"LIVE" from Carnival Pride / Nov. 8, 2009

[TPKeller]

I believe that most will come pick you up at the peir but I could be wrong since I've been known to do that every now and then LOL

I've rented a car while in Port Canaveral a couple times. I've always used Budget, they seem to be the closest, and I've never had a problem with their shuttle.

 

Very Important!! This is not a major airport rental site... you must make a reservation in advance so they will have a car for you! If I remember correctly, they even ask you as you get on the shuttle at the port! Of course it doesn't help anyone, mostly you, if you ride the shuttle to their store and there is not a car there for you.

 

You can see the rental car places if you load up my Port Canaveral map, zoom in a little closer to the port, and type "car rental" in the search box. The various ones available will show up on the map.

 

Theron

[Radio]

I've rented a car while in Port Canaveral a couple times. I've always used Budget, they seem to be the closest, and I've never had a problem with their shuttle.

 

Very Important!! This is not a major airport rental site... you must make a reservation in advance so they will have a car for you! If I remember correctly, they even ask you as you get on the shuttle at the port! Of course it doesn't help anyone, mostly you, if you ride the shuttle to their store and there is not a car there for you.

 

You can see the rental car places if you load up my Port Canaveral map, zoom in a little closer to the port, and type "car rental" in the search box. The various ones available will show up on the map.

 

Theron

 

 

You are right Theron. . . Budget asked me to phone them when I get off the ship, and they will have a shuttle there in 10 min. (If there isn't one there already) ;)

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[JTJ]

Radio I'd be interested in a Sea report tomorrow. It has been blowing here non-stop since Friday, combination of Ida and a cool front. My docks taking a beating with the water so high. Also I think ships over 65' can't exceed 10knts near shore due the Right Whale migration, that might make it worse.

[evgal/nj]

hi radio,

loved yesterday, looking forward to today!

karen

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . .We could see the launch facilities of NASA at KSC at about 6AM this morning. . . There was no rain as expected, and no clouds !

 

We pulled into the Port Canaveral basin at 615, and were at Pier 5 by about 630AM.

The CD announced at 730, that the ship had been cleared and passengers were ready to debark as needed.

 

It showered for a little bit as we were being docked, but the sun is out now, and we are hoping for a very nice day.

 

Mrs. Radio will be getting up soon, and we will be off for the day. (After I grab a coffee)

 

 

Here are a few pics from our arrival. . . More pics later today !

 

 

Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

Early arrival into Port Canaveral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything is quiet now, and calm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can see our Terminal for the Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are easing in to Terminal 5 in Port Canaveral.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made it !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun is up, and it looks like it will be a beautiful day. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[madelinerose]

You are right Theron. . . Budget asked me to phone them when I get off the ship, and they will have a shuttle there in 10 min. (If there isn't one there already) ;)Radio:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

Hi, Radio! Enjoy your day....it's cold and rainy at home. :(

[jbrambach]

Hi Radio,

Glad the weather is holding up for you.

 

If you get a chance can you please comment on how the food and service has been. We booked the Pride for Jan and it our first cruise on Carnival, any info would be great. TIA

[leram]

Thanks everyone for answering my car rental question:)

[cruiselovin'girl]

Thanks, Radio! I am enjoying your review and pics!

Will be sailing on the Pride on November 29 and I'm so excited!

I'm glad you told me about the 430 departure time. Even though I plan to get there MUCH earlier, I'm pretty sure that my documents said 530 departure time!

Keep up the good work,

Pam

P.S. Glad you are having good weather!

Hello everyone. . .We could see the launch facilities of NASA at KSC at about 6AM this morning. . . There was no rain as expected, and no clouds !

 

We pulled into the Port Canaveral basin at 615, and were at Pier 5 by about 630AM.

The CD announced at 730, that the ship had been cleared and passengers were ready to debark as needed.

 

It showered for a little bit as we were being docked, but the sun is out now, and we are hoping for a very nice day.

 

Mrs. Radio will be getting up soon, and we will be off for the day. (After I grab a coffee)

 

 

Here are a few pics from our arrival. . . More pics later today !

 

 

Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

Early arrival into Port Canaveral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything is quiet now, and calm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can see our Terminal for the Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are easing in to Terminal 5 in Port Canaveral.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made it !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun is up, and it looks like it will be a beautiful day. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[livestocruisetoo]

Are the rental companies close to the port? Within walking distance or you need the transportation to get there?

 

We used Avis and also dropped off another passenger that was using another agency.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . We had a great time today in Port Canaveral. I left the ship at about 9AM. When I went out to the parking lot, a Budget Shuttle was already waiting there for me. I asked the shuttle driver if many Cruise Ship Passengers had rented cars today, and was told that it was a slow day today with only about 25 rentals. (They normally do much more)

 

I came back with my rental and picked up Mrs. Radio, and we went over to Kennedy Space Center. She suggested that “since I write about how great KSC is all of the time” that she would love to experience some of the KSC.

