12-day Northern Europe 7/31/22 Pride review

[cyntil8ing]

Just off the 12-day Northern Europe 7/31/22 sailing of the Pride. In short, all went well and we had a fantastic time on our first ever trip to Europe. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

We are a family of four, mom, dad and two older teens, one of whom celebrated a birthday onboard. We flew into London Heathrow four days ahead of boarding and stayed at the Clermont, Charing Cross. It was a great hotel in a fantastic central location. We pre-purchased London Passes and Oyster cards for our stay.

 

There was a train strike scheduled the day before our transfer to Dover. We had purchased train tickets before this announcement, so wanted to have a backup plan, so I also purchased Carnival bus transfers. By two days beforehand, we decided to stick with the train. We tried to cancel the Carnival transfers, but it was already too late. I was going to fight that onboard, but then promptly forgot about it.

 

Anyway, our train ended up being canceled because of a mechanical issue, and we briefly thought of a mad dash across London to get the bus, but instead waited an hour for the next train. That one ran as scheduled and we arrived in Dover about 12:30. There were shuttles running from the train station to the port for $5 or €5 or £5, whichever one you have.

 

We had so much luggage for the four of us that it wouldn't all fit on the first bus. So, we split and two of us went on the bus with half of our luggage and the other two waited with the remaining luggage for the next bus. Since we tagged our bags while waiting in line for the bus, we didn't really have to do this. Our luggage was taken right off the shuttle and we didn't see it again until it arrived at our cabins.

 

Embarkation, our first as new Platinum cruisers, was quick and painless. We had no issues with Verify and walked right onboard.

 

This was our fourth time on the Pride. It's familiar and comfortable. I was annoyed with the automatic doors on deck 9 no longer working, but got used to it within a day. Our cabin door lock was temperamental and sometimes hard to open from inside the cabin, but it wasn't awful enough or consistent enough to mention it to anyone. We had to leave our bathroom light on all the time because it took 15 seconds or more to turn on after hitting the switch. All-in-all, inconveniences, not rising to the level of issues. We had an extended balcony and it was lovely, though this trip was so port-intensive we didn't make a lot of use of it.

 

Debarkation was simple. We booked the Carnival transfers to Heathrow with a stop at Windsor Castle. The bus we were on didn't have enough compartment space to hold all the luggage, but there were only 27 of us on the excursion, so we just put the extra luggage on the bus itself. There was an initial a/c issue (and the day was hot!) but it was fixed while we took a break at a rest stop. We were delivered back to Heathrow in plenty of time for our flight.

 

We didn't do a lot onboard. Our evenings were generally whatever was going on in the Taj Mahal at 7:30, then dinner, then the two adult comedy shows at 10:30 and 11:15. I was a bit disappointed that all the bars, except the Casino Bar, closed at midnight.

 

All of our ports were docking ports, so other than a half hour delay with a ramp at our Amsterdam port, we never had any issues. I'll detail our port days later, but wanted to get the review started for questions.

 

 

Edited August 13, 2022 by cyntil8ing

[txcruiser1234]

Congrats on a successful trip! ...was curious about the mix of nationalities aboard Pride's European sailings?

[cyntil8ing]

13 minutes ago, txcruiser1234 said:

Congrats on a successful trip! ...was curious about the mix of nationalities aboard Pride's European sailings?

 

In my experience, overwhelmingly Americans, with lots of English, and some others. This was posted on the itinerary FB group from a fellow cruiser.

 

 

[cyntil8ing]

The biggest key to success, I think, for this cruise was transportation planning. Many of these ports were some distance from the town, and for those like me who prefer to DIY over taking ship excursions, knowing ahead of time how you'd get there will save a lot of stress and headache.  The port guides from https://www.whatsinport.com were invaluable for this. I highly advise not to just "wing it" like we often do at Caribbean ports.

 

Two days before the cruise, Carnival sent the attached email. While our plans were set by that time, I hope other cruisers found it helpful.

[zentraveler]

1 hour ago, cyntil8ing said:

The biggest key to success, I think, for this cruise was transportation planning. Many of these ports were some distance from the town, and for those like me who prefer to DIY over taking ship excursions, knowing ahead of time how you'd get there will save a lot of stress and headache.  The port guides from https://www.whatsinport.com were invaluable for this. I highly advise not to just "wing it" like we often do at Caribbean ports.

 

Two days before the cruise, Carnival sent the attached email. While our plans were set by that time, I hope other cruisers found it helpful.

Not sure how I have missed What's in Port all these years but thank you!

 

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, cyntil8ing said:

The biggest key to success, I think, for this cruise was transportation planning. Many of these ports were some distance from the town, and for those like me who prefer to DIY over taking ship excursions, knowing ahead of time how you'd get there will save a lot of stress and headache.  The port guides from https://www.whatsinport.com were invaluable for this. I highly advise not to just "wing it" like we often do at Caribbean ports.

