SDPadreFan

Cabo itself is not necessarily the best place for scuba but it's "OK" If you ever want to experience world class scuba in Baja, take a land trip to the Cabo area and go to Cabo Pulmo. It's a couple of hours drive away up the Sea of Cortez.

The reason for the short time in Cabo for some ships is because of the port rotation. Some ships do Cabo first, then Mazatlan, then PV, so for that rotation, you get longer in Cabo because the next port is nearby. The other rotation is normally PV first, then Mazatlan, then Cabo last. When the ship leaves Cabo at that point, it only has a day and a half to sail back to LA so you get shorter hours in Cabo. If the ship leaves PV last, it has a little over 2 days to get back to LA.

Yes - there is only one drop off area. There is a covered area (with seats, I believe) but I think it's after the "ships control point" so a non-passenger could not access it, but obviously a ship passenger could. After that point - it will be hawker city with everyone offering everything. Also nearby is a Senior Frogs (but not a place I would go to - there are better) and a little further down the Marina Walk is Captain Tony's and also Solomon's Landing (both of which I would recommend). Personal favorite would be Solomon's Landing. Not to worry about finding a boat - there will be tout's all along the Marina Walk.

Since you mentioned an Alaskan Bug - we've had that too. Give some consideration to Carnival's 10 day sailing to Alaska out of San Francisco. We did that and the price was virtually the same as a 7 day out of Seattle. But the same ocean conditions will be present. Rough going north and smooth going south. It will be pretty much the same from either San Francisco or Seattle because both stay out in the Pacific until they get past Vancouver Island. They really only head to the inside passage (and very smooth waters) when they either get close to Ketchikan or Juneau (depending on the first port of call). Late June through early August is the best time weather wise (but priciest). There is one line that does more of a pure Inside Passage run from Vancouver, Canada and that is a Holland America ship. All the others pretty much sail out into the Pacific and around Vancouver Island. Even the ones that leave from Vancouver, Canada (save for that one Holland America ship). I've got my eye on that one as perhaps our next cruise to Alaska (thinking 2026 or later). But a little bad news for you - once you've gotten that Alaska Bug, most people are stuck with it and return to Alaska again and again. I know we'll be going back. And one more thing to be aware of. Alaska excursions are EXPENSIVE (but very worth it for the most part). But I consider the prices justified because those people only have about 5 months of the year to make money off of tourists and the rest of the time there is very little income coming in for them.

Rough seas going north from Cabo is pretty much standard. That is the Alaskan current you are sailing right into. So going south in the beginning, you had "fair winds and following seas". Going north from Cabo - not so much. Doesn't really matter the time of the year, but obviously in the winter/spring, it is colder. Here you can see the Alaskan current marching south each winter. Contrast October sea surface temps compared to March. The current keeps pushing south till sometime in April when it begins to recede.

My sister loves Japan and has been several times on land vacations. For me - I've just seen Japan from my time in the Navy (a long time ago - retired in 1998).

We did almost that exact same itinerary last year. Only difference being we "were" supposed to get Gothenburg, Sweden, and you are getting Amsterdam instead. Great cruise until the ship broke 2 days before the end of the cruise. So we missed Gothenburg and obviously had an eventful journey home. If you have any other questions, I'm happy to provide any insights.

Plan that one carefully. If the schools let out for summer in the UK on your boarding day, the roads to Dover can really turn to cr_p as the locals all head out for "holiday". We did our Baltic out of Dover in July last year specifically to avoid that problem.

Also, try a different booking engine that also shows available rooms. Carnival was showing different room availability than Costco Travel was when i was looking at a 6 day on Firenze in August. I just used that information when requesting the stateroom I wanted during a subsequent phone call.

Completely agree with you. We were also onboard and the crew could not have performed better. We had no problems with communication and I think Carnival can hold it's head high regarding this incident considering all the challenges. Transfers off the ship and from the airport to the hotel were pretty much flawless for us. Just two small hiccups at the Hamburg Airport but those were both pretty much out of Carnivals hands. But there are people who will B... and M... for hours if they got 5 ice cubes instead of 4 in their drink. Can't even imagine living that way.

But I won't say everything was perfect. Probably the most traumatic incident occurred at the Carnival arranged Radison Blu stay at Heathrow on Thursday. Check in was fine. The staff there were excellent. BUT A NIGHTMARE STILL OCCURRED. When we did get to our nice room - horror of horror's, there were only 2 twin beds. My wife and I have been married 31 glorious years and together 33 years. So imagine my shock when I asked her which of the two twin beds we were going to snuggle together in and her reply was NEITHER. Felt like I had been transported back to the days of Ozzie & Harriet. Think I may still have a little PTSD from that episode. Not making light of real PTSD as I know that can be serious. Just a little whine from this crusty old Navy Chief.

