Pride, the good the bad and everything else.

[crazycruzer68]

Leaving from Baltimore going to Freeport, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. What can you tell me about the ship.

 

 

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[fair-winds39]

Leaving from Baltimore going to Freeport, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. What can you tell me about the ship.

 

 

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We've been on the Pride twice from Baltimore, and will be on the ship again for the third time in Sept. 2015. We always get a standard balcony cabin and the cabin size is great for us. We like the Spirit Class Carnival ships because of the size and ease of getting around. We completed our 19th cruise in Feb. 2014 and half were with other cruise lines. We were hesitant to try Carnival back in 2007, but we were pleasantly surprised with our first Carnival cruise on the Legend. Since that time we've been on the Miracle, and the Pride.

 

Most of our cruises were from NY, so leaving from Baltimore on the Pride is better. In Feb. 2014, we decided to drive to Baltimore from PA the day before, we stayed at the Best Western. The hotel had a shuttle to the pier, and we were able to leave our car at the hotel for the week. As I recall, the room price included breakfast the morning of the cruise, shuttle to pier and parking for the week at the hotel. The hotel itself was just "okay," but it worked for one night. Many other Baltimore hotels have the same deal.

 

We like the Pride because we don't need wall climbing, bumper cars and ice skating rinks. We enjoy the serenity deck, our balcony, the lounges and casino. I think kids could be bored on the Pride. I think other, newer ships have more activities and amenities for kids and that's great.

 

We always do traditional dining so I can't comment on the other dining alternative of dining when you want. We also like the Pride's specialty restaurant David's, but the main dining room menu was good too.

 

Some folks are offended by the artwork on the Pride, but it doesn't bother us. You get used to it after a while. Art is art.

 

We like the Pride, but we've been cruising for 25 years. We know that cruising today is not like cruising 25-30 years ago. Today, most cruise lines operate in a way that the more people they can fit on ships, the better. Many cruise lines are family oriented, which is good too. We cruise now with an open mind. We've never had any major problems or complaints about any cruise line. Just be certain the Pride is what your looking for, and keep in mind that a cruise is what you make of it.

 

One more thing. We've only done the other itinerary, Port Canaveral, Nassau & Freeport. For us, we've been to most of the islands more than once, so except for a brief walk off of the ship, we generally don't do too many excursions. We like being on the water, so as long as the destinations have blue water, white/pink sand we're good with that.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!!

[vlynn]

We love the Pride. As you can see from my signature we will be on her for the 4th time in 57 days and are excited to see the upgrades. We have taken our teenaged DD and she had a great time.

 

We love the size and the flow, the Serenity area has a pool and hot tub, the comedy shows, the staff has always been wonderful! David's steakhouse is a must, absolutely wonderful.

 

I can't comment on the upgrades but DH can't wait to have a Guy's burger!

 

We also love the port, super easy and organized.

 

We have no complaints at all about this ship. You will have a great time; unless you are needing rope courses and such...then you may want to stick with the larger ships.

 

If you are looking for a relaxing, fun, getaway...this ship will provide all that and more. :D

 

Half Moon Cay - the best place on earth!!

Edited January 15, 2015 by vlynn
addition

[crazycruzer68]

Thank you Fair-winds for your time in replying. We are going on Oct. 4th, a little worried about the weather as I spend every minute I can on the lido relaxing. Some going with us will not fly and it's only a 7 hour drive for us, which we will do on Friday or Saturday. I am not driving from Ky. to Miami! Do you know who the cruise director will be thus fall?

 

 

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[love my grandkids]

Thanks for sharing we are doing the relocation cruise in March

[Weeziblu]

Leaving from Baltimore going to Freeport, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. What can you tell me about the ship.

 

 

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I also just booked this same itinerary and am excited to see the upgrades, but we have cruised the Pride before. We most recently sailed one of the mega ships on another line and while a brand new ship has its advantages, in the end, we have decided that we preferred the Pride (and so did our kids).

 

Have fun! I agree with the poster who said that a cruise is what you make it. Like any vacation, go with an open mind and have fun!

[vlynn]

We just cruised on her this past October, embarkment day it was chilly but by early afternoon the second day the weather was wonderful (we enjoy relaxing on deck also). The weather remained perfect until the afternoon of the last sea day it was chilly. As long as you know to expect that it isn't a big deal. We just did stuff inside those two afternoons. Still a wonderful winter get away!! Enjoy!

