Sir Cruise-a-Lot

Great, Thanks for all the responses.

We now carry 70 points with Gold status. Our next cruise will earn us 7 points placing us at Platinum status. My question is will we be Gold or Platinum when we board?

We sailed on the Glory two weeks before the dry-dock and they had begun dismantling the water side that week. I had heard that Carnival was planning to reimburse passengers for the inconvenience caused by the work and not having a working slide. We never got a conformation from Carnival about this but today our credit card statement came and there was a credit of $378 from Carnival. We are older cruisers and don’t use the slides but this was a nice gesture from Carnival.

Nice surprise and thanks Carnival. Did anyone else receive a credit?

Are you saying the Feb. 11th cruise, the cruise when the construction started will get a credit to their bill? That would be my wife and I. Hope so.

We two just came off this cruise but we being in our 60's we didn't have a problem with this at all. In fact this was one of the very best cruises we have taken. It was out 16th cruise and we cruise on both Carnival and RCI. The shows where top notch and there was always something going on on the ship. Our servers both room and rest. was fantastic as well. We also did the check in at the airport and that was great.

I do agree Carnival should have reported this construction to guest and offered on board credits for the inconvenience or option to change cruises.

We just came off the Glory last Sat. and yes this work was going on. For us in our 60's this wasn't a problem but I do see how it could effect the younger cruiser. As a side note this was the best cruise we have taken and this was out 16th. We cruise on both RCI and Carnival. It just seamed everything was a step up from our passed experiences. I'm thinking it takes a little longer than two weeks to complete the new water works features and this is why the early start to the work.

We just came off the Glory (fantastic cruise) and by checking in at the airport we were allowed to bypass the check in lines and go straight to the security scanning. From there straight on the ship. Ten minutes off the bus and on the ship. Great program.

We use two carry-on and one suitcase. Nice and easy.

Truban? I have an appointment for our cat there today.

Edinburg Va. is our home town. 1,000 strong

In Baltimore, security took my wine out of the socks that we had them in to protect them and probably spent 30 seconds or more examining each bottle. I don't know what they were looking for but I had to assume that they were looking to make sure that the seals were intact and that the contents had not been replaced with something flammable.

Like gasoline :eek: ... or scotch :D.

 

hb5

Did the same with our wine last week, also on the Pride.

The Pride 2/28/16 Proud to be Pride

About us. I’m 66, my wife is 60, and this was our 15th cruise. We cruise on Carnival and RCI. This was our 4th cruise on the Pride. We stayed in room 4211. The room is located above the dining room and after 9:30 is very a very quiet location on the ship. There is talk of a vibration at the end of the ship and that is still there but our room was far enough forward we didn’t feel it at all.

First Day

We drove from our home in the Shenandoah Valley of Va. And that take about 2.5 hours with a pit stop on the way. We arrived at the terminal around 11:30. Checked our bag, paid the parking fee, and in to the terminal. Apparently everyone else came about the same time too but the lines moved smoothly and security and check in went well. By 1 we were on the ship heading to our room. It wasn’t ready but the steward Randy (great job Randy) let us put our carry-on bag and camera in the room.

Now we headed to the Lido deck for lunch and decided to check out Guy’s. To our surprise there was no line at all. We walked up, ordered our burgers, got our toppings and drinks and found a table. The burgers are as advertised if not better. A great start to our cruise. The rest of the day we explored the ship so see what was new. With the temps being close to 60 it made for a great day exploring the outside of the ship. This being our 4th cruise on the Pride but the first after the 2.0 upgrades we found the ship to be in fantastic shape. The crew apparently takes great pride in the Pride. The Muster drill was around 4 and went smoothly for our zone but the people on the port side of the ship was held in place for some reason. Maybe to help clear the hallway? Don’t know. We set sail shortly after 4:30 and started down the bay.

That evening we eat at Dave’s and this was our first time eating there. What a wonderful experience. Fantastic service and food. The waiter even asked if either of us was left handed to set out our place setting for a more comfortable experience. Wow so cool. We got our free bottle of wine and along with the two we bought on board with us we had everything going right. After Dave’s we did a long walk to settle our dinner and back to the room to relax and go to bed. It had been a long day.

First sea day.

We started the day at the Blue Iguana Barito Bar for a breakfast Barito. Wasn’t sure how we would like it but it was actually very good. Not sure I would want them often but a nice option. Lunch was at the deli, always a winner on a Carnival ship. That evening after dinner we went to the Red Frog Pup (old Starry Nights Club) and enjoyed the School of Groove. Great band and it was Motown night so great music. This was also Elegant night so it was fun to see everyone dressed up for the evening.

Second Sea Day

We started with breakfast in the dining room and that is an option everyone should try. A nice way to start the day. Basically the second sea day is a little slow so we spent time people watching and reading. Lunch from the buffet along with ice-cream, yum.

Cape Canaveral

We started with room service and an early start to Disney Studios. Disney was a great excursion. Lots of fun things to see and do. Back to the ship around 5:30 so we skipped the dining room and headed for the buffet after getting a cleaned up a bit.

