swodog94

Too bad it's one big beer contract for all of Carnival. It'd be nice if they took on local stuff from around their ports of embarkation...can you imagine Carnival Pride (when she goes back to Baltimore) having Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, or Brewer's Art Resurrection Ale? Or ships cruising from San Diego having Stone IPA or Ballast Point Sculpin? :) One can only dream.

I'm glad this is still an option. RCI is discontinuing their wine packages, forcing their cruisers to buy their version of a "Cheers" package if you want drinks with dinner. You can still buy wine by the bottle each night, but at an inflated price (which is really too bad since most of the wine choices are overpriced as it is - $30 onbd for a bottle you buy for $10 out in town. :-(

We usually hit the duty free booze, you can get some good deals there. Do a lot of Christmas shopping that way! :D

My son is in the Marines and of course has a Military ID. Will he still need his birth certificate or passport?

The Common Access Card (CAC) (fancy name for military ID) can be accepted as a valid ID for most things in the US (getting carded at a bar, checking in to hotel, etc.) in accordance with the Serviceman's Act. However, the Serviceman's Act only applies in the US and so his CAC would not be a valid form of ID in any foreign country you visit while on cruise. A passport is the best (and safest) bet.

I'd say it depends on when during the winter you sail. December and January then expect four cold days (2 out and 2 back). But once you get to February, it could be nice after the first full sea day. I've spent years sailing out of Norfolk and sometimes in Feb it's still crappy all the way down by Florida, sometimes it's nice once you get past Hatteras.

That being said, we did a cold cruise on Pride out of Baltimore last year and while we didn't get to lay out and lounge in the pool, there was still plenty to do. And whatever you decide, it'll still not be as cold as VT!

My DH and I will be on the pride in October, we will be coming up two days early to enjoy sights in Baltimore. would love to hear from anyone that has stayed at the Best Western on O'Donnell St. Good or bad. Should we book some where else?? And to anyone who has stayed in room 4228, where was your muster station, inside or out? would like to have jacket if outside, it might be cold in October.

All muster stations on Pride are outside. Baltimore in October is a crap shoot...might be sweater cool, or shorts hot. Be ready for either.

As for the Best Western on O'Donnel street, it's in a semi-industrial area, surrounded by cemeteries. Not anywhere near the Inner Harbor. But I can't comment on the actual quality of the hotel (which is what I think you asked about), just the surroundings.

Woooooo! Balcony club! What kinda cabin did you have? I'm assuming it was completely covered?

Ocean Suite. Nice big balcony with 3 chairs, two tables and a lounger! Deck six, port side, so yes, completely covered.

Just got back from sailing on Pride and we definitely used our balcony for nude sunbathing. And joined the Balcony Club! I love cruises! :D

We just got back from sailing on Pride 21-28 July 13 and when we got home after debarking my wife started to feel ill. Today she was diagnosed with norovirus (the "cruise ship disease"). Is anybody else who was on that sailing exhibiting similar symptoms (vomiting, runs, etc)? I'm curious whether she actually has norovirus or if the doc just assumed it since she told him she just got back from a cruise. I really want to hear from folks, but I plan on emailing Carnival anyway so they can take any measures they see fit.

I have another question....On embarkation day (we have FTTF so Im psyched!) is the bar on the serenity deck open as soon as you get onboard? Im thinking as soon as we drop off our bags at the room we should head over there for cocktail before checking out the ship.

Yes, Serenity bar will be open. Almost all the bars will be open...the only one I saw closed was the Ivory Bar, and that's because they were getting ready for a wedding. Also, depending on what time you get on board your stateroom may not be ready...so take your bags with you to the bar! :D

Does anyone know if they offer photo package where they will take some formal pics throughout the ship and designated spots?? Would like to get some pics as we will be on our honeymoon and doing the formal night dressed up!! Thanks

They had several photo stations set up in the Atrium every night (including Elegant Night), but if you have a request for photos elsewhere on the ship I'm sure you can set it up with them once you get on board. I'd recommend going to the Pixels desk shortly after embarking and ask about having photos taken. Trust me, they'll take your money!

Getting ready to walk out the door to head to the port and embark! I'll post a review when we get back next Sunday. Cheers!:D

For those who have been to Sandals...was there somewhere to shower and change? Lockers?

I am actually going to be watching for the mouth of the Patuxent and the mouth of the Potomac

Cruising in November, it will be dark by the time you pass the Potomac and Pax Rivers southbound. And it'll be in the middle of the night northbound. If you have a chart and a GPS, you may be able to at least recognize the lights on the bouys marking those rivers. Sorry.

The wife and I did the Post-Hurricane Sandy "Cruise to Nowhere" on Pride last fall and way too many folks showed up at the last minute. The cruise was soooo cheap that the preponderance of the folks on the ship were first-timers. We were on the ship having a snack at around 3pm and saw a loooong line of cars still trying to get in to the port area. We looked at each other and said "no way are we sailing on time"...and we didn't. It was almost 6pm before we took in all lines and got underway.