Pride -- Impressions from a 1st Time Cruiser

[Collcoll]

We arrived back in Baltimore yesterday afternoon ending our first cruise.

First let me provide some perspective. As a first time cruiser, I would rate cruising (not the Pride) as a 5 out of 10. 10 Being the best vacation I've ever had.

My main base of comparison in vacations is an All Inclusive Resort in the Carribean. (We've done many). The cruise did not compare to the AI in value, elegance, relaxation or ambience.

On par was customer service, activity and food.

So having said this... I definately have not been convinced that cruising offers more or even the same value for your money. Therefore, I personally would probably not seek out doing a repeat cruise unless it was another family trip as this one was. (Meaning someone else suggested doing the cruise). If there were another family cruise planned, I'd do it again because that is what the group decided to do.

Now that you know where I'm coming from -- The Pride itself.

They get an A+ for cleanliness, beauty, comfort and design. With one very large exception. The Lido Deck/Mermaids Grill. The Lido Deck overall gets a B from me. (Chair Hogs probably influenced this but Carnival does not enforce the 30 minute rule. You have to hog a chair if you want one. That's that. No debating. Can't work otherwise. We tried and never had a chair one day.)

Mermaids gets an F from me. Was a mess. Difficult to find seating. We had to get one family member to hold our table while the rest got the food and then we had to rush back to that person could get food. If you wanted soda you had to run out to the Lido bar. Coordination and planning was essential and too much work. The food was only okay. But it was very confusing trying to figure out what was being served at which station from day to day. They do post it on a sign but you can't get to the signs until you've been in line a while and forget it if you want to jump from station to station to try different foods. By the 3rd day we chucked the Lido deck for breakfast as it was too much first thing in the morning to have to deal with that. We did lunches there but waited until after 2:30pm to eat and it was a little easier. (not easy, just a little easier).

Anytime dining was wonderful. We did wait once or twice. However, we had a particular waiter that my sister and her husband loved (Wayan) and we chose to wait about 10 minutes for them to set up a table in his area. He was worth the wait and did an outstanding job. My husband and brother in law provided him with a $10 tip each night and at the end we gave the drink waiter $20 as a group because he was outstanding. He'd see us out and about, even on HMC and he'd know our names and bring us drinks. I did have to let him know on the second day that I don't like the same drink each day. But that was okay, after that he asked.

Of NOTE: The lines for the assigned seating at times were around the bend and we were sitting upstairs on the 3rd floor. I don't know what it looked like downstairs. I could not understand why it would take them so long to let them into the dining area. We'd show up at 6:30/6:45 and walk right in and they would still have lines for assigned seating. I can't comment on this or why it happened. I just noted that it was happening.

David's was nice. If I were on a land based (not AI) vacation I would say that it was a real value. Being on the ship, not so sure. When we arrived we were put at a very tiny table that had a pillar blocking our view of each other a tad. I suggested they move us and we were set next to a bust station where they were scraping dirty plates into a bin. I looked a the hostess like "really?" and said to my husband "why don't we just go down to the main dining room where we know we can have a nice table. She then moved us to another table for two. My husband bought me flowers and they would not fit on the table. She's standing there holding the vase not sure what to do with them. I asked if they could be sent to my room since they would not fit on the table and my husband wanted them there as he bought them for the occasion. So then she moved us to a larger table. It was really akward. There was nobody else at any of the tables around us for the whole dinner and I don't know why she did not just put us at a nice table in the first place. The food was good, but not better than in the dining room. I had Surf and Turf and my husband had the fillet. No dancing was available. My husband waited for a long time for a diet coke. I didn't hate it, but can't rant about it. Since it is not a prohibitive cost, I'd say give it a try and see if you have a better experience than we did.

Of NOTE: They did not let me bring my Roses off the ship. I had to leave them there. Customs. Just keep that in mind if you are thinking of buying or sending flowers. I was not upset. They would only have lasted one/two days at the most anyway. But some people around me said they would have been upset to purchase flowers and have them confiscated on debarkation. They did offer me the vase.

