Help a NCL girl find her Carnival ship :)

[trixiegal]

It's so expensive sailing out of Baltimore. I've never been on the Pride, except when I went on a TA tour, and I live 20 minutes from the port. I hope it works out for you, though. It's hard finding deals to go anywhere during Spring Break. My family and I are trying to do a short getaway in Florida the week before Easter and it's like finding a nail in a haystack to stay anywhere decent for less than $300/night.

 

Just a tip, look on the Baltimore port forum for great park and cruise hotel ideas. I'd suggest staying close to around where I live near Elkridge or Hanover, where there is a huge outlet mall, Walmart and even a casino.

 

FYI, Ocean City is over 2 hours away from Baltimore. I'm not a fan. Rehoboth Beach in Delaware is nicer IMO and less crowded.

 

 

 

 

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[mitsugirly]

It's so expensive sailing out of Baltimore. I've never been on the Pride, except when I went on a TA tour, and I live 20 minutes from the port. I hope it works out for you, though. It's hard finding deals to go anywhere during Spring Break. My family and I are trying to do a short getaway in Florida the week before Easter and it's like finding a nail in a haystack to stay anywhere decent for less than $300/night.

 

Just a tip, look on the Baltimore port forum for great park and cruise hotel ideas. I'd suggest staying close to around where I live near Elkridge or Hanover, where there is a huge outlet mall, Walmart and even a casino.

 

FYI, Ocean City is over 2 hours away from Baltimore. I'm not a fan. Rehoboth Beach in Delaware is nicer IMO and less crowded.

 

 

 

 

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Which still makes me wonder why the Magic is so cheap during this same week. :confused:

 

I guess I will have to take into consideration where to stay there too. I didn't realize that Ocean City was that far from port. I swear when we were there I thought I seen some ships in port. Oops. Maybe I'm thinking of some other place?

 

Thanks for the tip on a good area to look to stay. I'll keep this in mind. Man why can't I live closer to any port? :p

[ferfoodle]

It's about a little over 6 hours for us to drive from here...so in otherwords, about 10 hours with the way I have to pee every 20 minutes. :D :p

 

I did read the review that showed tons of pictures of the conch graveyard and had planned on heading that way before getting back on the ship. We have and can go without eating while in port, so that's manageable. When I explained this to the hubby, he said "no way are we walking back on the ship just to eat and then back off again" :p But we will have to get drinks while we are off...that's a definite. (As you can tell by my peeing every 20 minute remark...I drink non-stop). Wait, that didn't sound right :eek:...I'm not a drunk. I drink soda all day. That sounds better.

 

I love Glitzy. She has a special place in my heart and I love glitzy ships!!!

 

Just for future reference, here is another review just started of the Pride with pics:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2161843&highlight=pride

[mitsugirly]

Just for future reference, here is another review just started of the Pride with pics:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2161843&highlight=pride

 

 

Thanks for the link. :)

[lunagirl]

Okay, so I know I am super late to the party, but here is a bit of info on the Valor:

 

I have sailed her twice and enjoyed her twice!

 

There is a Serenity area and it is nice, even if it is for a short time while the munchkin is visiting her friends in Camp Carnival.

 

I only remember one waterslide on the Valor.

 

The Burrito Bar is more of a window service similar to the deli. The line can get long and my opinion is that the food isn't anything to write home about

 

The Wok is good and offers different varieties each day with different proteins and "mix-ins" pork, chicken, mussels, calamari. You can also tell them how much kick you want. I am a fan of the glass noodles. Think of a stir fry version of the omelet bar. There is a reason there is sometimes a line.

 

I am not a person who sails for the ship, I sail for the ports. In particular, I sail for the water. If I can be some amazing blue water and maybe see or touch an animal I haven't encountered before, it is a good day! I am not a history person and I was nervous about going to San Juan because I want water. There are beaches in San Juan that you could visit on a short port day. It won't be spectacular with an insane snorkel experience, but it wouldn't be a waste of a day and there are some really cool food options.

