Considering Pride out of Baltimore - in the Winter .. Crazy?

We've never sailed out of any "cold weather" port before, but I've talked to family and friends who have, and most say they would not do it again because 2-3 days are "wasted" getting to the warmer weather. Now, I take most things with a grain of salt, so I am asking about experiences for those who have sailed this particular ship on this particular itinerary.

Sailing out of Baltimore during the Winter (have not decided on a date, but it will be Dec, Jan, or Feb).

Stops: Port Canaveral and Bahamas (x2)

Days at Sea - 2 at the beginning, 1 at the end

My questions are around balcony cabins and outdoor options.

Do people just do inside activities for those sea days - or do they have some sections outside that are suitable for pax. I understand there is a retractable roof - but are there heaters? Pools closed until we hit warmer weather? Can you even access the outside portions (assuming we are dressed appropriately, of course.

Seem like kind of silly questions, but really, if 3 days is spend indoors - then this takes a bit away from the experience.

also - sailing out of Baltimore - looks like a long haul to the open ocean - might be a nice view? (again - is there a suitable area to watch sailaway from - being winter.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experience - this is new to me.

Cheers!

We've sailed the Grandeur OTS out of Balt many times. Dec, Jan and Feb. First and last sea day is a nogo outside, but get up early to get seat in covered pool area. These were 12 night cruises and second and next to last sea day were iffy, but enough days in warm weather overall. We have two Pride 14 nighters booked next year Nov & Jan. Again, enough days in warm weather makes it ok. We'd probably not do a 7 nighter, but if you manage to get a seat in the covered pool area, might not be too bad. Balcony? Not for us, too cold and windy.

We've done 'winter' cruises before and it really is hit or miss.

You can check ocean temps and see that all ports will have cold water. If you are going to something like Nassau and visiting a resort (Atlantis, etc.) they will have temp controlled areas.

The sea days will be hit/miss - no you won't have to stay inside first. All outdoor areas will be open and available to use. The pools I do not believe are heated - Hot tubs of course are though. The Pride also has a covered pool area that will makes it very humid and nice there. That pool maybe warmer than the forward pool.

There are no heaters on the decks or balconies around the ship either. Many people bring a lite sweatshirt for the day out of Baltimore and about 1/2 the first sea day - by that time you are far enough south that you should be used to the weather (at least if you are from the Northeast States)

There are a lot of areas inside to watch the sail away but it will be dark by 6-7 so the days are short and you won't see much headed out.

We like going during that time of the year and are headed out over Thanksgiving again this year. Yes there are pros/cons and it isn't as tropical since you are just in the Bahamas and not going further south but it will still be a great cruise!

I would sail out of Baltimore again, but not in winter. You lose at least 2 to 3 days because of the cold. We went in December and it was cold and dreary lots of fog that time of year. They do have an area that has a retractable roof that is closed in the cold. It makes it nicer as you think you are sunning on the deck. Baltimore is a great port to sail from just not in the winter months.

When we cruise in the winter we like to do it out of Florida so each day will be warm.

Out of Baltimore you will have at least 1 day in each direction that will be cold and perhaps more.

We did a 14 day relocation cruise from Tampa to Baltimore and last morning was 23F.

Figure your balcony will not be usable for probably 3 days.

We've never sailed out of any "cold weather" port before, but I've talked to family and friends who have, and most say they would not do it again because 2-3 days are "wasted" getting to the warmer weather. Now, I take most things with a grain of salt, so I am asking about experiences for those who have sailed this particular ship on this particular itinerary.

 

 

 

Sailing out of Baltimore during the Winter (have not decided on a date, but it will be Dec, Jan, or Feb).

 

Stops: Port Canaveral and Bahamas (x2)

 

Days at Sea - 2 at the beginning, 1 at the end

 

 

 

My questions are around balcony cabins and outdoor options.

 

 

 

Do people just do inside activities for those sea days - or do they have some sections outside that are suitable for pax. I understand there is a retractable roof - but are there heaters? Pools closed until we hit warmer weather? Can you even access the outside portions (assuming we are dressed appropriately, of course.

 

 

 

Seem like kind of silly questions, but really, if 3 days is spend indoors - then this takes a bit away from the experience.

