Pride 05/30/04 sailing review by an occasional dumb blonde

[wwakla]

Silly Blonde

Punch balls on the balcony. Where do you people come up with this stuff?

 

 9/26/04 Pride Cruise our first cruise

 

[kajsb]

Pictures of our first two days at sea and PV.

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/151589192cKILNL

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/151598147qRgJEC

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

[kajsb]

For those of you lucky dogs sailing out on the Pride this Sunday, I am trying to finish up my long review today.

 

Day 7- Final day at sea

 

The day began with the weather being cold and foggy. This is not the way I wanted the cruise to end. Actually, I didn’t want the cruise to end.

 

I went to the TM to play bingo and listen to the debarkation talk. Debarkation has changed since my cruise last year on the Ecstasy. Passengers with disabilities were allowed to leave the ship first. What a shock to learn this no longer was the rule. The first passengers to leave are those with flights out of LAX before 1 pm or those that booked a scheduled coastal tour. Hmmm- the light bulb came on. When my mother flies to California on 06/28 for our cruise, I think I will plan her return flight home before 1 pm so that we can get off the ship early. But, we can always change her flight to a later one so she can spend the day with the grandkids. A senior citizen ticket can be changed at any time without incurring an additional charge. I love the ship, but when the cruise is over, I’m ready to leave.

 

It was time to start packing and how depressing it was. I just wanted to continue to sail on the Pride. I sat on the sofa for a bit. The ship was really rockin and a rollin and I made the mistake of staring out at the balcony. I could see the rail around the balcony go way above the horizon, then way below the horizon. If you want to get seasick, this is a good way to start. The sight for a bit mesmerized me until I started feeling queasy. I snapped out of it and decided to take a ginger pill. Between stopping the staring at the balcony and the ginger pill, I was never sick. Note: if you are on blood thinner medications, the ginger pill can affect how thick or thin your blood is. My doctor advised me to only take a ½ capsule.

 

In the afternoon, I had planned on going to the show where I knew Greg would be performing and showing off his legs. While I knew a lot (actually too much) of the outcome based on prior reviews and that it would still be funny, I would have preferred not to know the outcome on the shows so it could have all be a surprise. This is just MHO. BUT, all of a sudden, the sun came out! It was like taking a pep pill, an upper or ??? We had the sun again on our last day. So, I’m sorry Greg, but the sun won out over your show and legs. We ordered room service for lunch and just enjoyed the sun. We had the wonderful sun for a good part of the afternoon.

 

Dinner tonight started out somber. Former President Reagan passed away today. Before dinner was served, we observed a moment of silence.

 

I went to the TM in the evening to play super bingo. Greg came by to chat with me and wish me luck. But, as usual, I didn't win anything. After bingo, I went to the casino for the first time this cruise. When I lost $40 in the shots in the first 1/2 hour, I decided to cut my losses and leave. I've never had much luck in a casino. A lot of fun, but no luck.

 

Tomorrow morning they are making us leave. Barry and I had discussions about the aft cabin. In the end, we decided we would never be really happy NOT having an aft balcony with a wraparound balcony again. While we lost a lot of sleep, the benefits of the cabin and the wonderful balcony were worth it. IMHO I do think that Carnival should provide some type of disclaimer so that passengers are warned that you may have a lot of noise and vibration even in calm waters. What we would try next time is one not on main deck- (4) but higher up. I think our first choice would deck 7. I’m going on the Ecstasy in just 2 ½ weeks. We will have a balcony, but not an aft one. They are not available on the Ecstasy. I’m happy to be going on another cruise, but I’m sad that I don’t have an aft, wraparound. Our cabin on the Pride was first class all the way.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

[kajsb]

Debarkation and back to reality

 

Last night I really felt like I was again on an airplane in heavy turbulence. It seems that once we get north of Cabo, the sea changes dramatically.

 

We started the approach into Long Beach just after 6 am. It was our usual June gloom weather that all of us from So Cal know and love (just kidding). We slowly got ready and made our way up to Mermaid’s Grille for our last meal and to wait for them to call our color of luggage tags. Of course, we had a wait. I ran into Rocky and Gail from the Pride Prowlers and Rocky was just as impatient as Barry was to get off the ship.

