"LIVE" from Carnival Pride - January 26, 2014

[asalligo]

I don't know where you are, but damn, those temps sound so good.

I'm in Md. Frigid, bitter, icy, and dreary are a few of the words (that I can print here) that I would use to describe it here. Just ugly.:(

 

I am in Vermont, just living vicariously through Radio like everyone else this week. I will be on the Pride in 24 days though and really hoping that my

Port Canaveral day does better than 50 and raining. I am hoping for some freak heat wave that causes temps in the 80's as far north as the Chesapeake bay.

[WetToes]

I am in Vermont, just living vicariously through Radio like everyone else this week. I will be on the Pride in 24 days though and really hoping that my

Port Canaveral day does better than 50 and raining. I am hoping for some freak heat wave that causes temps in the 80's as far north as the Chesapeake bay.

 

I hope your 'hopes' come true, and congrats on your upcoming cruise.

Happy sailing. :)

[Beech18Pylut]

Wish the Weather could have been better for you Radio.

 

http://portcanaveralwebcam.com/

 

Newbie to the board...can you tell?

 

Will be watching you leave tonight but it will be in the dark however.

 

Enjoy and thanks for allowing me to "Tag Along".

 

Dave

[WetToes]

Wish the Weather could have been better for you Radio.

 

http://portcanaveralwebcam.com/

 

Newbie to the board...can you tell?

 

Will be watching you leave tonight but it will be in the dark however.

 

Enjoy and thanks for allowing me to "Tag Along".

 

Dave

 

Hi! Welcome to CC. :)

 

Yuck! That is not a pretty picture.

Sure do hope things improve.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Welcome to Port Canaveral. I got off the ship around 10, and I took the shuttle over to Budget and picked up my car for the day. (Less than $50 for the day). Budget is very close to Port Canaveral with free shuttles to and from their location. They are always very friendly.

 

I went over to Kennedy Space Center where I had pre purchased my ticket from an on-line Orlando discount ticket site for a reduced rate of $39.99 plus tax. It was very cold and windy over there, but I was able to visit many of the attractions. The one that I really wanted to see was the Shuttle Launch Experience and the brand new exhibit for Shuttle Atlantis. To be able to really experience everything, you’d need to allow about 6 hours. The KSC admission price also includes admittance to the Astronauts Hall of Fame Museum, a couple miles down the road. I enjoy KSC so much, I am sure I will find myself here the next time I am in Port Canaveral.

 

 

I then went over to the brand new Exploration tower at Port Canaveral. The Exploration tower offers a birds eye view of Port Canaveral and the surrounding areas. They offer indoor and outdoor observation decks and each floor of the tower offers special attractions from the Space Coast. They have a very cool pilot boat simulator which allows you approach cruise ships and tankers for training. Another floor offers the history of the Space Coast developments and accomplishments.

 

 

My last spot was Canaveral Locks which is very close to the cruise ship terminals. Canaveral Locks is often a good place to find manatee. The last few times I was here, there were no manatee but many boats using the locks. Today, there were no boats but a single manatee having some plant life from the depths of the canal area for lunch. This manatee was small, maybe 12 feet long. I was hoping to see the baby’s mamma or papa, who would have been double or triple the size.

 

 

I decided to take my car back after I picked up some sodas for the ship. I was glad that I came back when I did because it was pouring down rain afterwards. The temperature only got up to 57F. The locals acted like it was very cold, with heavy coats and gloves. I was happy however, to see temperatures 40 degrees higher than when I left Baltimore on Sunday.

 

 

Our scheduled time to leave Port Canaveral is 6PM. We should arrive in Nassau tomorrow by 11AM. The forecast for tomorrow is SUNNY with a high of 81F . . .

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. Thanks for all the nice comments and thanks for tuning in.

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

I love going to Kennedy Space Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I pre ordered my tickets and picked them up at the will call window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rocket Garden features many rockets from the Space Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Shuttle Launch Experience offers a full motion simulator for all guests

 

 

 

 

 

 

Space Shuttle Atlantis is the featured exhibit here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Atlantis Shuttle was the last Shuttle in Space. . .and here she is.

