Pride 6 day review with pictures - 5/17-5/23

[sheri18]

great review..am considering this for july.....

[firefly4423]

great. Thanks for sharing! I loved reading.

[vacruizer]

VAcruizer,

A quick question....did you remove/or adjust the tips at the beginning of the cruise?

Great review....I'll be on the 8 day at the end of August. Can't wait!

 

Nope - absolutely not. I've always left them in place and then given extra to anyone I felt gave us great service.

[happy cruzin]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. The Pride was our first cruise and will always have a special place in our hearts ;).

We love the Spirit Class - by far our favorite. She looks to be a beautiful as when we sailed her in 2002!! I am glad that you enjoyed her too :D.

[vacruizer]

Tuesday morning dawned even darker and stormier than Monday. By this point the ship was doing a really fun almost diagonal elliptical motion instead of rocking back and forth or forward to back. It was much warmer as we headed south, though. We had another mostly lazy day, napping, watching the waves crash, went to a few trivia games and the marriage show. By afternoon the winds were so high that you could see the spray flying off the top of the waves – I did see one 62 knot wind gust on the navigation channel but they were consistently above 40 knots all day. All outdoor decks above deck 9 as well as the outdoor areas of deck 3 were closed. Our balcony all the way up on deck 8 was completely soaked from the spray. This is what it looked like from inside on deck 2.

The past guest reception was held at 5pm, followed by a show with Marcus Anthony doing Motown and Soul in the Taj Mahal. This was the night that late seating went to their show at 7pm prior to dinner. If you’ve never had a chance to see Marcus Anthony before – this would be the one show I would say not to miss. We were lucky enough to see him on the Glory in January and I was so excited to get another chance to hear him sing. He has worked with some pretty big names in the past and Carnival is truly lucky to have him. Every show is different and he takes a few requests at the end of each show. The last time we saw him both DH and I agreed we should have requested “Ain’t no Sunshine.” We got him to do it this time and it gave me chills it was so good. An absolutely amazing show.

I noticed all day Tuesday that the ship felt almost empty. The past guest party was very sparsely attended. It was while waiting for the party I first started to hear people talking about not feeling so good and noticed that many folks had those patches on behind their ears.

I almost deleted this picture I tried to take of the show band during the reception, until I realized that the long shutter speed my camera was using showed the motion of the ship from all the lights on the curtain in the background. And those circles are just what it felt like! I was a roller coaster junkie in my youth so I actually like that falling sensation and neither of us were affected at all by the seas. I was actually hoping the waves would get bigger! I did check the sailwx website when we got home, the Pride only reported once but on Tuesday the report was 16 foot seas and a 46 knot wind at that point.

Dinner was another great meal, but again, service not so hot. The dining room was about half empty that night, we were starting to wonder if maybe people were being affected by the rough seas more than we thought. I was so looking forward to my favorite Tiramisu dessert, though! Our tablemates hadn’t sailed Carnival in a few years and mentioned to us that they really thought the waiters had too many tables and this wasn’t the service they were used to. They actually did not come back to the dining room the last three nights. Oh, well. I wasn’t cooking so it was all good! I waitressed in a formal hotel dining room during my college days so I can be very forgiving most of the time when it comes to service, especially if I notice that the waiter is just busy or the kitchen backed up.

The deck party was tonight after dinner – we decided to just wander the ship and do some reading instead. I think we are getting old!

Here are a few more pictures from around the ship...

 

 

[trock]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. The Pride was our first cruise and will always have a special place in our hearts ;).

 

We love the Spirit Class - by far our favorite. She looks to be a beautiful as when we sailed her in 2002!! I am glad that you enjoyed her too :D.

 

Wonder it the OP found the art offensive? lol

[vacruizer]

We got up just in time Wednesday morning to watch the ship sail into Nassau. The sun was finally out and the seas calm. We joke that we always see at least one rainbow on each cruise – ours this time was sailing into Nassau.

 

 

Nassau ranks as my least favorite port of any we’ve been to and we were just there in January of this year. We talked about getting off the ship and wandering around but decided to just enjoy the empty ship instead. It was really nice having the pool area to ourselves and we were nap in the shade, read, and soak in the hot tub with almost no one around.