 

Finally, about 10:15 am our color was called. We made our way to immigration and were directed to shorter lines on the right. These lines are set up as handicapped accessible. So, this helped to speed up the process. Before we knew it, we were out of the terminal and in the car on the way home. Since I live locally, we were home before 11:30 am. It was sad that the cruise ended, but my puppy was sure happy to see her mama. http://community.webshots.com/s/image13/7/22/57/142872257JtmvpK_ph.jpg

 

I’m looking forward to many more cruises.

 

Thanks to everyone on cruise critic who gave out so much advice and information that added to the enjoyment of our trip. I only help I can return the favor to future new cruisers.

 

I still have more pictures to load but they should be done today or tomorrow.

 

Adios and hasta la vista, until my next cruise in 17 days.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

[marklodi]

Absolutely fantastic job, Kathy!!! Thank you so much for doing this. The pictures are great as well.

 

I'm so glad you had a great time and enjoyed yourself so much. I have a feeling those on the ship enjoyed having you there as well!

 

Mark ºoº

 

 

5/9/04 Pride Cruise - 1st Cruise!

Click here for links to The Review

 

Visit our Webshots Gallery

 

[HeartsontheMove]

Kathy,

 

Great review! Made us homesick for the Pride (again). Happy sailing to you ( & Mom) in a couple of weeks.

 

Pukka (& Noodles)

 

 

 

Pride 5/30/04

 

 

Nordic Prince 4/89

Imagination 1/98

Galaxy 6/99 (Married aboard ship)

Regal Princess 9/02

Pride 5/04 (5th Anniversary of our "Trip"

 

[tinydancer21]

Oh my gosh! I am TOO exited to go on the Pride! Time is crawling by! Do you think you saw the entire ship while you were on it? I have only been on the Imagination and it was in 1997, I hardly remember it. I heard the Pride is so much bigger!

 

9/04 Pride Second Anniversary, First Honeymoon!

 

[kajsb]

Tinydance 21, I probably did not see the entire ship; it is huge. But, I did see most of it. I waited until the last night to make it up to the 10th deck (walking track, David's, etc. It was evening and very, very windy. Some areas were blocked off for safety reasons due to the wind and it was very dark. Don't procrastinate. See this deck early on and in the daylight.

 

I know you will love the ship and you will have a wonderful cruise.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

 

 

 

[SoccerMom#3]

Kathy,

 

Thanks so much for your detailed review. I appreciate it so much since we will be sailing on the Pride in a month. It is just so helpful to have the tidbits and info that everyone shares.

 

I had to laugh tho when you wrote about finding your medicine in your suitcase. That is just like something I would do!

 

Again, thanks so much!

 

Elise

 

7/11 Pride Cruise

[kajsb]

Pictures from Mazatlan:

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/151741590xuiHpC

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

 

 

 

[hockeymom]

Thanks so much! So glad you got it finished today. I have read and re-read everything. Can't decide if I should print out your review, or be surprised on mine. My daughter and I will probably just play it by ear. This is the first cruise that I do not have any shore excursions planned ahead of time. Talk to you when I return!

 

Judy

 

Carnival Pride - Mexico

 

Celebrity/Mercury - Alaska Aug 2000

Celebrity/Century back to back Caribbean Aug 2001

Celebrity Century Western Caribbean Feb 2002

Rented a villa in Jamaica Aug 2002

Norwegian Star Hawaii July 2003

Norwegian Sea Bermuda July 2003

 

 

 

[kajsb]

Okay, I think I've added the last of the pictures. What a tedious job! All pictures can be viewed here:

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/kajsb

 

I also wanted to pass on the items that I would now never forget to pack on a cruise. I got these tips all from cruise critic:

 

Downey wrinkle release

 

Blank VCR tapes- I would take 2 next time. I taped some of the shows that were played over and over again on the cabin tv.

 

roll-on ice chest with my own sodas and water

Surge protector

Night light

Extra hangers

Spray bottles

Quarters

Dollar bills (I took $50 and it wasn't enough)

Duct tape

Highlighters

Collapsible cooler

Energizer lithium batteries (AA) for my digital camera. I only had to change batteries once during the cruise. With regular batteries, I had to change them every day.