 

Two days before the cruise, Carnival sent the attached email. While our plans were set by that time, I hope other cruisers found it helpful.

THIS is what I've been asking for and was my #1 complaint about my 31 days in Europe on the Pride. This kind of information is all I was asking for and SHOULD have been provided from the very start. We're not talking about some rinky dink company that couldn't have found out this information prior to being at the Ports. At least they're providing this information now.

Edited August 13, 2022 by kwokpot

[NCTribeFan]

I prefer to do my own research about the ports I'll be visiting.  It's easy enough, especially since Cruise Critic has Ports-of-Call boards for various places where you can read and ask questions.  I've found them very useful.  I never, ever just get on a ship and not know anything about the places we'll be calling.  As a female who often sails solo, I just don't take the risk of getting off the ship and wandering around very far or just getting into a taxi on my own.  I need to be informed and take responsibility for doing so myself.  I will check out the link provided by OP. 

 

I don't recall ever receiving any info about the ports from the cruise lines other than what general info they may have on their websites.  Not from Royal, or NCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or HAL. 

 

That port summary is nice to see, though. It may help the "play-it-by-ear" folks avoid some problems/disappointments.

 

[kwokpot]

27 minutes ago, NCTribeFan said:

I don't recall ever receiving any info about the ports from the cruise lines other than what general info they may have on their websites.  Not from Royal, or NCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or HAL. 

Many years ago all the cruiselines issued short paper summaries of the each port visited. It was included as part of the daily program given out at the end of each day for the following day. All the cruiselines had this. 

Edited August 13, 2022 by kwokpot

[kwokpot]

34 minutes ago, NCTribeFan said:

I don't recall ever receiving any info about the ports from the cruise lines other than what general info they may have on their websites.  Not from Royal, or NCL, or MSC, or Celebrity, or HAL. 

 

You don't remember the guides in the photo below? Those are ones I saved from Celebrity, NCL, and Royal. 

Edited August 13, 2022 by kwokpot

[alliecat1970]

Awesome info so far Im really appreciating this Thank You. Janet

[NCTribeFan]

I tend to not look at the flyers that are in the cabin, since they're just port shopping guides.  Since I don't cruise to shop, I never bothered.  I also don't go to the port talks, which are just glorified advertising for more shopping.  Not going to waste my precious time on a ship listening to someone tell me where to go to get my free charm. 😄

 

As I said, I do my own research.  I need to know before I cruise what's available in the port area and decide what's safe to do as a solo female.

 

I did check out the link OP provided and downloaded a few of the maps for ports where we aren't doing excursions.

 

 

Looking forward to reading more!

[alliecat1970]

Nc Tribe I am anxiously awaiting, drooling like lol due to I am going solo and I do the same no seminars no shopping other than I hate to admit the candy store. Going to church hope I have some more info after on here from you regarding your trip sites. I set up 3 nights in steakhouse already due to me being a carnivorous, and of course the lobster bisque.     Thank You Janet

[ninjacat123]

On Pride out of Rome next October!  Thanks for posting your review!

[EllieinNJ]

Doing  almost the same itinerary next May except leaving from Barcelona and arriving in Dover plus a b2b with Norway.  Looking forward to more info, especially the ports, food and entertainment.

[cyntil8ing]

Sorry for the delays in getting more details. I'm still loading photos, and I am still on Europe time! I was asleep before 10pm last night. Still dealing with tons of laundry too!

 

We ate in the dining room each night, except one where I took a "little" three hour nap and slept through it. We had anytime and usually went around 8:30. We used the Carnival Hub app to book our table and it worked perfectly. The estimated wait time was usually right on, or a little shorter, so we could plan when to check in. After the fourth or fifth night, we found a waiter we really liked, so we asked at the dining room reception desk to always be put in his section. That worked with the app.

 

The menus, I am happy to report, were at least as many as 12, our number of days. I was concerned about repeats after day 7, but that didn't happen. While the food wasn't anything to rave over, it was fine. I'm watching calories and always found something, even ordering the Indian vegetarian twice. 

 

We had the Cheers package, and that worked well with dining. Our waiter, Lester, learned our preferences, and had my Prosecco and my husband's Sauvignon Blanc delivered as soon as we sat down, then we chose our main course wine when we ordered. Our cappuccinos always arrived promptly with dessert. And he made a fun game of presenting the $0 bar bill to someone at the table. By the end, my daughter was official secretary.

 

We went to Sea Day Brunch (we had three sea days) and it seemed the same as it ever was. I had my favorites -- Huevos Rancheros and Broken Egg Sandwich. 

