Just Returned From The Pride

[schpsych]

schpsych

Where abouts was the sign? Did you enter the hotel resort from the main front entrance and see the sign off to one side, or did you actually enter the resort from a different area other than the main entrance??

I had read on these boards not to enter through the front. You walk from the ship across the courtyard to an arched gate. There was a fenced gate and a guard. Go through the gate and walk all the way up the street. At the end is the Krystal and the sign. The gate is found by the yellow hotel. I don't think you can miss it.

[schpsych]

If Rennaisance art is not appropriate then the world is about to end. All those poor European children being subjected to this on a daily basis. How have they survived?

I guess Art Museums are out. Visiting the Vatican is out also.

 

Get real

The art throughout the ship are reproductions of classic pieces, quite beautiful and certainly appropriate for ANY age. It would only be offensive if you had absolutely no understanding of art and when these pieces were painted.

[crazycath]

I am going on the Pride (mexican riviera) and was wondering which ports are tendered and which are docked?

 

Thanks

Cathy

[klfrodo]

Only Cabo is tendered

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for the Pride Rweviews and Info.

[sdlife]

Our group entered the Krystal through a side entrance and there was a guard..ask for our identification from the Pride.. we went to the swim up bar and the lady working the counter told us we had to buy the bracelets. Never saw a sign, but probably was there.....some of the crew told us they use the Krystal so that's why we went...it was fun anyway...

[Nanatravel]

Jenr, I have had a handicapped cabin and highly recommend you keep it. Is it a balcony on Empress? #6234? If it is, you have a Secret Cabin. The balcony is triple length just as it is shown on a deck plan. You will love it! Other than the larger bathroom and no ridges on the door-ways (a good thing) you will enjoy the extra space. Most ships also have before and after dinner shows for late seating guest. I usually forget and miss the early shows! If you are arriving at LAX on the day of embarkation, I would probably purchase the transfers from Carnival; good value. The draw back is waiting for the bus to fill up and collecting your luggage, etc. We are planning to arrive a day early, so will take a taxi or Prime Shuttle which also sells round trip from the Pride LB pier. Either way, no need to rent a car and get stressed in LA/CA traffic.

Keep checking on the ports of call Mexican Riviera for tour references. We are booked with Randi's Happy Horses because of all of the great reviews I have read over the years being a member on cruisecritic and other sites. At Cabo san Lucas, you may wish to take a boat to view the Arches, Lovers beach and stop for some fun in the sun for a few hours on a hotel beach. I am still researching PV. We rarely book ship tours any more as they just take so much waiting time and cost much more. Plan your time in port so to return in plenty of time, not to miss the ship.

 

Oh to those wanting an Up to date reference on Carnival ships; I came to this thread because I thought they were referring to a review I wrote almost 3 years ago! As mentioned, the copies of Renaissance art are historic not pornographic! People of all ages and backgrounds should be exposed to Masters and classics. They can see these works in Washington, DC's famous museums as well as in major cities throughout the world. The works are not Dali or Picasso. The demographics have been varied with 40-50+ in the majority, 20-40 yr. old's inc. families, seniors and singles. Carnival offers fun for everyone. Whether it is swinging to the music or people watching, we have met wonderful people young, older, and in-between on our Carnival newly built ships. Food and variety (24 hrs. too) was equal or better than our Celebrity cruises (as you will note below, we like Celebrity and RCI too.) The children's program is great on CCI. If you don't see the kids, you know they are busy and having a good time! I too judged Carnival by the "reputation" I had heard. We gave them a chance, and have not been disappointed. Here we go again.

Bon Voyage

[Delnerual]

My family just returned from the cruising on the Pride (July 17th - 24th). There were two shows that we attended at night in the Taj Mahal that definitely are not for children. One was a comedy show and the comic used words that describe the male anatomy, what you do to it, among other adult subjects. Even the Las Vegas show may not be appropriate for some children. Some of the costumes are very revealing. Feel free to email me with any further questions you may have at nerual22@sbcglobal.net.

