Awesome time on the Carnival Pride - Detailed review 2/24/19-3/3/19

[todurkin]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 13, 2019 by todurkin

[todurkin]

Sorry All...was trying to post a review with pics, but having issues...Hopefully get this up eventually. 

[JaniceB]

Looking forward to it.

[todurkin]

Let's try this again...

 

I've always enjoyed reading everyone else's reviews, and found them helpful, so thought I'd give it a shot! Hope you all enjoy...

 

February 23rd - Pre-cruise pamper day!

On this cruise was myself and my girlfriend. We are both 38, and very active. But for this week, we were looking to be lazy and just relax! It started with a manis/pedis. Yes, I got both. Who doesn't like having their calves, feet, and hands rubbed. Plus, I coach and play soccer, so my feet definitely needed some work before heading to the Bahamas...lol

 

Vince's Salon is near my house, and they were fantastic. Since we were a couple, they took us to a private area designated for couples. It was great, and lots of laughs. Afterwards, we went back to my place, and just relaxed. I live about 20 minutes from the Port of Baltimore, so we were excited knowing that the travel the next day would be simple!

 

February 24th - Embarkation day!

We slept till about 8 (really was like 630, but at least rested until 8). I had ordered a car service to pick us up around 11:15 am. For those that are close to the port, I highly recommend The Limo Lady. They were fantastic, and the service was top notch! Our driver (I believe is name was Chip), showed up around 11am, driving a Suburban. We had lots of luggage as we had to pack for both warm and cold weather. Plus, we had packed some of our favorite snacks, as well as mixers for the alcohol we ordered for the room, plus our 2 bottles of wine.

 

After about 15 minutes, we were through the tunnel, and there she was! The Carnival Pride!

 

I had read about how easy the Port of Baltimore was, and everything I read was true. We were dropped off by 1130, checked in and seated by Noon, and we were walking onto the ship by 1230! We did have FTTF, so we were one of the first groups on. Since we had FTTF, we were able to head to our room right away to drop off our carry on stuff. We had a midship balcony room on the Emperess deck. The room was plenty big enough. I had ordered the Bon Voyage package, which came with a bottle of bubbly, two champagne flutes, a beach towel, a picture frame, and hanging decorations. We weren't expecting it to be Dr. Seuss themed, but we actually loved it and made us laugh!

 

After we dropped our stuff in the room, we went for lunch and exploring. We enjoyed lunch at Blue Iguana Cantina. We split a plate of tacos, and they hit the spot. Afterwards, it was time to explore our home for the next week, and of course, enjoy a fun ship special!

 

 

I found the sports bar!! My girlfriend sent the above picture to my Mom. "Tom found the sports bar, and there is soccer on...help!" To which my Mom replied, "Looks like you are on your own sweetie!"...lol.

 

I actually didn't spend too much time in there. But, they always had live sports on (NBA, NCAAB, Golf, Soccer, etc...).

 

To be continued...

[TravelE]

Great review so far!

[ricew001]

I read "active people" as "attractive" and I thought wow, ok. But yes you are. LOL! Glad you enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more about it! Hubby and I have considered Baltimore as a port since we live in NC but haven't used it yet.

[todurkin]

Embarkation day continued...

 

We walked the ship, to get a lay of the land. The Pride is very easy to get around. I had read that it was easy to navigate, and it absolutely was. My girlfriend loved the Atrium bar, and how you could see clear up to the top.

 

 

The indoor pool had it's roof closed (it stayed closed the entire trip). But, The Pride has 2 other outdoor pools, including one on the Serenity deck, and once we hit the 2nd Sea Day, those were in full use!

 

 

 

 

Is was an overcast day to start, but as we approached muster time, the clouds would break, the temps were in the 60's, and it set up a perfect first night! The muster drill lasted all of 15 minutes. I don't know why people complain. It's easy, simple, and painless. The only delay we had was due to people not showing up..Anyway, afterwards, we headed straight to our private balcony for our first of many happy hours out there! We had brought on some of our favorite snacks to enjoy!