Jimbo - I wouldn't waste any more time on the Pentlands posts. Based on my reading, it could have been a perfect cruise and they would have found something to complain about. As you know, we were on the cruise with you and pretty much had a fantastic time. Few hickups, but overall just fantastic. Wednesday was a little stressful but nothing this 67 year old retired Navy Chief couldn't handle. From my perspective, I thought Carnival did an admirable job under the circumstances. My experience with Guest Services on that Wednesday was terrific considering the overwhelming circumstances they were dealing with. But then again, I'm pretty easygoing and not always looking to get my fanny kissed. Life is too short to get so easily upset. Probably our worst experience was the 3 hour airline check-in line we had to endure at the Hamburg Airport on Thursday, but we survived and it certainly won't change my opinion of Carnival. Already planning our next cruise with them. We were part of the early group that left the ship at 8:15am on Thursday.

Going to log out for the night. Have a feeling the next 48 hours will be tenuous and somewhat draining.

Glad they will let you stay on board. Could almost be like having your own personal cruise ship.

Letter we just got say's all "paid passengers" will get a 25% FCC. At least that's my interpretation of the letter. But I guess if Carnival want's to offer Elite cruisers an additional deal to make more money in the casino off them, I guess they will.

So some additional comments regarding Pride after overhaul. Frankie (the Cruise Director) mentioned that the showroom has a whole new stage lighting system and it is very nice. I think that there has been some improvements to the engineering plant as it relates to the stateroom water delivery system. Hot water in the bathroom is almost instantaneous and there is plenty of it. No issues with changing water pressure. We are on the 6th deck back aft. We got a new toilet seat a few days ago. The older one was looking a little tired (but clean). Stateroom attendant (Ivan) said all were being replaced but work still in progress as there were supply chain issues getting them all delivered during dry-dock. New mattress in our stateroom is very soft (almost too soft). New balcony doors (swing out, not sliding) are very nice and the slide (bolt) lock works effortlessly. Overall dining in the Main Dining Room was satisfactory to excellent. First couple of days we got variable Your Time Dining assignments (some good, some just ok). When we did get seated in an area we liked (3rd deck), we just asked the front desk to always seat us in that section. It wasn't a reaction to an outstanding service team (although they did turn out that way). It was primarily to be seated in that location each night rather than getting bounced around each night. Note that when you do request a specific section to be repeated, it will slow down your seating time vs. getting first available in the dining room. The broiled striploin steak that is available each night (standard option) is a serviceable steak with good flavor. I'm not expecting Morton's Steakhouse on a Carnival budget. Overall, I never had a bad meal and my waistline is showing it. Bacon at breakfast on the Lido deck is access controlled (bacon police) and it is served every other day.

As you can imagine, having every cabin turning in a survey (flight needs) to the Customer Service desk by 9pm (we had about a 90 minute response window) made the Atrium area a real zoo. But from my prospective, Pride had plenty of staff available covering the area nearby and for us, we had turned in our form within about 3-4 minutes and were out of there. I'm sure there were plenty of stressed out, overly demanding people there, but for us - it was fast and seamless and we got the heck out of the way. So kudos (so far) for the professionalism of the Carnival Pride crew. Agree that having the singer belting out songs at the Atrium was foolish. One demerit for the entertainment staff.

Heading off for dinner. Back later.

This is one case where I'm somewhat glad we have Carnival transfers and Fly2Fun. If we miss our Heathrow to San Diego direct flights, at least Carnival is on the hook to get us another flight. Although it probably won't be as convenient as a direct flight.

Cruise Director said no one can debark in Keil due to Customs & Immigration issues (his words). So going ashore is being set up - but not with suitcases.

Pretty sure she is under her own power. One Azipod is fine, but with the other one wiggling around, I'm sure they are worried about that other one getting damaged and needing a much more significant repair time.

Grab some safety wire too, will you.

Some additional thoughts on our cruise. The ship is really beautiful right now for an old gal. Coming back from Lubeck (Keil) yesterday, I noticed even the life boats got a brand new paint job. The ocean is a harsh mistress and Carnival Pride is around 20 years old, but she looks great right now.

So I'm live onboard today. Used some of the cabin credit to pay for a day of internet. Was talking to Frankie (our Cruise Director) after the free Bingo Game (we didn't win). He said that one Azipod is working just fine but the other one wiggles around like a worm. Put another way - tilt an office chair on it's side and the wheels wiggle around until they stabilize. In this case the ocean currents keep it un-stabilized so it continues to wiggle around on it's own. So that is what they will be trying to fix.

Got on board no problems. All luggage arrived. Finally got to sleep after dinner and having been mostly awake for a out 30 hours. Slept till 1pm the next day. In Tallin today. Using ports free wifi at the terminal. Tried to connect thru my VPN but no luck. Time to go exploring.