The Pride: What REALLY happened...

[Dave...]

This was my 13th Carnival Cruise, and I thought it was bad luck taking my 13th over Halloween.......

There have been comments on other threads, some true, some not true, but here is my rendition. I was up and around a lot during the storm.

I WAS a wild ride. Some crew members had not experienced a storm like this in many years...or ever.

There are always people experiencing sea sickness on any cruise. Of course, this one had way more people experiencing this, but I was surprised how many people were out actually having a great time trying to 'hang on' or talk to strangers about the experience.

As much as the ship was bobbing like a cork, there was very little damage. Most of the damage was breaking plates etc in the kitchens, or in the dining areas as all of the sudden it would feel like we hit a speed bump. Some of the glass souvenirs in the shops were damaged. The stores were NOT trashed, not damaged. Many of the displays in the display cases fell over, but nothing damaged.

The odd light fixture fell from the ceiling, but I could not see any broken glass anywhere.

The lounge was closed. I asked what the damage was, and I was told that there was water damage that they were cleaning up. You could not access the TaJ Mahal lounge or the Sunset Garden.

The casino was not flooded. It may have experienced some minor water, but no way flooded.

I heard of nobody mentioning fire or smoke. Not sure where that came from, as I only heard of that reading some of the threads. No crew mentioned that, no smell of smoke, no fire alarm.

The Captain and crew were great. Sure, there could have been more communication....but why worry the guests? What would we plan for? If they said to prepare for TV's falling down there would be a lot of panic and unnecessary hysteria. The CD made a bunch of announcements, and the Captain came on a few times.

CCL made free phone calls from the ship available to everyone.......FREE....

And of course, there were people 'pissed' at CCL for the delay.... I tried to listen in on some conversations.....to find out at what exactly they were so angry at CCL about

But yes, I too was disappointed with Carnival. They ran out of Hot Chocolate on Sunday in most of their machines.

Here are some pictures, and a Youtube flick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uypv9kXUO2U


Swells...woa


Awesome spray.....this is ALL spray....



Light fixture in main stairwell


The 'bending' actually popped a hinge in the dining room

[Indianaseadog]

Wow! On what deck were you when you took these pictures? Glad to here you made the most of it. At least you have a great story to tell on all of your future cruises. Other passengers will get tired of hearing you say.."this storm is nuthin! Let me tell you about the BIG one in 2011!"

[trvlqueen]

Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience - and not even "in hurricane season"! I guess it just goes to show that mother nature has her own agenda and doesn't adhere to human schedules.

Glad nobody was hurt and that you had a good time in spite of it all.

[Kentman23]

Thanks for the report! I've been waiting to hear something. We cruise in a few weeks on the Pride.

[cherjoe5]

thank you for sharing..............i wish you smoother seas on your next cruise............
cheryl

[Alliezona09]

Great pictures and an amazing video~! Looks like you had quite the ride~!

[Dave...]

Originally Posted by Indianaseadog

Wow! On what deck were you when you took these pictures? Glad to here you made the most of it. At least you have a great story to tell on all of your future cruises. Other passengers will get tired of hearing you say.."this storm is nuthin! Let me tell you about the BIG one in 2011!"

I was on deck 7 (Veranda) when I shot the videos.

[MissKIA]

Wow that's crazy! Thanks for sharing. Maybe those people who were complaining about losing a day of their cruise will be a tad more understanding after seeing that. I'm sure it was quite the experience. Glad everyone was safe!

[fun!melis]

Great post OP!
Thank you for updating

[Carol P.]

I just watched the video. I would have been one that was "seasick" We never experienced a storm and hopefully never will. Thanks for sharing your experience great video and pictures.

Carol

[matt082600]

Thank God it seems no one was seriously hurt.

[DEERINH2O]

Great Attitude and great video and pictures.
Hope smooth sailing on your next voyage.....


kathy

[klmorg]

WOW... Great pictures & video! Thanks for sharing them, along with your report of what transpired. Glad everyone made it through safely... what a ride!!

[cruise_pirate]

OK I know I am the minority here but that looks like so much fun!!

Of course on a cruise I love nice weather but, if it is going to be cruddy out the bigger and badder the storm the more exciting it is to me!

Same goes on land, the wilder the better!

[megansdad1]

Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed watching the video

[LUVMYGSDOG]

Thanks for sharing!

[celticd1]

Looks like it was quite the ride! Personally, I think I would have enjoyed it but I like rough seas. Glad no one was hurt. Thanks for posting!

[sparks1093]

It's funny how people will pay money for the wildest of rides at a theme park but turbulence in an airplane or rough seas on a ship will cause any number of complaints. Thanks for sharing!

[nonna5]

Best pictures and video I have seen. I like a wild ride every now and then also. At least your 13th cruise is over with.

Thanks for postings.

[mommy2eee]

Glad everyone got home safely! Thank you for sharing! Great video!