 

The rainforest, biobay, etc are super cool options, but not for this trip since you will have a short port day in San Juan..... Segway into future trips... :D

 

I know several people suggested the Southern itinerary out of San Juan to you and you said it wasn't an option for this trip. I totally and completely get that but wanted to throw some info out to you. I am not sure which part of Ohio you are flying from, but I have gotten roundtrip airfare to San Juan from Indianapolis for 377 per person (obviously not for the week you are looking at in April but for the first week of May). The cruise rates for that itinerary (not during that week in April) can be very reasonable as well (last year we paid $1374.82 for the two of us (not per person) in a balcony including insurance, fees, etc but not gratuity). This year it is 1261.22 for two people not including insurance in the inside with a window at the front of the ship on deck 7, but I am still holding out hope for a balcony sale to upgrade again. I am already planning a couple of cruises out and you seem to be the same way. Both years were in May.

 

I have read two of your reviews and I am pretty confident that you would enjoy the Southern route from San Juan. I think that you and your family would particularly enjoy St. John (from St. Thomas), Barbados, and St. Lucia. The beaches, water, and snorkel experience are fantastic. We did that cruise last year and I am repeating it this year because I enjoyed it so much!

 

Sorry for the hijack but just some info for thought! :D

[mitsugirly]

Okay, so I know I am super late to the party, but here is a bit of info on the Valor:

 

I have sailed her twice and enjoyed her twice!

 

There is a Serenity area and it is nice, even if it is for a short time while the munchkin is visiting her friends in Camp Carnival.

 

I only remember one waterslide on the Valor.

 

The Burrito Bar is more of a window service similar to the deli. The line can get long and my opinion is that the food isn't anything to write home about

 

The Wok is good and offers different varieties each day with different proteins and "mix-ins" pork, chicken, mussels, calamari. You can also tell them how much kick you want. I am a fan of the glass noodles. Think of a stir fry version of the omelet bar. There is a reason there is sometimes a line.

 

I am not a person who sails for the ship, I sail for the ports. In particular, I sail for the water. If I can be some amazing blue water and maybe see or touch an animal I haven't encountered before, it is a good day! I am not a history person and I was nervous about going to San Juan because I want water. There are beaches in San Juan that you could visit on a short port day. It won't be spectacular with an insane snorkel experience, but it wouldn't be a waste of a day and there are some really cool food options.

 

The rainforest, biobay, etc are super cool options, but not for this trip since you will have a short port day in San Juan..... Segway into future trips... :D

 

I know several people suggested the Southern itinerary out of San Juan to you and you said it wasn't an option for this trip. I totally and completely get that but wanted to throw some info out to you. I am not sure which part of Ohio you are flying from, but I have gotten roundtrip airfare to San Juan from Indianapolis for 377 per person (obviously not for the week you are looking at in April but for the first week of May). The cruise rates for that itinerary (not during that week in April) can be very reasonable as well (last year we paid $1374.82 for the two of us (not per person) in a balcony including insurance, fees, etc but not gratuity). This year it is 1261.22 for two people not including insurance in the inside with a window at the front of the ship on deck 7, but I am still holding out hope for a balcony sale to upgrade again. I am already planning a couple of cruises out and you seem to be the same way. Both years were in May.

 

I have read two of your reviews and I am pretty confident that you would enjoy the Southern route from San Juan. I think that you and your family would particularly enjoy St. John (from St. Thomas), Barbados, and St. Lucia. The beaches, water, and snorkel experience are fantastic. We did that cruise last year and I am repeating it this year because I enjoyed it so much!

 

Sorry for the hijack but just some info for thought! :D

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts and information. I really appreciate it. I'm soaking in everything everyone is telling me.