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Radio

[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . . Many more pics tomorrow.

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

The new Port Canaveral Exploration Tower is a must visit attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My view of Carnival Pride from the top of the Tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I always seem to come here for chance sightings of the elusive Manatee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah ha ! I found her this time. . .Relaxing in the warm waters of the Banana

River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She is only a baby, but happens to be about 12 feet long.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I make it back to the ship before the rains come down. . .

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited January 29, 2014 by Radio

[KingdomCAPT]

Hello everyone. I am happy to report that today has been a very sunny day.

The temperatures seemed to have warmed a bit, but maybe it just seems that way because of the direct sunlight.

All the pools are open, but it seems that the only guests using the pools are kids.

 

 

I have heard a lot of music from the DJ booths on decks 2 and 9, but aside from the Carnival Pride Show Band

in the main theater, I haven’t heard any live music.

 

 

Tonight is Elegant Night and the Captain will be available for photos for those who wish to do so.

I am looking forward to a nice Lobster dinner in the Normandie Dining Room. I am dining with several Cruise Critic friends tonight.

 

 

Our voyage through the Gulf Stream has been nominal. The Captain suggested we are having 6-8 foot seas; however, Carnival Pride

has been easing through the seas and I have not felt much pitching or rolling. Two Navy or maybe Air Force planes flew across

our bow doing maneuvers. I assume they were from a local Navy or Air Force base.

 

 

We are currently about 470nm from Port Canaveral and our speed is 12 knots.

 

 

Here are a few pics from today. More pics tonight.

 

 

Radio

 

 

The Port and Shopping talk featured our CD, Kirk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of time was spent on the Excursions that were being offered in our 3 Ports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David’s Steakhouse featured a team of Chefs for a cooking demonstration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This afternoon has been very sunny. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pool looks very inviting, but I think I will wait for warmer weather. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools are never too cold for kids. . .

 

 

Hi Radio. I noticed your comment on the military aircraft as you passed through the Gulf Stream. Much of that area is the "VACAPES" operations area for the US Navy and US Air Force. The Navy flies F/A 18's from the Oceana Naval Air Station just outside Virginia Beach. I believe the Air Force has an F-15 outfit flying out of Langley AFB, near Newport News Va. Whichever they were, you benefited from a flyover by the finest military pilots in the world! As a retired Navy Captain, I couldn't resist commenting. Enjoy your cruise and thanks for letting us "tune in"!

[Radio]

Hi Radio. I noticed your comment on the military aircraft as you passed through the Gulf Stream. Much of that area is the "VACAPES" operations area for the US Navy and US Air Force. The Navy flies F/A 18's from the Oceana Naval Air Station just outside Virginia Beach. I believe the Air Force has an F-15 outfit flying out of Langley AFB, near Newport News Va. Whichever they were, you benefited from a flyover by the finest military pilots in the world! As a retired Navy Captain, I couldn't resist commenting. Enjoy your cruise and thanks for letting us "tune in"!

 

Wow. . .Thanks for that info. . They were very very loud !

 

It was very cool to see them. . .

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[TPKeller]

Hi Radio. I noticed your comment on the military aircraft as you passed through the Gulf Stream. Much of that area is the "VACAPES" operations area for the US Navy and US Air Force. The Navy flies F/A 18's from the Oceana Naval Air Station just outside Virginia Beach. I believe the Air Force has an F-15 outfit flying out of Langley AFB, near Newport News Va. Whichever they were, you benefited from a flyover by the finest military pilots in the world! As a retired Navy Captain, I couldn't resist commenting. Enjoy your cruise and thanks for letting us "tune in"!

Captain, I have a good number of former Navy friends, and after many discussions with some of them about cruising, I can't help but wonder how did you decide to go on your first cruise? Most of my friends wouldn't go near another ship even if you paid them to go!

 

Theron

[jigger]

Is there some sort of transportation at Port Can.( Buses, Taxis ) to take you to

Cocoa Beach, ?

