Pride 3/28 - 4/4 - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!

[littlesnit]

OP, I am loving this review. You are covering some topics in such detail and therefore answering questions in ways they've never been answered before. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to read more.

 

Mark, thanks for clearing that up. I pasted the e-mail I received starting after my colon. That first sentence is what confused us. By the way, I enjoyed your review also. And the pics!!!! Wow! I missed the Queen's staircase before, but now I know I'll have to get there this time around.

[trptplayer22]

Looking forward to your review. We were on the Pride Sept 09 and loved it so much we sail again on her this Sept. You should be a writer ( if you aren't). I get to relive some moments on our Sept cruise. We had a rocking kind of storm our first full day out too, I don't think as bad.

[GroveGang]

Carrie:

 

If you are interested, I have pics of Aft Wrap Cabin 7347 and Aft Balcony Cabin 7349. You're going to LOVE it!

 

Johanna

[GroveGang]

Day 3 – Tuesday March 30, 2010 – Sea Day

Tuesday morning dawned clear and beautiful. DH and I completed the coffee ritual, checked on DS’s (recovered from the seasick miseries and sleeping peacefully), then took a walk around decks before the crowds took over so I could take pictures. I make a scrapbook of each cruise we take, so pics are a must. Combined, our family too over 500 photos this cruise.

Since I hadn’t made it up to the sports deck (Deck 11) prior, we checked that out first. On this deck you will find the jogging track and the mini golf course on the forward section. Mini golf equipment can be checked out at the towel hut located by the pools on Deck 9. It’s a challenge with the wind on occasion, but still fun and a great place for a family challenge. (Still reigning champion … thank you very much).:D

We wandered through Deck 10 Forward and discovered the gym. You have to pass through the Spa area to find it. There you will find a good selection of machines (treadmills, elliptical, rowing machines, weights, etc.) The view is great as you work-out, or there are tv’s in the room. Attached to the gym is the spa whirlpool and relaxation area. It’s always quiet here and kids under 17 are not allowed, except for a special time run through the kids clubs on two separate evenings. They also have a hair salon. We didn’t use the spa services, so I’m not sure how good/bad they are. If you would like more info, check the Carnival website for info.

Deck 9 Mid-ship is the Apollo Pool, Whirlpools and Bar. This pool is open to the elements so it stayed fairly empty until we reached Florida and warmer weather … then it was filled most of the time. The chaise lounges next to the pool filled up quickly with parents wanting to be close for their kids. But there are always chaise’s available further away or up on Deck 10 overlooking the pool. Be aware, all pools/whirlpools are filled with saltwater. There are showers at each location so you can wash the salt off after you cool off.

Moving further back on Deck 9, you reach the Lido Pool, Whirlpools and Bar. This area is under a retractable glass canopy, that stayed closed until we reached Florida. The Lido Stage is also located here and has live entertainment or events hosted by the Cruise Directors Staff. All activities are kid friendly and the staff really make an effort to get folks involved. The Sail Away Party and the Deck Party takes place in this area and is usually crowded. Don’t let that scare you away tho. You can usually find a seat at the tables surrounding the area and there is shaded area’s there too.

Moving Aft on Deck 9 you come to Mermaid’s Grill which I covered on Day 1. Walking through that area to the very back of the ship you come to Poseidon Pool, Whirlpools and Bar. This is designated as the “Adults Only” pool / whirlpool and Carnival does a good job of posting this and enforcing it. The staff in the area asked several children to leave while I was there. But it was done in a nice way. The staff member pointed out the signs, advised the parents, then asked the children if they would like to go play with the other children in the kids pool and ride on the slide. Needless to say, the kids went for it, the parents were happy and so were we. :)

The Kids Pool is located on Deck 11 Aft. This is where the slide entrance is. The slide is closed when there are high winds or rough seas, open times can be found in the daily Fun Times. While the pools do not have lifeguards, there is an attendant on duty at the top and bottom of the slides at all times it is open. By now we were hungry, so we headed back to Mermaid’s Grille for breakfast.

Every evening, you stateroom steward will drop off copies of the “Fun Times” so you can plan your days. There are also scheduled for each of the levels of the kids clubs.

Sea Days are great, because you can do everything … or nothing. For the rest of the day we relaxed by the pool, spent time on our balcony and I indulged in a nice nap. We did take time out to see The Love and Marriage Show, which was hilarious. Picture the Newlywed Game with three couples, one newly married, one married for several years and one married the longest (49 years in the case of our cruise). It’s live, so you never know what will happen. Go …you’ll enjoy it. Just be careful not to volunteer unless you are “out there” kinda people.

The Winners Club Casino is open on Sea Days and runs Blackjack, Slot and Poker Tournaments for those folks interested. DH and I like to play BlackJack and were lucky enough to win a few hands.

