Review of Carnival Pride 5/20-27, 2012. Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay

[bigwicer86]

Please take this review with a great deal of salt, this was my first time cruising and I am now 100% sold (as in I am looking to book a second cruise in November already).

 

Embarkation

The Carnival Pride is currently based out of Baltimore and the embarking could not have gone any smoother. From the point I arrived to the terminal to the time I was on the ship was no more that 15 minutes flat. The greeters, baggage handlers, and all of the Carnival employes greeted me with a smile and a hardy welcome. This was accustom of what was to come for the entire length of my cruise.

 

First Impressions of the Pride

The Pride has a decor that can only be described as classical (in the ancient greece and roman sense). The atrium is filled with classical art and wall decor. You feel as if you are entering a museum when you get on board. There is ample seating on all of the decks. I think I fell asleep in random places aboard the ship at least 6 times.

 

All of the staff, EVERYONE, was so nice. I felt pampered from as soon as I got on board. I had the opportunity to talk to many different crew members and all genuinely liked being on-board and what they do for work. I was so impressed with their desire to make sure everyone had a good time.

 

Entertainment

There was so many things going on the ship that at times I felt overwhelmed. The lido deck was always hopping with competitions and music. The main theater had great shows every night including specific nights dedicated to jazz, Motown, and music from around the world. The production value was pretty high for a venue that was somewhere in the middle ocean. The dancers were amazing and the music had me tapping my toes all night long.

 

The comedy club was so popular that you have to make sure you get there early or else there was no room to even stand.

 

Overall, entertainment was an A+.

 

Cruise Director, Jaime Dee

 

For someone who was just 27 years old, Jaime and her staff sure did make everyone feel welcomed and important. Jaime and Jay, Gumby, Sara and Cousin Brucey all made sure we had a great time. I cannot compliment them enough. They all worked so hard, around the clock in fact, to make strong personal connections with their guests. I felt that the personalized service was heartfelt and meaningful. I watched their morning show and felt like they had a real drive to make sure we had fun.

 

Our visit to Freeport was canceled due to the possibility of a tropical cyclone interrupting our return to Baltimore. Some may have only apologized ever so briefly, but Jaime took to the intercom and explained to us sincerely how our safety was the Captain's number one priority and she would make it up to us with extra activities and the like. Well, she kept her word and from all account I had a great time with the bonus sea day.

 

Casino

I'll be the first to admit it, I spent way too much time (and money) in the Casino. I had great fun though and the dealers and casino managers, and pit bosses were exceptionally kind. I wish they had actual spanish 21 on board and from all account the slots were very tight, but overall the casino was jumping almost every night with fun and thrills.

 

Stateroom

I had an extended balcony on the upper deck and was very pleased with the arrangements with the exception of the tv. It was an older tube model and the color was not well calibrated. I hope in they future they upgrade to lcds or the like and move the tvs to a lower shelf to improve viewing angle's in bed and on the couch.

 

The balcony was nice. I heard from others that they have seen nicer balcony furniture and wished that the door to the balcony was a sliding door rather than opening out.

 

Food

Delicious. Our servers in the main dine rooming made sure we aways laughed and was entertained with dinner. The food was delicious. If you wanted two deserts with dinner, just ask. Something not on the menu, just ask. They were happy to serve you. The Lido deck had ample options as well and with the 24 hour pizza bar and BLTs for room service no one went dissatisfied.

 

Spa

Being a 26 year old guy on his first cruise and traveling solo, I decided to treat myself with a spa treatment on the first sea day. Emma from the Spa gave me a tip to toe massage (scalp, facial, neck, shoulders, back, and feet) for a very reasonable price. I liked it sooo much my muscles were twitching afterwards.

 

Half Moon Cay

What can I say about this private island that has not already been said? Simply beautiful. You never want to leave. I could see clear sand 10 feet down into the blue water. The sand was smooth as silk. I did not want to leave.

 

Grand Turk

Grand Turk was definitely the most commercial of the two ports (remember, we never got to Freeport), but the island was just as nice and the pool and swim-to bar at Margittaville was pleasant. There was ample shopping on the island and plenty of excursions to be had. I snorkeled and had the opportunity to pet a shark.

 

Other

Like I mentioned we missed Freeport because of bad weather conditions, but I wasn't displeased in the slightest. Shopping on board was cheap and ample. I bought myself a citizen ecodrive watch. :)

 

If there is one thing everyone must do is participate in the Chef's Table, a 14 person intimate meal with the executive Chef. The food was splendid, delicious, and delectable. You get to see the gallery, toast the meal over champagne and enjoy bottomless wine. 7 courses later and I think it was the best excursion the ship had! The menu has changed for this event as of 2 weeks ago and I will try to scan a copy of the new menu on Tuesday and post it. Delicious!!!!

 

 

 

Overall, Carnival and this cruise in particular taught me how to have fun again. They made me laugh and smile more than I have done in years. I am hooked for life.

 

Feel free to post any questions and I will respond in due time.

 

Joe

[reno3]

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise.

We cruised the Pride last month, the same itinerary and had a great time :D

[cruiserguy11]

GREAT review Joe. It's nice to read about someone who enjoyed all facets of cruising.

 

Welcome to world of cruising and all the fun it has to offer.

 

And by the way, the Pride used to be home ported here on the west coast. It was our favorite ship.

