Chris and Cassandra's Quickie on the Pride

[Anung Un Rama]

In summary, we had a great 2 days! We love the Pride and the port is so close that this was impossible to pass up.

I was surprised to see how quickly this cruise sold out and it consisted of virtually all locals (within a few states). The parking lot was full by 2 pm with so many people driving and I'm assuming they used the overflow for the rest.

Everyone we talked to agreed that they wished Carnival offered more of these cruise to nowheres out of Baltimore. I really hope Carnival sees how popular they are and can accommodate (though I know it'd take a while logistically).

The crew was great, especailly the entertainment staff. I'm sure it was nice for them to get a few days off. I never saw Kirk (CD)once. Now we don't go to many 'sponsered' events like the sail away party or shows so that's part of it but still.

The food was good as always (I could've eaten myself sick on those ribs).

It certainly seemed that a lot of people came for the gambling (casino always crowded) and duty free liquor.

The decor is always going to get mixed reviews but I'm amazed how some people can be so turned off by it.

Certain areas of the ship are starting to show her age and I'm wondering how much will change/get updated when she goes into dry dock in 2014. We won't be back on her until after the 2.0 upgrades so it'll be interesting to see.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and we'll try to answer the best that we can. Thanks for taking time to relive our quick weekend getaway and Cass will have more to add tonight.

[michelle1836]

So this will be one of my few gripes about this cruise. As I mentioned earlier, we each got a free drink coupon that could only be used in the MDR for breakfast or lunch on a sea day. Now you couldn't even order a Bloody Mary at breakfast, (not that I would, just saying) you had to order a Carnival Classic or another from their frozen selections (you could also get a soda). Obviously everyone wanted to take advantage of this and seeing as we had only one meal to use this, the lunch at the MDR was not the normal. We rarely do lunch in the MDR but I have NEVER seen it so crowded. There was about a 10 minute wait to get in (no big deal), and we were seated with a few other strangers (another reason we rarely eat lunch there). So we sat down and promptly ordered our drinks and our food. The food was served relatively quickly and was pretty good (we both just had a burger).

 

The MDR does not have a bar. The waiters have to go out to other bars and have the drinks made. I have no idea why this is but it has never really been an issue when ordering a drink at dinner. However, with about 90% of the ship ordering drinks at lunch, the service for them was painfully slow. We got our drinks about halfway through our main course and I saw others get their drinks during dessert. Now on a normal 7 day cruise on the Pride with 3 sea days, this would've been broken up much better. They really need to rethink this whole thing on these short cruises and let people redeem those coupons at dinner.

 

So that was one of the few negatives and I don't imagine it will be an issue on most cruises. We were already told that for the 2 day on the Breeze (no sea day) we can redeem the coupons at dinner. And beware of those Mai Tai's :o

 

 

I totally agree about the drink coupons. I actually wanted a Bloody Mary. couldnt get one. however Im sure it is cheaper to make than a LI ice tea! I got some sort of citrus drink that I just left on the table somewhere

[JaniceB]

Cute little girl, tick tick.

 

My DH loves craps, he would have had fun since it seemed like there were a lot of people around the craps table. I haven't told him how much fun he would have had.

 

I got to meet Sam, too. He was very young looking.

 

I would love to go on the Pride again after her 2.0 upgrades.

 

Sounds like you guys had a great time as always and you get to board another ship this month, lucky you.

[nickhull]

We were told that we could only get a virgin 'ice' drink with our coupons. I asked to see a manu and then found I could get a Mojito and Kathleen had something that was really close to a sex on the beach. Both had generous amounts of booze in them. I would have thought that both drinks would cost more to make than a bloody mary or a normal pina collada.

 

It was interesting how busy the MDR was for YTD. I've never seen it that busy before, but my guess is that there were fewer first-time cruisers on this cruise so the majority knew what dining to ask for.

 

The lack of noobies is probably why the piano bar was filled for both nights. I'm used to a slower start-up at the beginning of the week, eventually finishing with a packed house. Plus when the shows are normally on, the bar is usually dead, but Sam had a great crowd virtually the whole time.