 

 

 

also - sailing out of Baltimore - looks like a long haul to the open ocean - might be a nice view? (again - is there a suitable area to watch sailaway from - being winter.

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experience - this is new to me.

 

 

 

Cheers!

Have not done this particular itinerary but have been on the Pride and her Sister Legend to Alaska. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Baltimore during the weekends. The spirit class ships (Pride and Legend among them) are better suited than most ships for colder weather, but they are older with less amenities than Carnival’s newer ships.

Coming from Canada, you may have a different definition of cold than most who will reply, but since you are probably going to get on a plane anyway, might as well head further South and get a ship with better weather and a much better Itinerary.

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Coming from Canada, you may have a different definition of cold than most who will reply, but since you are probably going to get on a plane anyway, might as well head further South and get a ship with better weather and a much better Itinerary.

 

 

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That's the draw to Baltimore - I can drive there in 7 hours - easily a same-day drive. So, I don't have hotels, and other road-trip expenses.

But, yes, I am also considering Fla departures, but of course, the cruises themselves are also more expensive for the very reasons that are the source of my questions.

I have done the Pride from Baltimore in February and the Splendor from NY for New Years. It is a hit or miss depending on the weather. For the Pride, I believe it was in 2/16, it was 5 degrees outside I don't think I was warm until we got to the Bahamas, so maybe 2 - 2 1/2 days out of the 7, because everywhere was freezing. For the Splendor from NY, leaving the temperature was in the 50's so it was great.

if it is too cold out, we did do indoor activities, which for me includes going to the casino, which is not always the best idea. :) If safe, the outdoor area is open and believe it or not there were people out there. The pools would be closed. Sorry, but I don't remember if there was heaters or not.

I always get a balcony however for the Pride I did not, I got the 4K, inside cabin with French doors. The doors were nailed shut however I doubt I would have opened them up.

As for sail away, because of fog I think we didn't leave to let that night, so there was not sail away party..

It definitely is a different type of cruise than leaving from warm weather, would I do it again, I guess it depends on the price and the ship. Good luck.

If you need a 100% warm get away, you are flying to Baltimore, and/or cost is not a significant factor, then NO I wouldn't do a winter cruise on the Pride. However, we sailed on the Pride out of Baltimore in February 3 years ago and enjoyed it even though it was a different kind of cruise. The design of that Spirit class ship is great. You can walk all away around the deck by the dining rooms where on other ships the deck does not wrap around. On the last day home, the very top deck was blocked off, but I was able to walk outside on the rest of the outdoor spaces even though it was windy and raining. It was warm by the afternoon of the 1st day at sea. We stayed in an inside room so I cannot comment in a balcony. My kids swam in the pool every day but the last one. They can obviously heat the pool as one day it was jacuzzi temperature. But, I will say it wasn't always heated. We enjoyed the shows and played more card games and enjoyed exploring the ship more than we have on other cruises. Here are a couple other thoughts:

1. Port is easy to drive in and out of. Since we live in Virginia, it's a 1.5 hour drive to the port. So, unlike Florida, no long drive and no extra hotel costs.

2. Winter cruise = significantly cheaper! Normally we cannot afford to sail out of Baltimore as Spring Break and summer cruises can run twice the price as cruises out of Florida which adds up when you have 4 kids.

3. Sailing out of Baltimore and under the bridge in the dark is spectacular!!

4. It was pretty cool to see birds hanging out on ice patches in the port.

We've never sailed out of any "cold weather" port before, but I've talked to family and friends who have, and most say they would not do it again because 2-3 days are "wasted" getting to the warmer weather. Now, I take most things with a grain of salt, so I am asking about experiences for those who have sailed this particular ship on this particular itinerary.

 

Sailing out of Baltimore during the Winter (have not decided on a date, but it will be Dec, Jan, or Feb).

Stops: Port Canaveral and Bahamas (x2)

Days at Sea - 2 at the beginning, 1 at the end

 

My questions are around balcony cabins and outdoor options.

 

Do people just do inside activities for those sea days - or do they have some sections outside that are suitable for pax. I understand there is a retractable roof - but are there heaters? Pools closed until we hit warmer weather? Can you even access the outside portions (assuming we are dressed appropriately, of course.