 

 

One of my favorite things to do on cruises is take pictures of all the other ships – I’m fascinated by all the activity of a port. Not long after we docked a tall ship flying the Spanish flag came in and docked with a lot of ceremony – all hands on deck and a military band playing. I looked up this ship when we got home and it is the ship the Spanish military uses as a training ship for their marine academy cadets. It’s a beautiful ship and I’d love to see her under sail.

 

 

 

We were also in port with the Carnival Fantasy, NCL Sky, and Monarch of the Seas.

 

 

 

We spent another lazy afternoon reading and napping. Right around 5pm the phone in our cabin rang. My first thought was panic that something had happened back home. My DH answered and it was Jaime the ACD wanting to find out if he was attending the cartoon trivia that afternoon and if he’d gotten his ship on a stick yet. I’m still not sure exactly how they found us since I hadn’t posted my name or cabin number on John’s blog, but we were really surprised! My DH declined the offer of a ship on a stick unless he won it himself but thanked Jaime for checking up on him. Later that evening, he actually won cartoon trivia only to discover that the elusive ship on a stick was not being awarded that night and he only got a medal! The look on his face was priceless – wish I had a picture. He looked like a little kid who’d had his candy taken away!

 

After dinner we saw the Vroom! Show – typical Carnival production show. It was fairly good, not my favorite of Carnival’s shows but still entertaining.

[vacruizer]

Wonder it the OP found the art offensive? lol

 

LOL - not in the slightest. It's art. There are various reproductions of many famous works of art around the ship including a full statue of Michelangelo's David in the supper club. The halls where the cabins are also have line drawings of various nudes. It's was all perfectly tasteful and really one of Carnival's more subdued ships decor wise.

 

The human body only becomes a big deal if we make it that way.

[MarylandLady]

Hey vacruiser!!!! Fantastic review and terrific pictures!!!! Keep it coming, girl!!!

[vacruizer]

We woke up Thursday morning to more storms just as we were pulling into Freeport. We had considered a few excursions but couldn’t really find one we liked. It worked out for the best in the end, most all of the water and beach excursions were cancelled due to weather. Lazy became the theme of our cruise this time which was just what we needed. We ventured down the shops at the end of the pier for a while and we were pleasantly surprised after our experience in Nassau a few months ago at how pleasant and friendly all the shopkeepers were.

 

 

 

We went back to the ship a little while later and spent most of the day lounging on the balcony watching the busy container port. It was really fascinating to watch the tugs working to get the container ships in and out of a very narrow channel.

 

 

There was also an old cruise liner that appeared to be abandoned with the name Casino Royale on it. I did some research on this one, too and discovered it had been through many lines but was originally a Greek ship built in the early 70s and was also part of the Sea Escape line in the early nineties. It never made it as a casino ship and not sure who owns it now or what will happen to it but it was a pretty old ship. I collect cruise ship and ocean liner art and memorabilia so it was neat to see an old ship like that.

 

 

We left Freeport and 2pm headed north. While the skies were sunny finally, the seas were rolling again. I thought the motion Thursday was even more noticeable than what we had on the way down. It was also elegant night – walking the ship in heels was going to get interesting later!

 

There was a general knowledge trivia session later in the afternoon and, at last, my DH got his ship on a stick! Jaime had left a message later the previous night to see if we had won cartoon trivia so we were finally able to catch up with her that night and let her know as she seemed very concerned that we didn’t have one yet! I had no idea when I posted a simple question to John’s blog that it would end up being such a big deal – I kind of feel bad for all the trouble it caused Jaime! I know I said it earlier, but Jaime does a great job both on stage and interacting with the passengers. She will be leaving the Pride soon and going to the Freedom briefly before being the ACD for the initial Dream launch. Hopefully some of you guys will be lucky enough to sail with her!

 

After dinner we went to see the comedian Marvin Todd, he was pretty funny so we also stayed for his R-rated show later. We found out later that there had been a scheduling mistake and we were actually supposed to have seen the other production show on elegant night, but it worked out for the best as CD Kirk told us later that they would have had to cancel the show due to the high seas so that the dancers would be safe.

