Pride 05/30/04 sailing review by an occasional dumb blonde

I woke up on embarkation day around 6:15am. It was a beautiful morning, no June gloom, which is the typical weather in So Cal from April to June. We planned on leaving for Long Beach at around 9:00am so we could take advantage of the early check-in at the Queen Mary (Cruise Critic tip). I only live 38 miles (NE) from where the Pride is docked. Barry realized he forgot to pick up magazines (educational only for him, trash for me) to read so we left at 8:50am to go to Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Then, we were on our way to Long Beach.

Traffic was a breeze because it was Sunday morning. On weekdays, the traffic is the pits. We arrived at the terminal by 9:45am. The terminal was hopping because of the passengers debarking the Pride (poor souls!). We were immediately met by a porter who took our luggage- Barry’s one small bag, my 1 large, 3 small, plus our roll-on ice chest. I tipped the porter $15 and asked him to be careful with our “precious†cargo. We had packed 2 cases of Diet Coke, bottled water, Jack Daniels, Hypnotiq, Malibu Rum, and Jose Cuervo ready-to-serve Margaritas. I went off to park the car. For those who have handicapped plates or placards, these spaces are almost impossible to find at this time of the morning. I did find a parking space on the third level that was not handicapped but only three spaces from the elevator. My suggestion is to have an able bodied member of your party handle the parking. I pulled out my trusty walker and off I went to find Barry.

When coming out of the parking structure, head for the pathway to the left of the white dome. For those of you who do not know, this white dome is where the Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose†was formerly housed. It is now the Carnival Long Beach terminal. Look for the sign on the wall that says “Queen Mary Early check-inâ€. Here is a picture:

http://community.webshots.com/s/image12/0/62/37/150106237hrYrQL_ph.jpg

We walked in to the early check-in area and there was no waiting. http://community.webshots.com/s/image10/0/63/25/150106325mpmPiG_ph.jpg When checking in we were told that our past cruiser numbers were not in the reservation. I knew that I had entered them but I would take care of that later. It took less than 10 minutes and we were on our way to stand in line. While exiting, we passed a mural on the wall with famous people, celebrities, etc. Barry thought it was interesting that the former Shah of Iran was included. He wanted a picture because he immigrated from Iran 20+ years ago. He thought his family still living in Iran would enjoy the picture.

At the terminal, only one line had formed. We were probably about the 20th in line. When I saw a Carnival representative, I asked her if there was a separate line for those needing additional time or assistance. She quickly removed us from this line and placed us in front to the terminal doors stating a new line. Yeah! I was now first. She explained that this line would enter immediately after the wedding parties. Eventually, five lines formed. When facing the terminal and going from left to right, the lines were: 1) passengers that had completed early check-in; 2) Skipper’s Club with early check-in; 3) disabled or those needing additional time or assistance (with or without early check-in) 4) Skipper’s Club that did not take advantage of early check-in and 5) All the rest of the cruisers who obviously do not read cruisecritic.com and prefer to stand in long lines.

http://community.webshots.com/s/image8/0/71/87/150107187KkxJOO_ph.jpg

If anyone is in search of a restroom (I know there are others out there like me), between the terminal and the parking lot, restrooms are available for the long wait in line. http://community.webshots.com/s/image10/0/69/51/150106951oNKqNj_ph.jpg

After the two wedding parties boarded, we were #1 and #2 on the gangway. It was only 12:35pm and we were on our way to board the Pride. The first thing we did was to find our room- #4228 (Main Aft). Our room steward, Stanley from Costa Rica, had just finished cleaning our room. We introduced ourselves and started him out with a $15 tip

(Cruise Critic tip). I asked for two Carnival Capers each day and ice in our ice chest. We entered the cabin and were amazed at the size and available amenities. Then we saw the balcony. The wraparound balcony was amazing, impressive, and I could go on and on with adjectives explaining how happy we were. Pictures of the room and balcony will follow in a later portion of my reviews.

After leaving our carry-on luggage, I went to the purser’s desk and had our sail and sign cards punched. I had purchased cruise critic lanyards and used it though out the entire cruise. I always knew were my S/S card was. I also checked on our past cruisers numbers. It was a miracle; they were now in our records.