 

We saw CD Kirk one time when he was getting coffee. Kathleen wanted a photo with him and he was very firendly and chatted for a few minutes.

 

I would love to know how well the cruise did financially. We didn't spend a fortune on board, but the casino was packed. I'd love to go for another weekend - I never thought that cruising in the North in November would be so good.

[laumicmah]

I heard that something happened during the family comedy show. Was anyone there who might be able to us what happened? I heard it was a heckler but that's about it.

We were there. The 2nd comedian was doing his routine when a young...I'll call him a rapper...came in and walked right on stage and asked for the mike. The comedian backed away and was like 'umm...no brother, this is my show'...not exactly what he said but something along those lines. The rapper proceeded to 'rap' if you want to call it that and dance (sort of)...it was more mumbling than rapping...couldn't understand what he was saying and he seemed very out of it. The comedian asked for security and joked around. The entertainment guy (with British accent...from New Zealand I think he said) who introduced the comedians came up and ushered the rapper off stage. All 3 guys (the rapper, comedian and the entertainment guy were African American). The comedian then used it as material and made fun of the rapper guy and others of the rapper element and Baltimorians which then prompted 2 other guys (who may have been friends with the rapper...not sure) in the audience to start yelling F-bombs and N-words at the comedian...not happy that he was making jokes about rapper/Baltimorians. The comedian then calmly told them they had no respect for families with kids and that if they were loving parents they would never even think to behave that way. The audience cheered loudly and security removed the belligerent folks who kept cussing and yelling. The comedian handled it perfectly and then had lots of funny material for the rest of the show. We were with our kids and they were a little freaked out when it happened. The comedian was a little freaked out too.

[Room Service!]

We were there. The 2nd comedian was doing his routine when a young...I'll call him a rapper...came in and walked right on stage and asked for the mike. The comedian backed away and was like 'umm...no brother, this is my show'...not exactly what he said but something along those lines. The rapper proceeded to 'rap' if you want to call it that and dance (sort of)...it was more mumbling than rapping...couldn't understand what he was saying and he seemed very out of it. The comedian asked for security and joked around. The entertainment guy (with British accent...from New Zealand I think he said) who introduced the comedians came up and ushered the rapper off stage. All 3 guys (the rapper, comedian and the entertainment guy were African American). The comedian then used it as material and made fun of the rapper guy and others of the rapper element and Baltimorians which then prompted 2 other guys (who may have been friends with the rapper...not sure) in the audience to start yelling F-bombs and N-words at the comedian...not happy that he was making jokes about rapper/Baltimorians. The comedian then calmly told them they had no respect for families with kids and that if they were loving parents they would never even think to behave that way. The audience cheered loudly and security removed the belligerent folks who kept cussing and yelling. The comedian handled it perfectly and then had lots of funny material for the rest of the show. We were with our kids and they were a little freaked out when it happened. The comedian was a little freaked out too.

 

Thanks for filling us in on what happened at the comedy show. There were a few references to it, but no real info. There's always 1, ... or 2, ... or in this case, 3.

[ardnassac79]

Cute little girl, tick tick.

 

My DH loves craps, he would have had fun since it seemed like there were a lot of people around the craps table. I haven't told him how much fun he would have had.

 

I got to meet Sam, too. He was very young looking.

 

I would love to go on the Pride again after her 2.0 upgrades.

 

Sounds like you guys had a great time as always and you get to board another ship this month, lucky you.

 

I was surprised the Craps table was as packed as it was as well. The 2nd night there was a guy there that had one too many adult bevvies and kept proposing to any chick that was next to him and rolling well.. LOL :rolleyes:

 

We were told that we could only get a virgin 'ice' drink with our coupons. I asked to see a manu and then found I could get a Mojito and Kathleen had something that was really close to a sex on the beach. Both had generous amounts of booze in them. I would have thought that both drinks would cost more to make than a bloody mary or a normal pina collada.

 

It was interesting how busy the MDR was for YTD. I've never seen it that busy before, but my guess is that there were fewer first-time cruisers on this cruise so the majority knew what dining to ask for.