 

Prior to the cruise I realized that the Holiday had been rerouted due to the swine flu and would be in port with us in Freeport. I was looking forward to taking pictures of her before she is retired but when I saw her out there she just kept sailing. Another member posted last night that they could not dock due to the winds. So this will probably be the only picture I'll ever get to take of her...

 

[Jeffy294]

Loving the review. I noticed in the Freeport picks you could see the drydocks, I think those are the drydocks Carnival uses for all of its east coast drydocks/refurbs. Keep the info coming. :D

[RAVI360]

wow....beautiful pictures..keep the review coming

[poptart]

I'm really enjoying your review. We also loved the Pride when we sailed her.

 

I love the way you enjoyed your cruise in spite of the nasty weather...luck of the draw... sorry!

 

My dh and I are fortunate that the motion of the ocean doesn't affect us either so sometimes it is fun to enjoy a nearly empty ship...but I do feel sorry for the ones who are sick.

 

LOVE LOVE LOVE all your pictures of other ships too.

 

Thanks for taking the time to do an awesome review.

[Chacooe]

Really no ballroom type dancing anywhere that I saw. There was a band in the Butterflies lounge that did more 60s/70s type music with a male/female duo of singers. They weren't bad - the just reminded me of a 70s lounge lizard hotel act. Complete with sequined outfits. :eek:

 

Other entertainment was ok - not the best I've seen onboard but not the worst. I think since they eliminated the classical and jazz groups the live music was a bit bland - for instance on one night there were three different piano players at various parts of the ship and two guitarists all doing very similar stuff.

 

One pianist Don was a pleasure - he did an afternoon Gershwin concert in the Raphael lounge that I thouroughly enjoyed. I was the youngest person there by about 30 years - LOL - but I was a music major in college and thought it was great.

 

The showband and reggae duo were also both very good. The showband also did a sailaway concert the day we left Freeport. I did happen to wander by the supper club while we were in Nassau to catch the pianist from the showband practicing classical music up there - he is absolutely incredible. I kind of hid behind a column so I wouldn't interupt since he was obviously practicing only - but would have LOVED to see him do a feature concert of some classical. He was really good.

 

For menu most everything I had was good until the last night - will get to that in a while. The Lido food was actually really good on the Pride. I highly recomment the Asian station - best Asian food I've had in a long time and went there almost every day for lunch. I noticed many of the ship's officers and higher level crew that are allowed to eat up there also going to the Asian spot for lunch. Also, the Caribbean day lunch and the Taste of Nations counter was very good. Other favorites are the Roast Beef and Brie and chocolate cake from room service, and my DH loves the Warm Chocolate Melting cake in the main dining room. My favorite dessert is their Tiramisu - i think I could eat three of them and just skip dinner! :D

 

I don't think that there is any kind of ballroom dancing on any cruise ships except for maybe the Cunard line that hires men and women hosts so no one has to be without a dance partner. I have even noticed that the radio stations are no longer playing the music of the 40's and 50's which is ashame because that is quite a large age group in our country. It seems like everything now is catered around the 70's and 80's music. I wish that they would take one lounge on all ships and just play the music of the 40's and 50's, or even have one room for music like the 40's and 50's, 60's and 70's and then the final one could be for the 80's to present.

 

Sorry, I knd of got off topic a little.

[nickhull]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. We are sailing on the pride later this year. I see that you got an extended balcony. What was your cabin number if you don't mind me asking. Did you take any photos inside the cabin? We are also getting an extended balcony on deck 8.

 

Thanks

[lives to cruise]

Great pics and a terrific review! Thanks so much for taking your time to post. :)

 

I would love to know what camera you are using. Your pictures are really great and clear.

 

Thanks again for a wonderful review!

[Weeziblu]

Thanks so much for posting such a detailed review!

We're only a few weeks out from our very first sailing on the Pride so I'm loving all of the pics, too! I sure hope the seas are more calm for us than they were for you, though... that has me a little nervous, LOL.

