Carnival Pride Journeys Cruise

[xan51090]

My husband and I are looking at taking a Journeys cruise out of Baltimore in January 2021.  We like the Pride and this would be our 4th cruise on her.  Can anyone give me information on the differences in a Journeys cruise and a 7 day?  Obviously the length is a big one but what activities are offered, any dining differences, etc.?  We've done 8 day cruises and are looking at a 14 day one to celebrate our retirements.  Thank you in advance for your help

[Honolulu Blue]

From Carnival's site:  https://www.carnival.com/journeys.aspx?icid=CC_journeys-footer_3289

[xan51090]

Thank you.  I'd already read Carnival's description but was hoping to hear from others who had actually been on a Journeys cruise.

[jwkde]

we did the Pride Journey Cruise this past January and are also booked on the Jan 2021 Journey cruise.

 

The one thing was a 'throwback' Midnight Gala Buffett with the ice carvings one evening.  It was nice to see/enjoy

 

have you joined the facebook group for that cruise?

[xan51090]

Thank you jwkde.  That's what I was looking for.  I have not joined the Facebook group but will look in to it.

[PortSideCruzan]

Hi xan51090 ☺️

 

I wanted to drop you some Carnival Journeys info & descriptions that you may not have read yet. I hope this helps you.

 

 

The above info was located @:

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3936/~/carnival-journeys-cruises

 

 

 

🌴

 

[maryred]

I've sailed 2 Journey's cruises, one 14 day on the Pride to the Southern Caribbean with 8 ports and the other on the Vista 11 day Exotic Caribbean. Both were very enjoyable but there was a marked difference between how the 2 CD/ED teams handled things. Below is the description Carnival provides about Journey's cruise in the their FAQs. In red and purple I will give you my impression from both ships, green indicates that the experience was not attended by me or I did not notice it on either cruise possibly making it a new feature. 

 

 

CARNIVAL JOURNEYS CRUISES

Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special cruises that's made to amaze... starting with great destinations and an exciting entertainment lineup. For a list of sailings, click here.

Each Carnival Journeys voyage will include some special shipboard activities to provide a truly unique vacation experience. These activities fall under three categories:  

Academy of Fun | Shipboard Team Member Connections | Throwback Sea Day 

Academy of Fun
Who knew it would be fun to learn while on vacation? 

You will be invited to attend a series of five classes, featuring a guest lecturer who will talk about photography, cooking art, stargazing, and technology and social media. Complete a lecture and you will receive a relevant pin.

Pride: This was one of the first offered Journey's cruises. At that time there were 10 different topics for the Enrichment Classes offered. 2-3 each Fun Day at Sea and 1 every port day. We attended the one listed as astronomy, thinking it would just go over the basic constellations and when you could see them and types of telescopes to use. Nope it was a class on astro-navigation, and the lecturer was quite dry, but it was interesting to handle the tools used in years before electronic aided navigation wa a reality. Also the port day lectures were from locals to that port, bt since we had excursions or tor plans at each stop we didn't get to any of them, but passengers we knew said the cooking ones were amazing.

Vista: We didn't attend any but fewer classes were held. Perhaps because this was an inaugural USA departure cruise and there were many non-Journey's special events also scheduled.

Shipboard Team Member Connections
Here, Carnival Journeys participants can learn more about shipboard life held at different times throughout the voyage. 

Q&A Sessions
Love getting the 'inside scoop' about the shipboard cruise life from your favorite crew? This is your chance to ask our team members anything about anything and everything! Throughout the voyage there will be three Q&A sessions to cover various topics from the following departments - Maritime, Hotel Operations and Entertainment.

Pride: Instead of just the normal ask the CD questions about the ship for 90 minutes at the end of the cruise different departments on sea days had use of the comedy club to have questions answered but the department officers or lead crew.

Vista: Pretty much the same.

 

Galley Tour
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare meals for an entire cruise? Join our Maitre d’ for a fun, behind-the-scenes experience of our massive galley, including facts about food operations and minor cooking and prep demonstrations. A Carnival Journeys exclusive! 

Pride: Was done at least once every sea day for 2 tour groups usually between breakfast and lunch time. Closed toes shoes were required to be worn. Overall very interesting to see the galley and the crew prepping the food. Not as detailed as what you get on the Behind the Fun Tour but it was free.