 

As I predicted to her, she was amazed at some of the thing that were there. Our favorite was the Shuttle Launch Experience. We also made it to the IMAX theatre, the Astronaut Encounter, Shuttle Explorer, and the Astronaut Memorial.

 

We had to get a few things in the big Space Gift Shop. I should have planned a little better though, we missed the final Space Center bus tour for the day. Hmmm. . . That just give me another reason to come here again ! !

 

I also think that next time we will make it up to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (included in the admission to KSC)

 

We drove down to Cocoa Beach, and looked at a few hotels that we may stay in when we come again.(Maybe for Freedom of the Seas or Carnival Dream).

 

We then came back to the ship to grab a snack before our early dining. The Carnival Pride left a little early today (6:45PM) and we are heading now to Nassau, BHS. We are scheduled to arrive at 11AM tomorrow, and will be at the Pier until 10PM.

 

We may go over to Sandals tomorrow early up on Cable Beach, and then come back into town for some shopping. . . I have to grab a Starbucks while I am there !

 

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. . . Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

Our arrival at KSC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket Garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved the full size Shuttle Explorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are allowed to go to 2 levels of the Shuttle, and view the Payload Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our favorite attraction at KSC (Shuttle Launch Simulator) Sorry, they didn't allow and camera's in there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It takes a lot of time to see everything here !

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . .

 

I have lots more pics, that I will try to get up to my Cruise Page soon. . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

I want to come back soon !

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way back to Carnival Pride

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we left the ship this morning, there were a few showers that we escaped by hanging out in this tunnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun was out most of the day

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its tough to get the Carnival Pride all in one photo. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are heading up the gangway, after another great day !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Hi Radio,

Glad the weather is holding up for you.

 

If you get a chance can you please comment on how the food and service has been. We booked the Pride for Jan and it our first cruise on Carnival, any info would be great. TIA

 

The food has been great so far, and the Service has been pretty good as well.

 

We were having a few problems with the TV. (It kept powering off after about 10Min)

 

The AV Dept has been up here everyday, but it has continued to be a problem. 12 NEW TV's were delivered to the ship today, and they brought one in and installed it while I was posting. (We will keep our fingers crossed)

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[kjlermer]

Radio....just wondering how you are able to do this amazing live review? Are you on a laptop somewhere around the computer using like the wireless or are you in the internet cafe? If so are you typing this all up then connecting and submitting it quick? Did you purchase a package or are you going about this a different way?

[Radio]

Radio....just wondering how you are able to do this amazing live review? Are you on a laptop somewhere around the computer using like the wireless or are you in the internet cafe? If so are you typing this all up then connecting and submitting it quick? Did you purchase a package or are you going about this a different way?

 

 

I am writing this "LIVE" post from my cabin onboard Carnival Pride.(Laptop)

 

I purchased a pkg when I boarded. The speeds are not as fast as HighSpeed Internet at home, but I can reach a connection speed of about 450kbps.

 

I have done many "LIVE" Posts in the last few years, that can be viewed HERE.

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[evgal/nj]

radio,

i'm putting together a informal m&g, there will only be 6-12 of us. as planned @ this moment, we'll meet @ the bar closet to the buffett,on the lido. what do you think of this location, do you know the name of the bar? are ther tables & chairs on the aft outside the lido?

thanks

karen

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . We are continuing onward towards Nassau, Bahamas at about 18 kts. The sun came up over the horizon with a few clouds, but the forecast is for clear skies, and warm weather (83f)

 

We have been traveling between many of the Islands of the Bahamas, including Great Abaco, Cat Island, Berry Islands, (Great Stirrup Cay and Coco Cay)

 

It should be great weather for our approach. I have spoken with many passengers that will be going over to the Atlantis Aquaventure. I might have to try that sometime. I went over to Paradise Island on the last visit to Nassau, but I will try to make it up to Cable Beach today.

 

 

Here are a few pics from this morning. . .More pics will come after our arrival into Nassau.

 

Thanks for tuning in . . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

Is this a Duck ?, Maybe an Eagle ?, I’ll have to ask the attendant. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Morning sunrise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have not come up here yet . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 9 Hole Mini Putt. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun is heating up !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone will be awake soon, watching our arrival to Nassau

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[weary traveler]

now if only i could hear the wind and waves hitting the side, I'd be all set lol. didnt know the Space Shuttle was open for touring how fantastic havent been there since my 30 yr old kids were 6-8 and 10 lol and the only big hotel on Cable Beach was the multi colored Carnival Cable Beach Casino cant wait for those pics. I'll be interested in what info you can provide about Sandals (day pass? prices, pics?) you havent mentioned yet if the slot Gods have been good or bad to you? glad youre having great weather.. we're awaiting the remnants of TS Ida up here in New England this weekend. enjoy your day.. we certainly are! :)

 

your old pal

[Radio]

We made it in to the harbor, at about 10AM, and we were tied up to the pier by 10:30AM. The ship has just been cleared (1050AM).