Edited January 15, 2015 by vlynn
correction

[fair-winds39]

Thank you Fair-winds for your time in replying. We are going on Oct. 4th, a little worried about the weather as I spend every minute I can on the lido relaxing. Some going with us will not fly and it's only a 7 hour drive for us, which we will do on Friday or Saturday. I am not driving from Ky. to Miami! Do you know who the cruise director will be thus fall?

 

 

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Nope crazycruzer, I can't help you there. I'm wondering the same thing. Maybe someone else will be able to let us know. Anyway, again have a great time.

[fair-winds39]

Thank you Fair-winds for your time in replying. We are going on Oct. 4th, a little worried about the weather as I spend every minute I can on the lido relaxing. Some going with us will not fly and it's only a 7 hour drive for us, which we will do on Friday or Saturday. I am not driving from Ky. to Miami! Do you know who the cruise director will be thus fall?

 

 

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Crazycruzer, don't worry too much about the weather. All of our cruises, except for the Pride have been in Sept. or Oct. and we were close to bad weather only once. The Captain kept us out of harm's way, and we had a great trip.

[NCTribeFan]

I sailed that itinerary last May. If you check on the ship name above, you'll find links to reviews. Mine's there somewhere.

 

This was pre-2.0. But I love the Spirit-class design, so that didn't bother me at all. In fact, I imagine I'll detest the big TV on Pride just as much as I detest it on every other ship I've sailed that has it. :(

 

Nothing I've seen yet compares to HMC. And I'm not a Freeport hater like so many other cruisers. GT is just "meh" for me.

 

Thought about doing the same cruise again this year but the prices are way too high. I got a no-solo-supplement last time which really helped. For me, the prices from Baltimore are just too high to "only" go to the Bahamas. For about the same price (normal prices, as a solo), I can fly to Florida and get a much more interesting itinerary.

[crazycruzer68]

I have been to Grand Turk several times as well as HMC, love both of them. First time in Freeport, not so sure about that one. This is our girls trip, total of 10 of us, so no matter weather conditions or stops we will have a good time!!

 

 

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[tropicaledrink]

We are doing this exact itinerary on May 31. We've been to GT twice, HMC twice, and never been to Freeport. I actually hate the time frame we are in Freeport - 7am-1:30pm stops just aren't fun in my opinion.

 

If you like beaches, you'll be fine on this itinerary. If you're looking for something more cultural (e.g. ruins, old cities, etc), this one probably isn't for you.

 

HMC is by far my absolute favorite port of call. I can't wait!

[crusin4funtimes]

We been on the Prides sister ship the Legend twice and we love it (our children did too). We are sailing the pride this August and I can't wait. The legend is not too big and not too small, its cozy! I think you will enjoy the Pride! Happy planning!

[asalligo]

We sailed the Pride in February and she is hands down my new favorite ship. I loved not having to fly as I was able to pack to my hearts content and bring whatever I wanted along.

 

As other people have mentioned, I am careful when choosing ships and with me it is capacity to square footage ratio. I want as few people as possible to deal with on the ship, shorter lines, less waiting for everything and the Pride is one of the best ships when it comes to this.

 

I also love the décor. I know that many do not.

 

The only real downside to the Pride is that terrible itinerary, but I am also a person who would be absolutely fine if the ship never stopped anywhere for 7 days. I go for the sea days.

 

One mistake I made was the thought that I would catch the comedians later in the week. They switched out comedians in Orlando, so I missed whoever was on the boat the first few days.

[ncbeachteacher]

We sailed on the Pride over Christmas, our first cruise on her. We love the Spirit class ships! Serenity has a pool, shaded area, lots of clam shells, and a couple of hammocks! Sweet!

 

The Pride has the 2.0 upgrades and we really enjoyed them. Kids LOVE the Green Thunder Slide (the bottom drops out)! Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana Cantina are really good... we rotated daily between them! The Red Frog Rum Bar is good and the Pub is fun! The Piano bar was a nightly end to a great day. The best bar though is the Alchemy Bar! oh my! Gabriell and Ioanna make the BEST drinks on the ship!

 

Make sure to check out the steakhouse... it is delish!

