cruising out of Baltimore in fall/winter

[landerson1004]

Just curious what to expect for our Carnival Pride cruise that leaves Baltimore on 10/31. The last time we cruised out of Baltimore it was warm, they had the decks and pools open. People were hanging out outside. I know that it will definitely be colder this time around and that the pools won’t be open, but are the hot tubs open? Do people still hang out on deck for sail away? Will they have the sail away party on lido deck? Will those outdoor bars and things be open? Just curious as to what to expect and what kind of clothing to take. TIA!:)

[Deenie33]

We have sailed out of Baltimore on RCI 2x's - Both in November. The first one during a hurricane! Yikes. And the one this past November was really rough coming home. HOWEVER - the crew went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and happy. Obviously, everyone stayed inside - But it really wasn't too bad at all. A little crowded in the bars and lounges - but very relaxing just the same . . .except for the constant rocking of the boat. The times were able to sit outside by the pool or on the decks, we just took a blanket or xtra towels to keep us warm. It was fine.

[spookwife]

I have only sailed royal out of Baltimore, but no one was out on the decks at all, not even the hot tubs.

 

Muster was painful (its outdoors on GR) and of course my cabin was on the windy side.

 

the first 2 days will be cold and most activities will be geared for indoor enjoyment.

[bobs1016]

We sailed out of Baltimore once and it was with Carnival. It was early October and still mild. A few people (not alot) were on deck the first day and pools were open, but once we got farther south (Bahama cruise) the pools and decks were full on day 2 through 6 as it was quite warm and humid too.

[t_car]

We were on Carnival Pride twice out of Baltimore, once in January and the other in February.

Even with those colder conditions, the first day and last day were mostly indoor activities, otherwise the weather further south was great. The end of October should still be fairly mild in Baltimore.

You will be sailing through part of the north Atlantic ocean. You never predict how smooth or rough the waters will be at any time of the year. Rest assured that rocking on the ship is normal and perfectly safe.

Make sure you bring something along for seasickness. Bromine, ginger tablets. Some folks say that eating green apples helps lessen the sea sickness.

Edited May 7, 2015 by t_car

[zqvol]

The end of October you could have weather in the 70s or weather in the 40s, there is just no way to tell that time of year.

[geoherb]

We sailed out of Norfolk one December. Sailing south was fine. It was coming back that we hit really rough seas--50 mph winds and 30-foot seas.

[OBX-Cruisers]

Sailing out of Baltimore can be challenging but no real problem. One year we could not go out on the decks for 2 days because the snow was piled high and the crew had to clear them off for safety reasons.

Another time leaving was fine, coming back there was so much snow at the airport we could barely find our care..........then we had to shovel out a path to get out.

 

Also tCar mentioned "Bromine" for seasickness........That should have been 'BONINE".......trade name for Meclizine......same ingredient in "Sea Calm" and other products they give you for free at the main desk on the ships when they are expecting heavy seas.........Good Stuff, better than Dramamine but no alcohol with either otherwise you will spend your cruise sleeping.