 

I'm right there with you on sailing for the water (which of course includes the ports :D). I like to go where there's crystal clear blue water and beautiful beaches or snorkeling from a beach. That's my kinda vacation! :)

 

I am the same...going to someplace and being able to see or touch an animal I haven't in the past makes my day. I know that I always take my snorkeling stuff with me to every port, whether I have been told that there's no snorkeling there because it's a sandy bottom or whatever the reason. I can guarantee that at those places I was told there's no snorkeling is usually where I will spot something I have never seen before. Had I never brought my equipment, I would have never seen it. I walk away from those days and ports feeling accomplished and very satisfied. :D

 

Yea, air from here during this particular week will cost more than the cruise and around $500+ pp last time I looked. It has probably went up since then. :eek: Then again, i FLL is around $648pp at the moment as well.

 

I completely believe you when you say I would enjoy the Southern Caribbean. It's something I have always wanted to do but couldn't find the time or the right price to do.

Edited February 4, 2015 by mitsugirly

[MaureenNC]

I have benefitted from your reviews in the past- we got some excellent recommendations from you for our Western Caribbean cruise (we loved Chankanaab, Shark Ray Alley and Maya Key)! So I thank you!! I can't imagine how much time it must take you to post your reviews- but so many of us greatly appreciate it!!

 

My family (me, hubby & 12 yo twin girls) will be on the Valor this same week (April 4). Like you, we love to snorkel, and can't wait to see some of the beautiful beaches in the Southern Caribbean. All 3 are new ports for us as well! We are leaning toward snorkel activities on all 3 (and hopefully some whale watching in Grand Turk- although it is the end of the season so I don't know if they will still be there- I sure hope so!).

 

I don't have anywhere near the experience that you and others have. Just to add a thought... I believe that the Valor and the Glory (and I think the Conquest) are the same "class" of ship- i.e. they have the same layout, are the same size, have the same number of crew and passengers, etc. But no, the Valor does not have Guys Burgers :mad: (yet). We sailed on the Glory a few years ago (2009?) and loved it... I don't know what level of renovations they have made since then.

 

I can't wait to hear your decision, and see what awesome plans you make for the ports. Have fun planning!!

[mitsugirly]

I have benefitted from your reviews in the past- we got some excellent recommendations from you for our Western Caribbean cruise (we loved Chankanaab, Shark Ray Alley and Maya Key)! So I thank you!! I can't imagine how much time it must take you to post your reviews- but so many of us greatly appreciate it!!

 

My family (me, hubby & 12 yo twin girls) will be on the Valor this same week (April 4). Like you, we love to snorkel, and can't wait to see some of the beautiful beaches in the Southern Caribbean. All 3 are new ports for us as well! We are leaning toward snorkel activities on all 3 (and hopefully some whale watching in Grand Turk- although it is the end of the season so I don't know if they will still be there- I sure hope so!).

 

I don't have anywhere near the experience that you and others have. Just to add a thought... I believe that the Valor and the Glory (and I think the Conquest) are the same "class" of ship- i.e. they have the same layout, are the same size, have the same number of crew and passengers, etc. But no, the Valor does not have Guys Burgers :mad: (yet). We sailed on the Glory a few years ago (2009?) and loved it... I don't know what level of renovations they have made since then.

 

I can't wait to hear your decision, and see what awesome plans you make for the ports. Have fun planning!!

 

Oh my gosh...I completely forgot about the whale watching during this time frame. :eek: I remember reading that they are migrating around the end of March beginning of April. I SO wanna do that. So much for it being a cheap-no costing cruise. THANKS! :p

 

Lucky you getting to go to these places. I would really love to but I'm afraid the $$ just aren't adding up for us. Man, it's expensive! :(

[mitsugirly]

I'm about 90% sure that I'll probably book the Pride from Maryland. The prices are crazy high, but 2 new ports that I have always wanted to visit, within driving distance (even though the hubby gasp when I told him we could drive and insisted that I immediately look up flight prices :eek:) and the ship is just what I'm looking for. The only thing that has stopped me is 1) trying to find a TA to do this for me with some added "benefits" and 2) the price. It's just killing me to know that it's that high and the others are not. I just can't wrap my head around why it's so much higher than any of the other cruises I picked out and they are ALL during the same week=spring break or EASTER.