Nassau

We decided to not do an excursion here and just check things out at the port. To be honest Nassau’s port needs some work. Once you could find lots of shops in the port building but now only very few. We had info that going to Diamond’s International we could get free wifi but neither phone would connect. I’m thinking it was a come on just to get customers in the store. We spent the rest of the day on board on our balcony. Nice, warm, and enjoyable with drink in hand.

Freeport

Here we did the Town and Brewery tour. We actually did this tour one other time and it was just as much fun this time as last. Our bus driver, Tiny was great and kept us laughing the whole time. Lots of beer included at the brewery and everyone was feeling no pain on the way back to the ship. In Free Port there were three ships in that day, Bahama Celebration (old Carnival ship), the Carnival Fascination, and the Pride. In dry dock was a Celebrity ship. Lots of folks don’t care for Free Port but if you go take the Town and Brewery tour. Also remember this is a working port town with a large container operation there that is neat to see in operation. We sail early from Free Port, 1:30 to start back to Baltimore and the ship puts the hammer down for this part of the trip. That evening we went to the comedy club for the PG show. The guy that did the show, Russ Nagle was great.

Last sea day

We slept in and went to the dining room for breakfast one last time. I went to the Q&A while my wife went to the gem. The Q&A is always fun and you learn a lot about life on a cruise ship. After that Guys Burgers one last time. Watched a new game being played in the Atrium called Botchy Ball. Not sure if I spelled that right. It was the first time they tried it on this ship. After that we went back to the room to chill before getting ready for dinner. The ocean was a little rough that day and people had some problems getting around. A lady had fallen in the dining room lobby and the medical people were attending to her. She looked unconscious and we never did her any more about here. Hope she was alright.

Last day

Up at 7, went for breakfast, and went to the theater to wait for our debarkation time. We did the self-assist program and we were called shortly after 10 and were in our truck on the way back home by 11. We pack light, one large bag and one carry-on bag. The self-assist program works great at Baltimore.

Now a few observations.

The ship is in great shape. With the new 2.0 upgrades and the general maintenance she really looks good.

Service may have been the best we have ever had. All the employees would great you in the hallways and wish you a nice day or evening. Our room steward and table waiters were on top of everything. We like a bucket of ice in our room and only had to call one time to get it refilled. They were there as soon as we hung up the phone.

American Table

No problems here at all. A tablecloth doesn’t make the meal. Having a pitcher of water and a basket of bread on the table actually make the dining enjoyment better. Need bread? You don’t have to wait for a server, same with a fill up of water. They do have the full service on elegant nights. Liking the American Table better! As for the menu we always found something fun and different to try. Food was always good and the Flatiron steak is a must try.

Guys Burgers

I love barbecuing at home and for me a good burger is hard to beat. Guys met my expiations the three times I had one. As he says Off the Hook.

Music

Only entertainment in the Atrium and Red Frog Pup. No longer do they have a show band (bummer). Cut backs need to stop. Just a DJ at the pool.

Thanks for reading.

Sir Cruise-a-Lot

Sunday on the Pride, Yea :)

What about the Pride? Sails from Baltimore to Cape Canaveral. What am I missing?

Great information, thanks to all for your response.

We sail on the 28th. If I attend one of those Q&A sessions I will ask. FYI, fourth cruise on the Pride. Great Ship.

Is the Pride and other ships restricted in speed (knots) in the bay? Also does the pilot take the ship to Norfolk or just out of the harbor in Baltimore? With two bridges and a bridge/tunnel to navigate I was wondering.

We sail on the 28th. It will be our forth time on the Pride. The next two plus weeks will go slow.

Thanks for posting.

Is it that I have been missing them or has Carnival cut back on TV advertisement? All I seem to see are RCI and Norwegian with an occasional Holland America.

I find getting a drink and finding a seat where I can watch all the crazy people on their cruise is some of the best entertainment on board. Lots of fun. How about you?

When we last sailed the Pride we had a flat screen TV but it wasn't much different in size than the old tub set. I guess the 16-9 ratio was the only real difference.

What dates are considered spring break dates. We have the Pride scheduled for Feb 28 next year. Hoping that is ahead of the spring break crazies.

Being a country boy I have always felt the tipping policy of the cruise lines to be high. But having said that we do tip the recommended amount grudgingly. Think of it this way, you go to restaurant and pay 8 dollars for a meal. Your 15% tip would be $1.20. You go to another restaurant and pay $16 for a meal with the same level of service. Why do you pay them $2.40? $24 dollars a day where I come from is a bunch of money and a 7 day cruise it comes to $168. Wow, someone is getting off really good. Maybe being from a rural area we learn to value our money a little better than others because we don’t make as much as those in a more urban area would make. Also being retired and on a reduced income should tipping be the reason I stop cruising? Cruise prices have come down a great deal in the twenty some years I have been cruising but tipping??? Again why so high.

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Yes most of what you show was typical but we didn’t do evening dining in the Wind Jammer so I’m not sure what was offered. As I said the food wasn’t bad but we have had much better on Carnival and earlier RCI cruises.