It was already 1:30pm and we went to the Normandie dining room to see where our table was located. We had table # 379. It was a table for two. So, we told our Maitre’d, Monika from Romania, that we were very pleased with our seating arrangement. We had a light lunch at the Mermaid Grille. Probably the only light meal we had the

Soon it was time for the lifeboat drill and it did go pretty fast. After the drill, we headed to the Venus Bar to meet fellow cruise critic passengers. I attached a picture of our group. From left to right they are: Kathy (kajsb) without Barry who was already at the gym; Pam (paminvegas) and Tony; Jack and Gloria (Puka-n-Noodles), Rocky (Pwabbit) and Gail. http://community.webshots.com/s/image11/6/84/65/150468465aeUPCs_ph.jpg

Jack made us name tags. It was so nice meeting up with everyone. I really enjoyed it. I only wished we all lived closer so we could have a reunion. I do hope that we can keep in touch through cruise critic or via E-mail. My E-mail is kajsb@aol.com.

http://community.webshots.com/s/image13/7/26/61/150472661CBwpuw_ph.jpg

It was already time for dinner. We had early dining at 5:45. Our waiter was Manolito (Manny) and his assistant was Camilo. They were both from the Philippines. What an awesome team they are. Our cocktail waitress was Julaporn (Jula) from Thailand. Unfortunately for her, she did not get much business from us. Only two diet cokes the first night. With our ice chest, we had everything that we wanted. Dinner was everything that we expected.

Sometime during embarkation day, I head Greg Kneale start his announcements for the cruisers welcoming us all on board. I swore I heard Greg say “Hi Kathyâ€. As some of you may know, I was posting messages to Greg telling him I would be on board on the 5/30 sailing and that a way to look for me was someone who was using a walker. Barry told me I was only dreaming and he had not heard anything. Party Pooper!

Anyway, after dinner Barry took off to the gym (averaged about 3 times per day) and I went to the first bingo and show. I sat in the front row off to the left. After Greg Kneale arrived on stage, he pointed to me and asked “Kathy?†and smiled and waved as I nodded that yes, I was Kathy. So, maybe earlier it was not my imagination. Thanks again Greg! During the show, I suddenly realized that I had forgotten to take my medication and that I had not unpacked it. I became concerned since the medication was for an episode of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) I had almost two years ago. So, after the show it was off to the infirmary. They were open after hours and I saw Dr. McGeary from Ireland and the Michelle (nurse) from Australia. I e-mailed my daughter and asked her to go by my house to get the dosages from my meds. Only a dumb blonde would forget to bring the dosages with on vacation. More to come later on dumb blondes. Dr. McGeary would write me a prescription that I could have filled in PV. This part of the adventure only added $66.75 to my S/S account. And so was the end of embarkation day.

I know I’ve rambled on but I do like to talk. I’m not as talented in the writing as Mark, but I still like to tell a story. So, fair warning that I may ramble on in the rest of the reviews, only 7 days to go. LOL I have a lot of pictures to post, but I’m still working on them. I find I’m moving very, very slow. I’m still in the relaxed state from the cruise. Tomorrow that will end when I start back to work.

More embarkation day pictures:

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=150098631

Kathy

5/30/04 Pride cruise with the wraparound balcony

06/28/04 Ecstasy-

Mom's 80th birthday- It's no longer a surprise!!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

[This message was edited by kajsb on 06-07-04 at 07:39 PM.]

[This message was edited by kajsb on 06-07-04 at 07:40 PM.]

Kathy... Keep it coming!!

Ecstacy October 1992

Destiny October 1999

TRIUMPH May2003

Triumph May 2004

http://community.webshots.com/user/catrin0917

Great review so far Kathy! I am looking forward to reading the rest of it.

Debbie

Join the Valor Voyagers on 6/12/05 as we sail the Western Caribbean - Click here for details

Triumph (Eastern) 05/00

Destiny (Southern) 04/02

Miracle (Bahamas) 05/04

Valor (Western) 06/04

Great review Kathy. I'm glad it turned out all you hoped it would be.

Elise

7/11 Pride Cruise

Great review! I enjoyed reading it - you just have to finish by the time I leave to go on Sunday morning!

Did you need any documentation for the "extra help" line at embarkation? We (me, DH, DD 9yrs, & DD 20 months)have Skipper's Club priveledges, but my IL's are sailing with us as well, and my MIL just had knee surgery and isn't quite as quick on her feet as usual. It would be nice if she had some assistance.

triplelutz,

They did not ask me for additional documentation, but I had a walker and I wear a brace on one leg so I guess that was enough. I'm sure the early boarding would help your MIL so maybe you can ask for a wheelchair. They had lots for anyone who asked. I don't expect that you will have a problem.

I'll try to finish up as fast as I can. I didn't realize when I was waiting for MarkLodi to post how much work it actually takes.

If you have any questions in the meantime, pot them, and I will answer ASAP. I am so jealous that you are going. I want to go again and again.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Pride 05/30/04

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Awesome Kathy! This is great.