 

Seem like kind of silly questions, but really, if 3 days is spend indoors - then this takes a bit away from the experience.

 

also - sailing out of Baltimore - looks like a long haul to the open ocean - might be a nice view? (again - is there a suitable area to watch sailaway from - being winter.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experience - this is new to me.

 

Cheers!

We love it!

Cruised out of Baltimore, NJ, NY in Jan and Feb. Many times it gets shorts weather on day 2. Couple of times at the end of first sea day. You won't be spending 3 whole days indoors for sure. People watch sailaway outside in their coats or they gather in the indoor viewing areas which NCL ships and Royal Caribbean ships have. Some ships ahve a retractable roof over the solarium, some do not. Pools are open to who ever wants to brave it ...and usually you will find a Canadian or two braving it in the outside hot tub on a January sailaway.

I do not think you will have any problem.

We've never sailed out of any "cold weather" port before, but I've talked to family and friends who have, and most say they would not do it again because 2-3 days are "wasted" getting to the warmer weather. Now, I take most things with a grain of salt, so I am asking about experiences for those who have sailed this particular ship on this particular itinerary.

 

Sailing out of Baltimore during the Winter (have not decided on a date, but it will be Dec, Jan, or Feb).

Stops: Port Canaveral and Bahamas (x2)

Days at Sea - 2 at the beginning, 1 at the end

 

My questions are around balcony cabins and outdoor options.

 

Do people just do inside activities for those sea days - or do they have some sections outside that are suitable for pax. I understand there is a retractable roof - but are there heaters? Pools closed until we hit warmer weather? Can you even access the outside portions (assuming we are dressed appropriately, of course.

 

Seem like kind of silly questions, but really, if 3 days is spend indoors - then this takes a bit away from the experience.

 

also - sailing out of Baltimore - looks like a long haul to the open ocean - might be a nice view? (again - is there a suitable area to watch sailaway from - being winter.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experience - this is new to me.

 

Cheers!

I can remember seeing videos posted here on CC of Pride sailing from Baltimore in winter where they had to break ice away to dock or depart. That is so dependent though on the specific conditions for your particular sail date. If warm weather start to finish is important to you, you'll want to choose a cruise that embarks from a southern U.S. port. And even some winter departures from Florida can be cool/iffy, but not likely to be subject to the possible ice of Baltimore. If you're okay with a day or so of cold weather, Baltimore will work for you. But it is certainly luck of the weather draw what the weather will be cruising from Baltimore.

We have done the Pride in a Vista Suite in Jan. Above posters are correct, we became an icebreaker coming up the bay.

If you want a shorter drive try Royal's Anthem out of Bayonne, just across from NYC. She is built for sailing out of cooler weather. There is so much to do that you will be wowed. That ship would honestly be my first choice in winter. We did a 12 nighter on her, but she does sail your exact 7 day itinerary.

Have a great cruise.

That's the draw to Baltimore - I can drive there in 7 hours - easily a same-day drive. So, I don't have hotels, and other road-trip expenses.

 

 

 

But, yes, I am also considering Fla departures, but of course, the cruises themselves are also more expensive for the very reasons that are the source of my questions.

I never would have guessed you could get from Niagara to Baltimore so quickly, but I’d still encourage you to drive in day before from that distance in that place at that time and get a hotel. So I’d encourage you to take out the the cost of a pre-night hotel and add the cost of parking in Baltimore vs parking at your airport (plus gas and tolls) when you compare the cost of driving to Balt vs Flying to FL. I’m sure it will still work out cheaper to drive to Baltimore, but maybe not as cheap as you think. I have no problem with the Pride, but I think the Itinerary sucks, especially at that time of year.

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I never would have guessed you could get from Niagara to Baltimore so quickly, but I’d still encourage you to drive in day before from that distance in that place at that time and get a hotel. So I’d encourage you to take out the the cost of a pre-night hotel and add the cost of parking in Baltimore vs parking at your airport (plus gas and tolls) when you compare the cost of driving to Balt vs Flying to FL. I’m sure it will still work out cheaper to drive to Baltimore, but maybe not as cheap as you think. I have no problem with the Pride, but I think the Itinerary sucks, especially at that time of year.

