Carnival pride Feb 26, 2012 Review

First Trip for Me, 40, My hubby 38; Dad 67 I think, and his friend- not sure like 50’s Go DAD; 8 year old special needs and 13 year old both girls. We started our trip with a drive from NH to Baltimore. Not as bad as I expected with my daughter who was 7 at the time, who is autistic, hates the car, screams, yells ( long story but she is an adopted foster child and her biological parents used to have her in the car 24/7 pursuing illegal activities so we have been told). Anyway she slept for a good part of it so it was not bad. We stated at the Inner Harbor Best Western with their Park and Sail package. Rooms were clean, breakfast was good and included, Pool was warm, only downside was the hot tub was cold. In total it was about 169.00 for the night which included a week of parking for the car and shuttles to and from the Port.

The Port terminal was the first hiccup of the trip. I had worked with Autism of the Seas to get handicapped embarking for our party. Our daughter does not like, Noise, Crowds, and waiting, all of which you do a lot in the port terminal. The employess were supposed to be expecting us. Not only were they not, they had no idea what I was talking about and the older gentleman with white hair and white beard was downright rude to the point that I was almost in tears. The women finally relented and said I could go with my daughter, but the rest of our party could not. Since I was the one that booked the trip and was in charge I did not feel comfortable separating so I refused. Finally I gave up and we tried to keep her entertained the best we could, luckily we were in the first 6 rows of people so we did not have to wait an extended time. Rooms were not going to be ready until 2:30. A cruise critic friend noted she was in her room by 1:40. Next time I will definitely send someone down to check so we do not have to lug around our carryons.

The Food was great, did not have a bad meal the entire week. We ate on the lido deck, the formal dining, and Davids Steakhouse. Warm chocolate melting cake, I want some NOW. Endless Bubbles definitely worth it, but if you buy the mug hold on to it, one of ours got stolen and we had to buy one full price which was a bummer. Our waiter in the dining room was awesome, he also made burgers in the midnight buffet. Our table, compliments of Autism of the Seas was way in the back off to the side next to a window. It was perfect, not many people to be bothered my little one when she got over excited.

The waters were generally calm. We had one mildly rocking day on the way to ( but not major, I think it bothered me because I had mayonnaise in Tuna for lunch and I do not usually eat Mayo). And on our way back you could tell the ship was really going because it was rocking back and forth, but still not bad.

Kids camp for 13 year old. Never saw her. Well almost never. She made friends quickly, she had to check in often and let us know where she was going if she was not with the scheduled activities. She had to have most dinners with us, and could not leave the ship without us obviously, but she is a good honor roll kid with a ton of street smarts so we trusted her and she had a blast. Several of her friends would call our room looking for her.

Kids camp for 7 year who turned 8 on the boat. The Camp Director was awesome, most of the camp staff were nice, although I wish they had tried to facilitate friendships between the children more. My daughter only made the kids camp without me 3 times on the second day for about 1 ½ each time. Some girls targeted her ( she has speech delay and is young due to her issues) She got mad and pulled their hair, they continued to be mean to her, she would not go back without me. We did a few activites with them ( They let her sing Justin Bieber one of the few songs she can sing most of the words too at a talent show even though she was not signed up, that made her happy, although the other children were walking out making fun of her for singing Justin. Oh well kids will be mean.) Mommy and daughter spent lots of time together, so I was not able to do a lot of the grown up activities, but I got some breaks, played Bingo, Won 100.00 in the Casino. Did some reading and relaxing.

Port Canaveral – Dad and friend went to Kennedy they had a blast. Ha ha. We did not plan an excursion got off the boat, paid 7 a person for a roundtrip shuttle to the Cove and to Cocoa beach and had a great day. There are plenty of grocery , drug, souveniors stores walking from where they drop you off to Cocoa beach, as well as Mcdonalds for lunch.

Hiccup number 2. Diabetic, legally blind husband on the floor borderline comatose at around 9:30 at night. Called Medical they kept saying well we have to charge you, you medical emergency, do not give a crap. Told me to bring him down to the infirmary. Had to call Room service to get a wheelchair. Nurse was very nice. Dr. not so much. Blood sugar was over 600. Asked what he had eaten today went through the list, not much. Told him that he had no alcohol. The MD told me that alcohol didn’t matter it was the sweets. Last time I checked carbs were carbs and alcohol breaks down into, ummmm Sugar. Whatever he was an idiot. Come to find out his diabetic pump was kinked and he was not getting any insulin all day. Insuli, 4 hours, and a 600.00 bill from the infirmary later added to our Sail and Sign Card, He was good, and we changed his insulin tube that was kinked ( the one that goes into his body so we could not see it). All in all handled poorly, but we tried not to let it ruin our day.

Nassua- Blue Lagoon Dolphin Experience. LOVED IT. The water was blue, we booked it separately from Carnival was way cheaper, took a cab to the ferry terminal for 20.00 for the 4 us and actually beat DAD and friend who booked through Carnival to the island by at least a ½ hour. This was the most amazing experience and I want to do it again someday. The only problem was the women at the terminal told us our program was moved to 2 and when we got there they said it was not until 3:30 as our wristband said, but it did not matter we did it at 2 anyway. Good thing as I had to wait forever for the pictures. Which were expensive.

Freeport we just got off the ship to do a little shopping literally right off the boat. We were in port such a short time did not feel safe going far from the ship.

All in all an amazing vacation, and we are already looking to go again.

Thanks for the review and glad you had fun in spite of the hiccups! Makes me want to board the Pride, like, tomorrow;).

Sounds quite eventful, .. so far. Looking forward to reading more. ;)

Thank you for posting your review.

Sorry to hear about your time in the Medical Center.

So glad you are ready to go again!

I am ready to bored again like now, cooking for myself like stinks.

You should definitely submit your infirmary bill to your health insurance plan (and travel insurance, if you have it). My wife got very ill on one cruise and our health insurance reimbursed us for about 90% of the charges. Glad you had a good time otherwise.

Thank you for sharing! We'll be on the Pride in May so it's nice to hear what people have to say!! If you don't mind me asking what's the Endless Bubbles??

Your review actually broke my heart. As the mom of a bullied child, I can relate to this. I'm glad you had a good time in spite of it all but what you went through I feel so bad. I am so worried it will happen on our cruise. If so, I hope I handle it as well as you did.

Glad to hear you had a nice time- in spite of some "hiccups"...:(

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Endless Bubbles is the sticker program that allows you to partake of unlimited soft drinks for the duration of your cruise.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Endless Bubbles is the sticker program that allows you to partake of unlimited soft drinks for the duration of your cruise.

I do believe you are right.

I don't know why but every time I read 'Endless Bubbles' I picture someone's butt on one of those swim up barstools, ... and bubbles. :eek:

I really admire ppl like you, who seemingly have so much on their plate and are able to enjoy life and keep it moving. I know I don't know you, but I just want to say youre amazing!

Nice review.