 

 

:eek:

 

 

I will confirm once I'm booked and hope to get things taken care of soon...depending on one of my TA's. :)

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

mitsugirly ~ looking forward to seeing a ship name in that orange space & to reading your next review.;)

 

Funny that Pride wasn't one of the choices on the poll but whatever works best for you is good for us. Isn't CC great?!

 

BTW I loved your pictures from the Sun so have booked that from San Diego to Santiago for next year. Thanks for all you do for us.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

Edited February 5, 2015 by retiring soon
correction

[Ciardasully]

I have sailed the Glory and I loved her. But looking at your choices, I think I would pick the Conquest because you have never been to Port Everglades and it includes St. Kitts as well. Glory and Conquest are the same class of ship. I believe the only major difference is that the Conquest doesn't have an adults only serenity (I could be wrong.) But I know you travel with a little one so that may not even be an issue.

 

I can't wait to see what you pick and I can't wait for the review to follow.

[mitsugirly]

Hi all!

 

mitsugirly ~ looking forward to seeing a ship name in that orange space & to reading your next review.;)

 

Funny that Pride wasn't one of the choices on the poll but whatever works best for you is good for us. Isn't CC great?!

 

BTW I loved your pictures from the Sun so have booked that from San Diego to Santiago for next year. Thanks for all you do for us.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

 

I'm looking forward to putting a ship name in the orange space too!!! Then relaxing...well, not really, then researching things for the cruise just to make sure that I'm doing the right things while in port. :p

 

I know, isn't it weird how the Pride wasn't even on my radar when I started and all it took was nodogkisses to mention it and after a bunch of research it just seemed better and better. I'M BLAMING NODOGKISSES IF THIS DOESN'T WORK OUT!!! (Just kidding, I know any cruise will work out).

:D

I have sailed the Glory and I loved her. But looking at your choices, I think I would pick the Conquest because you have never been to Port Everglades and it includes St. Kitts as well. Glory and Conquest are the same class of ship. I believe the only major difference is that the Conquest doesn't have an adults only serenity (I could be wrong.) But I know you travel with a little one so that may not even be an issue.

 

I can't wait to see what you pick and I can't wait for the review to follow.

 

 

I can't wait either. This has been the most stressful "picking of the right ship" that I have ever done. :eek:

[nodogkisses]

Trust me, you're all gonna love it. HMC is amazing and so is T&C. You'll only have a short time in Freeport since Pride has to make tracks back to Baltimore. The only issue with cruising out of Baltimore on the Pride is the 3 sea days but you're going in April and the weather should be decent and you'll be on that freshie of a ship with the new waterworks area for you guys to play in. If you're parking at the port, get there around 10:30am to get in the parking line--you'll be one of the first cars allowed in and probably get zone 1. You always have the option (if available) of buying $50 FTTF for priority boarding and priority tendering over to HMC. I think you get priority debarkation, too and your luggage is delivered to your very expensive balcony stateroom faster than if you didn't have it. Seriously. More money. I know.

Baltimore is the closest port to where you live. I predict you'll even repeat this ship/itinerary with Kendra and her family (the prices won't be this crazy other times--it's just that they can keep the price OOC cause it's Easter/spring break and a newly 2.0 upgraded ship. Plus, I don't think there are that many 3 person interior staterooms (I know his because my daughter asked me to go on spring break with her and her college roomies two years ago and we needed a 3 person interior room and I studied those deck plans inside out and backwards)

I can't wait for your review of this cruise. I take full responsibly throwing the Pride into the mix. You're gonna love her. (Even though she's not "glitzy")

 

 

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[mitsugirly]

Trust me, you're all gonna love it. HMC is amazing and so is T&C. You'll only have a short time in Freeport since Pride has to make tracks back to Baltimore. The only issue with cruising out of Baltimore on the Pride is the 3 sea days (I actually don't mind this. Every cruise we have done with 4 ports...it's exhausting. The times we have done 3 ports, I really do like. I feel more relaxes coming home from those cruises. So, I don't think I'll mind this much). but you're going in April and the weather should be decent and you'll be on that freshie of a ship with the new waterworks area for you guys to play in. (I think the thing that has convinced me somewhat is also they have the sliding dome over the pool area to use if it's chilly. Of course it won't help with the water slides, but it will be something).

