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Pride review first time Carnival cruiser


newfirsttimer
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First time with Carnival and Pride and the cruise exceeded expectations. Very friendly staff, ship laid out well, loved the layout of the Mermaid Grill, meals in dining room were fine although not enough variety. Show lounges were always too cold but the entertainment was good for the most part. Public areas very clean, the decor was better than expected, Serenity area was great for relaxing although the chair hogs were out in droves and did not,appear to be monitored at all.

Had inside room 1111 and would book this room again. Perfect location for shows, quiet, absolutely no noise, biggest shower yet with fold down seat. Excellent room stewards.

Only complaint is the horrendous smell of smoke in the casino, outside the casino and the smell drifts everywhere. You have to walk through the casino to get to the show lounge. This is poorly planned. Also on the Lido deck but at least you can walk on the other side to get away from it.

Would definitely sail again with Carnival and on Pride.

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Not having sailed on Pride before I had read the reviews both pre and post 2.0 upgrades and was not sure what to expect since reviews were mixed. I enjoyed the Red Frog Pub, it had a 'pubby' atmosphere, some good live music and good beer. There was no 'pub grub'. The decor in the Alchemy Bar area outside the main dining room on deck 2 was very modern but comfortable. The Blue Iguana food station and Guy's Burgers, just outside the Mermaid Grill near the pool, were always busy and the food good. Lots of folks there for breakfast burritos as well. Never had a problem finding a seat in the buffet area as long as you are willing to share with someone. There are not too many two tops, rather more of the curved tables seating 5 or 6'people. I enjoyed the way the different food stations were laid out and the food was always good and with good selection for the most part. Liked especially the Deli area for smoked salmon on a bagel for lunch.

We were late embarking due to some unaccounted for passengers on the sailing that arrived back on Feb 1st. We had no special privileges or FTTF, we arrived at 10:30, parked in the garage, proceeded to check in and were onboard by noon. Room was of course not available until after 1. Lovely roast beef lunch in Mermaid. Disembarkation was probably the best organized and efficient process of any of the ships I have sailed on or any of the ports. Being on Deck 1, we were in the last group to disembark but after a leisurely breakfast in the dining room, we waited in the Raphael Lounge on deck 3. Self assist was by deck number followed by the privileged and FTTF then by number. We picked up the luggage and were through customs quickly and in the car by 10:45.

As I said before, would not hesitate to sail on Pride again.

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Thanks for posting your thoughts on the Pride.

 

I will be on the Pride in 50 days and can't wait. This is only my second Carnival cruise (usually cruise with NCL), but had such a great experience on our first Carnival (Dream) cruise that I couldn't wait to get back to them again. :)

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