 

I found I used everyone of these items and I was so happy that I had packed them. I would not have thought of most of them if it wasn't for all the tips passed on by cruise critic. Thanks once again.

 

In my long reviews, I forgot to pass on a tips for those cruisers traveling with disabilities. First, go to QM early check-in- it will make embarkation so much easier. Be sure to find the line to wait in for those requiring special assistance. You will be allowed to board early and before the massive crowds hit. If you have difficulty standing for any length of time, ask Carnival for a wheelchair. You don't want to exhaust yourself just waiting in line.

 

Not all of the restrooms on the ship are handicapped accessible. So, if you use a wheelchair or a walker, you may have to search out an accessible restroom. I found the ones on deck 3 by the internet cafe worked best for me. The doors were always open, but if they were closed they did have the buttom to automatically open the door. They also had the large stall that you could get in with whatever assistive device you were using. The restrooms by the TM or the dining room were not so convenient.

 

There are a lot of bumps along the walkways when you are going from area to area. If you have a tendency to trip or have balance problems or ???, watch these areas.

 

When watching a show in the TM, they will not allow you to keep your wheelchair or walker in the aisle. The dancers often come through the aisles. Get there early to get a good seat and have someone store your device at the back of the theater.

 

At dinner, my waiter was very helpful and took my walker to an out of the way place once I was seated. He would bring it back to me when we were ready to leave. This was it did not get in everyone's way, especially the waiters carrying those large trays of food.

 

Double check that you have your medications. I learned the hard and expensive way. Be sure to write down each medication and the exact dosage and keep it in a safe place.

 

Well, I guess I'm finally done. I hope everyone going on a cruise on the Pride or any other ship has a fantastic and memorible time. I know I love cruising. Now I just need to save money so I can book another cruise with an aft wraparound balcony. For me, this is the only way to travel.

 

I hope I meet up with many of you one day on a cruise.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

 

 

 

[robfkline]

Kathy I love your report so far PLEASE keep rambleing I am on the pride for my honeymoon on 10/3/2004 first time on Pride 4th cruise for myself first for my wife to be Diana

[kajsb]

robfkline, ask away with any questions you might have on the Pride. I'll do my best to answer the questions. But, I know if I can't there were always be someone else here on the board with the answer. That's what so great about this board.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

 

 

 

[kajsb]

just bumping up for future pride cruisers.

 

Kathy

 

Cruise with Mom- Early 80th birthday celebration!!

 

 

Since our 5/30/04 sailing on the Pride in aft cabin 4228!

 

 

Ecstasy 05/26/03

Ecstasy 09/13/02

 

 

 

[CruisnMom007]

kathy I noticed you didn't mention children on board. We are going out on 8/29/04 taking our 12 yr old son and 15 yr old daughter. They loved the Ecstasy!!!! (only one problem came up onboard) Were there lots of families on the Pride?

 

Great job on your review. The ice chest is a great idea!! I didn't know they allowed that!

On the Ecstasy they confiscated our liquor at embarkation!!!!! But they didn't find the ones packed in socks in our luggage!!! lol

 

I am taking classes right now to become a travel agent in my spare time...I want to specialize in cruises! These revies help a lot.

 

We had a horrible incident on Ecstasy with the mistreatment from a cook at the grill with our then 10 yr old son..observed by many guests and it horrified my poor child!! Our Son was so kind and patient and ended up being verbally attacked by a cook who obviously didn't want to be working!!!!

So Carnival is really making up for it and hopefully we find nothing but happy workers on board PRIDE!! We finally convinced our son to go on this one and that it won't be like last time. This will be our 3rd CC.

 

Who is this Greg you mention?? I would like our kids to meet the Captain and get a picture. Is that ever possible??

 

Thanks Kathy!

Oats4@aol.com

Cruisnmom007

[kajsb]

Cruisnmom007,

 

There were families on board, but you often didn't notice the kids. But at dinner it was wonderful to watch them all get up and dance with the wait staff.

 

There will be a Captain's cocktail party and you can take the kids. Everyone get a chance to meet the Captain and shake his hand. I'm sure you can get a picture.