 

 

 

Sandi enjoying the sunshine! And yes, those are margarita shaped towel clips :)

 

 

We loved the balcony, and having that private space was awesome. And as you can see, the skies cleared, and gave us a perfect sail-out...almost...

 

5pm came and went, and no sail-out...then 6pm...And we were still just sitting there. Sun was going down, so it was getting a little chilly...Not to worry, we have fleece lined slipper socks!

 

 

About 630, we started to move, and off we went! We were both so excited to be setting sail, I'm pretty sure we started jumping up and down and fist bumped at one point...lol

 

We had made reservations at David's the first night to celebrate our vacation, as well as Sandi's birthday! Booking the first night also means receiving a free bottle of wine. Neither one of us are wine connoisseurs, so a free bottle of Merlot went perfect with our steaks! We got a kick out of the mini burger they bring out when you first sit down.

 

 

The dinner was good. Sandi got the surf and turf, and I got the filet. We enjoyed the ambiance and took our time sipping our fancy bottle of wine. We sailed under the Bay Bridge while we were in there, which was cool to see!

 

 

 

Complimentary glasses of champagne to celebrate her bday!

 

After dinner, we explored more of the ship, and hit the casino. This would be a theme of the cruise! The first night didn't end well at the tables, but we would make up for that the next night!

 

Next up, Sea Day #1!

[todurkin]

15 minutes ago, ricew001 said:

I read "active people" as "attractive" and I thought wow, ok. But yes you are. LOL! Glad you enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more about it! Hubby and I have considered Baltimore as a port since we live in NC but haven't used it yet.

 

Hahahahahah!! I had to go back and double check. I was like, "Oh crap, did I really say that!?" Lol!

 

Baltimore Port was so easy. Getting through security was a breeze, and then we were sitting for about 20 minutes or so before they started to board our group.

[ShakyBeef]

Love the Pride and loving your review.  Thanks for sharing!  You are an adorable couple.

 

Is that by any chance Chesapeake Bay Farms Old Bay Cheddar Cheese you had on the balcony? I love that stuff!

 

 

[todurkin]

5 minutes ago, ShakyBeef said:

Love the Pride and loving your review.  Thanks for sharing!  You are an adorable couple.

 

Is that by any chance Chesapeake Bay Farms Old Bay Cheddar Cheese you had on the balcony? I love that stuff!

 

 

 

Thank you!!

 

It was actually Boar's Head 3 Pepper Colby Jack Cheese...It's fantastic (if you like spicy cheese)

Edited March 13, 2019 by todurkin
Wanted to reply fully to the message.

[ShakyBeef]

Just now, todurkin said:

 

It was actually Boar's Head 3 Pepper Colby Jack Cheese...It's fantastic (if you like spicy cheese)

 

Thanks!  That sounds like something my DH would love.  Sorry about the random question, it just looked so much like that yummy cheese that is not well-known, but I figured you're a Marylander, so it could have been something you brought from home.

 

I'm looking forward to the rest of your review and I'll try to keep my questions to a minimum.

[todurkin]

1 minute ago, ShakyBeef said:

 

Thanks!  That sounds like something my DH would love.  Sorry about the random question, it just looked so much like that yummy cheese that is not well-known, but I figured you're a Marylander, so it could have been something you brought from home.

 

I'm looking forward to the rest of your review and I'll try to keep my questions to a minimum.

 

No reason to apologize at all. Ask any question you want! We found that cheese in a wine store one night and tried it, and love it. So, we brought a block on the trip with us.

 

For the record, we love cheese, so the Chesapeake Farm cheese will be something we will check out, so thanks for the info!

 

[todurkin]

February 25th - Sea Day #1

 

We slept with the blinds open, and woke up to this view...

 

 

 

It was absolutely spectacular. We were so happy, so excited, and to open our eyes to that view on the first day was just an amazing way to start what was going to be an awesome trip.

