Just off the Pride Jan 29-Feb 5th

[rjrice1]

We are a family of 3 adults.

Choice this cruise cause of the good reviews from CC.

 

Arrived in Tampa via car (2 hrs drive) on Friday due to Gasparilla events

Stayed at the Barrymore Hotel and despite the bad reviews I actually thought it is under rated.

Hotel was fully booked and we got such a good deal through Parkflysleep.. got to leave our car there for the duration of the cruise .

Barrymore offers shuttle service within 2 miles, and to pier/airport and back to hotel.

As I mentioned it was Gasparilla and the town was packed with all sorts of people.

 

Took advantage of the shuttle to go to DD and the awesome driver waited for me and in returned I got him coffee and bagel.

 

We did not eat at their restaurant since it was expensive and only one waitress working. Had a pizza delivered to the lobby.

Rooms have 2 queen beds; 48in flat tv, big fridge and microwave.

 

Sunday we took the shuttle to the pier around 11 am with FTTF we were on the ship within 30 minutes.

Had cabin 6262; a nice ext. aft. balcony. Our cabin was ready so we just drop off a small carry on and off to the lido deck for some food.

 

We weren't too express with the buffet; so off to guys burgers.. very weird they had tables with maps on them and we saw on from Cape Cod (where we were from) and another Daytona Beach..(where we live now) way to go guy.

 

Back to our cabin and all luggage was waiting by our door; we unpacked

and notice all our request were met. Egg crate on bed, needle box and x pillows..

 

Muster drill for us was outside and it was pretty chilly that weekend... drizzling and etc.

 

This ship had a few groups on it too. The gambling thing, red hat group and another.

 

They are finally using the scan methods for everything.. they really don't know if you attend or not.

 

That night we ate in the Lido deck; had some veal parm. and not the press kind very good too.

 

After dinner we attend the comedy show which was family friendly, the after that one is rated R... don't go if you don't like the language..

We did not so never went to another one.

 

Monday was our first sea day and first "formal" dinner...

We walked around the ship; donated to the casino..

That night we did dress up men wore tux with black/white spec shoes;

me a black/white dress. We did get lots of compliments too. however

not a lot of guest dresses up. Some came into (your time dining) in shorts, flip flops and etc. The maitre'd was complimenting the guys on their shoes and told us that they are tired of turning guest around and the "old days" are gone.

 

Dinner was prime rib (very tender too) with the fixings too. Of course had to have my first melting chocolate cake.

 

After dinner we did do some pictures but it got tired some cause every where you go the really push you to do photo's. This happens in the shops too..

felt like I was at the flea market .. lol

 

We did go to a show and decided to call it a night since we had an early shore excursion the next day.

All of our excursions were private and they were the best ever.

 

Will post more later

[1maggie1]

Glad to hear a recent review on the Pride. Waiting for next installment - thanks!

[Captain Carnival]

...Sunday we took the shuttle to the pier around 11 am with FTTF we were on the ship within 30 minutes. ...

 

Were you there in time for the boarding announcements?

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[easyboy]

Will be following along.

[rjrice1]

Tuesday we were in Cozumel. After so much researching (OCD..but DS calls it CDO) booked with Cozumel Excursions. com

Been to Cozumel several times and never saw the island besides the beach and more beach.

So we booked a private jeep tour with the above company.

Gaberial (man) picked us up outside the port area; since they are not allowed to pick up inside the port.

We all jumped into the jeep. My DH had to drive out of the town area due to the taxi unions. No biggie

We tour the whole island and saw so much stuff. Went to a local very quiet beach.

First stop was a tequila place. This company actually makes the tequila too; after 8 shots of tequila tasting I found my new best friend.

End up buying 5 bottles too... for the upcoming Super Bowl.

This excursion did included lunch too. He took us to a place called Tortugas.

Food was fajita's fish, chicken or beef. It included rice, black beans and the fixings to it. Drinks not included but not expensive.

Our driver did supplied beer, (3) water and soda's... throughout the tour.

Gaberial took us to the local pharmacy for needed anti biotics meds and his local store too.

We saw a Sam's club there too. Was surprised how much the island has grown over the past 4 yrs..

This is one excursion you should try

Gaberial did ask the security guard if he can take us to the terminal and he let him go through..