 

The lack of noobies is probably why the piano bar was filled for both nights. I'm used to a slower start-up at the beginning of the week, eventually finishing with a packed house. Plus when the shows are normally on, the bar is usually dead, but Sam had a great crowd virtually the whole time.

 

We saw CD Kirk one time when he was getting coffee. Kathleen wanted a photo with him and he was very firendly and chatted for a few minutes.

 

I would love to know how well the cruise did financially. We didn't spend a fortune on board, but the casino was packed. I'd love to go for another weekend - I never thought that cruising in the North in November would be so good.

 

I ended up just using my drink coupon on a virgin smoothie - I think I was still working off the booze from the previous night around that time :o

[ardnassac79]

I totally agree about the drink coupons. I actually wanted a Bloody Mary. couldnt get one. however Im sure it is cheaper to make than a LI ice tea! I got some sort of citrus drink that I just left on the table somewhere

 

Mary Jo (CC name emjay) told us the same thing - she wanted a Bloody Mary as well.. I have a feeling the true meaning of the coupon is for an alcoholic drink of some kind up to a certain dollar value, but the way they have it worded on the coupon, the staff is following it word for word... :rolleyes:

 

We were there. The 2nd comedian was doing his routine when a young...I'll call him a rapper...came in and walked right on stage and asked for the mike. The comedian backed away and was like 'umm...no brother, this is my show'...not exactly what he said but something along those lines. The rapper proceeded to 'rap' if you want to call it that and dance (sort of)...it was more mumbling than rapping...couldn't understand what he was saying and he seemed very out of it. The comedian asked for security and joked around. The entertainment guy (with British accent...from New Zealand I think he said) who introduced the comedians came up and ushered the rapper off stage. All 3 guys (the rapper, comedian and the entertainment guy were African American). The comedian then used it as material and made fun of the rapper guy and others of the rapper element and Baltimorians which then prompted 2 other guys (who may have been friends with the rapper...not sure) in the audience to start yelling F-bombs and N-words at the comedian...not happy that he was making jokes about rapper/Baltimorians. The comedian then calmly told them they had no respect for families with kids and that if they were loving parents they would never even think to behave that way. The audience cheered loudly and security removed the belligerent folks who kept cussing and yelling. The comedian handled it perfectly and then had lots of funny material for the rest of the show. We were with our kids and they were a little freaked out when it happened. The comedian was a little freaked out too.

 

WOW. I'm actually glad I missed that - AWKWARD! It's a shame some people just don't know how to act. :eek:

[ardnassac79]

Well there isn't much more to say that Chris didn't already get to.

 

I know the food reviews can be mixed for Carnival in general, and we already saw some bad reviews for this sailing as well, but I don't have many complaints. I don't like the scrambled eggs at the buffet, but I take care of that by getting in line for an omlette.

 

I also agree that some portions are smaller than I would like (like the amount of shrimp that comes with the lobster dish) but I also get around that by asking for extra shrimp. Carnival is always accomodating with that!

 

Our room stewards Emerson and Ketut was great and remembered our names - we never had to ask for ice or any other kind of service - he was on top of it.

 

I was also plesantly surprised with having a cabin on Deck 1. Previously the lowest floor we have been on was 5, and being on the lowest deck this time I could barely tell the ship was moving. I will say I would never get a room on this class of ship on Deck 1 Aft close to the disco. We took the Aft elevators from Lido to Deck 1 on the first night around 1 am and disco was just pumping out the loud music filling the hallway with it. I can only imagine the people in the rooms next to it were wishing they had industrial strength earplugs.

 

Overall we had a great weekend getaway (a lot funner than a Bed and Breakfast!) and I'd love to take advantage of another one if it ever comes up.

 

I'll leave you with the Fun Times for Day 2.

 

[glituner32]

WOW, can't believe I missed this. I am local also and haven't been on the boards in a couple weeks.

 

Great review,

 

May I ask what were the cabin prices for this 2 day cruise???

 

Thanks

Stan

[retiredgram]

Chris & Cass, thanks for taking the time to write this review.