 

 

We made our way to the gym to get a workout in. As I said, we are both active people, and we were sure we would work out during the seas days. Turns out, this would be the only workout on the cruise...lol...But hey, we took the steps every where, so that counts, right? lol!

 

 

Not a bad view during a workout. Beats my gym in Baltimore...

 

After the gym, we headed for breakfast on the Lido. Plenty of options, including an omelet station. I went with eggs, bacon, fruit and toast, while Sandi went with a omelet. We never had any issues, with any of the food we had. We are not food "snobs", and are pretty easy to please. They had plenty of options for any palate.

 

After breakfast, we went back to the room to shower. I enjoyed some quiet time on the balcony while Sandi showered.

 

 

Quick balcony opinion. I know some people don't think a balcony is worth it, and I completely understand that. Many spend more time out of the room, than in it. But for us, having that private space, where we can step out and see the ocean, and feel the breeze, and have those moments where it's just us, makes it all worth it...

 

Anyway, after we showered, we made our way to the Serenity Deck, and grabbed a clam chair. It was breezy, but we were comfortable. Plus, the view was spectacular!

 

 

 

We loved the serenity deck. We would spend the majority of all our sea days up there. There is a private pool and hot tub, as well as a bar located on the serenity deck...We relaxed up there for hours. We read, enjoyed lunch, took a nap...Was a great first day! 

 

We headed back to the room to enjoy HH on the balcony, and get ready for Elegant night #1...

[todurkin]

Now, I know Elegant Night is a hotly debated topic on these boards. Personally, we love to get dressed up when we have the opportunity. I'm on the soccer field every day, wearing UA gear, and my GF is a pilates instructor, wearing yoga pants most days...So, given the opportunity to put on a nice dress and a good suit, we def choose to do so! Now, that being said, if others view it differently, I have no issues with that. If someone wants to rock shorts and a t-shirt to dinner, that's their prerogative, and it won't affect me one bit. To each their own!

 

Anyway...First up, was happy hour on the balcony. We had ordered a bottle of Belvedere vodka for the room, and had brought on mixers with us. Yes, they bottle was expensive, and yes, they charge a delivery fee now. But, having the ability to mix a drink right there in the room, made it worth it. Plus, can't beat that view!

 

 

 

We thought the Bonsai sushi place was phenomenal! Yes, there is a charge, but it's $5 for a California roll, and $7 for a shrimp tempura roll. Each roll was 8 pieces. Quality HH sushi for 2, for under $15?!...Yup, totally worth it! We would enjoy the sushi three times on this cruise. If you wanted it to go, they simply boxed it up for you with everything you need, as you can see in the pic.

 

After HH, we showered and got ready to go.

 

 

We had my time dining, which we loved. Since we enjoyed our HH's, we normally ended up at dinner between 8-830. We were able to get a table for 2, with no wait, every night. We loved grabbing a drink at the bar, right outside the dining room, before dinner. Sandi snapped this photo without me knowing, and we both thought it was a cool shot...

 

 

The drink is a spicy chipotle pineapple martini. Three things I love: spicey + pineapple + vodka. I enjoyed a couple of these on the cruise. We didn't have any pics of food at dinner. I know a lot of people takes pics of their dinner, but when we sit for dinner, we tend to put the phone/cameras away, and just enjoy a nice dinner together. So, apologies for those who were hoping for some food porn!

 

After dinner, we took a walk around the ship. It was cool to see it lit up at night.

 

 

 

We ended the night in casino, and this time, did very well. We played 3-card poker. We both enjoy it cause it's a social game. I'm on vacation, and I don't want to have to think when I'm gambling, having fun. 3-card poker ends up being social, where you're talking to everyone at the table, cause no one is playing against anyone else, and nothing you do effects anyone else...Everyone is playing against the dealer, which leads to some great back and forth!

 

 

That was our haul for the night! It was one of those nights where the drinks were cold, and the cards were hot!!

 

We ended up in bed around 1230, ready to what Sea Day #2 would bring.