[rjrice1]

Back on the ship we had to hand over 5 bottles of tequila and 2 bottles of white hennessy (picked up for friend).

The line was long getting back on the ship. It is so amazing you see guest running around the ship and lido deck but getting pushed in a wheelchair getting back on.. lady behind me got out of her wheelchair and started to push me so she could go ahead.

As we were checking in our "supplies" the same lady started to yell "I am missing my 4 candy bars" that's my bag.. pointing to us. The security guard took my bag and said no it's liquor in this.

This lady really was throwing a fit. Someone took my candy and I want it.

To be honest.. she really didn't need it.. and I don't eat it. (got a saying .. on the lips .... on the hips)

There will be more to the candy later in this thread and you will not believe what happened either.

We then went up stairs and sat on our balcony with some coconut rum (yes I brought it from home..;)) and relaxed.

[JaniceB]

Nice start to your review.

[rjrice1]

After dinner we donated to the casino again. Casino is small and way too smokey for me.

We went up to the lido deck, grabbed a few chairs and watched " Sully" even though we seen it before it is worth watching again..

again people were smoking e-cigarettes and just didn't care.

After the movies we took our nightly walk, grab a snack and sat out on the balcony watching the stars, and chilling..

Sat our alarm clocks for early since it was a tendering day to Belize.. did have FTTF and is really worth it,

 

Wednesday we got up early and found the buffet was fully packed. Just grabbed something light. Coffee is pretty strong for us so we just add hot water to it. Did the trick

Got off the ship earlier.. (before I forget in Cozumel the authority did search our bags for food. This was a first for us)

We again had to walk through the port to meet our driver. He was waiting for us with a sign.

Again we did a private tour. Jeep, jungle and zoo. It was amazing too.

[LetsTango]

We are a family of 3 adults.

Choice this cruise cause of the good reviews from CC.

 

Arrived in Tampa via car (2 hrs drive) on Friday due to Gasparilla events

Stayed at the Barrymore Hotel and despite the bad reviews I actually thought it is under rated.

Hotel was fully booked and we got such a good deal through Parkflysleep.. got to leave our car there for the duration of the cruise .

Barrymore offers shuttle service within 2 miles, and to pier/airport and back to hotel.

As I mentioned it was Gasparilla and the town was packed with all sorts of people.

 

Took advantage of the shuttle to go to DD and the awesome driver waited for me and in returned I got him coffee and bagel.

 

We did not eat at their restaurant since it was expensive and only one waitress working. Had a pizza delivered to the lobby.

Rooms have 2 queen beds; 48in flat tv, big fridge and microwave.

 

Sunday we took the shuttle to the pier around 11 am with FTTF we were on the ship within 30 minutes.

Had cabin 6262; a nice ext. aft. balcony. Our cabin was ready so we just drop off a small carry on and off to the lido deck for some food.

 

We weren't too express with the buffet; so off to guys burgers.. very weird they had tables with maps on them and we saw on from Cape Cod (where we were from) and another Daytona Beach..(where we live now) way to go guy.

 

Back to our cabin and all luggage was waiting by our door; we unpacked

and notice all our request were met. Egg crate on bed, needle box and x pillows..

 

Muster drill for us was outside and it was pretty chilly that weekend... drizzling and etc.

 

This ship had a few groups on it too. The gambling thing, red hat group and another.

 

They are finally using the scan methods for everything.. they really don't know if you attend or not.

 

That night we ate in the Lido deck; had some veal parm. and not the press kind very good too.

 

After dinner we attend the comedy show which was family friendly, the after that one is rated R... don't go if you don't like the language..

We did not so never went to another one.

 

Monday was our first sea day and first "formal" dinner...

We walked around the ship; donated to the casino..

That night we did dress up men wore tux with black/white spec shoes;

me a black/white dress. We did get lots of compliments too. however

not a lot of guest dresses up. Some came into (your time dining) in shorts, flip flops and etc. The maitre'd was complimenting the guys on their shoes and told us that they are tired of turning guest around and the "old days" are gone.

 

Dinner was prime rib (very tender too) with the fixings too. Of course had to have my first melting chocolate cake.

 

After dinner we did do some pictures but it got tired some cause every where you go the really push you to do photo's. This happens in the shops too..

felt like I was at the flea market .. lol

 

We did go to a show and decided to call it a night since we had an early shore excursion the next day.

