Just off the Pride: Brief Yet Informative

[Mskala]

Embark/Debark:

Smooth. We arrived to port around 10:30am and were checked in and on board by noon. We did self assist debarkation and were off the ship by 9:20am.

Crew:

Not one complaint here. Although our room steward kept forgetting to replenish our beach towels.

Ship:

Fantastic ship. Easy to navigate. Upkeep is really good.

Food:

Hit and miss. The buffet was the usual. All good eats and food available 24/7. The dining room was great some nights and not so great other nights. What I found the least desirable was the pot roast. Almost reminded me of Dinty Moore Beef Stew. Other items were great. Frog legs, conch fritters, and Mac n’ Cheese were all good. Didn’t care much for the fried chicken because it was a little dry.

Entertainment:

The usual Carnival line-up. While they were all ok, they were the exact same shows I saw on the ship 2 years ago. The comedians were also hit and miss. 3 of the 4 comedians were really good. There is one comedian that is actually employed by Carnival as a member of the entertainment staff. He was a comedian/magician. He was just ok.

Ports of Call:

Port Canaveral: Nothing special. Went to Coco Beach and back to the ship after a few hours.

Nassau: Opted for the Blue Lagoon without lunch. Great beach. Not crowded at all. Non-motorized water toys were available for rent but most people just shared. And the water playground was big fun even for us adults. Almost reminded me of really scaled down version of Wipe Out or Sasuki minus the commentary and mess.

While I enjoyed my time here, we were there too long. The area shuts down between 5-6pm and we were in port until 10pm. I think Carnival would benefit from leaving port around 8pm and just opening up the casino and shops.

Freeport:

Went to Lucaya Beach (free beach) and rented jet skis. Wonderful time. No chairs or umbrellas in site but the beach was clean and there were plenty of motorized activities for rent.

However, it is my opinion that we can probably do without this port. While I would hate to take revenue away from Freeport, there’s just not a lot to do there, especially with this particular itinerary where you are only there until 2pm.

Freebies & Extras:

Free drinks and hors d’ oeuvres at the Past Guest Reception. Free drinks at the Fun Farewell Party. Midnight (11:30pm) Mexican Buffet.

Also, with this particular sailing, the Chef’s Table was not full. They actually made announcements during the week to try and get passengers to participate. One table filled up early in the week. On Thursday night, there were still 2 spaces available for Friday. Not sure if they were filled. We did not participate. Don’t know why. Just not real pressed about doing it but vowed to do it the next go around.

The Serenity Area, which was not on this ship when we sailed her 2 years ago, was great. Saw one or two children but they didn’t stay long. However, kids did pass through here mostly because of the ship’s design. The Serenity Area is just downstairs from the slide entrance.

Overall, the trip was phenomenal. Love cruising this time of year as the number of young children is limited because they’re all back in school. The Pride is really starting to become my home away from home.

 

Got questions?? Ask away!!

[CrusinCyndi]

What cabin were you in?

Did you have early seating or late?

Was the ship on time upon arrival back in Baltimore?

 

We are set to sail on her October 2nd to Bermuda. Can't wait !

[Ms. T]

Embark/Debark: Did you have a passport/passport card or Birth Certificate to board?

 

 

Ports of Call:

Nassau: Opted for the Blue Lagoon without lunch. Great beach. Not crowded at all. Non-motorized water toys were available for rent but most people just shared. And the water playground was big fun even for us adults. Almost reminded me of really scaled down version of Wipe Out or Sasuki minus the commentary and mess.

 

Freeport:

Went to Lucaya Beach (free beach) and rented jet skis. Wonderful time. No chairs or umbrellas in site but the beach was clean and there were plenty of motorized activities for rent. How far is Lucaya Beach from the port and how much to rent jet skis?

 

Freebies & Extras:

Free drinks and hors d’ oeuvres at the Past Guest Reception. Free drinks at the Fun Farewell Party. Midnight (11:30pm) Mexican Buffet. is this nightly or just during the Farewell party?

 

 

Overall, the trip was phenomenal. Love cruising this time of year as the number of young children is limited because they’re all back in school. The Pride is really starting to become my home away from home.

 

Got questions?? Ask away!!

Questions in Raven Purple....GO RAVENS!!!!

[dolfinmusic]

Great review! Thank you!!

 

Do you remember which nights were elegant nights?

 

Was there a chocolate buffet?

[martinchem]

Enjoyed your review.

[Ms. T]

how was the sail away party? Details please:D

[Mskala]

What cabin were you in?

Did you have early seating or late?

Was the ship on time upon arrival back in Baltimore?

 

We are set to sail on her October 2nd to Bermuda. Can't wait !

 

We were in cabin 8185, just below the Lido. Surprisingly quiet.

 

We always opt for late seating just in case we decide to linger in port.

 

The ship was on time upon arrival although it was VERY foggy.

 

Have fun in October.

[Mskala]

Questions in Raven Purple....GO RAVENS!!!!

 

I used a Passport Card. My SO used a birth cert. and DL.

There is a $5 taxi ride from port to Lucaya.

Jet Ski rental was $70/30minutes.

The Mexican Buffet was just one night during the cruise. If I remember correctly, I believe it was the Freeport night.

[Mskala]

Great review! Thank you!!

 

Do you remember which nights were elegant nights?

 

Was there a chocolate buffet?

 

The first elegant night was the second Sea Day (Tuesday). The second elegant night was Friday night.

 

I do not recall seeing a chocolate buffet. However, it doesn't mean there wasn't one. I just didn't see it.

[ardnassac79]

Embark/Debark:

Smooth. We arrived to port around 10:30am and were checked in and on board by noon. We did self assist debarkation and were off the ship by 9:20am.

 

Thanks for this info... we are keeping a close eye on the Pride's arrival back into B-more - last year she was consistently late all through hurricane season, and we were forced to wait 2+ hours to even park last year... this year looking forward to getting on early!! Love you were able to board around noon. Thanks!

[Mskala]

how was the sail away party? Details please:D

 

The sail away party had lots of line dancing and energy. Drinks, were NOT free but plentiful. Of course, every sail away is different depending upon the crowd.

[elee1976]

I was on the Pride in Feb, The first elegant night was Monday. Is this still the same??

[suezyq50]

Looking forward to it. Time won't fly fast enough.