[CruisinMama2003]

Great review so far! Thanks for doing this 

[JaniceB]

Nice to see you were able to get the review started.  I am really enjoying your trip.  

[todurkin]

22 minutes ago, CruisinMama2003 said:

Great review so far! Thanks for doing this 

 

Thank you!

 

6 minutes ago, JaniceB said:

Nice to see you were able to get the review started.  I am really enjoying your trip.  

 

Thanks! Took me some trial and error to figure out the pics..

[adam3313]

great win on the 3-Card table!  enjoying the review!

[dmet0225]

6 hours ago, todurkin said:

The muster drill lasted all of 15 minutes. I don't know why people complain. It's easy, simple, and painless. The only delay we had was due to people not showing up.

 

Try going to a muster drill in the middle of summer out of Galveston, or some other warm-weather port.  Standing in the middle of thousands of your closest friends with ungodly humidity and not a hint of a breeze, well, there's your answer on the complaints about muster.

 

That said, I'm enjoying your report.

[fair-winds39]

Enjoying your review. We sail on the Pride in a couple of days. I laughed when you described working out. Hey steps matter, right lol. We really enjoy Bonsai Sushi too. This will be our 6th cruise on the Pride. Each time we see things we didn't see before.

[todurkin]

17 hours ago, adam3313 said:

great win on the 3-Card table!  enjoying the review!

 

Thanks! One of those nights...Hit trips, straight flush, and quads...Never have another night like it! haha

 

17 hours ago, dmet0225 said:

 

Try going to a muster drill in the middle of summer out of Galveston, or some other warm-weather port.  Standing in the middle of thousands of your closest friends with ungodly humidity and not a hint of a breeze, well, there's your answer on the complaints about muster.

 

That said, I'm enjoying your report.

 

Haha! Touche...Although, I have sailed out of Miami, Port Canaveral, and San Juan, so I get it. Being packed in like sardines in the heat isn't enjoyable for anyone...

 

15 hours ago, fair-winds39 said:

Enjoying your review. We sail on the Pride in a couple of days. I laughed when you described working out. Hey steps matter, right lol. We really enjoy Bonsai Sushi too. This will be our 6th cruise on the Pride. Each time we see things we didn't see before.

 

This was our first time on the Pride, and we loved it! Definitely will be sailing her again. And yea, on vacation, taking the steps is the equivalent of going to the gym! lol

[sparks1093]

Love the review! We've had a couple of great trips on Pride and look forward to sailing her again (preferably to Bermuda or the Eastern Carib itinerary). I spent a few years stationed at Pax River so I like the opportunity to re-visit Maryland.

[todurkin]

February 26th - Sea Day #2

 

We woke up to another gorgeous sky....

 

 

No gym or anything today, as we headed straight to the Serenity Deck. We were able to get a clam chair right away (got up there around 8am). There were some seats that had been reserved via towels and books, and it lead to a dust-up...

 

Quick recap of it...The clam chair next to us was reserved when we got up there at 8am. A couple came up around 915 and asked if we knew how long that chair had been reserved. We told them we hadn't seen anyone since we had been up there. They took the clam chair and relaxed. At around 1030, the 2 ladies who had reserved the clam chair came back, and threw a fit. Now, there is a sign, as you enter the Serenity deck, stating that chairs can only be held for 45 minutes, at which point, the chair is fair game. The two ladies didn't agree with that policy, and went off on the couple, as well as the Carnival employee, to the point security was called. They got quite nasty. My GF and I gave our info to security since we had been witness to the entire incident. Security actually came to our room later in the evening to get an official written statement. It was a little crazy, but didn't ruin our day...

 

Anyway, back to the day on the Serenity Deck. We were up there all day, not leaving till 330. The view was spectacular, and the bar service was on point. We went one at a time to get lunch and bring it back and ate it out there. Was a really awesome day as the weather was getting warmer and warmer! It was a little breezy, but was a warm breeze and felt great!