Awaiting your next cruise review..Enjoy

[ardnassac79]

WOW, can't believe I missed this. I am local also and haven't been on the boards in a couple weeks.

 

Great review,

 

May I ask what were the cabin prices for this 2 day cruise???

 

Thanks

Stan

 

Yep it was courtesy of having to cancel the normal 7-day due to Sandy.. glad we follow John Heald on FB because that's how we caught it.

 

I know the Player's Club was releasing some cabins at great prices to their players (that probably spend more $$ than us at the casino) but we booked the regular rates for an Ocean View at $129 pp... with taxes and gratuities it was $397 total for the both of us. We also asked about the rates for balconies which were $179 pp, but just went with the OV.

[Keith Esposito]

Chris and Cass....Thanks for the shout out. I can't wait to surprise Samantha on Christmas with another cruise(Jan 27/Pride)

[LOVECRUISING100%]

Thanks for posting, Your so lucky to live so close to a port to be able to do a 2 day cruise .. Happy Cruising !!

[Steve8]

We went back to the room so I could change and get some money for the casino. We ran into Cindy who we had met at the meet and greet and she said we should come over to the craps table with her and Steve. Craps is very intimidating to the newbie so we politely passed and went to play some Let it Ride. After a couple hours we were both down and getting ready to head to the Piano Bar when Steve and Cindy came over to join us. Sam was still not feeling well and was trying to get the crowd to do most of the singing. We ended up sitting next to Nick and Kathleen and I was chatting with them while Cass was becoming way too close with Cindy (I'm not allowed to post about most of what they talked about that night :o). Sam shut it down shortly after midnight and we were not remotely tired so we followed Steve back to the craps table where he showed me the ropes.

 

 

Chris you picked up craps really quick and even won a few bucks. Sounds like I need to talk to Cass about those conversations because Cindy is keeping pretty quiet.

[Steve8]

The 2nd night there was a guy there that had one too many adult bevvies and kept proposing to any chick that was next to him and rolling well.. LOL :rolleyes:

 

That's why Chris didn't want you to roll, he was worried what may happen if you had a good roll. At least the dealers did warn us to go to the other side to stay as far away from him as possible. He was entertaining in a weird kinda way.

[ardnassac79]

Chris you picked up craps really quick and even won a few bucks. Sounds like I need to talk to Cass about those conversations because Cindy is keeping pretty quiet.

 

Oh we were harmless - all in good fun :p;)

 

 

That's why Chris didn't want you to roll, he was worried what may happen if you had a good roll. At least the dealers did warn us to go to the other side to stay as far away from him as possible. He was entertaining in a weird kinda way.

 

In retrospect he was good comedic value from a distance... kinda like a cartoon character LOL

[cruisenk]

You gave a very accurate review of what happened at the family friendly comedy. We were also there with our two kids. Interesting to say the least! I liked the second comic (JR ?) and think he used the interruption to his advantage.

 

We were there. The 2nd comedian was doing his routine when a young...I'll call him a rapper...came in and walked right on stage and asked for the mike. The comedian backed away and was like 'umm...no brother, this is my show'...not exactly what he said but something along those lines. The rapper proceeded to 'rap' if you want to call it that and dance (sort of)...it was more mumbling than rapping...couldn't understand what he was saying and he seemed very out of it. The comedian asked for security and joked around. The entertainment guy (with British accent...from New Zealand I think he said) who introduced the comedians came up and ushered the rapper off stage. All 3 guys (the rapper, comedian and the entertainment guy were African American). The comedian then used it as material and made fun of the rapper guy and others of the rapper element and Baltimorians which then prompted 2 other guys (who may have been friends with the rapper...not sure) in the audience to start yelling F-bombs and N-words at the comedian...not happy that he was making jokes about rapper/Baltimorians. The comedian then calmly told them they had no respect for families with kids and that if they were loving parents they would never even think to behave that way. The audience cheered loudly and security removed the belligerent folks who kept cussing and yelling. The comedian handled it perfectly and then had lots of funny material for the rest of the show. We were with our kids and they were a little freaked out when it happened. The comedian was a little freaked out too.