[glrounds]

My family just returned from the cruising on the Pride (July 17th - 24th). There were two shows that we attended at night in the Taj Mahal that definitely are not for children. One was a comedy show and the comic used words that describe the male anatomy, what you do to it, among other adult subjects. Even the Las Vegas show may not be appropriate for some children. Some of the costumes are very revealing. Feel free to email me with any further questions you may have at nerual22@sbcglobal.net.

 

If you're referring to the midnight "R" rated shows, the CD at the embarkation talks probably said, "No one is allowed in these shows under 18, and even if its alright with you, its not alright with Carnival, so don't bring in anyone under 18, please". Maybe you missed the warning at the embarkation (first night) show.

 

Las Vegas "shows" by their very nature and definition are supposed to have "revealing" costumes (nobody would probably go if they were wearing potatoe sacks). :rolleyes:

 

Having cruised the PRIDE twice, and admittedly being a very liberal person socially, I couldn't for the life of me see anything that would even remotely affect the minds (or morals) of even the youngest passenger in a negative manner. :)

[beforethefall]

My family just returned from the cruising on the Pride (July 17th - 24th). There were two shows that we attended at night in the Taj Mahal that definitely are not for children. One was a comedy show and the comic used words that describe the male anatomy, what you do to it, among other adult subjects. Even the Las Vegas show may not be appropriate for some children. Some of the costumes are very revealing. Feel free to email me with any further questions you may have at nerual22@sbcglobal.net.[/quote]

 

Thanks Delnerual. I'll pay attention to the rating system glrounds mentioned in the next post. It sounds like the kids we'll keep our kids away from the comedian & the Vegas style show.

[MrPete]

It's party, party, party, 24/7. B) Carnival is overun with unruly, unsupervised children/adolescent thugs creating havoc everywhere. C) People are drunk and throwing up on everyone else. D) Food, service, shows, drinks, etc. suck. E) Security must break up fights onboard/does nothing about fights onboard. F) Carnival attracts a "lower class" of people.

 

I've always laughed when I read that kind of generalization. You got it right where you say someone somewhere may have seen something, but none of this has ever described any of my cruises or vacations anywhere. And usually go to find these statements are made by people that have not cruised on Carnival, or are confirming, yes they've heard "it" to.

 

Anything I say is not going to change their mind. It's made for them. Good, more "empty" cabins for me to choose from.

 

I also agree with a subsequent poster's statement about making a cruise what you put into it. Obviously, there is much activity going on. You end up being drwan into and possibly participating in things you individually enjoy.

 

Good writeup....good post!

 

And more importantly.....GOOD SHIP!

[Astronomer]

I am really glad someone posted this thread.

 

My wife and I have never cruised, we have friends that have. Our eldest kids have also cruised and are huge fans of Celebrity. But at the time that we could book ( summer only ) and the direction we wanted to go ( Mexico Rivera west coast ) and a trip that was more then 5 days it practically boiled down to one ship.

 

The Carnival Pride.

 

I have heard a lot of the negativity about Carnival, but most of it seemed to be more reputation oriented then actual experience. And some of it was because of some specific incident.

 

After doing some research, I booked the pride, sailing June 25th 2006 ( I know, a long time to wait, but with things going on here, next summer is our earliest opportunity )

 

Have read dozens of reviews, some have made me chuckle.

 

Classical art? I don’t understand how anyone could be offended.

A statue of David? Yeah, he is nude, and it is a masterpiece.

Vegas style shows somewhat revealing? I sure hope so :D

The comedian at the late night session was somewhat crude? Well yeah....

The clients of Carnival are middle class bozo's ( I am a middle class bozo and dislike pretentious snobs )

 

Just about everything I have read tells me we booked the right ship for our first cruise.

