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Carnival Pride Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Pride

9 Night British Isles (Dover Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 12, 2022

Ship: Carnival Pride

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8231

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Nice budget cruise! It's an older ship, but the staff kept it clean, well-attended and friendly. Guy Fiere Burger Joint, by the middle pool, was our favorite, as well as Serenity (adult pool) right next to Mermaids (the buffet). Our room was typical and the extended balcony worth it. The spa was small (w/great staff) - but, not much action there nor promoted much. Recommend researching ports before you board (because wifi was crazy expensive) or do the excursions on this itinerary. Carnival was scant on port information, and destinations often very far from the ship; the days of a daily newsletter left in your cabin are gone - replaced by an app - that does not give much info. Overall, I'd recommend this cruise if you want a taste of the UK.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
The same food was served in the dining rooms, generally, as the buffet, except for a few appetizers and deserts.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Serenity, the adult pool, was a great place to hang out.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
It was pretty minimal compared to NCL and RC.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Really excellent staff on this ship. Always a smile and fast.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
This is a smaller ship. Easier to get around. Beautiful seating and the center glass elevator a nice touch. As a GenXer, however, I look so forward to the days of getting rid of the smoking and casino's. It's always gross. And I avoid those areas at all costs! Make it a free internet cafe instead! Or something else equally tech like VR gaming.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Great cabin, however, since I was travelling with a friend, and needed 2 twins that were parallel to the patio door, it made it very hard to use the balcony. Perpendicular to the patio door would have made more sense.

Ship tip

Serenity, the adult pool and hangout, was great.

Ports of call

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

5 out of 5
Took the bus excursion to Edinburgh. Easily walkable tourist areas with exciting street acts, cute shops and restaurants.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

5 out of 5
Did a private bus excursion here as the Carnival one sold out. It was excellent. Odyssey. The bus boarding is right outside the ship exit at the port.

Liverpool, England

5 out of 5
Excellent tourist areas to walk around, enjoy lunch, and see Beatles stuff! The hop-on-off bus was also great and all centrally located and close to the ship pier.

Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland

2 out of 5
A 45-minute public train ride from the port. Everything super spread out. Super crazy NY-busy when we got there, and the walk from train, sketch. The hop-on-hop off bus had incredibly long waits (1/2 hr between stops?) - we gave up. I'd try this stop again with an organized excursion next time.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Easy off. No lines.
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