Another great trip on the Pride

Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

doconnorcrew

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 74

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 19, 2019

Ship: Carnival Pride

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was our 4th time on the Pride and it never disappoints. Its an easy drive from Pittsburgh to Baltimore but we decided to leave a day early and parked our car at a hotel for the week. Not sure that this was necessary but we decided to try it. The hotel had us at the port an hour earlier than our appointment time but it was no problem. Went to the early check in line and after having our picture taken had to wait for maybe 5 minutes before being called to board. What an easy process!!! We were on board by 1pm and rooms were ready and sail and sign cards delivered by about 2pm. We hung out on the Lido deck enjoying Guys Burgers and a cocktail or two. This was the first time our kids used Camp Carnival (Club O2 for 14-17 yr olds) and they had a blast!! I can't say enough good things about their camp leader Christian. My kids hated to leave him. Our room Steward was Serafin and such a nice guy. I requested only an evening visit from him in case our teenagers decided to sleep in the morning but I think it's probably easier for the Stewards to get the morning room cleaning. He had an assistant in the morning. Just an FYI As for ports this was the first time ever visiting Half Moon cay and doing a tender off the ship. If you didn't have an excursion booked you needed to be on the Lido deck at 9am to get a number and then wait to be called off the ship. We got off the ship at 10am. Wish we would have purchased faster to the fun. There is so little time on this beautiful island and we were anxious to get there! My only complaint (and I do mean MINOR complaint) would be the lack to TV stations, way too many channels on shopping! And what happened to the complimentary deck of cards at the service desk Carnival?!?! We had to purchase a deck in the shoppes for $12.00 this time :) We had a great family vacation and will most likely be booking another one very soon!!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We had a 1:30 appointment time but arrived around 12:30pm. We were sent to the early arrival line and maybe had to wait 5 minutes before actually boarding. Such an easy process!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Always a variety and never disappointed. Had my daily dose of Guys Burgers and taco's. Yummy!!

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We loved playing ping pong and corn hole together as a family. Played a round of mini golf and never laughed so much as it was like playing in a hurricane - so windy!!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Loved the comedy shows and the Lip Sync battles are a must!!

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

First time in four cruises my kids decided to use Camp Carnival (Club O2 /14-17 year olds) and they had a great time! They loved the Camp Leader (Christian) and didn't want to say good bye.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone was so friendly and kind. Our Steward was Serafin and he was just a super nice guy.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship was spotless. Don't know how they do it!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Had room 7294. Room was fine even for the four of us. Glad we had the balcony!

Ship tip

Wish we would of purchased Faster to the Fun

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Baltimore, Maryland

4 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5

We rented a golf cart from MaxCart Auto and explored on our own, Drove up to the light house, got lost for about a second in town and wound up at Jacks Shack. There were two ships in port so the port beaches and pools were packed. Glad we stayed at Jacks. Rented two umbrellas from Jack ($10 each) and relaxed on their beach. Had some great Jerk chicken and drinks on the beach. Kids loved playing with their resident dogs. Lots of beach glass if you're into that thing!!

Thumbs Up 5

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

What a beautiful beach! Wish Carnival would scratch Freeport and just let us stay here for two days. We walked down the beach close to Pirate ship and found chairs in the shade. No need to rent a clam shell. We did rent two intertubes ($15.99 each) and played in the water all day. Heaven!!

Thumbs Up 7

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

3 out of 5

We have done snorkeling excursions on past stops here but decided to do some shopping in port and then head back to the boat to take advantage of empty pools.

Thumbs Up 1