[Windy56]

I don't think that there is any kind of ballroom dancing on any cruise ships except for maybe the Cunard line that hires men and women hosts so no one has to be without a dance partner. I have even noticed that the radio stations are no longer playing the music of the 40's and 50's which is ashame because that is quite a large age group in our country. It seems like everything now is catered around the 70's and 80's music. I wish that they would take one lounge on all ships and just play the music of the 40's and 50's, or even have one room for music like the 40's and 50's, 60's and 70's and then the final one could be for the 80's to present.

 

Sorry, I knd of got off topic a little.

 

Actually we had a lot of fun ballroom dancing on the Celebrity Constellation this past Christmas/New Years and before that on the Caribbean Princess. But, I do agree with you. It is in danger of being phased out. Odd, given the popularity of shows like Dancing With the Stars, as well as the boom in dance studios across North America.

 

Oh vellllll, vat can you doooo?

[vacruizer]

I don't think that there is any kind of ballroom dancing on any cruise ships except for maybe the Cunard line that hires men and women hosts so no one has to be without a dance partner. I have even noticed that the radio stations are no longer playing the music of the 40's and 50's which is ashame because that is quite a large age group in our country. It seems like everything now is catered around the 70's and 80's music. I wish that they would take one lounge on all ships and just play the music of the 40's and 50's, or even have one room for music like the 40's and 50's, 60's and 70's and then the final one could be for the 80's to present.

 

Sorry, I knd of got off topic a little.

 

I agree with you. People of all age groups sail Carnival and I think they could add a little more from that era. You will usually only hear the 40s/50s stuff from the show band on the Captain's night or at the past guest party. I guess because I came from a musical family and studied music I am the odd one - I love it all. I will listen to everything from classical, to big band, to Motown, to country, to 70s/80s pop, to hip-hop. I miss not having classical and jazz onboard - Carnival phased out their classical and jazz trios recently.

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. We are sailing on the pride later this year. I see that you got an extended balcony. What was your cabin number if you don't mind me asking. Did you take any photos inside the cabin? We are also getting an extended balcony on deck 8.

 

Thanks

 

We were in 8157 - got it through luck of the draw with a guarantee. About the closest I have to a cabin picture are these that I took of the towel animals. I was a little surprised we ended up with this cabin as it is one those that holds four people with the pull out sofa and bunk above. But it was set up just like any other balcony we've had - you could see in the ceiling where the upper bunk came down and there was a ladder for it under the bed.

 

 

 

We were really spoiled by the extended balcony. It was noticeably larger and much more comfortable to lounge on. We had three chairs out there so I was able to put one in front of me to prop my feet on and relax or read. The regular balconies I've been on there has barely been room to walk in front of the chairs as they are very narrow.

 

I know some will argue with me, but I do think the Spirit class balcony rooms are just a hair larger than on the Conquest class. Not by much, just a bit. There seems to be a tiny bit more floor space and room on either side of the bed, and the showers are a little larger as well. Both Spirit class ships I've sailed I've been able to shave still in the shower, all the Conquest class and the Victory I've had to stand outside the shower to prop my leg on the wall to do it.:confused: Just personal opinion - I know the official line is that they are all 185 square feet no matter which ship.

[vacruizer]

Great pics and a terrific review! Thanks so much for taking your time to post. :)

 

I would love to know what camera you are using. Your pictures are really great and clear.

 

Thanks again for a wonderful review!

 

It's an Olympus Stylus 840. I've been pretty happy with it, easy to use, you can set it to automatic settings or custom do them for high speed, night, sun, etc. and it also does a good job with video as well. I had looked into purchasing a separate video camera but this one served my needs fine since I'm rarely taking video longer than a few seconds or minutes at a time.

[shellann]

Dinner was excellent again with very good lobster and shrimp. But our waiter seemed to be pretty tied up with his other tables and mostly ignored our table of four. At first I thought it was just that the other tables were very high maintenance, but as the cruise progressed we noticed how much time he was spending laughing and joking with them only to throw our plates on the table and immediately walk away. When the maitre’d visited the table that night we had to ask him for water refills (we'd been empty since our appetizers) and if we could clear our dinner plates that we had been done with for quite some time. I’m not sure why our waiters mostly ignored us all week but it sadly only went downhill from there.