We had dinner in Normandie, listened to Tony Ray and saw the Wonderful World Show. We called it a night early since we had to be up and off the ship at 7:15 the next morning for our tour of Kennedy Space Center.

[vavasmom]

Quick question about the adult pool. Can kids walk through the area - I am thinking about my 14 yo's mid-afternoon I am alive check-in with mom. On the RCCL ships, If I am at the adult pool - she has walked into the area, says hi, tells me her plans till dinner, and walks out. I that has never been a problem since usually the Solarium has access to on of the set of stairs. I use a white board over the door handle to communicate my location and she does the same if her plans change - it works very well.

[GroveGang]

That's not a problem, our kids did the same thing - check in, change plans, etc. The just don't allow the kids into the pool, splash area or the whirlpools there.

[family cruisers]

Hey... thanks. BUT we don't have a wrap, just the regular extended aft balcony *in the middle*...

 

Carrie:

 

If you are interested, I have pics of Aft Wrap Cabin 7347 and Aft Balcony Cabin 7349. You're going to LOVE it!

 

Johanna

[sophiecruiser]

Personally, I didn't care for Kirk the Cruise Director. Don't know why, but he rubbed me the wrong way. Jaime, his assistant was better. But that's just my humble opinion. So enough said there.[/font

 

Interesting...I was on the Pride for the March 7 sailing and Jaime was the cruise director and the assistant cruise director was William. IMHO Jaime was annoying...

[Tiffany1203]

Interesting...I was on the Pride for the March 7 sailing and Jaime was the cruise director and the assistant cruise director was William. IMHO Jaime was annoying...

 

I agree with you about Jaime!! She was the cruise director for my Jan cruise! :(

[wone3]

Thanks for the review thus far..I have been soaking in everyone's reviews of the ship as we go for our first cruise in August and I'm now getting excited.

 

The directions about the excursion desk are cool as I want to get a cabana for HMC too and I wasn't 100% sure where to go in there once we got on.

[jimbo5544]

Very nice detailed review so far. We loved the Pride, can;t wait to hear all of your thoughts.

[eas2225]

We'll be on the Pride in Sept., so these detailed reviews are really helpful with planning things to do.

Thanks to all who post them, they are very much appreciated.

Keep em' coming!

 

Eileen :)

[Smithkids5521]

Thanks for the review so far...looking forward to hearing more about what you did in each port.

 

Quick question about what you mentioned regarding ID needed to board- the staff told you birth certificate would no longer be accepted for closed loop cruises after June 1st? Or was it military ID's would no longer be accepted...?

 

Thanks again!! And snap to it- I need my Pride review fix...!!!! I'm going into withdrawal as we speak...LOL!!!:D

[GroveGang]

sophiecruiser: Apparently Kirk came back onboard after vacation on the 28th. I never said Jaime wasn't annoying too ... just that she was better than Kirk. :rolleyes: IMHO.

 

Smithkids5521: It was explained to us by a Cruise Maryland staffer (the lady that was doing checkin in the VIP area) Not a Carnival employee that the combination Military ID and Birth Certificate would no longer be accepted after June 1.

 

I have no way to verify, so a call to Carnival may be in order. If you have time, be safe, get the Passports. DH and I got ours last year for a trip to the UK and did the express service. We had them in hand in just over two weeks.

[cruisinmchugh]

Yay! This is so exciting to me. I LOVE your review and will now have to go find Falcor's review too. I will definitely have cash for parking now that I know the line will be shorter and I'll make a beeline for the excursion desk to sign up for the "Behind the Fun" tour. Also, the tip about bringing creamer was brilliant. Thanks so much for a thorough and well written review!! I have an aft suite too. 25 days left for me :o

[nameless666]

Great review. Really excited about cruising on the pride.

[Glamourgal]

Hi, Did you happen to hear Roger Concepcione (spellling?) in the Piano Bar? I'm told he's very good but I like a lot of different opinions!!

[GroveGang]

Wednesday March 31, 2010 – Cape Canaveral, Florida - Kennedy Space Center Tour Review

Morning greeted us early today, had to round the kids up, eat breakfast and head off the ship early to meet the Kennedy Space Center Tour on the dock. There are several tours that go to Kennedy, we chose the Kennedy Space Center 7 Hour Tour ($89.95 adult / $82.96 Child).

MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR SAIL & SIGN CARD, PHOTO ID or PASSPORT with you since you have to go back thru U.S. Customs to board the ship.

We got off the ship fairly quickly, several early morning tours were all leaving, but security got us through quick. You exit the gangway and are greeted by U.S. Customs, they check to be sure you are not carrying food/plants/nuts off the ship. I had two sealed bottles of water and they passed me through with them.