 

There was Tea Time on this ship. We were pleasantly surprised after hearing it had been canceled fleet-wide. My daughter and I went once and the other time, my son joined us. It was his first time ever attending. I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the ladies at our shared table. I think he was a bit taken aback by the "girl talk". We teased him about it and I doubt he will ever return. The snacks and treats weren't worth it to him.

 

I had Guy's Burgers once or twice. Never made it to Blue Iguana or the Deli. The Pizza, as always, was very good. No meals at David's, though we thought about it for my daughter's birthday. We stuck with the dining room and Lester and crew sang to her.

 

I can't think of much else to report about food. As I said earlier, I am watching calories and despite having Cheers and not watching at all on alcohol consumption, I ended the cruise up just 1.2 pounds from where I stated, an accomplishment for sure. My husband, on the other hand, was up 13 pounds, so obviously, the food was good.

[NCTribeFan]

I had a look at the updated menus and they fairly interesting.  Glad we'll have at least a little variety.

 

Went to seaday brunch on Pride on the 1/30/22 sailing, on the last sea day.  It wasn't crowded at all, but the service was pretty bad.  Very scattered/random, which I've had before at brunch but always when it was really busy.  Hope that was a exception and we won't encounter that same poor service.

 

I never do Cheers.  I'm mostly a beer and wine drinker and the wine I like isn't a high $ drink.  Our B2B2B (32 nights) has 17 port days, so until we get to the sea days on the TA, we just won't be on the ship enough to justify a drink package.  I do have DOU on all three legs.  

 

I try to take the stairs as much as possible (everywhere, not just on cruises, but especially on cruises) to help offset some of the extra caloric intake.  😄

 

What, you mean you have things to do other than upload pics and write a review?  LOL.  I get it.  Take your time.  We'll still be here!

[jimbo5544]

OP, thanks for the review and the info.  Lots of good stuff in there.  Never had heard about whatsinport before.

[BlerkOne]

10 hours ago, NCTribeFan said:

I tend to not look at the flyers that are in the cabin, since they're just port shopping guides.  Since I don't cruise to shop, I never bothered.  I also don't go to the port talks, which are just glorified advertising for more shopping.  Not going to waste my precious time on a ship listening to someone tell me where to go to get my free charm. 😄

 

I agree. There is a new invention called the Internet that I find useful.

[skrufy]

6 hours ago, cyntil8ing said:

Sorry for the delays in getting more details. I'm still loading photos, and I am still on Europe time! I was asleep before 10pm last night. Still dealing with tons of laundry too!

 

We ate in the dining room each night, except one where I took a "little" three hour nap and slept through it. We had anytime and usually went around 8:30. We used the Carnival Hub app to book our table and it worked perfectly. The estimated wait time was usually right on, or a little shorter, so we could plan when to check in. After the fourth or fifth night, we found a waiter we really liked, so we asked at the dining room reception desk to always be put in his section. That worked with the app.

 

The menus, I am happy to report, were at least as many as 12, our number of days. I was concerned about repeats after day 7, but that didn't happen. While the food wasn't anything to rave over, it was fine. I'm watching calories and always found something, even ordering the Indian vegetarian twice. 

 

We had the Cheers package, and that worked well with dining. Our waiter, Lester, learned our preferences, and had my Prosecco and my husband's Sauvignon Blanc delivered as soon as we sat down, then we chose our main course wine when we ordered. Our cappuccinos always arrived promptly with dessert. And he made a fun game of presenting the $0 bar bill to someone at the table. By the end, my daughter was official secretary.

 

We went to Sea Day Brunch (we had three sea days) and it seemed the same as it ever was. I had my favorites -- Huevos Rancheros and Broken Egg Sandwich. 

 

There was Tea Time on this ship. We were pleasantly surprised after hearing it had been canceled fleet-wide. My daughter and I went once and the other time, my son joined us. It was his first time ever attending. I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the ladies at our shared table. I think he was a bit taken aback by the "girl talk". We teased him about it and I doubt he will ever return. The snacks and treats weren't worth it to him.

 

I had Guy's Burgers once or twice. Never made it to Blue Iguana or the Deli. The Pizza, as always, was very good. No meals at David's, though we thought about it for my daughter's birthday. We stuck with the dining room and Lester and crew sang to her.

 

I can't think of much else to report about food. As I said earlier, I am watching calories and despite having Cheers and not watching at all on alcohol consumption, I ended the cruise up just 1.2 pounds from where I stated, an accomplishment for sure. My husband, on the other hand, was up 13 pounds, so obviously, the food was good.

Your trip sounded so fantastic. We can't wait for our first  journey to London and cruise out of Southampton next year.

[TrqoisWtrs]

On 8/14/2022 at 10:45 AM, cyntil8ing said:

We had the Cheers package,

I find Cheers isn't worth it for me on Europe cruises...I love being able to bring on local wines to enjoy.

 

But looking forward to more...I'll be on Pride next year for a Baltic cruise.  Supposed to go to Russia, but that got changed to Estonia I think?