[Spiralshell]

My husband was in the Navy before switching over to the Air Force where he continues today. He absolutely loves cruising because he says he never sleeps as well as he does at sea! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[KeywestK]

Is there some sort of transportation at Port Can.( Buses, Taxis ) to take you to

Cocoa Beach, ?

 

The Renaissance Hotel in Cocoa Beach runs a free shuttle between the cruise terminal and Cocoa Beach. It was free, but we did tip the driver. Took the same shuttle back to the ship.

 

Radio....thanks for letting us all "tune in." Great review and pics!

[turning40withMickey]

"The new Port Canaveral Exploration Tower is a must visit attraction."

 

I tried to find some information on this but haven't come up with much.

How did you find out about it?

Hours, cost?

 

Thanks! We would love to see the manatees, too!

Enjoying your live report!

[Barbiegator]

"The new Port Canaveral Exploration Tower is a must visit attraction."

 

I tried to find some information on this but haven't come up with much.

How did you find out about it?

Hours, cost?

 

Thanks! We would love to see the manatees, too!

Enjoying your live report!

 

 

I love near port and found this info for you about Exploration Tower.EXPLORATION TOWER FACTS & STATS

 

• Hours of Operation: Opens at 9 a.m. with closing varying between 5 and 8 p.m.

• Iconic $23 million structure with 7-stories and 23,000 square feet

• Indoor and outdoor observation decks with panoramic views

• Gift shop and cafe

• 80-seat auditorium with short film featuring port and area history

• Virtual ship’s bridge allows visitors to pilot boat through the Canaveral Channel

• Displays/exhibits on natural history, eco-tourism, sports, space & maritime history

• Admission Fees: $6.50 for adults; $3.50 for children; discounts for Brevard residents, seniors, and military personnel with proper ID.

• Event space is available. For leasing rates, contact Tara Ruch at 321-783-7831.

 

Trip Adivisor:

 

We live in Cocoa and often go to Pt. Canaveral. Exploration Tower is a great addition to the port, I hope it brings the visitors they are hoping.

 

It is well done, lots to look at, alot of story boards, but they are not overwhelming. We are not fans of reading endless story boards, these are concise and give an excellent history of the port and surrounding area. The view from all the floors is great, don't miss the outdoor observation deck.

 

The tower is very pretty at night, lights sticks change color as do the floors in the tower.

[JeanieTheMom]

I love near port and found this info for you about Exploration Tower.EXPLORATION TOWER FACTS & STATS

 

• Hours of Operation: Opens at 9 a.m. with closing varying between 5 and 8 p.m.

• Iconic $23 million structure with 7-stories and 23,000 square feet

• Indoor and outdoor observation decks with panoramic views

• Gift shop and cafe

• 80-seat auditorium with short film featuring port and area history

• Virtual ship’s bridge allows visitors to pilot boat through the Canaveral Channel

• Displays/exhibits on natural history, eco-tourism, sports, space & maritime history

• Admission Fees: $6.50 for adults; $3.50 for children; discounts for Brevard residents, seniors, and military personnel with proper ID.

• Event space is available. For leasing rates, contact Tara Ruch at 321-783-7831.

 

Trip Adivisor:

 

We live in Cocoa and often go to Pt. Canaveral. Exploration Tower is a great addition to the port, I hope it brings the visitors they are hoping.

 

It is well done, lots to look at, alot of story boards, but they are not overwhelming. We are not fans of reading endless story boards, these are concise and give an excellent history of the port and surrounding area. The view from all the floors is great, don't miss the outdoor observation deck.

 

The tower is very pretty at night, lights sticks change color as do the floors in the tower.

 

Thank you for this info. I just asked this question on the home port board:

How far is the tower? Is it in walking distance from the ship? If not, is there a shuttle, or can we get a taxi?

 

Thanks!

[turning40withMickey]

I love near port and found this info for you about Exploration Tower.EXPLORATION TOWER FACTS & STATS

 

• Hours of Operation: Opens at 9 a.m. with closing varying between 5 and 8 p.m.