You exit the terminal building and there are folks from Holiday Tours with signs indicating which tours you are on. You find your tour guide, check in and they direct you onto your bus. Once everyone boards, tour information is passed out and the tour guide gives a brief speech about Kennedy Space Center. They also tell you about the area you travel through, general information about the wildlife in the area and point out alligators and waterfowl. I found it very interesting that Kennedy Space Center is actually a wildlife preserve as well as the space center. They have all kinds of waterfowl, birds, eagles, wild boar, bears, bobcats, deer, and just about anything else. We saw several large gators in the canals that boarded the roadway.

The drive is about 25-30 minutes from the dock. Please be sure not to take any sharp objects, pocket knives, nail clippers, etc on the tour with you. Everyone has to pass through security checkpoints to enter KSC as is a working government/military installation. More information on Kennedy Space Center see: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

The tour we took included the IMAX Movie Hubble 3D. You HAVE to see this movie. The sheer beauty of the photos Hubble took … the expierence (in 3D and surround sound) of the shuttle launches and the scenes from inside the shuttle is awesome. (More info at: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/hubble.aspx).

After the IMAX movie, you are free to explore on your own for the day. They have buses available to take you from one area to the next. KSC is a huge place, so use the shuttles. They run every few minutes.

You have access to the following and I have included a description of each attraction. (Gee … can you tell the whole family are NASA Nuts?)

The International Space Station Center where you can learn all about the International Space Station.

Tour Description:

Now it´s your turn to climb aboard the International Space Station. The International Space Station is “the dream that seemed impossible” – the most ambitious space program since the Apollo moon landings.

This fascinating attraction gives you an up-close glimpse inside the actual facility where NASA prepares the real components of the International Space Station – the largest, most complex structure ever to be placed into orbit. In an elevated observation room, you’ll see the actual processing bay where each Space Station component is checked out, processed and readied for its trip into orbit.After the observation room, you can enter a full-scale mock-up of the Habitation Module and see how Space Station crew members live, sleep and work.

The LC 39 Observation Gantry:

The 60-foot-tall Launch Complex (LC) 39 Observation Gantry provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the two giant Shuttle Launch Pads, 39A and 39B. In addition to the bird’s-eye view of our launch pad structures, the panorama also includes the Launch Control Center, the well-traveled crawlerway and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building. KSC tours of the LC 39 Observation Gantry also include behind-the-scenes briefings on what it takes to launch and land every NASA Space Shuttle.

Apollo / Saturn V Center:

Millions of people held their breath while a single man stepped onto the moon’s surface – a journey that began just a short distance from where the Apollo/Saturn V Center stands today. For those who remember, the event remains in their minds just as those footprints remain in the lunar soil.

Here, in a spacious facility featuring a real Saturn V rocket, the Apollo program returns spectacularly to life. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is a tribute to the Apollo astronauts and the machines that got them there – and brought them home safely.

Once back at the main visitor’s complex, there is still a lot to do. The attractions here are:

Astronaut Encounter:

More than 500 men and women – of the Earth’s six billion people – have ever flown in space. But each day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests get the rare opportunity to meet veteran astronauts from NASA’s Astronaut Corps. The daily Astronaut Encounter briefings allow plenty of time for discussion, so bring your questions – and your camera.

Astronaut Memorial:

The Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush, was dedicated in 1991. The Astronaut Memorial honors the 24 U.S. astronauts who gave their lives for space exploration. The names of the fallen astronauts from the Space Shuttle Columbia, the Space Shuttle Challenger and Apollo 1, as well as the astronauts from training and commercial airplane accidents are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. The Space Mirror Memorial is a project of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Space Shuttle Challenger mission automobile license plates.

Children’s Play Dome:

Adventures await “junior astronauts” at the newly redeveloped Children’s Play Dome. As children play among the next generation of spacecraft and rockets to travel to the moon and beyond, their imaginations will soar. They can lift-off in spacecraft, climb a moon rock wall, crawl through rocket tunnels and slide to the surface of the moon. The Children’s Play Dome is for children under 48 inches tall. Please do not leave children unattended.

Early Space Exploration:

Highlighting the Mercury and Gemini space programs, this facility features artifacts from the first manned space flights and houses the original Mercury mission control consoles. This exhibit is located adjacent to the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility, a state-of-the-art meeting and event facility overlooking the Rocket Garden.

Rocket Garden:

Travel back in time and history in the NASA Rocket Garden. Dramatic lighting brings historic NASA rockets back to life with an adventurous and patriotic scheme, highlighting each fuselage with brilliant white uplight, bathing the site with techno-blue accents and heating the engines with flickering red-orange light. Here you can experience the very same Redstone, Atlas and Titan rockets that first put NASA astronauts in space, or climb aboard Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules – and get an idea of the cramped quarters America´s astronaut pioneers endured.