 

 

 

We walked the ship to stretch out our legs since we literally had been laying on our butts for almost 8 hours. But hey, it's vacation, right!? We headed back to our room,  for our usual HH on the balcony before heading to dinner.

 

 

 

Dinner in the dining room was top notch, as always. I'll give an overview of all food/activities at the end of my review. But, we thought the service was fantastic, and the food never disappointed. We took it easy this evening, wanting to be up early to enjoy sailing into Princess Cays tomorrow!

[todurkin]

February 27th - Princess Cays

 

Prior to the cruise, I did a lot of research, and read many negative reviews about Princess Cays. The main argument I read was people comparing it to Half Moon Cay, and how it's not as nice. I have been to Half Moon Cay, and it is one of the most beautiful beach I've been too...BUT, that was not going to stop me form enjoying Princess Cays and it's own unique beauty. The day did not disappoint!

 

We were awakened by breakfast being delivered. Nothing fancy, but a couple bagels, some fruit, and coffee for the lady. We sat on our balcony and enjoyed the sail-in!

 

 

 

As we turned the corner, the breeze changed, the waters calmed, and there she was, Princess Cays! We were so excited. We had enjoyed our two sea days, but we were looking forward to putting our toes in the water and ass in the sand! Since we had FTTF, we had priority tendering. We met in one of the lounges, and after about a 15 minute wait, off we went. The tender ride was about 10 minutes, and we were on the first one.

 

When we got there, we headed away from the crowd, and went over the bridge to the right. Now, the water isn't the turquoise blue you'd see if you went to the left with the crowd, but, it was still crystal clear. The bonus of going to the right is, the beach is empty! 

 

 

There were maybe 10 people on this side of the island. But, there is a bathroom, and a bar! 

 

 

We grabbed a coupe lounge chairs that were under a palm tree, and pulled them down closer to the water. It was hot, but not overbearing. We sat and relaxed!

 

 

After awhile, we went exploring, and continued to walk to the right away from the crowd. Yes, there are rocks in the water in certain places, but they are easy to see and avoid. It was just great to be away from the crowd the entire day. Found this little guy on our walk! He scurried back in when we turned it over to see if anyone was home. We gently placed him back on the beach, jealous of where he gets to spend his days.

 

 

Lunch was served, I believe starting at 11 (maybe 11:30), and went for two hours. Nothing fancy, but perfect beach food (hot dogs, hamburgers, jerk chicken, and several sides and salads and deserts). My suggestion is to go when it first opens, as the lines can get long. But, there are 4 stations, and they move relatively quick.

 

We loved spending out day at Princess Cays, and would happily go back if an itinerary took us there. It was quiet and beautiful, just what the Dr ordered!

 

 

 

We caught the tender back around 3 (final tender was 415 I believe). We didn't want to leave, but what an awesome day it was. We headed back to the ship, to enjoy HH on the balcony as we sailed away...

 

 

[todurkin]

Back on board, we enjoyed a perfect sunset for our HH...

 

 

 

We enjoyed just sitting on the balcony, toasting Princess Cays, thanking the island for giving us a wonderful day. I mentioned it before, but we loved having those moments, our moments, which is why we loved having the balcony.

 

We got ready for dinner, and walked the ship a bit...

 

 

.

 

See, we took the steps!! lol!

 

 

This pic of just Sandi is one of my favorites from the trip. loved that dress, which was a new one she bought for the trip...I am a lucky man :) :)

 

Dinner in the dining room was once again delicious. Afterwards we went and caught part of Dr. E.'s singing in the Atrium Bar. He had the place rolling with his singing and impressions.

 

 

That is him dressed as Whitney Houston from The Bodyguard, singing I Will Always Love You. Dr E. puts on a good show, and makes sure everyone is having a good time! Now I know why he's many peoples favorite cruise director.

 

After enjoying the laugh, we ended the night in the casino, per the norm. Not a great night, but not a bad one either. It was another night where we were in bed a little earlier than usual cause we wanted to be up early the next day to enjoy sailing into Nassau!