Vista: Was not offered as often. perhaps because there were over 300 Diamond passengers on board and they had to accommodate them for their special chef's luncheon.

 

Crew Meet & Greet Event
Get to know your crew on a more personal level. Following introductions of a number of selected crew, there will be time for you to interact and mingle. 
DId not attend

50s Dance Class
Are you a dancing machine? Then swing down and get ready to bop, jive and boogie with our talented dancers in this easy and fun class for all levels! This activity is a crew connection with our onboard dancers. Once the dance is taught, the dance captain will select six guests who will receive two private dance classes with our performers to learn a simple one minute routine that you will perform in the ‘Back to the 50s’ show later on in the cruise.  
New, they did offer ballroom dance lessons on the Vista Journey's cruise

Glee Club
Love to burst into song? Join our talented cast in this fun singing class for all levels and you will be singing like a star in no time! This activity is a crew connection with our onboard vocalists and dance captain. There will three singing classes (Glee Club) where you will learn songs and movement that you will perform in the 'Back to the 50s' show later on in the cruise.

New, on the previous 2 cruises they did hold more karaoke sessions though.

Back to the ‘50s Crew Show
Swing into our one-of-a-kind show inspired by the Fabulous ‘50s and starring none other than your fellow guests and our crew as they rock, roll and sock-hop the night away!
New, on both previous Journey's cruises they did just a no theme crew talent show as a matinee on the last seaday.

The Crew Connections show is an interactive performance showcasing our singers and dancers and those guests that have been rehearsing all cruise long for the ‘big’ show. The show will also showcase some of the team members working on your ship.

New, on both previous Journey's cruises they did just a no theme crew talent show as a matinee on the last seaday and this sounds like an invitation to attend the rehersals

 

At the Hop Atrium Party
A continuation of the ‘Back to the 50s' show, it is themed around a 1950s Sock Hop. This party will include guest competitions and line dances.
New 

Throwback Sea Day
We are throwing ourselves back to 1987. Throwback Sea Day will turn the ship around to the wonderful decade of the 80s. All of our activities for the day will be recreated to resemble the way they were played in 1987 including a version of the old style ‘Carnival Capers’, the 1987 version of the Fun Times newsletter.

Dive In Movies and in-Stateroom Movies
Nothing better for an 80s-inspired Throwback Sea Day than some classic Action and Adventure flicks from circa 30 years ago. We have totally channeled that ‘Back to the Future’ vibe in addition to ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. The in-stateroom movie channels feature ‘E.T.' and the original ‘Ghostbusters’.

Pride: Exactly as described. 

Vista: Same

 

Trivia 80s Challenge
Are you an everything-eighties expert? Put your knowledge to the test and join the Fun Squad as they take you through exciting trivia challenges! From sitcoms to dramas and everything in between, try our 80s-themed TV trivia and see if your rerun marathon days have paid off! Test your cinematic savvy from the days of big hair, big shoulder pads and big movies in our exciting 80s throwback movie trivia challenge! Or try our general knowledge trivia consisting of questions that would have been asked in 1987.

Pride: All day long with little 20 minute breaks, done in the seating area of the coffee bar.

Vista: Here they used the Ocean Plaza as the venue, and had more like a 30-45 minute break between topics and also did several 80's name that tune games.

 

Morning Stretch and Walk-a-Mile
Working out has never been this fun! Join your Cruise Director and the Fun Squad for an exciting morning fitness class and start your day energized and invigorated!  Recreating a morning from 1987 with a traditional Morning Stretch and Walk-a-mile with the Cruise Director.
DId not attend

Morning Show
Wake up on the fun side with your Cruise Director and special guests! What a great way to be in the know about all the exciting activities and events of Throwback Sea Day!  The Cruise Director will take calls from guests who will reflect on their favorite part of the 80s.
DId not watch

80s Dance Class
From the Safety Dance to the Electric Slide, join our cast as they teach you the hottest dance moves from the 80s in this easy and fun class for all ages.
DId not attend

Bingo
Swap the new with the old traditional bingo cage and balls.
DId not attend

Horse Racing
A traditional activity enjoyed by our guests in the 80s  – six wooden horses lined up at the starting line of the track...with a roll of the dice, the horses move forward. First one to reach the finish line is the winner!