All of our excursions were private and they were the best ever.

 

Will post more later

Hi! Nice meeting you all ! I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us and review of the ship. We too had FFTF and found it well worth the money. We too were disappointed that even on Elegant night SO many people seemed to ignore the dress code and wore practically beach wear to dinner. We loved dressing up every night but esp. Elegant night. Anyway , food was great, service excellent, room steward THE BEST! Disembarkation in Tampa, though, was quite frankly, a horrible mess! We all got a letter telling us (FFTF)

People to meet 2 level, Captain's lounge (FTTF sign displayed so we couldn't miss the meeting place), Nice set up of juices, coffee, tea & pastries was a nice touch EXCEPT they then announced we were all in the wrong meeting spot,go to 3rd deck!!! Like it was our fault !!!! Needless to say people with heavy luggage or the people using walkers and such were not happy, but to have the guy tell us WE were WRONG! Really myonlycomplaint.

[sloper12]

We were on this cruise too. We have been on many Carnival cruises/ships but found this one to be "weird" Seemed like there were a lot of old people using walkers and "aging hippies" Or, is that just my view? :confused: None of this affected us though as we just did our own thing anyway.

[rjrice1]

yes you are so right. Some of the stuff I witness.. but again some of these folks are on this cruise too. :rolleyes:

 

 

We were on this cruise too. We have been on many Carnival cruises/ships but found this one to be "weird" Seemed like there were a lot of old people using walkers and "aging hippies" Or, is that just my view? :confused: None of this affected us though as we just did our own thing anyway.

[rjrice1]

Got on the tender shortly.. had a nice meeting place prior. Not too many people there, then there were the few who did not have FTTF and broke the line.

As I mentioned we did another private tour and so glad too. We were greeted outside the terminal with by Jose who was a generation of natives; holding a sign with my name on it. (boy I felt special...:cool:_

This tour was one of the best ever and did included everything.

After we got into the jeep we made a stop for breakfast and snacks. Jose supplied us with soda's and water. Beer too but we are not beer drinkers .. soda's were named brand in 20oz bottles too.

While we were heading to the zoo he educated us on the island.. he explained to us most of the natives use rain water caught in buckets (cheese cloth to catch the dirt) and witness someone getting some out of it too.

Also told the children there who attend school after 8th grade must pay for their education along with books and uniforms.

Many of the kids do not go further like himself and wife.

We got to the zoo and it was only "us" how nice.. the zoo is a jungle like feel.. All the animals are rescued and cared for by the zoo. Some can roam but always go back to their "home."

As we were leaving the zoo a bus was coming in and yes many with walker and etc. This is why I like private tours.

 

After the zoo we went to get 4x4 jeeps. Jose was the leader in his jeep and we took another. Did four wheeling in the jungle and it was the coolest thing. Mud, water, dirt, and a crocodile ... it was awesome

Half way through we stopped and walked up this hand made steps and crawled into a cave.. yes a cave.

Jose told us some natives still live like this. Wow I am so lucky to be an American..

We tour the caves and saw bats.. lots of baby bats.. he did warned us prior so I was prepared.

After the 4 wheeling we cruise around the island and stopped again at the owners house for a homemade meal of bbq chicken, rice/beans,, potato salad and sponge cake and bottle named brand soda's.

 

The house was on a farm and was in the process building a new one. Natives live in their homes as it's being built since they build as they go.

 

We stopped at the local market and bought a few items to take back.

 

This tour was about 6 hrs long. We shopped again around the pier and got back with an hour to spare.

[rjrice1]

We all took showers since we were covered with mud..

 

Since we were pretty full for our day; we just ate up in the Lido deck. The food there is not bad and plenty to chose from too.

 

Ok back to the candy lady... we were leaving the lido deck when two security guards stop me and ask me if I was... "my name"

I said "yes" is everything ok? The head guy asked me "did you happen to pick up a bag with candy in it by mistake?"

No I did not, ya all check us before we went upstairs.. he then ask can we go back to your cabin and you can look again?

Sure no problem... We invited them into our cabin but they both declined. But they did watch us as we open drawers, and bags..

again I invited them in to check themselves .. they said 'No" but if you happen to find them, please bring it to guest service.

more to this story ... to come about these candy bars.