Can't wait to read the rest. Makes me want to go back again asap...any wealthy folks out there willing to adopt a slightly-used 36-year-old???

Mark ºoº

5/9/04 Pride Cruise - 1st Cruise!

Visit our Webshots Gallery

Kathy, I am getting lots of error messages on your links to webshots it says I am not the owner. I loved the pictures I have seen thus far and hope to be able to access the rest. Wish I could go back. Two years til I sail again. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Candi

Candi, I can't figure out why you are getting some error messages. Maybe try this link:

http://community.webshots.com/album/150098631ovJTAu

If it doesn't work, send me your e-mail address and I can send you the invitation that is offered on webshots.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Kathy,

So your roll on ice chest contained all that and they didn't check it? Why are we worried about hiding it in our checked luggage?? Sounds great.

8/29/04 Carnival Pride

10/13/04 Celebrity Mercury

Carnivale 1980

Nordic Prince 1993

Disney Wonder 1999

Celebrity Mercury 10/26/03

Carnival Pride 8/29/04

Celebrity Mercury 10/13/04

Actually, the ice chest only contained the sodas and the water. And it was full. I packed the liquor in the other bags putting one in each bag. That way if they found one, they might not find them all. But, if there had been room, I could have put everything in the ice chest. I had sealed it with duct tape and it was never removed to check what was inside.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Day 2- Fun Day at Sea

Neither of us slept well last night. There was a tremendous amount of noise and vibration. It felt like I was on an airplane with extremely heavy turbulence. The only difference was that we only went side to side, not up and down. At one point, we unplugged the phones because they were bouncing up and down on the headboard and the desk in the living room. I expected more noise and vibration on the aft but NEVER this much. I think we were both pretty cranky in the morning. I am one who has a difficult time sleeping when it is quiet. I prefer the TV on all night long. But, this noise was ridiculous and I couldn’t call the ship’s captain and ask him to shut off the engine.

We requested room service for breakfast and it was delivered promptly at the time requested. If you are not early risers, room service is the only way to go.

Later in the morning, I went to the travel talk given by Greg Kneale. As he was adjusting his headset, he announced “Good Morning!†And then went on to say “Hi Kathy!†“I can’t believe you are already sending comments on Cruise Critic. Kathy, you came on vacation!†(He didn’t know yet that I was on the computer to send my daughter the E-mail on the information needed on my lost medications. Since I was on the computer, I couldn’t resist visiting CC for just a minute or too).

As requested by Mark and Mona, I told Greg they send their regards. In response, Greg said, “Wasn’t that an amazing review they did? Does anyone here read CC? Anyone? Cruise Critic? Nobody reads CC? You should. You really should. If anyone does, by the way, there is a log in the library that you can sign into. You get reviews of all cruises around the fleet and everything like that and it really is good and gives you insight on cruises and what’s happening on certain cruise ships. And this couple sailed with us. This gentleman, Mark, did a review. Actually didn’t do one review, he did 9 reviews. (Chuckles from the audience). He went into detail about pre-check-in, hotels before… Every morning I woke up and I would…it was like my morning newspaper (chuckle from Greg and the audience). It was great! And Kathy kept replying that she was coming on this ship and ‘I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait’ and now you’re here. (Applause from Greg). It’s nice to have you here, Kathyâ€.

No, I didn’t memorize the talk. But, I had taken a blank VCR tape from a hint received on CC. So, I taped Greg’s talks. Hey, it’s not every cruise that the Cruise Director acknowledges you. But, then the Pride Cruise Director is Greg Kneale and I don’t think there is another cruise director on the fleet quite like him. He is the best. Thanks again, Greg!

Barry and I were going to meet up later for dinner. Yes, he was in the gym. I went to the art auction. After the horrible night of almost no sleep, I fell asleep during the auction, so I can’t give much insight to the actual auction, but I did have a great nap. It actually lasted about 2 hours and I stayed to the end so I got my free picture.

After a follow up visit to the infirmary, I went to the purser’s desk to complain about the horrible noise and vibration. Chandra promised to send an engineer to check out the cabin. She also said that it should improve once we got to calmer waters. I didn't realize the waters weren't calm. They sure looked calm to me.

I went to the Captain’s party and then Barry and I went to the first formal dinner. Barry and I are pretty casual people. I was wearing a simple long dress and he had on dress slacks and a shirt and tie. I know some CC people think we are wrong not following the dress code to the “Tâ€. But, I don’t think we ruined anyone’s dinner. Enough said.

We went to the show “Wonderful World†and enjoyed it immensely even though our seats were not the best. We arrived too late and ended up sitting where a pole partially obstructed our view.