Shuttle Launch Expierence:

It’s 3… 2… 1… launch as guests take their own exciting journey of the Space Shuttle’s rush to Earth’s orbit. On Shuttle Launch Experience, visitors strap in to the sights, sounds and sensations of a real Space Shuttle launch.

The journey begins as passengers enter the Shuttle Launch Simulation Facility, a looming six-story structure that looks like the actual Space Shuttle facilities at Kennedy Space Center. As crew members ascend along the gantry, veteran shuttle astronauts share testimonials, setting the stage for the experience to come.

Entering the heart of Space Shuttle operations for the pre-launch briefing, crew members are guided by veteran Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Bolden as he takes them step-by-step through the shuttle launch sequence. Brilliant video screens spring to life on shuttle-like robotic arms. Anxious moments arise as atmospheric sound and lighting effects dramatize the moments before your space shuttle launch.

Extra Charge: Purchase your admission tickets at the online Kennedy Space Center ticket counter.

We spent the full 7 hours exploring and enjoyed every minute of it. We were extremely lucky to see Shuttle Discovery out on it’s launch pad (they launched Monday April 5th). If you climb (they have an elevator too) to the top of the Gantry Observation Platform you can see it pretty well even though you are some distance away. We met Astronaut Bob Springer and took about a million photos. There is a full size Shuttle available to walk through, the actual control room from the Apollo launch is there to see, the rocket garden is awesome and there is a nice café for a break for lunch.

Everything here is family friendly and very interactive to keep the kids occupied … and for us older folks, it’ll take you back to your childhood when we watched in awe on black and white tv’s as the United States made history.

At 3:00 you go back to the bus depot and catch one of the buses back to the port. They are all marked, and Pride was the only ship in port when we were there … but check to be sure you are going on the back to the right ship. You will need your Sign & Sail card and a photo id to get through Customs and back to the ship.

More of the evening later …

[GroveGang]

GlamourGirl: Rogers name appeared in the Fun Times and we went to the "Sing Along" with Roger one evening (Tuesday I think). But it wasn't Roger that played. I'm not sure if he was ill or what and no explaination was given. So i'm sorry, I can't help you there.

[trptplayer22]

Hubby and I want to take the tour of NASA. What all was included in your 89.95 tour and what was the "extra charge".

 

Oh yeah still loving the reviews. Really you should write for a travel mag or something.

[GroveGang]

trptplayer22:

 

Everything I wrote about above is included in the tour price we paid thru Carnival. The Shuttle Launch Experience is included, but you have to get a seperate ticket. There are restrictions, listed beow. Hope that helps.

 

Visitors are required to be at least 44 inches tall to take part in the simulation experience. A dynamic Shuttle Launch Experience preshow can be viewed by all guests. There is no motion during the preshow. An observation room is available for those who do not meet the height requirement or do not want to experience the simulation motion.

Please note: Children who do not meet the shuttle launch height requirement must be accompanied by an adult while in the observation room.

Warning: Shuttle Launch Experience is a realistic simulation of an actual space shuttle launch. The simulation motion includes: Extreme shaking, motions/vibrations, loud noise visual and lighting effects. All participants should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, and any other medical or physical conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.

• Participants must be at least 44 inches tall
  
• Expectant mothers and those who have recent surgery should not participate
  
• Individuals who are unable to use the provided seating or safety restraints must not board
  
• Wheel chair users must transfer to the observation room
  
• Complimentary lockers are available for loose items
  

Viewing options are available for non-participants

[vavasmom]

I am planning on a rental car to KSC. It looks like your ticket was the same as the standard admission ticket - Admission includes the KSC tour and all Visitor Complex exhibits, shows and movies, plus the new Shuttle Launch Experience and admission to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®. Was your interaction with the astronaut over lunch or was it the Astronaut Encounter Briefing (includes a Q&A).

 

Am I missing anything else you did - Was your KSC tour the standard or the KSC up close tour? I have been debating exactly what is in the excursion for some time.

[Glamourgal]

Thanks for the info, that is interesting, I hope Roger will be back for our cruise. Hopefully someone as nice as you will review on their next cruise. This has been a lot of fun to read and makes me even more anxious...if that is possible!!:)

[Tem221]

Carrie:

 

If you are interested, I have pics of Aft Wrap Cabin 7347 and Aft Balcony Cabin 7349. You're going to LOVE it!

 

Johanna

We are sailing in July with our kids 12, 9, 7. We are on deck 4 aft wrap balcony(4237) and adjoining with aft balcony(4239). I would love pictures of what you had. Thanks for the review.

[GroveGang]

Front Door - Suite 7347

 

Living Room toward Front Door - Suite 7347

 

 

Living Room - Suite 7347

 

Desk / Bar - Suite 7347

 

Hall leading to Bedroom - Suite 7347 - Balcony door to right - bedroom door straight ahead - Vanity/Bathroom/Closet to left.