The Good And The Bad

Item: Carnival Pride
Rating: 3.6
Author: Squirrelnut

Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Squirrelnut

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 46

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 01, 2018

Ship: Carnival Pride

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1249

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

It is very difficult for me to accurately sum up my experience with Carnival Pride. There were a lot of things I really enjoyed. Such as, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and all the activities on board, the entertainment and the DJ. However, I think the things I didn't like outweigh the things I enjoyed. Such as, visiting Freeport, the deck parties that were no more than line dancing lessons and twerking contests, and the way Carnival nickel and dimes their passengers. They are constantly selling, from the time I stepped on board, jewelry, art, they were selling shots in the dining room during our meals! On Half Moon Cay we were charged for floaters and covering for the beach chairs. I half expected someone to approach me and ask for payment to sit on an uncovered beach chair. I may try another Carnival Cruise. But I will probably not sail on the Pride again. In any case, I plan to travel on another non Carnival Ship on my next cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

The embarkation in Baltimore was a breeze. We encountered a line when dropping off our language but the staff controlling the line of cars and unloading the bags were very organized. This made for a seamless transition from our car to the check in points and final embarkation.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The food in the main dining hall was very good. Each night we had a selection of a number of american dishes and dishes traditional to the caribbean. It allowed us to try a number of new dishes. So were hit, but a few were misses. The dining at Davids was spectacular from the quality of the food to the staff. I would give Davids 5 stars..

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

I never had to look too far for things to do. I loved the fitness center and enjoyed the trivia games. There is a wonderful secluded library on board. However, I was unable to enjoy it because teenages and families used the library to play games.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Staff was not as friendly as I expect. Maybe it was a language issue but is was rare to see staff member greeting passengers.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

While the cleaning staff kept the inside of the ship very clean. The ship is old and it shows it. The outside colors on the ship are faded and could see rust in many areas. The inside decor is dated

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Ship tip

Try sailing on another Carnival Ship before sailing on the Pride.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Baltimore, Maryland

5 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

4 out of 5

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

1 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

10 Comments

rickfab1 6 years ago

I have no problem with the added Gratuity. Those people work very hard and do not get paid very much. They always seem to have a very pleasant personality and add a lot to the overall cruise experience.

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thearochos 6 years ago

And the added Gratuitys is a joke

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PirateKaren 6 years ago

Went out of Miami in December and all the ships are the same. Going on my 3rd time on pride in September and can't wait.

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joyandjerry 6 years ago

First time on the Pride in April, and we loved it! Wonderful staff.

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dkysor 6 years ago

Love the Pride. Maybe some research before you booked. Personally have always had friendly staff, some of that depends on you the cruiser.

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harleychick421 6 years ago

Agree with what everyone had said. Cruising is relatively inexpensive... they make up for it selling the extras. Some don't mind paying for them. Read all the reviews for different ships... and all cruise lines have older ships. They are usually more affordable than the bigger, newer ships. Only you can decide your price point...

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badlcho 6 years ago

Good luck. All cruise lines try to nickel and dime. It’s up to you to make your cruise as affordable as possible by saying no to the extras.

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funboomer47 6 years ago

All ships sell everything nowadays. Not just your ship. It is just about every cruiseline that does that now on all their ships.

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Beached 6 years ago

Good luck. You will find that kind of thing on every ship or land vacation. It's a business and the business is to sell as much as they can to whomever they can. Just learn to say no or walk away. And btw Pride is not the only ship that stops I. Freeport so watch your itineraries. Also other cruise lines , well, nevermind, you will learn.

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brad1312 6 years ago

They are no different than any other Cruise Line. They are in business to maximize their profits and that comes at the expense of all of us.

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