 

 

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Very good advise to arrive a day before. And in winter time, even 2 days before is a good idea.

The pride is doing the worst itinerary that carnival does IMHO.

I never would have guessed you could get from Niagara to Baltimore so quickly, but I’d still encourage you to drive in day before from that distance in that place at that time and get a hotel. So I’d encourage you to take out the the cost of a pre-night hotel and add the cost of parking in Baltimore vs parking at your airport (plus gas and tolls) when you compare the cost of driving to Balt vs Flying to FL. I’m sure it will still work out cheaper to drive to Baltimore, but maybe not as cheap as you think. I have no problem with the Pride, but I think the Itinerary sucks, especially at that time of year.

 

 

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I live in Baltimore and for that reason have and probably will not sail from here during the winter months always farther south ( Florida ) and yes i travel to Niagara Falls quite a lot 6 1/2 hours easy.

We've never sailed out of any "cold weather" port before, but I've talked to family and friends who have, and most say they would not do it again because 2-3 days are "wasted" getting to the warmer weather. Now, I take most things with a grain of salt, so I am asking about experiences for those who have sailed this particular ship on this particular itinerary.

 

Sailing out of Baltimore during the Winter (have not decided on a date, but it will be Dec, Jan, or Feb).

Stops: Port Canaveral and Bahamas (x2)

Days at Sea - 2 at the beginning, 1 at the end

 

My questions are around balcony cabins and outdoor options.

 

Do people just do inside activities for those sea days - or do they have some sections outside that are suitable for pax. I understand there is a retractable roof - but are there heaters? Pools closed until we hit warmer weather? Can you even access the outside portions (assuming we are dressed appropriately, of course.

 

Seem like kind of silly questions, but really, if 3 days is spend indoors - then this takes a bit away from the experience.

 

also - sailing out of Baltimore - looks like a long haul to the open ocean - might be a nice view? (again - is there a suitable area to watch sailaway from - being winter.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experience - this is new to me.

 

Cheers!

Look up Radio's cruise last year and you will see not to do it.

Quote ; Considering Pride out of Baltimore - in the Winter .. Crazy?

Crazy and beyond .:D

I can remember seeing videos posted here on CC of Pride sailing from Baltimore in winter where they had to break ice away to dock or depart. That is so dependent though on the specific conditions for your particular sail date. If warm weather start to finish is important to you, you'll want to choose a cruise that embarks from a southern U.S. port. And even some winter departures from Florida can be cool/iffy, but not likely to be subject to the possible ice of Baltimore. If you're okay with a day or so of cold weather, Baltimore will work for you. But it is certainly luck of the weather draw what the weather will be cruising from Baltimore.

When the Breakway 1st came to NY I cruised on her in January. After docking back in NY I went out to my balcony and there was snow on there. That's not something you see every day,

Something you may want to take into consideration the Pride has a retractable canopy over the main family pool, covering the entire mid-ship Lido deck. True you would not be able to sunbath but the pool is open even if there is snow in Baltimore at your departure. As for the return trip most winter departures the pool is usable until mid day on your last seaday, unless a cold snap is hitting North and South Carolina.

Now think about driving or flying to Florida in winter. Remember a snow storm that affect say Chicago can effect air departures nationwide, so you will want to have a day (at least) of padding to either side of the cruise. And if driving many southern states are clueless on clearing the roads even if the storm only dumps an inch of snow and locals drop to a slow crawl, so for every 3 hours of road travel budget 1 hour for unexpected delays (if not breaking every 6-8 hours for a hotel to sleep at). (As of right now there are several large "road improvement" projects in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware that will shut down activity but leave only a partially finish projects that causes long traffic slow downs as well. This road construction will also affect travel to Baltimore.)

Right now my DH and I are comparing if a 5 day cruise out of Port Canaveral vs the 7 day Pride (same 3 ports) is more cost effective. We live in NJ and have access to nonstop flights direct from here to Orlando for under $135 R/T per person, making the travel price plus the cruise equal the booking price of the cruise out of Baltimore. But now instead of paying $105 to park our car for the 7 days in Baltimore (or $170 for a hotel with a Park, Sleep, Cruise package) we are looking at either $144 for the Canaveral transfer from/to airport to/from cruise port or around $250 for a Coco beach area Snooze and Cruise package with airport transfer.