We got in the horrible habit of ordering room service when we returned to the cabin for the night. The room service menu is great and the service is fantastic. My suggestion- try the cookies and brownies- they were my favorite.

I hoped we would sleep better tonight, but only time will tell. In some ways, this was a wasted day. Sleep deprivation didn’t help. But, at least I was on a cruise. So, it wasn’t all-bad.

I'm still working on the pictures. But, it's getting late and I do have to be to work at 6 am tomorrow.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Kathy,

Love your sense of humor! I think you would have fun wherever you go. Can't wait for the next installment. Keep wondering if you would ever have another aft balcony. I'll be patient for the answer.

Kathy,

Thanks for a great review so far. Hurry up! We leave Sunday! I wish we had been on the same cruise. It seems we live very close to each other.

Triplelutz - I think we are on the same cruise!

Judy

Carnival Pride - Mexico

Celebrity/Mercury - Alaska Aug 2000

Celebrity/Century back to back Caribbean Aug 2001

Celebrity Century Western Caribbean Feb 2002

Rented a villa in Jamaica Aug 2002

Norwegian Star Hawaii July 2003

Norwegian Sea Bermuda July 2003

Judy, I hope to have it finished by Friday. It looks like I may get the day off work Friday since the Governor has declared Friday as a day of mourning. I work for the state. You are right, we are very close to each other, only separated by Irwindale. Maybe we should meet after your cruise and compare cruises. I'd love to hear about yours.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

It great to hear that Greg Kneale is still out here on the west coast. I full on know that he is the best CD in the CCL Fleet. Also the man is not a fake like other CD are... I was a CCL employee for five years and was able to see him behind the scenes. And he always had a smile on his face and a kind word. What I always recall about Greg... is that after spending 18 hours with the Pax's he would spend a hour or two in the crew bar playing dominos with the cabin stewards... I don't think Greg sleeps...

NCL Pride of Aloha

1986 Sitmar Fairsea

Panama Canal

1994 Princess Regal Coastal

1998 Carnival Elation Mexican Riviera

1999 Carnival Elation Mexican Rivera

2000 Carnival Elation Mexican Rivera

2001 Carnival Ecstasy Baja

2001 Carnival Elation Mexican Rivera

2002 Carnival Ecstasy Baja

2004 Holland America Ryndam Coastal

I hope Greg is reading this. He needs to know how much us cruisers love him! Hi Greg! I miss you!

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Hey Greg..You going to still be there..

January 16th 2005? My name is Belle!

We went on the Elation 2002 December, we were suppose to have you..you went on vacation!

How could you? again! Heard so much about

you, wanted to enjoy you as our cruise director..hope to this time!

Enjoy your months/years on the Pride, I know everyone enjoys you. See you in 2005!

Keep it Coming, Kathy

No time to "poop out" now.

Enjoy the review. Glad you enjoyed Greg. A super CD for sure.

Still waiting for more . . . . . . . .

Live well, love much, laugh often.

Gary

Hi Kathy, Great review so far - keep them coming. We fly out to SFo on the 23rd to see a little of the WC before our cruise - we're counting down the days.....Hey Greg - you'll have four crazy North Carolinians sailing with you on the 27th. I look forward to the rest of your review Kathy.

:-)

Sandy

Charlotte

PRIDE 06/27/04

'004/12 4/12 PRIDE CRUISEajezine@usa.com

Pride 4/03

Inspiration 7/21/02

Pacific Princess '00

Magesty of the Seas '99

Big Red Boat '98 (cheerleader cruise)

Celebration '97

Norway '91

Southward '88

Sunward II '86

Starward '83

I should be posting a new portion of the review each day and the pics by the end of the week.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Very Good review. Keep it coming.

Going on our first cruise in Septmber and have gotten so much out of this site.

You wouldn't happen to have a pic of your ice chest would you?

I was just wondering how they would allow something duct taped through.

Hi Kathy, thank you for your review, I can't wait to hear more. My question is about your suite, do you think it would be better to book a higher deck level, but still stay with an aft wrap around, or do you believe the whole aft end of the ship, no matter where you are, would rattle and shake? I would really like to try an aft wrap around, but now I am a little nervous.

Till I sail away!

wwakla,

I probably didn't take a pic of the ice chest while we were on the ship but I can easily take one tonight with my digital camera. I will take it on ever cruise in the future.

Kathy

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

Since we sailed on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

Kathy...Great review. We were on the Pride the 16th of May and heartily agree with you about Greg. We are older and liked the music in Butterflies and one evening Greg came down and did a set with them singing songs of the Beatles and was great. Break over he had to head back to work.

Sorry about the vibrations. We were so far forward we missed that.