newfirsttimer Posted February 9, 2015 #1 Share Posted February 9, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlynn Posted February 9, 2015 #2 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I am glad you had a great cruise! :D The Pride was our first ship and still our favorite! Can't wait to see the upgrades in 33 days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skywalkr2 Posted February 9, 2015 #3 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I hope you post a review to offset some of the other bad reviews after the upgrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GranysT Posted February 9, 2015 #4 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Isn't it already after the upgrades? My cruise is the 22nd, and I thought the ship was already done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tandemcruzr Posted February 9, 2015 #5 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Isn't it already after the upgrades? My cruise is the 22nd, and I thought the ship was already done. You're right. The upgrades are done and are quite nice. Wish she wasn't leaving Tampa. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruizinMama1026 Posted February 9, 2015 #6 Share Posted February 9, 2015 The Pride was also our first Carnival Cruise ship. We loved it and have been hooked on cruising ever since ;) Glad you had a great first cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WetToes Posted February 9, 2015 #7 Share Posted February 9, 2015 I think vlynn means they will be seeing them in 33 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzanna Posted February 10, 2015 #8 Share Posted February 10, 2015 We just got off the Pride yesterday and had a great cruise. No complaints, other than I do agree about the casino smoke, it was awful. I would sail her again in a heartbeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfirsttimer Posted February 10, 2015 Author #9 Share Posted February 10, 2015 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms. Fun Bunch Posted February 13, 2015 #10 Share Posted February 13, 2015 Enjoyed your review. I have sailed the Pride before but cannot wait to sail her with the 2.0 upgrades. I am doing my first B2B!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mitsugirly Posted February 13, 2015 #11 Share Posted February 13, 2015 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. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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