 

We are joined today by Carnival Fascination, and Bahamas Celebration. The Port of Nassau is still dredging the Harbor for the Oasis of the Seas, when she arrives next month.

 

 

Here are a few pics of our arrival. More pics later !

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

The turquoise blue water appears as we approach the inlet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Harbor Pilot vessel follows us in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are greeted by the Nassau Harbor Lighthouse as we approach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We see the Atlantis Resort, over on Paradise Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The harbor dredging should be completed in a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[vavasmom]

Just wanted to thank-you for your report. I decided to book the Pride this week. You have me investigating KSC for or PC day.

[jensambo]

How cold is the water in the pool onboard? My son wants to know. We both have been reading your live reports. We will be on the Pride next Sunday. Thank you for your great reports.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Today we left the ship at about 1145AM, and we walked over to the Passenger Terminal (Festival Place).

 

This is the 3rd time I have been to Nassau this year, but I was surprised in a sense that the vendors did not appear to be aggressive. I remember previous visits to Nassau would include many pre scripted versions of “No Thank You” to dozens and dozens of vendors who would be very aggressive with their requests.

 

On this visit none of that happened. . . . Hmmm. . . Were the vendors instructed to be more polite ? Was this a new Nassau that valued the thousands of cruise ship passengers who arrived weekly ? Mrs. Radio hit the nail on the head. . . This was lunchtime for the locals. Most of the vendors had a boxed lunch that they were consuming. Boy, I felt like a dummy : (

 

We moved through the terminal, and decide to walk over to the British Colonial Hilton. They offer a package (Day Pass) for Cruise Ship Passengers. It sells for $40, and included a $30 food/drink voucher. You are allowed to use the fresh water pool, and the beach. It also includes use of a towel, chair, thatched shade and rafts, mats, floats, and even kayaks. . .

 

We had a great time there, and it was very relaxing. We stayed for about 4 hours before walking around the streets of Nassau for a few gifts. By the time we returned to the ship, we were both beat ! Wore out. . .exhausted !

 

We will be leaving Nassau tonight at 10PM for a short voyage to Freeport, Bahamas (which we passed on the way to Nassau) We are scheduled to arrive in Freeport by 7AM, which means I need to be awake by 6AM to get some photos of our arrival.

 

Here are a few pics from today. . . Thanks for tuning in !

 

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

We had a lot of shade between these 2 giants. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival Pride in Nassau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival Fascination was next to us. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Festival Palace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bahamas Port Administration Building

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had to stop at a Starbucks ! !

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Inside the British Colonial Hilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our view of the ships in port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pool was very nice, and very warm !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach was quiet, and relaxing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a hot sun today, and the water felt very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will be heading to Freeport, Bahamas soon. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. We were approaching Freeport at about 6AM , and pulled into the pier area at 630AM. The ship was cleared for passengers by 710AM.

 

Today is a little cloudy, and a little cool. But the forecast calls for sunny skies, and warmer temps this afternoon.

 

We saw the (ex) CCL Holiday here in the dry dock area. It appears that she is being refitted for her new home overseas. She finished her final Cruise with Carnival, and has been sold to a Carnival subsidiary,(Iberocruceros) and will be renamed Grand Holiday. This is the Cruise Line that took over sailing for the Grand Celebration (ex Carnival Celebration) last year.

 

We have decided to just wander around on our own, and check out some of the shops. We may rent a scooter for a few hours, but we will wait and see. It appeared that all of the shops opened here at 730AM, but we will only be here until 2 this afternoon, All passengers must be back on by 1:30PM.

 

 

Here are a few pics from our arrival in Freeport.

 

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

We approach the inlet at Freeport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun is starting to come up in Freeport as we approach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are almost there. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have docked in Freeport !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There appears to be a lot of shops here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[SeaTurt1e]

Hi Radio,

 

Quick question about rentals and/or taxis in Port Canaveral. I'm planning on checking out NASA while I'm there next week, but solo since no one else in my traveling party is interested. If I understand Mark's marathon post correctly, what Carnival charges $130 for, only costs $59 if I show up on my own, so I'm inclined to go that route, but I don't know how to handle the transportation issue. What do you think is the most cost-effective way to get there and back? Rental car or taxi, or is there a shuttle bus?

 

Enjoy the rest of your holiday... maybe you can pass the baton to me (or CC'ers that I've seen say they are going to be onboard).

 

Thanks,

Don