 

Long time to wait, but I booked 8E and stateroom 6263, larger balcony, aft section in the indentation on the Empress deck. Tell me if I did good.

 

We can hardly wait, but I am now dead sure we did the right thing no matter what others say about Carnival.

[MrPete]

With that attitude, you WILL have a great cruise!

 

Bon voyage!

[glrounds]

I concur with Pete, you're the perfect Carnival demographic. You'll have a great time. :)

[LHP]

and look forward to any and all reviews about the ship and the ports.

 

We just got off the sister ship (Spirit) a couple of weeks ago in Alaska and had a fabulous time. Although this will be our 14th Carnival cruise....this will be our first family trip to the Mexican Riveria. (Hubby went 20 years ago and I am sure a lot has changed.) And it will be our first Pride cruise.

 

As for the generalizations of "rednecks" on Carnival cruises...I think the port of embarkation has a lot to do with the "Bubba's per square in". (I am spot them because "I are one".) Certainly, cheaper cruises from Mobile on a smaller ship or 3 day party festivals from Florida will draw a different crowd.

 

But even Bubbas know how to act "most times". I know this one (and my little Bubbas) do.

[schpsych]

I'm glad everyone is enjoying my post. Astronomer, you WILL have a great time. I was in cabin 6253, great deck which includes most of the suites. The poster referring to the shows, each days Capers is very explicit as to which shows are inappropriate for children. The late-night comic is presented as adults only as are a few of the late shows. We had early dinner so only went to the earlier shows. It was never a problem. I read all the same negative posts but if you read the Cruise Critic review, you will see they enjoyed the ship as much as we did. It is not perfect, but nothing is. I booked almost a year early and enjoyed reading and posting up until the day we left. See if you can start a roll-call but if you don't, the people I met on the Pride were great. My son IM's our tablemates daughter almost every day. Have a great trip!

[beachdude395]

About the Shows being appropriate for 13 year olds-

 

I took two 13 year olds and two 14 year old grand kids on the boat and they were appropriate for them for the most part.

 

Warning- Cruise Director Lenny is lets just say interesting.

 

If you have any questions about the 13 year old teen club or anything about the boat you can email me at bcbinder@Hotmail.com

 

 

Also I was wondering how do u start these forums because i want to start my review on the pride

[beachdude395]

I am really glad someone posted this thread.

 

My wife and I have never cruised, we have friends that have. Our eldest kids have also cruised and are huge fans of Celebrity. But at the time that we could book ( summer only ) and the direction we wanted to go ( Mexico Rivera west coast ) and a trip that was more then 5 days it practically boiled down to one ship.

 

The Carnival Pride.

 

.

 

I was apprehensive about cruising on my first cruise on disney in the Carribean. Then I loved it so much i went to mexico on the pride. With the people with negative reviews they are usually over something not worth complaining over. I myself had the time of my life and encourage everyone to go on this ship and have a great time. Also if anyone has any excursion questions i will be more then happy to answer them.

 

The excursions i did were-

Eco. Snorkel- Cabo

Shop,beach lunch- Mazaltan

paradise beach- puerto vallarta

[msjaxson]

hi...

The Pride was my favorite ship to date.. the best service from the staff..food ..everything.. I was told I would change my mind once I sailed the Mariner... I haven't.. our next cruise we will be back to Carnival !!!

[cjlawson]