Room Service was good, prompt and always got the order correct. No complaints. Met our expectations.

Drinks were fine. I enjoyed the Cruiser and made that my drink of the week. A hint. They offered a deal at the casino that if you bought a signature drink (Cruiser is one) you can get a $5 match play coupon with the receipt at the casino window. You can by the drink anywhere on the ship. So it cost more, but we had about 20 of those coupons during the week.

Also of NOTE: The drink coupons were great. However, from bar to bar pricing is inconsistent. I showed one bartender that I had three receipts for the same drink and was charged 3 different amounts. She said it was because of the coupons. Nonesense. Since the charges were nominal I did not raise too much of a fuss. (difference was at most .25)

Cruise Director Danny was not very visable. A little nasty to one group (as was told to me) and not really entertaining. Assistant CD Matt was more out there. He did a better job than Danny from what I could see. Danny seemed tired and bothered. Matt had energy. Joey (don't know his title) was the best of the three. He was very friendly, out there, mixed and mingled and should be the one running the show in my opinion.

Shows started off good and went down hill. See one, you have seen them all. Carolla has a voice that will grate on the nerves after awhile. The dancers are not in sync. But I bet it is very hard to dance on a boat that is moving. So gotta give them that. Comedians were funny and enjoyed those. Bingo was fun. Didn't do any of the talks or towel folding anything like this. I will say that too much was inside. Would have liked more outdoor activities. They did it all inside in the cold air and not out in the sun. But there isn't much room to do things outside. That is differet from the AI where they have a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

Our teens were bored. They did not want to do circle C. Pools were very crowded and no chairs to be found so they did not want to stand on deck. They enjoyed the port days. Sea days were a challenge. I think this is a better vacation for the adults. But having said that, if they had joined in Circle C they might have had a better time. So encourage yours to do so if you can.

Ports were great. Went to the Pool at Grand Turk. Shopped a little. Very nice. No issues. We stayed away from the bar end of the pool and no issues with contests. However, from what I saw it would not have mattered. Pretty family oriented.

HMC was beautiful. We were upset when we got onboard at 1:00pm and all the Cabanas were taken. Reason was that one couple came on a few ahead of us in line and bought 3 at one time. They asked for 4. If they had taken only one Cabana then the other people in line for 40 minutes behind them would also have had Cabanas. Since they bought them out we were all told sorry about your wait but they are gone. We were upset because before we waited my husband asked if they had enough and we were told no problem just get in line. But Shore excursion did not know that one couple wanted to buy out all the ones that were left. Several people in line felt that they should not be allowed to get more than one at a time per couple. But really if their group had been with them they would still have sold out. Just seemed like they hogged them.

Have to say this. I turned out to be glad they hogged them.... We did not need a cabana. HMC is so beautiful. We only wanted to be in the water. We rented clam shells and never even used them. We stayed in the water the entire time. Now that I've been to HMC, I can't imagine why I'd want to spend that kind of money for a cabana.

Do want to give this warning. Several folks were stung by jellyfish. Be careful.

Freeport. We did the Dolphin encounter. Had a blast. They did a great job. Worth every penny. Do it. It's all I can say. Waring. Some of the elder folks in our group had trouble climbing down into the tank and the staff did not assist them at all. One lady fell and it was the passengers that came to her rescue.

Room stewards worked hard. Balcony room was beautiful. Ice was maintained in coolers. Imbarkation and Debarkation were fine. We had our portraits done and they were beautiful. Bought a few.

Used the spa. Service was great. However, they do a very hard sell on product and I had to really be blunt and push back to get her to accept that I was not buying these products. Her whole demeanor changed and she even said that the reason they offer specials is so they can tell you about products. I said not my problem. I don't want to sit through a sales pitch.

Can't think of much more to comment upon.

