool is adults only. The other 2 pools are for everyone . Yes the pools can get crowded some hours . The pools are emptied and cleaned every night , I watched 2 of the nights and they are thorough. Same goes for the hot tub. It would be nicer if the pools were larger and at least one more hot tub . The mini golf is well mapped out and was never crowded though many played. The basketball court was well done . The gym wasn't used by us , so I rely on a fellow passenger telling me that for what it was it was nice . Ping Pong on the Lido deck was most of the time hopping .
Entertainment
The Playlist productions were wonderful , family oriented and always the audience was not only a watching guest , We became active participants . Great variety. Hasbro Games nights was one of the Do not miss family events. We had a blast , so did the few hundred that was there . Many family involvement events in the Taj Mahal theatre .
BINGO was a hit with many people. The Punchliners comedy club was great. There is an early evening PG show for families and an adults only show later. There was always a family event , contest ,party , dancing going on at any given time . We and MANY others were not hard pressed to be entertained .
Children's Programs
Again , I can only express my daughter's experience . We visited her area The Sharks on day one , to finish up any paperwork and there us a little more. Also to check it out , The areas were beautiful and seemed well stocked with entertainment. My daughter (9) decided to visit one day to meet some other children in group with others she played with at the pools .
I told her that I would stop back in a little while to check up . I went back about an about 1 and half hours. There she sat chin on hand watching a movie. She and her one of her friends were bored. I signed her out and she said that in the hour and a half they played Simon says for about 10 mins. And were then put on the floor to watch a movie .
Service and Staff
No word of a lie and some people would say not so but It was our and others experience that EVERY SINGLE employee we encountered in any way was very friendly and accommodating, Even when our need wasn't their area of expertise, they made it theirs until we were helped .
Ship Quality
All of the common areas that we were in was clean . When ever I saw any form of mess it was passenger related and their was someone there soon to clean up .
Cabin / Stateroom
Very comfortable , Our steward Josie kept everything ship shape. We were located 2 doors around the corner from the elevators and the main glass elevators. The ONLY noise EVER heard was an occasional passing loud passenger . Our balcony cabin is slated for 3 passengers Prior to our leaving we had to remove one of our group , Now it was only 2 of us. When I called to make it known of the change I was told that we were moving to a 2 person cabin 7208 . The only difference between the cabins was there sq. Footage . It was the exact layout and furnishings as the larger cabin . Unless passenger 3 is a toddler, I would see this as a 2 person cabin . It was perfect for me and my daughter.
Ship tip
Take advantage of the wide scope of entertainment.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
I live in Baltimore so I didn't do any excursions. I did look at what was offered, I was disappointed. There is so much more that could have been offered as an enjoyable excursion combination. The excursion planners missed the ship on this one.
The beach and water us beautiful . Yes there is areas of the beach and water that is rocky, so wear water shoes. Further up the beach is much more smooth. Carnival' s pool and wave rider in the port area is great. Don't forget Jack's Shack to grab some authentic island fare and down home hospitality. Margarettaville is located there too. Some shopping is offered at thus port . You can also get your passport stamped at the Post Office located at port . Tell Ms.Betty that the Baby Girl with the cramped neck says Hello. Ms Betty is a great . She has much info. In regards to local opportunities.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
GORGEOUS. Carnival' s own , This island is by far the best stop on the cruise for a true and comfortable island beach experuance.
Lunch is provided , good and well set up.
Water translucent blue , powder soft sands and many areas to wonder safely .
Unless you are going on an excursion . OR
You want to hop off the ship for a brief time to grab a few souvenirs or a DRINK at Senior Frogs . Just stay on the ship and enjoy pretty much your own private ship.
Disembarkation
AGAIN This is an area where listening to and following rules will make disembarkung a painless breeze. A good thing to do us to attend a 20 min . Briefing in the Taj Mahal theatre given by the cruise director Brandn (Very Cool guy) , The briefing is a good idea . We went even though we've cruised Pride before, things can change. Out of 2300+passengers I believe at best there was 200 if that passengers attending. Have your paperwork in order for customs. We woke up ate breakfast, went to our designated disembarking area and was off the ship and in our car within 2 hours For us it was great . Though others may have ran into bumps. Go to the briefing, it's worth it.