[cyndepet]

Joe - excellent review and I couldn't agree with you more. I think this was my 7th or 8th Carnival cruise, and Jaime has to be among the best cruise directors. I never really paid attention to the CD on past cruises, but she really stood out!

 

We did the steakhouse the first and last nights of the cruise, and service and food there were excellent.

 

I was not disappointed about missing Freeport, but I missed the Comedy Club the last few nights since they couldn't get comedians on the ship. I love the addition of the Comedy Clubs on the ships.

 

We're not big fans of the production shows, but we went to the first 2 and found them entertaining. Missed the jazz show.

 

We went to a couple of the trivia and other activities, but we mainly did a lot of hanging out on deck and relaxing/reading. Your Time Dining was perfect for us, and we never had a wait.

 

I'm so glad you had a great time - we did as well - and we're planning our next one for April 2013. Addicting, aren't they!

[NK1010]

We've been on the Pride once, but with a different itinerary...our next cruise we're doing the same one as you. Any pics of the ports?

 

We also did the Chef's Table, but it was months ago so I'd love to see the new menu.

 

Glad to hear you had a great time! Our first/only cruise was on the Pride and we loved it. Already booked again for next year!

[Aim2CruiseGirl]

If there is one thing everyone must do is participate in the Chef's Table, a 14 person intimate meal with the executive Chef. The food was splendid, delicious, and delectable. You get to see the gallery, toast the meal over champagne and enjoy bottomless wine. 7 courses later and I think it was the best excursion the ship had! The menu has changed for this event as of 2 weeks ago and I will try to scan a copy of the new menu on Tuesday and post it. Delicious!!!!

 

 

 

Overall, Carnival and this cruise in particular taught me how to have fun again. They made me laugh and smile more than I have done in years. I am hooked for life.

 

Feel free to post any questions and I will respond in due time.

 

Joe

Love, Love, LOVE the Pride! Sailed on her in 2009 with the family--great cruise! Glad you enjoyed it, too.

I love to cruise also but have never done the Chef's Table. How does that work? (Is it in the Fun Times or how do you book it?) How much did it cost?

Thanks for the info and taking time to post!

[tdk1938]

Glad you enjoy your first cruise, it's a great review BTW. I've never been to Freeport but we we're at HMC and Grand Turk this January. I'll be very upset if we missed HMC due to the bad weather. I love HMC and it's one of the most beautiful place on earth.

 

Two Dam Ships at HMC

[vivavegas]

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to write your review. Glad to hear you enjoyed your cruise and you're now hooked!:)

[RRFPresident]

"The Carnival Pride is currently based out of Baltimore and the embarking could not have gone any smoother. From the point I arrived to the terminal to the time I was on the ship was no more that 15 minutes flat."

 

What time did you arrive at the port? We're going on next Sunday's sailing but the last time I went on the Pride, it was delayed coming back to Baltimore and we ended up w/ a several hour wait. They did make the best of the wait by giving out bag lunches and providing entertainment. That was also the days when you had to hit the shore excursion desk instantly in hopes of getting a cabana so we probably went earlier than we needed to in the first place.

 

We live here in MD so it only means about a 40 min-1 hr drive. Thanks!

[bigwicer86]

Regarding Chef's Table: I will definitely upload the menu tomorrow, when I get to work. The dinner costs $75 and there is a line for gratuity as well. I booked it through John Heald's blog, but it did appear in the Fun Times. I heard it filled up within three hours of leaving port on embarkation day. It lasted 3.5 hours.

 

I live in Northern Virginia and I got to the terminal at noon. At that time people were already on the ship and eating lunch. I can tell you yesterday we got into port exactly at 9am and when I left the ship at 11am they were still getting off other passengers.

[kids1stcruise]

cant wait to hear more. my family of 4 was to go on the pride in 2009 but cancelled because my mom passed. now looking and ready to book the pride for july. heard so many great reviews about the pride and we can drive 3 1/2 hours instead of flying which is a savings. we just love to cruise and glad you had a good cruise also:D

[bigwicer86]

You can see my photos from the trip here, posting them feels like a pain.

 

[NK1010]

Loved the pictures!

[bluehenfan]

I'm getting ready for my 4th cruise on the Pride. I really love the fact it's only a little over 30 mins. from home, but more importantly I love the layout and size of this ship. Everyone is so friendly! I have often thought of doing a solo on the Pride -maybe next time. Your pictures were really great. So glad you had a wonderful time. Jamie was asst. CD on my last Pride cruise and her boyfriend Kirk was CD. I noticed Kirk will be back when we sail in Sept. and he and Jamie will both be on Pride for about a wk before she leaves for vacation. Wish I was sailing that wk because they work so well together and are a lot of fun. Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising and thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and pictures with us.

[tandemcruzr]

Joe -- Thanks for the review and the pics. It is addictive. We just finished our 10th Carnival cruise and have 3 more booked at this time. :D

[prettyblue2]

You can see my photos from the trip here, posting them feels like a pain.

 

 

Thanks for sharing your pics. I will be on the Pride in 20 days!!! This will be my 2nd time on the Pride and my first with the HMC and Grank Turk route.

[bigwicer86]

Here is the menu from our Chef's table. Delicious.

[suzinva]

Thanks for the review, we sail her in August and I can't wait :D