It was a very nice trip. I think you can make a lot of the vacation. You'll enjoye the ship, the staff, the food, the drinks and the entertainment. Nothing was really bad at all.

Have a good time.

Thanks

[DPurcell58]

Thanks for your review. Cruising isn't for everyone. For a first time cruiser, you did seem to like a lot of stuff. Thanks for the tips and you're honest review of the Pride. We'll be sailing Carnival for the 1st time in 4 weeks.

[Dave85]

Thanks for your review. We're leaving next week on Pride, sorry to hear about this CD. I've seen plenty of good and bad CDs and this guy sounds like a loser.

[Windy56]

Very thorough review...thanks. We were on the Pride two weeks ago and it was our first time with Carnival. We really enjoyed the food in the main dining room and liked the "fly on" guest entertainers. I agree with you about the singers and dancers. We missed the fact that they didn't seem to offer a venue for social dancing, as well. Overall, though, we had a wonderful time.

I've only done cruises but my husband has also done all inclusives in his single days. I must admit, I am getting curious about them and you seem to know a lot. What are the advantages, in your opinion, over a cruise and which resort is your all time favourite?

[figs]

My parents were on the same cruise, did you notice a strong vibration in the dining room? They disliked that, and overheard other passengers asking to be moved. They were wondering whether it was all-over, or just in the area where they were. They said when you looked at your water glasses, it looked like the scene from Jurassic Park with the ripples.

Asking 'cause I'll be on the Pride in two months.

[WhansaMi]

Originally Posted by Dave85

Thanks for your review. We're leaving next week on Pride, sorry to hear about this CD. I've seen plenty of good and bad CDs and this guy sounds like a loser.

This CD is subbing for the regular guy who is on vacation this month. Kirk Benning is the regular CD; Matt started as asst. CD only a couple of months ago.

Kirk is actually very good. In fact, I think he is the favorite of the CD's I've had.

[WhansaMi]

Originally Posted by Windy56

Very thorough review...thanks. We were on the Pride two weeks ago and it was our first time with Carnival. We really enjoyed the food in the main dining room and liked the "fly on" guest entertainers. I agree with you about the singers and dancers. We missed the fact that they didn't seem to offer a venue for social dancing, as well. Overall, though, we had a wonderful time.

I've only done cruises but my husband has also done all inclusives in his single days. I must admit, I am getting curious about them and you seem to know a lot. What are the advantages, in your opinion, over a cruise and which resort is your all time favourite?

I'm not the OP, but Couples Negril is, hand's down, my favorite AI.

[Dave85]

Originally Posted by WhansaMi

This CD is subbing for the regular guy who is on vacation this month. Kirk Benning is the regular CD; Matt started as asst. CD only a couple of months ago.

Kirk is actually very good. In fact, I think he is the favorite of the CD's I've had.

Yeah, unfortunately I'm going to have Danny like the OP (leaving on Friday). Read so many great things about Kirk I was really hoping to get him!

I'm hoping for the best though -- another reviewer had much better things to say about him.

[Collcoll]

I think the advantage is that it is truely all inclusive. You get everything at an AI that you get on the cruise with no bill at the end. We ended up with a $1700 bill to settle out at the end of our cruise. Now, $100 was from spa and that is close to what you'd pay at an AI as that is also not included and we had about $300 in casino. However, the rest was bar and such. I don't think the drinks on the cruise were any better than at an AI and in fact, at an AI you can order a drink and a shot if you want to make it stronger. At the AI you did not have to go to the bar to fetch your own sodas and the pools were huge and always roomy. Plus warm. Rooms much bigger. If you do an excursion you don't have to worry about what time the ship is sailing and you can take your time. My favorites are Sandals Royal Bahamian and Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Windy56

Very thorough review...thanks. We were on the Pride two weeks ago and it was our first time with Carnival. We really enjoyed the food in the main dining room and liked the "fly on" guest entertainers. I agree with you about the singers and dancers. We missed the fact that they didn't seem to offer a venue for social dancing, as well. Overall, though, we had a wonderful time.