• Iconic $23 million structure with 7-stories and 23,000 square feet

• Indoor and outdoor observation decks with panoramic views

• Gift shop and cafe

• 80-seat auditorium with short film featuring port and area history

• Virtual ship’s bridge allows visitors to pilot boat through the Canaveral Channel

• Displays/exhibits on natural history, eco-tourism, sports, space & maritime history

• Admission Fees: $6.50 for adults; $3.50 for children; discounts for Brevard residents, seniors, and military personnel with proper ID.

• Event space is available. For leasing rates, contact Tara Ruch at 321-783-7831.

 

Trip Adivisor:

 

We live in Cocoa and often go to Pt. Canaveral. Exploration Tower is a great addition to the port, I hope it brings the visitors they are hoping.

 

It is well done, lots to look at, alot of story boards, but they are not overwhelming. We are not fans of reading endless story boards, these are concise and give an excellent history of the port and surrounding area. The view from all the floors is great, don't miss the outdoor observation deck.

 

The tower is very pretty at night, lights sticks change color as do the floors in the tower.

 

 

Thanks!

[dixieva]

We just did this cruise in Nov. The ship runs a shuttle bus to Cocoa Beach with other stops. It was $17 round trip. You buy your tickets at the shore excursion desk. The bus runs around every 30 minutes to an hour. I know it did stop at the new tower.

[JeanieTheMom]

We just did this cruise in Nov. The ship runs a shuttle bus to Cocoa Beach with other stops. It was $17 round trip. You buy your tickets at the shore excursion desk. The bus runs around every 30 minutes to an hour. I know it did stop at the new tower.

 

Thanks so much! Now we have an excursion!:D

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Welcome to Day 5 of “LIVE” from Carnival Pride.

 

We left Port Canaveral a little late yesterday due to passengers not arriving back at the ship until 6PM. It was likely a Carnival excursion because a bus pulled up to the terminal around 5:50PM with passengers. We had a downpour of sorts for Sailaway, so there was no deck party or music.

 

Carnival held a late night party in the Atrium with a lot of music and dancing. There was also a late night Mexican buffet with a ton of food and desserts for everyone. . . I stopped at the party on the way to the Casino, but was not able to endure anymore food last night.

 

 

I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise with warmth and blue skies. The attitudes of many passengers have changed and your Intrepid Reporter has a much better attitude about the day ahead. It is amazing what effect weather has on someone’s thoughts. This will be the first warm day of this cruise, and that makes me want to smile.

 

We will be arriving to Nassau by 11:00AM and we will be here until 8PM. I will be sending more pics tonight. My plan for the day is uncertain, but I will try to see what I can see, and enjoy some great weather.

 

 

 

Thanks for tuning in . . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

Carnival Pride pulls away from the pier slowly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are able to see the Exploration Tower Lit up. . . From the Ocean this is the

only thing that stands out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Red Frog Pub, and Blue Iguana Caribbean Fiesta held at the Atrium on Deck2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhh. . .A beautiful sunny morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The forecast today is sunny skies. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feelings about everything change when there is nice weather. . .

 

 

 

 

.

[Buster27]

So glad you finally got a warm sunny day ! I have family on this cruise .....talked with them yesterday and they were getting a little

tired of dreary, rainy days !

 

ENJOY THE DAY and thanks for all the pictures.....they are really nice.

[TPKeller]

We are able to see the Exploration Tower Lit up. . . From the Ocean this is the

only thing that stands out.

 

 

What are all the orange lights around the tower? Is there some sort of a pond or inlet for the ocean water there?

 

Theron

[WetToes]

So glad the sun is finally shining on you all. :)

[KirkNC]

Enjoyed your live updates!

[CityGirlLost]

Excited to read this. We just booked on the Pride at the end of March.

[WetToes]

It's been announced - Carnival will be back in March of 2015! Yay!

The Pride will be returning, with upgrades. :)

Edited January 30, 2014 by WetToes