Something you may want to take into consideration the Pride has a retractable canopy over the main family pool, covering the entire mid-ship Lido deck. True you would not be able to sunbath but the pool is open even if there is snow in Baltimore at your departure. As for the return trip most winter departures the pool is usable until mid day on your last seaday, unless a cold snap is hitting North and South Carolina.

Now think about driving or flying to Florida in winter. Remember a snow storm that affect say Chicago can effect air departures nationwide, so you will want to have a day (at least) of padding to either side of the cruise. And if driving many southern states are clueless on clearing the roads even if the storm only dumps an inch of snow and locals drop to a slow crawl, so for every 3 hours of road travel budget 1 hour for unexpected delays (if not breaking every 6-8 hours for a hotel to sleep at). (As of right now there are several large "road improvement" projects in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware that will shut down activity but leave only a partially finish projects that causes long traffic slow downs as well. This road construction will also affect travel to Baltimore.)

Right now my DH and I are comparing if a 5 day cruise out of Port Canaveral vs the 7 day Pride (same 3 ports) is more cost effective. We live in NJ and have access to nonstop flights direct from here to Orlando for under $135 R/T per person, making the travel price plus the cruise equal the booking price of the cruise out of Baltimore. But now instead of paying $105 to park our car for the 7 days in Baltimore (or $170 for a hotel with a Park, Sleep, Cruise package) we are looking at either $144 for the Canaveral transfer from/to airport to/from cruise port or around $250 for a Coco beach area Snooze and Cruise package with airport transfer.

Certainly, if you can take a 7 day cruise with two days of bad weather for the same price as a 5 day,, without the hassle of air, to the same ports, that’s a no brainer.

My problem is the ports that time of year - water is cold, especially the sea water pumped in to the pool in Baltimore.

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I have members of my family up in central NY that use Baltimore every year for at least one of their cruises. They can drive there in about 5 hours so it is convenient BUT they learned a few years ago that October/early November is the limit for booking a "more comfortable" cruise. The weather is much warmer at this time most years and the seas are much more calm. The end of November and December cruises they took were very choppy and cold for at least half (coming and going combined) of the days. Could not enjoy the outside decks, many times decks were blocked off due to weather and winds, which limited the activities etc. They are leaving next weekend out of Baltimore and then their mid winter cruise is out of PC but they will fly.

Also, driving back home to Syracuse was not a good drive in the winter and they have hit major snow and slow downs so that also plays into the decision...Good Luck...

Certainly, if you can take a 7 day cruise with two days of bad weather for the same price as a 5 day,, without the hassle of air, to the same ports, that’s a no brainer.

My problem is the ports that time of year - water is cold, especially the sea water pumped in to the pool in Baltimore.

 

 

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As another poster stated feeling cold is relative and I do remember some hearty souls using the uncovered aft hot tubs on our cruise in March 2016 because the mid-ship pool was packed on embarkation day.

Unless someone fouls the water the night before turnaround the mid-ship pool on the Pride is not emptied and refilled on embarkation day. So the mid-ship pool at least is not iced water.

We were on the Pride out of Baltimore in December 2 years ago. We loved it! We live in Pennsylvania so it's was an easy drive for us, no hotel, and no airfare. Embarkation day was cold and the muster drill outside sucked but by the next day, being outside was fine. We wouldn't do it again because we're all getting tired of the same ports (I know, first world problems). Leaving Baltimore and going under the bridge at night is beautiful but getting off a cruise ship and having to dig your car out of the snow was a rude awakening.

Very good advise to arrive a day before. And in winter time, even 2 days before is a good idea.

We have traveled three times on the Pride. May, December, and April. As all have said if you want warm weather, you miss the first and last day to cold. But I couldn't afford to travel at peak times as the cost can DOUBLE from a winter itinerary. We drive (12 hours) from Ohio two days before to allow for breakdowns or other things that would make us late. That gives us a day to relax at the hotel before we get going. Our hotel is very close to the port and we like to park at the port so when we get back we are ready to leave for home. Had a very bad experience with shuttle return to hotel.