I've only done cruises but my husband has also done all inclusives in his single days. I must admit, I am getting curious about them and you seem to know a lot. What are the advantages, in your opinion, over a cruise and which resort is your all time favourite?

[Collcoll]

Yes there was a very strong vibration in the dining room. We think if might have been worse because we were in the upper deck. Also noticed this in bed at night. Made it difficult to sleep at times. We were in 7224.

Originally Posted by figs

My parents were on the same cruise, did you notice a strong vibration in the dining room? They disliked that, and overheard other passengers asking to be moved. They were wondering whether it was all-over, or just in the area where they were. They said when you looked at your water glasses, it looked like the scene from Jurassic Park with the ripples.

Asking 'cause I'll be on the Pride in two months.

[Handsome58]

Review. I like it when a person can let us know that cruising is not for them without being so negative. Great job. Cruising is not for everyone. For us who love it, it is an addiction!!!!!! lol lol lol lol

[lorriv20]

Originally Posted by Dave85

Yeah, unfortunately I'm going to have Danny like the OP (leaving on Friday). Read so many great things about Kirk I was really hoping to get him!

I'm hoping for the best though -- another reviewer had much better things to say about him.

Still on vacation in Baltimore, so I will write a full review when I get home. I did want to comment on both Danny and Matt ( we are not first time cruisers). We loved them both. Saw Danny and Matt quite often. Watched their morning show ( which was very funny). We also spoke with them several times and they were both friendly and helpful. I guess everyone has their own opinion.

[WhansaMi]

Originally Posted by lorriv20

Still on vacation in Baltimore, so I will write a full review when I get home. I did want to comment on both Danny and Matt ( we are not first time cruisers). We loved them both. Saw Danny and Matt quite often. Watched their morning show ( which was very funny). We also spoke with them several times and they were both friendly and helpful. I guess everyone has their own opinion.

I had to smile when you mentioned the morning show.

The first time I saw Matt was on the morning show. I thought he looked rather dorky. Then you see him in person and... wow. NOT dorky. ;-) Perfect example of how someone who is *very* attractive in person does not look nearly as good on the television.

[madre2]

We were also on the 7/24 sailing. Yes, there was definitely a bad vibration..it was the worst in the main dining room on the second level. We were eating breakfast in there one day, and the water in the glasses was sloshing all over. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a cabin in that area of the ship. It almost felt like you were in one of those vibrating chairs!

Danny tried hard...but i think almost too hard. Maybe he will get better the longer he is on the ship.

Again...i totally agree about the lido deck...confusing layout, but convenient to the pool. We always wanted to eat around 2:00, and by that time, the main dining room was closed. Pizza was great, as were the burgers from the grill.

[mississauga]

Originally Posted by Collcoll

I think the advantage is that it is truely all inclusive. You get everything at an AI that you get on the cruise with no bill at the end. We ended up with a $1700 bill to settle out at the end of our cruise. Now, $100 was from spa and that is close to what you'd pay at an AI as that is also not included and we had about $300 in casino. However, the rest was bar and such. I don't think the drinks on the cruise were any better than at an AI and in fact, at an AI you can order a drink and a shot if you want to make it stronger. At the AI you did not have to go to the bar to fetch your own sodas and the pools were huge and always roomy. Plus warm. Rooms much bigger. If you do an excursion you don't have to worry about what time the ship is sailing and you can take your time. My favorites are Sandals Royal Bahamian and Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana.

Thanks

Is the food as good at an AI? How does the entertainment compare? Also, price -wise, isn't an AI more costly. especially Sandals?

[WhansaMi]

Originally Posted by madre2

We were also on the 7/24 sailing. Yes, there was definitely a bad vibration..it was the worst in the main dining room on the second level. We were eating breakfast in there one day, and the water in the glasses was sloshing all over. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a cabin in that area of the ship. It almost felt like you were in one of those vibrating chairs!