 

If you're parking at the port, get there around 10:30am to get in the parking line--you'll be one of the first cars allowed in and probably get zone 1. What time do they allow you to board? What time do they tell you that you can arrive? We are use to arriving to the port around 11:30 or so at most ports. I guess I'll have to adjust our normal schedule.

 

You always have the option (if available) of buying $50 FTTF for priority boarding and priority tendering over to HMC. I think you get priority debarkation, too and your luggage is delivered to your very expensive balcony stateroom faster than if you didn't have it. Seriously. More money. I know. This is something that I have never quite understood (since NCL doesn't have anything like this). Enlighten me please. :D

 

 

Baltimore is the closest port to where you live. I predict you'll even repeat this ship/itinerary with Kendra and her family (the prices won't be this crazy other times--it's just that they can keep the price OOC cause it's Easter/spring break and a newly 2.0 upgraded ship. You are probably right. I know that Kendra would be up for it. She would go this time around if it wasn't so darn expensive and she's planning on going on our Bermuda cruise 2 months after that. She doesn't think she can swing it this time around.

 

Is the Pride ALWAYS the ship in Baltimore? It would be nice if they rotate the ships. I like to do different ships each cruise without repeats. Baltimore could work nicely for me if that was the case. I see they have ships in VA too. That would even work for us and save a bunch on flights. :D

 

Plus, I don't think there are that many 3 person interior staterooms (I know his because my daughter asked me to go on spring break with her and her college roomies two years ago and we needed a 3 person interior room and I studied those deck plans inside out and backwards) Since you studied the blue prints...there's one thing I can't find on it for some reason. What floor is the gym on? I don't see anything on Carnivals site. I thought it would be on the Sports floor, but didn't see it listed. (Now stop laughing, I'm actually NOT going to the gym to work out). I want to know more info on that cool looking hot tub that's located somewhere in there with the glass dome over it. Is it free for anyone to use? Is it actually located IN the gym? I need info! :p

I can't wait for your review of this cruise. I take full responsibly throwing the Pride into the mix. You're gonna love her. (Even though she's not "glitzy")

 

 

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You keep worrying me by saying "she's not glitzy". You are going to make me think she's ugly before I ever get there. :eek:

[my_crib_too]

For anyone from the Carnival section of CC that is not familiar with a mitsugirly review, I can highly recommend them. I've spent days reading her reviews on the NCL section of CC. I completed one mitsugirly review recently that made we want to go on another Western Caribbean cruise again. Her reviews are so good, Carnival should comp the cruise (NCL should too).

 

I voted for Aruba and a southern Caribbean cruise. Aruba is special (take a private island tour). We always want to visit places we have never been to and then figure out what ship to book.

 

We kind of feel the same way about NCL as others have mentioned, they need to offer a better selection of places to visit. Their big new boats do not have exciting destinations, IMHO.

 

Only been on a single Carnival cruise, Breeze is a great boat and outside of theater entertainment, Carnival offers a good product.

Edited February 8, 2015 by my_crib_too

[mitsugirly]

For anyone from the Carnival section of CC that is not familiar with a mitsugirly review, I can highly recommend them. I've spent days reading her reviews on the NCL section of CC. I completed one mitsugirly review recently that made we want to go on another Western Caribbean cruise again. Her reviews are so good, Carnival should comp the cruise (NCL should too).

 

I voted for Aruba and a southern Caribbean cruise. Aruba is special (take a private island tour). We always want to visit places we have never been to and then figure out what ship to book.