[1maggie1]

This candy story is crazy! Can't wait to hear the rest!

[rjrice1]

Can't believe our cruise is almost over... bu tit has been fun and eventful.

Still talking about those dam candy bars.. even today. :(

Thursday we are in Roatan and only a short day too. Got off the ship and walked around the pier for a bit and then back on the ship. That lady was behind me again. OMG... her and some guy was on the elevator; asked them both what floor. They were fighting over those candy bars.. honest. $25.00 something. wth. am I being punished for something??

The elevator stops at my deck now they are mad cause they missed theirs.. dam we asked 3x what floor and you never answer. The guy's replied was "we were talking"

 

Put on my swimsuit and hit the adult section of the pool. We saw so many towels on the loungers and nobody in sight. Yes the hoggers were invading the chairs. Some only had on shoe on it too.

 

Got a nice lounger for me with plenty of sun and the guy took the shade area. One bad thing that there was older people in the hot tub.. hogging it too. Really at least an hour or more. No room for me. :mad:

So I just sat on the edge of the pool .. (water was cold for me)

 

Grab a guy burger. As I said before these are really yummy to me. Ordered them plain and no salt for the fries so they were cooked fresh. A little tip there are two lines... the one by the ice cream is never busy..

After we order our burgers we go to the topping area and add our own. They do have everything there too.

Grilled onions, mushrooms, and more. Potato sticks too. (put some in a bowl for later with a sandwich too)

 

Now that we are own the food subject

Deli .. good to order sandwiches.. the tuna is dark tuna (I like solid white only) which they served chips with them

Mexican order the burrito is better then the taco

Chopstick. was totally different from the other ships.. was all pre cooked vs cooking to order

pizza... was better then previous ships..

buffet wasn't bad .. several choices and always a person to help serve your food..

room service.. only order breakfast one morning..

anytime dining.. we did go a few times. One night was prime rib and told you it was great. The last night they had prime rib

and it tasted nothing like it. My DH ordered the end cut both times and the second time you could tell it was more liked a rump roast very tough and fatty. My DS works in a meat dept and he too said the same

Coffee bar.. one on the lido deck and deck 2 near Red Frog Pub. Drinks are good too. Bought fish bowl cups to go.

Sushi .. didn't try it.

We did not do any specialty restaurants

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[Ms. Fun Bunch]

Enjoying your review! I love the Pride will be on it for a 14 day cruise the end of February.

[Captain Carnival]

We were on this cruise too. We have been on many Carnival cruises/ships but found this one to be "weird" Seemed like there were a lot of old people using walkers and "aging hippies" Or, is that just my view? :confused: None of this affected us though as we just did our own thing anyway.

 

Good observation. As Carnival Pride is only doing 7 turns here in Tampa the vast majority of registered guests for all voyages are principally older, retired, with a significant number of priority platinum/diamond guests too.

[rjrice1]

Friday was the Cayman tendering too. There were more FTTF in the Red Frog. But it is what it is.

We all will get off the ship.

Off the ship the there are several tents... one for private tours and one for Carnival. The Carnival one was packed like sardines.

Met our guy who put us in a private bus (just the 3 of us) and of to the Turtle Lagoon Farm. This was like really nice.

There were several tanks with turtles. One area you were allowed to hold and feed them.

An employee was there explaining how to hold them and most importance good hand/feet washing .

Walked around the area.. saw many different types of birds, fish, sharks and more.

Two areas to swim.. a lagoon for snorkeling, and a swimming pool. Was impressed that there was plenty of life guards too.

Each area had showers and rest rooms too.

Again, we were the first group there and it was nice not to have any crowds. Our driver picked us up at the exact time we requested.

On the way back he saw a group of young girls waiting for the bus.. the one in front of us was packed.

He did ask if we would mind if he gave them a ride too. Not a problem we did have a mini bus.

Back to the pier we walked around one last time knowing this will be our last port,

Picked up some BBD rum.. for a coworker who just became single.

[Crusin Karen]

Can't wait to hear the rest. We were on Pride B2B in May, 2015 and Journeys last March so even tho we have only been on her twice, we have been on her for 4 weeks! :p And we are booked for Journeys cruise in Jan, 2018 :D The candy bar lady is absurd. I can't believe you allowed security in your cabin. I mean, there IS such a thing as "probable cause." LOVE the turkey wraps at the deli. I take it to the fixins' bar at Guys and load up on bacon chips and extra mayo and make my own special wrap! HATE Guys seasoned fries tho. Wish they would offer seasoned and plain, but then again, last thing I need is a big plate of fries! :o

[rjrice1]

Just thought I finished up..