 

I was so disappointed when Carnival Legend was sent to Australia... loved the Pride... and now, she is going away as well. Would love to sail on her again! great Ship! Enjoy your cruise!

[JMAE]

We have been on the Pride 3 times in the last year or so, planing the next one for Sept or Oct. My wife and I love the Pride (Spirit Class ship). We are at a point in our careers we cruise for RR. We have been on the itinerary you are going on twice and like it better than the other. We did not do any tours just enjoyed the beach!!! If you are not Platinum or above, not in a suite purchase FTTF it will be worth it because of the priority tender at HMC. We let being on Main or Upper deck close to all night time activities. Sailing from Baltimore is great too. Easy to access and parking is right in front of the ship and cheap comparing it to NY.

 

Have fun and enjoy!

[Underwatr]

Darkest interior of any ship I've been on.

[reno3]

asalligo - You sailed the Pride in February, was it out of Baltimore? If so was your itinerary, HMC, GT and Nassua? I'm thinking of New Year's Eve cruise from Baltimore on the Pride.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

I was on last February as well. It's a nice relaxing cruise. It's definitely not a destination ship, and unfortunately, the itineraries from Baltimore aren't the best, but it is a nice way to just get away. The food is decent. The drinks are cold. The Serenity area is great, but does fill up quickly. My advice would be to get to Baltimore a little early and drive down North Avenue or Greenmount Avenue. After doing that you will have a pretty good idea of what Freeport is like, and you can just chill on the ship that day and get a great spot on the Serenity deck. Definitely do David's Steakhouse. Best meal I ever had on a cruise ship.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

Darkest interior of any ship I've been on.

 

I have to agree with this. Many people find the art offensive. I wouldn't say that at all. It's classic Renaissance stuff. Of course it's a bunch of blown up imitations, and since the Pope isn't saying mass underneath of it, it is pretty tacky. Shouldn't really affect your enjoyment of the cruise though.

[reno3]

I was on last February as well. It's a nice relaxing cruise. It's definitely not a destination ship, and unfortunately, the itineraries from Baltimore aren't the best, but it is a nice way to just get away. The food is decent. The drinks are cold. The Serenity area is great, but does fill up quickly. My advice would be to get to Baltimore a little early and drive down North Avenue or Greenmount Avenue. After doing that you will have a pretty good idea of what Freeport is like, and you can just chill on the ship that day and get a great spot on the Serenity deck. Definitely do David's Steakhouse. Best meal I ever had on a cruise ship.

 

Thank you. We cruised the Pride in April 2012 with the same itinerary and we had a great time. Now with the upgrades and not having to fly to the port which is a plus. My husband is the hold out because of the cold weather in January and the 6 hr drive to the port. I think I can change his mind ;)

[bar1068]

We sailed on the Pride over Christmas, our first cruise on her. We love the Spirit class ships! Serenity has a pool, shaded area, lots of clam shells, and a couple of hammocks! Sweet!

 

The Pride has the 2.0 upgrades and we really enjoyed them. Kids LOVE the Green Thunder Slide (the bottom drops out)! Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana Cantina are really good... we rotated daily between them! The Red Frog Rum Bar is good and the Pub is fun! The Piano bar was a nightly end to a great day. The best bar though is the Alchemy Bar! oh my! Gabriell and Ioanna make the BEST drinks on the ship!

 

Make sure to check out the steakhouse... it is delish!

 

I was so disappointed when Carnival Legend was sent to Australia... loved the Pride... and now, she is going away as well. Would love to sail on her again! great Ship! Enjoy your cruise!

 

I'm curious about your comment about "she is going away as well", as she's heading back to Baltimore with the relocation cruise in March?

[NoDayButToday]

I'm curious about your comment about "she is going away as well", as she's heading back to Baltimore with the relocation cruise in March?

If it was over Christmas they probably sailed out of Tampa. Once Pride leaves Tampa we are stuck with just the Paradise with shorter itineraries. I'm sad she is leaving here too.

[south-carolinagirl]

I know what you mean, every time we cruise the ships goes away! We went on Dream just before they took it to NO, Liberty just before San Juan and now Pride just before Baltimore. Really stinks they keep taking the good ships away from FL...seems like Carnival is forcing us to go on the Sunshine due to sales being down and prices being up on that ship.