Asylum Solo Cruise

Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 59

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Carnival Pride

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Baltimore Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 08, 2019

Ship: Carnival Pride

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was my third cruise on the Pride. I was solo this time and really enjoyed being able to just do whatever I felt like doing from one hour to the next: relax and read and disconnect from the world and let someone else do the driving, cooking, cleaning, maintenance, etc for a week. Much more than a vacation - I call this a week-long trip to the asylum! I recommend everyone leave their family home sometime and try a solo cruise!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
My check in time was 2:30 to 3:00. I pretty much walked right in and onto the boat. I've never had it go so fast before! They are putting the Sail and Sign cards in your cabin's mailbox, so you really just show your boarding pass and Passport and you're in. Much better system than the waiting in the big room with 100's of others.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Completely met my expectations. I was avoiding carbs. on this cruise, and there were plenty of deli cheese, Guy's burger patty, eggs, sausage, etc options to work with. I do love the melting chocolate cake, but I was able to find plenty of food options for my current keto diet and managed eat well but not gain any weight on this cruise!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
I was in the fitness center every day. I managed to get in over 12k steps everyday. The Pride has several levels with long walkable decks. The pools were clean and generally relaxing to sit by and read a book.

Entertainment

I didn't attend any shows.

Children's Programs

I didn't have any kids along with me.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everything was kept clean and in good working order.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The Pride is a nice ship. Being a little older (18 years) its not like the huge megaships that we are seeing more of. There's the chance to actually get to know a few of your fellow travelers, slow down, and develop some relaxing routines while on vacation.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
I had a balcony cabin this time. In the past I've sometimes enjoyed having the door open and having the breeze and sound of the ocean. I don't think they want you to do this anymore. There were signs saying to keep the door shut because of the AC.

Ship tip

Use the restrooms and showers in the Spa. They are so much more than what you get in you cabin. Its easier on your cabin mates too if you have any.

Ports of call

Baltimore, Maryland

4 out of 5
Baltimore is a cool city. Check out the Second Chance used furniture and fixture warehouse. It s like a museum of relics of an old city that you can buy.

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5
Bring aqua shoes for the beach. Lots of rocks and spiny stuff just under the water - be careful!

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5
Always a great time here. Bring your own beach umbrella if you can manage it. The cabanas are expensive and sell out fast and the afternoon has no shade on the beach unless you bring some. The food provided is pretty basic. I snacked at the island buffet, and went back to the boat before 3:00 for a real meal.

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

1 out of 5
They had just been hit hard by Hurricane Dorian, so I feel sympathetic to the folks there. However, even in better days, this port is pretty lame and mostly industrial. There's some good scuba diving there, or so I hear, but that might be the work of a dedicated trip, not a cruise visit. I usually stay on the ship in Freeport when I'm there.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Our floor was called, everyone started walking and were able to walk right off the ship. No delays or bottle necks. In the past, I've been stuck in stairwells with suitcases and kids, but they seem to have gotten a lot better with the getting on and off recently.

Traveler Photos

More cool weather phenomenon. Just squeaking by under the Francis Scott Key bridge.
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4 Comments

cruiseplayer    5 years ago

Well you mentioned the room key is in your mail box ...! They have been putting it there for years . And Freeport has beautiful beaches . And a huge casino .

tlucy    5 years ago

Love the Pride!

Darbygirl    5 years ago

I'm glad you enjoyed your solo vacay!

bobduck1993    5 years ago

Sounds like you had the perfect vacation!

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