.

There were several reviews before our trip that mentioned troublesome vibrations. There have been some since. Our cabin was deck five, aft -- **really** aft... we had the corner cabin, which means it was only one deck above the second level dining room.

I remember our talking about how "we are really booking it", because we were aware of the motors going, but, it was never bothersome to us. After the second day, I don't even remembering noticing it again.

Maybe some people are just more sensitive to it?

[mississauga]

Thanks for your honest review. Sounds like you still enjoyed a lot on the cruise although you prefer AI's.

Also of NOTE: The drink coupons were great. However, from bar to bar pricing is inconsistent. I showed one bartender that I had three receipts for the same drink and was charged 3 different amounts. She said it was because of the coupons. Nonesense. Since the charges were nominal I did not raise too much of a fuss. (difference was at most .25)

Does this mean that you had to pay the extra on your S&S if the price was higher in that bar? Is there only a certain $ value for each coupon? If so, what is the advantage of buying coupons?

[Collcoll]

Food is so subjective it is very difficult to answer. For example: I loved the crab cake on the Pride Thursday but my husband thought it was awful. I can say that the same type of food is available. You actually have more choices at the AI I believe because they usually have a variety of speciality resturants. Mexican, Italian, Asian, Carribean and so on. Which gives you more menu options. AI's also are big on buffets. However, the Pride's buffet was so confusing. I liken the AI more to the Vegas style buffet. Has a little bit of everything.

I think it was cheaper to do the AI for us. Last year we spent about $3,000 to do the RS at the Grand Palladium. That included air, transport, Ocean Front Room, butler service, food and beverage. The cruise cost us about $4,000 after bar tab. We didn't have to fly so no air or transport was included. However, when we stayed at the Paradisus Palma Real we chose to go for an ocean front suite with butler service and that was $600 per night. So that trip was close in price to the cruise, maybe even a little bit more. It depends on where you choose to stay.

Originally Posted by mississauga

Is the food as good at an AI? How does the entertainment compare? Also, price -wise, isn't an AI more costly. especially Sandals?

[Collcoll]

I totally agree. I think most reviews are subjective to the writer's perspective and opinion. I know that there were several cruisers that we spoke to who thought that Danny was not so great. They had experienced other cruises and had something to compare with. I also heard some thought he was great. So it really is opinion. But either way, I don't think he'd make or break a the trip for anyone. At least not for our group. So just my perspective. Glad you enjoyed yourself. We had great weather. Heard the two cruises before us were not so lucky!

Originally Posted by lorriv20

Still on vacation in Baltimore, so I will write a full review when I get home. I did want to comment on both Danny and Matt ( we are not first time cruisers). We loved them both. Saw Danny and Matt quite often. Watched their morning show ( which was very funny). We also spoke with them several times and they were both friendly and helpful. I guess everyone has their own opinion.

[WhansaMi]

Originally Posted by mississauga

Is the food as good at an AI? How does the entertainment compare? Also, price -wise, isn't an AI more costly. especially Sandals?

Again, not the OP, but my favorite AI is definitely more expensive.

Entertainment, at Couples Negril, is different than on the ship. On the ship, there are "productions": Vegas style revues, magicians, what have you, while at Couples, it is more bands, singers, although, we did see one guy who did a fire routine, even putting it down his pants!

Dining is great at Couples. DH says it is the best breakfast around --lots of fresh fruit, and DH says they do magical things with potatoes. I loved the muesli so much that I came home and tried to recreate it, to no success.

One special thing we did there in dining: DH arranged for us to have a private dinner on the beach. It was at sundown, with a small table and a private waiter. It was something very special (even with friends that we made "accidentally" wandering by to take a gander! ;-))

But, for the price of five days at Couples, we can do two 7-day Pride cruises. So, it a trade-off.