Pride: Held in the Atrium only 6 contestants picked. wasn't that much fun to watch if not involved.

Vista: Held in the Ocean Plaza, and the CD made it a more audience participation (having random ones picked to roll the dice for a ship's medal) as well as having 3 people teams for each horse.

 

Ping Pong Bathing Suit Challenge
Dive in and collects the most ping pong balls in your bathing suit in an allotted amount of time, is the winner!
DId not attend, but watched it on the ship's channel latter and the contestants looked hilarious trying to keep the ping pong balls in their swimsuit. Of course a lady with a 2 piece blouse style bathing suit won.

Frog Racing
One of the most exciting activities of the day. Purchase a frog for $5 USD, decorate him or her if  you choose and race them across the pool.  
New, but sounds like the rubber duckie race they did on the Vista.

Knobby Knees Competition
The guest with the most unique or knobbiest knees is the winner.
DId not attend

Glamorous Grandmothers Get-Together
Calling all glamorous, gleaming and graceful grandmas! Join our get-together to share photos and stories of what is surely one of your favorite topics–your gorgeous grandchildren!
DId not attend

Captain’s Cocktail Party
Join the ship’s senior officers in an unforgettable and fun night of dancing, food and drinks and get the unique opportunity to have your photo taken with the Captain!  Just like the Captain's Cocktail Party from the 80s, guests will be greeted at the entrance of the main lounge for a photo opportunity with the Captain, followed by music and dancing. Waiters will serve the traditional cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 1987, followed by the Cruise Director introducing the Captain and his senior officers.

Pride: Was done at the Atrium Bar area, with only free champagne (w/ coke & sprite as a non-alcoholic option) and a few pastry puff style and sweets on a self serve table. The senior staff in their Dress uniform was on hand with a few of the photographers, but they allowed personal photos as well.

Vista: Was done in the main theater prior to each night's main theater production. Senior staff was in tuxedo and dressy cut uniforms almost like those seen on Love Boat. The Captain had was in an area for professional pictures only. The (more varied) appetizers served by waiters or you could go to tables, yourself, and in addition to red and white wines rum punch and screwdrivers were also offered, for those that did not want alcohol fruit punch, and various sodas were offered

 

Variety Show
Get ready for some awesome entertainment! Hosted by your Cruise Director, join us for an amazing evening of fun and excitement that will surely be the talk of the ship tomorrow!

Pride: Was cute but definitely, other than Maitre'D Ken's singing, most of the acts were middle school quality. Was OK enough for one of of last days at sea as a matinee.

Vista: A bit more polished and a longer show. 

 

80’s Night at the Disco
This 80s party won't be the same without you, so time to channel your inner Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and hit the dance floor to show off those totally righteous moves!

Pride: Not as well attended as I thought it would be, but those that did attend made attempts to dress the part. The entertainers led several line dances and of course did the Thriller. Over all fun for a while, we only stayed about 90 minutes

Vista: Much larger turn out but not as many trying to dress for the 80's. was too crowed for our tastes so we left after 30  minutes.

 

Photo FunBooths
Relive the past to the max with fun 80s-themed backdrops and hilarious props in our outrageous Photo Fun Booths. Grab a prop and strike a totally bodacious pose!  
New

Midnight Gala Buffet
Similar to our Midnight Gala Buffet from the 80s, the buffet will feature ice and fruit sculptures as well as a large variety of food and snacks.

Pride: OMG, they went all out, held in the aft main dining room. Preview and picture were from 11 till 11:45pm, every plate and platter was a work of art done in edible food with intricate ice and large fruit sculptures around the area. Then room was then cleared (they let use use the servers escalators to the balcony area) to clear the theater ropes and set up plates. About 12:15 the area opened for passengers to eat these creations.

Vista: Pretty much the same, we had expected it to be larger (since this ship was double the occupancy) than what the Pride offered but it was about the same. 

 

 

I hope you find this helpful. Bon Voyage.

[xan51090]

PortSideCruzan and maryred - Thank you both so much!  Exactly what I was looking for!