Friday morning I gave my room steward a bag of laundry.. I managed to stuff the bag full.. if you roll the clothes very tight; place the biggest items in the bottom; stuff the panties/undies in between. End up getting 3 bags back.

Didn't even look into the bags to see if all were there. Just packed it my suitcase..

Saturday was a lazy day. All the hammocks, chairs were gone by 8am.

Now this cruise was noted to be an older generation (I am in my 50's) so it was the AARP,,, same one's living in the hot tubs.

 

Brunch on the last sea day was ok;

many of the same food items on the lido deck.

 

Chocolate buffet was good as always

The shops had all the specials.. on hour that turned out the duration of the cruise.

 

Please do not buy the avicta watches. They are so way over price. I have several and my DS and DH has even more.

Bought them on amazon; was googling for a case to hold them and notice that Walmart is selling them through a 3rd party.

 

Most of the bracelets are also on the other ships..

 

The crew in the shops are very nice and friendly.

The shops did do a good job packing up some red frog fish bowls for me that I purchase.. and my purchases of crown's and other liquor was brought to my room by 7pm..

 

We had disembarkment 1 for Sunday.

Noticed a lot of people getting self embarkment with heavy cases.. many were older folks and wonder how in the world are they going to carry it off..

 

We were off the ship as the stated 9:15 am and while going up the escalators people were made to keep one hand on the rail; even had people leave some on their luggage; and go down the stairs to get the others..

 

Going through security was a breezed. Just looked at our passports.. (the porter told us to take them out of the holders and hand them to the guy) he thanked us and didn't even look or ask what we got. I claimed all of my liquor 12 bottles...

 

We were picked up by the hotel... try calling your shuttle was you get your floor call. It takes a while to get to the pier.

 

As we were waiting for the shuttle we saw the next group of guest getting on ... this was the "bare" cruise. Let me say I was surprised and traumatized by some of what I saw.

[rjrice1]

Oh did forget one thing about dis-embarkment.

Noted a lot of folks who were running around the ship now had to use wheelchairs. Older man was yelling a a crew member he needed a wheelchair... she told him that they were up the way.

He continued to yell at her.. she then said I will look for one; during this time his wife comes to meet him and told him to get up and help her.. he can walk.

 

Back to the candy bars.. was in the restroom and found a nice tablet with money it in.

So I went to the guest service to turn in it. The security guard just happened to be standing; He ask us "so you found the candy bars?"'

No I found a nice tablet with money it in; and didn't know how much since I just came straight to the desk.

The same day during the sales I found a somebody's sea pass.. again I returned it. OMG. again the security guard looks at me and did say he was sorry... that the candy lady wanted a full investigation,

Still laughing about the candy lady too.

Amazing she could walk around the stores, buffets and etc. But had to be pushed in the wheelchair for somethings..

 

While waiting to get off the ship one found a man's wallet and brought it to guest service. The owner was so pleased he gave the guy a $$ tip and refused to take it back..

[LetsTango]

Traumatized! Lol! We're they scantily dressed or just a lot of people that you'd not prefer to see bare?

 

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[LetsTango]

Hi! Nice meeting you all ! I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us and review of the ship. We too had FFTF and found it well worth the money. We too were disappointed that even on Elegant night SO many people seemed to ignore the dress code and wore practically beach wear to dinner. We loved dressing up every night but esp. Elegant night. Anyway , food was great, service excellent, room steward THE BEST! Disembarkation in Tampa, though, was quite frankly, a horrible mess! We all got a letter telling us (FFTF)

People to meet 2 level, Captain's lounge (FTTF sign displayed so we couldn't miss the meeting place), Nice set up of juices, coffee, tea & pastries was a nice touch EXCEPT they then announced we were all in the wrong meeting spot,go to 3rd deck!!! Like it was our fault !!!! Needless to say people with heavy luggage or the people using walkers and such were not happy, but to have the guy tell us WE were WRONG! Really myonlycomplaint.

 

 

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