 

Not to dwell on the negative -again, our cruise was excellent in every other way, but now I have to ask, who was your waiter? This is exactly what happened to us. No water, no rolls, no attention. Even when we asked for water, he told us he was too busy! The assistant waiter was not be seen for long streches of time and maybe the head waiter was just annoyed with being asked to do those kinds of things. But not even in cheapo land restaurants have we actually been denied water when we asked for it! I guess the real rub was that they did have time for the song and dance numbers but I would really have prefered to have had better dining service than watch them dance.

 

Again, this was THE only complaint we had with an otherwise perfect cruise. But I was wondering if we just happened to have the same waiter team and maybe the rest of the dining room had Carnival's normally wonderful service.

[shellann]

LOL - not in the slightest. It's art. There are various reproductions of many famous works of art around the ship including a full statue of Michelangelo's David in the supper club. The halls where the cabins are also have line drawings of various nudes. It's was all perfectly tasteful and really one of Carnival's more subdued ships decor wise.

 

The human body only becomes a big deal if we make it that way.

 

Totally agree! I was nervous before boarding when I read how some found the artwork a bit much and some even found it offensive but it was all very natural. Nice "normal" women nudes -not the artificial stuff we've been accustomed to seeing coming out of Hollywood. Nothing was porny feeling or erotic at all. Okay, maybe "David" was pleasing to the eyes. LOL!

 

Of our five Carnival ships, this was was my hands-down favourite decor.

[livestocruisetoo]

FYI...http://www.baltimoresail.org

 

Slim pickin's for Tall Ships in Baltimore this summer, though it is quality. :D

 

June 4-8Esmeralda - 371’

Chilean Navy tall ship training vessel Inner Harbor, West Wall

June 16-18Gazela - 177’

tall ship from PhiladelphiaInner Harbor, West Wall

June 20-30Cisne Branco - 249’ Brazilian Navy tall ship training vessel

 

 

We have toured the Esmeralda and she is a BIG boat!

 

I feel the same way about the crème brûlée that you do about the tiramisu but they go even better after an entre or two. :eek:

[manmtnmike]

Tuesday morning dawned even darker and stormier than Monday. By this point the ship was doing a really fun almost diagonal elliptical motion instead of rocking back and forth or forward to back. It was much warmer as we headed south, though. We had another mostly lazy day, napping, watching the waves crash, went to a few trivia games and the marriage show. By afternoon the winds were so high that you could see the spray flying off the top of the waves – I did see one 62 knot wind gust on the navigation channel but they were consistently above 40 knots all day. All outdoor decks above deck 9 as well as the outdoor areas of deck 3 were closed. Our balcony all the way up on deck 8 was completely soaked from the spray. This is what it looked like from inside on deck 2.

 

 

Hi Vacruizer,

 

Great report!!! Thanks for the pics....

I'll need them, seeing we lost our camera:(!

 

BTW...Staying on deck 1, we felt like we stepped on the set of

"Most Dangerous Catch"...

Along with the 60 knot winds, The waves were breaking ABOVE our ocean view window. From the ship/water level, it had to be 30 feet high.

 

Evidently, CD Kirk and Asst. CD Jamie are an item...so it was implied during the Q and A session:D

 

Keep it up!

 

Mike

[vacruizer]

Hi Vacruizer,

 

Great report!!! Thanks for the pics....

I'll need them, seeing we lost our camera:(!

 

BTW...Staying on deck 1, we felt like we stepped on the set of

"Most Dangerous Catch"...

Along with the 60 knot winds, The waves were breaking ABOVE our ocean view window. From the ship/water level, it had to be 30 feet high.

 

Evidently, CD Kirk and Asst. CD Jamie are an item...so it was implied during the Q and A session:D

 

Keep it up!

 

Mike

 

So sorry about your camera! I was wondering what those waves looked like from down there!

 

We were at the Q and A session, too, I wondered how much longer they were going to try and hide it!