[laumicmah]

Yep it was courtesy of having to cancel the normal 7-day due to Sandy.. glad we follow John Heald on FB because that's how we caught it.

 

I know the Player's Club was releasing some cabins at great prices to their players (that probably spend more $$ than us at the casino) but we booked the regular rates for an Ocean View at $129 pp... with taxes and gratuities it was $397 total for the both of us. We also asked about the rates for balconies which were $179 pp, but just went with the OV.

For the person who asked about rates: We paid about $340 total for 2 in an inside on deck 6 and another $456 for 3 in an inside cabin next to the other one (this included taxes and tips...we got about $9 back per person for port fees...not sure how that worked out).

[laumicmah]

You gave a very accurate review of what happened at the family friendly comedy. We were also there with our two kids. Interesting to say the least! I liked the second comic (JR ?) and think he used the interruption to his advantage.

He sure did. We actually thought, at first, that the rapper guy who walked on stage was part of his act. But, the 2 guys in the audience definitely were not. Was interesting but made for funny jokes from the comedian...he was good!

[ElementN]

Hey guys my 3 year old is deathly afraid of dogs, have you guys ever encountered a dog while going through customs or security when boarding the pride in Baltimore? If he sees one we will never be able to get him on and off the boat peacefully :). Thanks so much!

[John Reid]

Hey guys my 3 year old is deathly afraid of dogs, have you guys ever encountered a dog while going through customs or security when boarding the pride in Baltimore? If he sees one we will never be able to get him on and off the boat peacefully :). Thanks so much!

 

We sailed Pride October 7. Yes, there were shepherds by the luggage unloading area in the parking lot. I can't remember if there were others by screening in the terminal. When we were on the customs line outside during debarkation, there was a beagle checking for agricultural products. It found and targeted a woman who had taken an apple from the ship for breakfast. It was a very mild "targeting." Not exactly an attack beagle.

[basketsuze]

Hey guys my 3 year old is deathly afraid of dogs, have you guys ever encountered a dog while going through customs or security when boarding the pride in Baltimore? If he sees one we will never be able to get him on and off the boat peacefully :). Thanks so much!

 

We have seen German Shepherds and the beagle. In fact, while waiting to embark on our Pride cruise in September of '10, a police officer walked the shephered up and down the rows of seats while we were all seated. It was a tight squeeze for the officer and the dog. We assumed it was a narcotics dog. This is the only time in 10+ cruises out of Baltimore that this has happened.

 

Also, while embarking, you may see them outside taking a shepherd around the crates to be loaded.

 

We have seen the dogs most often during disembarkation - again, outside sniffing the crates to be loaded, plus they have walked the shepherd and the beagle up and down the lines of those of us who self-disembark with our luggage.

 

There is a good chance you may see the dogs. Maybe you could explain to your little boy that he might see a few dogs, but they are very busy working to keep everyone safe.

 

Good luck!!

 

Suze!

[sweetcurves]

Fun review! I would love to live that close to a port!

[ardnassac79]

We have seen German Shepherds and the beagle. In fact, while waiting to embark on our Pride cruise in September of '10, a police officer walked the shephered up and down the rows of seats while we were all seated. It was a tight squeeze for the officer and the dog. We assumed it was a narcotics dog. This is the only time in 10+ cruises out of Baltimore that this has happened.

 

Also, while embarking, you may see them outside taking a shepherd around the crates to be loaded.

 

We have seen the dogs most often during disembarkation - again, outside sniffing the crates to be loaded, plus they have walked the shepherd and the beagle up and down the lines of those of us who self-disembark with our luggage.

 

There is a good chance you may see the dogs. Maybe you could explain to your little boy that he might see a few dogs, but they are very busy working to keep everyone safe.

 

Good luck!!

 

Suze!

 

I know we have seen the beagle during disembarkation while in line at customs once... I agree small dog and seemed very well trained/mild. The area with the crates where the luggage is being loaded isn't right in full view of everyone, so it would be possible to shuffle your boy past without him even seeing.

 

I think the above is a great way to approach it with him though!

 

Fun review! I would love to live that close to a port!

 

Thanks! I wish they did these shorties more often!