Edited August 15, 2022 by cruisin*tigger

[cyntil8ing]

1 hour ago, cruisin*tigger said:

I find Cheers isn't worth it for me on Europe cruises...I love being able to bring on local wines to enjoy.

FWIW, I agree with you. But the hub wanted Cheers, so we got it.

 

We also got the Premium Wi-Fi for all of us. After struggling with the Value Plan on our last cruise (Bahamas on Conquest), we went with the Premium. We had no trouble or lags all week. Definitely worth the upgrade in my mind. Kids used all their socials, FaceTime and Netflix. I didn't run any speed tests because I didn't have speed issues.

Edited August 15, 2022 by cyntil8ing

[cyntil8ing]

I think I should call this trip Luggage-Palooza. We had SO many bags! It was crazy. Never again will I travel with so much stuff. 

 

 

Four days in London:

 

Wednesday

 

Arrival day, we made no plans for this day. We took an overnight flight from Dulles, arriving at Heathrow about noon. Customs and Immigration was a breeze — no lines and we simply scanned our passports to enter. Our luggage arrived fairly quickly and without incident. We had pre-arranged a transfer to our hotel. We used the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel site to book with points. The provider ended up being London Travel In Limited (https://www.londontravelin.com). As we exited the airport, the driver was waiting for us with a sign with our names. My kids got quite the kick from this — thought we were so fancy! The driver took us to our hotel — The Clermont, Charing Cross (https://www.theclermont.co.uk/charing-cross).

 

I dithered for months picking somewhere to stay in London. I considered AirBNBs, but just couldn't pull the trigger, and watched them disappear off my favorites list as they were booked up. I finally ended up using Priceline for the two rooms. The hotel was very nice, included a nice hot breakfast buffet that introduced my son to beans for breakfast, free mini-bar, and the location simply could not be beat. We were right in the middle of everything.

 

We ate dinner at the hotel restaurant that evening. Afterward, my husband and daughter went out for a walk, while my son and I called it a night. We had an early tour the next day.

 

 

 

 

Steps: 5k

 

Thursday

 

We had purchased 3-day London Passes and Oyster cards ahead of time, so we had a few reservations and a long list of places we wanted to visit. This day it was the 3 hour 30+ London Sights Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening, we had theater tickets for Come From Away.

 

 

 

Before the theater, I used Tripadvisor to find a restaurant. The one we ended up reserving, J Sheekey (https://j-sheekey.co.uk) was simply amazing! Being a life-long Marylander, I consider myself a bit of a seafood snob, but everything was delicious! I had the Shellfish Platter and the oysters were the best I have ever had. We ended up getting an extra half dozen so everyone could try some. It was also my kids' first time enjoying wine with dinner. I think they enjoyed the experience more so than the actual wine.

 

 

Steps: 17k

[cyntil8ing]

Friday

 

Our reservations today were for the Twickenham Stadium Tour and World Rugby Museum. My daughter discovered rugby this year at school. In the afternoon, we took the Architectural Tour of the Ben Franklin House. And finally, we had tickets for the View from the Shard. That evening, we met up with my husband's brother and his family for dinner at a nice Portuguese restaurant, Casa do Frango London Bridge . They've lived in London for ten years or so, and we haven't seen them but once since then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steps: 19k

 

Saturday

 

This morning, we had reservations for a James Bond Walking Tour. Our guide took us to many sights featured in James Bond films. This was an awesome morning! Later in the afternoon, we rode the Uber Boats up and down the Thames, then arrived at the Tower of London just an hour and a half before closing. We went straight to the Crown Jewels exhibit and then had some time to explore the grounds a bit. We then spent the evening at my brother-in-law's house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steps: 15k

[ninjacat123]

Great start!!  My DDs (20 & 22) had the same reaction to wine when we were in Amsterdam and Paris a month ago.  Looks like you all are having a wonderful time!  Thanks for posting!

[cyntil8ing]

Day 1 - Embarkation

 

Unlike the cruise before ours, we had no issues getting from London to the ship in Dover. Our 10:37 train from St Pancras to Dover was canceled, but we boarded the next one at 11:37 and arrived at 12:40. There was a shuttle bus to the port. There were also taxis available.

 

Luggage-Palooza strikes again. We had to take two taxis to the train station! One for us and one for the luggage. Crazy! 

 

 

First view of the ship from the train:

 

 

Cabins 8157 and 8159 (8K Extended Balcony)

 

 

Balcony overhang

 

 

Steps: 6k

 

Day 2 - At sea

 

Tea time

 

 

Formal night

 

Dad jokes about getting a call on his shell phone

 

 

The kids react

 

 

Late night comedy shows nearly every night.

 

 

Nightcap at the Casino Bar. This would be our habit every night.

 

 

Steps: 5k