 

We kind of feel the same way about NCL as others have mentioned, they need to offer a better selection of places to visit. Their big new boats do not have exciting destinations, IMHO.

 

Only been on a single Carnival cruise, Breeze is a great boat and outside of theater entertainment, Carnival offers a good product.

 

Awww shucks, thanks so much for the props. I really appreciate it and appreciate when others find my reviews helpful. I love cruising to new places just to experience new things and be able to do a review on it for others. If gives everyone the opportunity to see different things available at each port. But, it's just getting old. There is another place or two that I still want to try out in Cozumel...and we all know that Cozumel seems to have every itinerary on the western side going to it. So, I'm sure I'll end up back there again eventually...and that will be ok. But for now, I'm off to "new" things and can't wait.

 

 

Aruba and Bonaire is definitely on my "to-do" list, but that will probably have to wait until another time. The air fare for this time around is just outrageous since it's spring break. I did look at other times that they offer this itinerary and I may be able to book it during the winter months toward the end of the year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :)

 

The Breeze has been on my radar ever since I sailed the Dream (along with Magic). It just has so much to offer. However, with the 6 day sailing for the week that I need to go, it was super expensive and I just couldn't justify it. Maybe another time.

[mitsugirly]

*****HINT*****

 

This may help you all figure out what we have decided on:

 

 

 

 

 

We purchased these tonight at our local grocery store (which gives us awesome fuel perks and we will be able to fill up our gas tanks for free for quite some time). Each card is $500. ;)

[tropicaledrink]

*****HINT*****

 

This may help you all figure out what we have decided on:

 

 

 

 

 

We purchased these tonight at our local grocery store (which gives us awesome fuel perks and we will be able to fill up our gas tanks for free for quite some time). Each card is $500. ;)

 

YES. :D

 

Congrats on making a decision!

[mitsugirly]

I AM OFFICIALLY BOOKED NOW!!!

 

 

WOO HOO BRING IT!

 

MITSUGIRLY IS BACK ON A CARNIVAL CRUISE AND I AM SUPER EXCITED AND CAN'T WAIT.

 

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, opinions, comments and everything else that made this happen for me. I have been totally stressed about booking a cruise and not knowing what to do for so long and thanks to you wonderful cruisers, I am officially ready to have "Fun".:D

[beamqueen]

I don't get the hint! Lol. Which did you pick?

[mitsugirly]

What about now? :p

[rdevine10]

You will love the pride! I sailed her sister the legend and i love the size of the spirit class ships! Such a great ship! Looking forward to your review of her upgrades!!!!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[tropicaledrink]

I AM OFFICIALLY BOOKED NOW!!!

 

 

WOO HOO BRING IT!

 

MITSUGIRLY IS BACK ON A CARNIVAL CRUISE AND I AM SUPER EXCITED AND CAN'T WAIT.

 

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, opinions, comments and everything else that made this happen for me. I have been totally stressed about booking a cruise and not knowing what to do for so long and thanks to you wonderful cruisers, I am officially ready to have "Fun".:D

 

YES.

 

I am SO EXCITED FOR YOU!

 

Also to answer the previous question about the Pride always being in Baltimore or if ships rotate....I foresee that it will be the Pride for a while. Baltimore also has to clear a bridge and I don't believe can accommodate anything larger than the Spirit class. Additionally, Baltimore has some EPA regulations in regards to the smokestack. Part of the Pride's dry dock was installation of "scrubbers" to reduce the emissions in to the air. As far as I know, she is the only Carnival ship who has the "scrubbers". :)

[beamqueen]

Have fun!! Can't wait to read your review when you get back!

[crusin4funtimes]

I was hoping you would pick the Pride! (we are sailing her at the end of August)

 

We also brought the gift cards for our trip and did it while it was 4 x the fuel points! I think you will love the Pride, We have sailed her sister ship the legend and we love the layout and the size.