I actually tried not to read too much on these and other boards before we departed (7/24) so as not to have preconceived ideas about what the cruise might be like... My husband and I went with our 21 yr. old daughter, 15 yr. old daughter and her friend. Our cabins were not adjoining but next door to each other. The three girls shared a room, although this is not technically allowed since none were 25 or older (I was officially listed as the "adult" in the cabin). We had 6248 and 6250 on the Empress deck and thought it was a good location.We all had a great time! No wild, marauding kids and teens. Though my older daughter heard someone else complaining about this, we never saw or heard it. I'm a teacher and perhaps I am a bit more understanding about childrens behavior especially on a cruise vacation. As for the nude art work, it is not pornography! If your children have seen classic (i.e.Rubens) art in museums you'll find that the art work on the Pride is in the same vein. We did not do a lot of shipboard activities like contests and bingo so I can't comment on those, but we enjoyed relaxing on deck, using the gym and finding quiet spots to read and relax. The shows were a bit corny but we enjoyed them never the less and I think the early shows are appropriate for kids even with some skimpy costumes on the dancers. My family and I are "foodies" and may be more critical than most of food but we found the food to be decent and of course plentiful. I loved when Indian food was highlighted in the Mermaid Grille at lunch. It was delicious. Many of the chefs are from India. We did the ecological snorkle in Cabo (good), shopped at the traditional market in Mazatlan (take the pulmonia type of taxi. An adventure in itself.), girls did dolphin swim in Puerto Vallarta (pricey but they LOVED it) and rented jet skis there (against Carnival's advice). My older daughter and I booked spa services after shopping in Mazatlan...great massage for me, haircolor and pedicure for her. Well worth the money.It was the best family vacation we had in years. Announcements on the PA were not too frequent (we did the Disney cruise 5 yrs. ago and I thought they were worse, many actually broadcast IN the cabin!). The one thing that really impressed me was how uncrowded the ship seemed (except at obvious times ) despite being fully booked. After Disney, Iwas not sure I would cruise again (granted that was a big family deal for my parents 50th aniv.) but now I'm sure I will. Relax and cruise the way you want, do or don't do what makes you comfortable. Carnival "people" are as varied as people you'd find anywhere.:)

[neetyl]

We were on the Panorama deck 8235/8233 With my 14 year old son and 2 sixteen year old daughters, I echo your comments we all had a great time and the kids enjoyed meeting all of the other teens their age

[cjlawson]

Happpy to hear that your family had a good experience as well. I'm sure our teens ran in to yours at some point. In considering a cruise vacation, an appealing idea for parents of teens is the "controlled" freedom it allows. Our 15 year old and her friend felt like they were "free"! They did have to let us know where they were, in general, ate meals with us (or on a few occasions asked if it would be ok to eat with friends they had made) and had to be in at an agreed upon curfew. It allowed us to relax and enjoy the cruise too!

[beachdude395]

Happpy to hear that your family had a good experience as well. I'm sure our teens ran in to yours at some point. In considering a cruise vacation, an appealing idea for parents of teens is the "controlled" freedom it allows. Our 15 year old and her friend felt like they were "free"! They did have to let us know where they were, in general, ate meals with us (or on a few occasions asked if it would be ok to eat with friends they had made) and had to be in at an agreed upon curfew. It allowed us to relax and enjoy the cruise too!

 

sounds like my cruise, I loved the boat so much. Now that i have done disney and carnival, i want to try rcl. They have the same cruise on the vision of the seas for under 500 bucks a pop in december! Going to check more info on that because i loved mexico. Also i am very sensative to sea movement. I was wondering about which cruise areas have the least movements( like alaska Hawaii, mexico, ect) and which ships you have noticed to move the least and the most. Thanks

[pppiglet]

We went on our first cruise in June on the Disney Magic to Mexico. We had a great time. Just yesterday we found out we are going to be able to go back to Mexico with a group and it will be on the Pride. I was leary of going on Carnival, but you have all eased my mind. And now we know exactly what we want to do there since we thoroughly researched it for our Disney cruise. We are going in Feb 2006 so any more reviews are welcome!

[cjlawson]

Hi ppiglet,

 

If you enjoyed the Disney cruise to the Mexican Riviera you'll probably like Carnival as well. The Magic was docked right behind us in Mazatlan. Disney certainly is different than Carnival (sailed on Disney Wonder in the Carribean 5 yrs. ago) but both have their appealing features. Do you have specific questions about the Pride? Feel free to ask now while my memories are still fresh!

-cjlawson :)