 

Each time I've taken the ice chest, I checked it with my other luggage. I just got off the Ecstasy last Friday and I checked an ice chest here too. I think the problem might be when you try to carry it on.

 

Greg Kneale is the cruise director and he is fantastic. Hi Greg in case you are still reading items from the board. ;) I knew he was great while on the cruise, but after the cruise on the Ecstasy, I really realized how great he was. The cruise director on the Ecstasy was a flop in comparison to Greg. Tell him that Kathy said hello if you run into him on the ship. :D

[CruisnMom007]

Thanks Kathy! I will say hello to him for you!

 

Our only cruising experiences have been on the Holiday and Ecstasy. We had fun on those but we went to see the Pride a few weeks ago and WOW is she big!! First time with a balcony too, and we have one of the balconys that are very large...room 6232. So we are all ready!

 

Any additional tips you have..pass em on!

 

My kids have been looking at your pictures and love them! Nice job

[kajsb]

You will love the Pride and your kids will have a great time. I looked where your cabin is located and that is a cabin that we did consider before we booked the aft cabin. The added space on the balcony will be wonderful. I look forward to hearing about your experience on the Pride.

[sdscreenwriter]

Hi Kathy!

 

Great review on the Pride and great pictures. We have 9 cabins for a family and friends cruise in October on Pride. I have a few questions if you get a chance to answer:

 

1. What is a good meeting place on the first day? You mentioned the Venus Lounge. I can't find that on my deck plan, where is it? Would the Piano Bar be a good place? We will have about 25 of us, plus any Cruise Critic folks that we meet on the boards.

 

2. About what time is the muster drill?

 

3. Do you know if people HAVE to leave when their color is called? On the Explorer of the Seas, we just lounged by the pool for all of the color calls until they finally said "Everyone else get off the ship!". I ended up being the LAST person off the ship (really delaying that part about having to go back to the real world). Is it the same on Carnival?

 

Thanks again for all your help!

 

Brian

[kajsb]

Hi Brian!

 

 

Oh how I wish I were sailing again on the Pride. ;) I know you and your family will have a wonderful time.

 

The Venus lounge is on the Lido deck midship between the two pools. Here is the link to the map of that deck- http://www.carnival.com/Deck_Plan.aspx?shipCode=PR&deckCode=9

 

 

It’s actually called the “Bar Venus”. When looking at this map, we met at the area on the upper left of the bar. I hope this description makes sense. The bar on this side was not yet opened, so we had the whole area to ourselves including bar stools or the tables there on the deck. For those who wanted a drink, you just needed to walk around the corner and there was an open bar. While we were meeting there, a ship photographer came by and offered to take our group picture. This might be great for your family.

As I recall, the muster drill was about 4:00 pm. Our group met after the muster drill was finished.

 

I think you can leave anytime that you would like as soon as your color is called. I don’t recall anyone every coming through to make sure that everyone from a certain color has started to disembark. Some of us might have to be taken off the ship screaming and kicking because we do not want to leave!

 

 

Let me know if you have any more questions. I just love talking about the cruise (actually any cruise). :D :D :D I have a extremely detailed review written by Marklodi. He so kindly sent me a word doc of his review. It’s a true travel log. If you would like a copy, just send me an E-mail at kajsb@aol.com. Please indicate cruise critic or pride or ? in the subject so I know it is not spam.

[sdscreenwriter]

I think we actually corresponded in another thread on the Pride. I will be in cabin 7298, three decks directly above your cabin. I still use YOUR photo of the back of the ship to show people where their cabins are (we have 4 in a row aft balconies on deck 7)!

I will let you know for future reference what the noise and vibration is like up on deck 7.

Thanks again for the help, can't wait until we sail!

Brian

[kajsb]

I look forward to seeing your pics and review with cabin 7298. I will have that cabin on the Spirit but I have to wait until Januay 2006. :(

[jeffschaid]

Hello, We will be sailing on the Pride Oct.3rd. You mentioned something about "early check-in". Does that allow for boarding prior to 1:30?

 

Regards,

Jeff

[kajsb]

We did the preboarding at the QM and we were on the ship by 12:35.