Our week on the Pride! June 12-19

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

As you can see from my siggie, we love the Pride, been on it 2x on the itinerary you just did, but we are doing the HMC/GT/Freeport one coming up in September - I can't wait for HMC, from everything I've read on here, it sounds like pure paradise! I think we booked the Sept one sometime in Feb, and they still had the obstructed view balconies too, so that also helps with the cost. We live about 25 mins from the port, so it's a no brainer to take advantage of it! We've looked at the Bermuda ones, but we like to frequent the casino in the evenings, and unfortunately, it's closed during the entire time the ship is docked in Bermuda (3 daysIi think) so that one is probably not in our future...

 

Good luck planning for the whole fam!! You're right, that does take some time!

 

Great review btw, I can't wait to be back on this ship, especially to see the new Serenity area! That was added during her dry-dock, which was a month or 2 after our last cruise.

 

 

Thanks! The Serenity area was my favorite. I never once went to the other pool areas. And I didn't see any kids in the Serenity area, so it was nice that either parents were enforcing the rules for their kids, or the kids saw that it was adult only and just stayed away.

[Shelli]

Great review! Thanks for writing it!

[jnmcruise]

thanks for the review!!

[prettyblue2]

Sorry! This should be $249 for couples massage and $109 for individual.

Thank you for your detailed great review. I'll be sailing on the Pride 7/24/11 om this same itinerary and reading your review was so helpful.

[trptplayer22]

Can you use the "not so hot tub" LOL, in the spa without being charged?

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

Can you use the "not so hot tub" LOL, in the spa without being charged?

 

Yes, as far as I know it's open to everyone. There are some chairs around it, and towels available. I think you can just walk in and use it. The locker rooms are also right nearby.

[1maggie1]

Thanks for the review - we were on the same cruise. We never made it to the Serenity area but did walk through it several times and it was full. So we went up one deck to relax. There was always chairs there.

 

We loved it too and I want to go back!!!!

[Conway733]

Never cruised before, but am in the process of booking on the Pride! For elegant night, what types of things do people wear? How elegant is it?

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

Never cruised before, but am in the process of booking on the Pride! For elegant night, what types of things do people wear? How elegant is it?

 

I don't know if this is unfortunate or not, but really people wear just about everything. If you don't want to dress up, you can still go to the dining room. I didn't see too many cocktail dresses or tuxes, but DH and I always bring a couple of nice dresses and a suit with tie. There will be lots of photo ops around the ship on elegant night, and even if you don't buy any of the pictures, they are fun to look at. That being said, if you want to dress up like you're going to a black tie dinner, you certainly can. You will also see people in polos and kakhis though. I've heard sometimes they'll turn you away on elegant night if you are in shorts and a t-shirt, but I don't know if that's true or not.

 

You will have a great time on the Pride! Which itinerary are you thinking of?

[cruisin07family]

Really? I guess it depends on the time of year. I find the Pride prices during Sept-Nov to be excellent, but we always book really early so we get the Early Saver rates too. (Sorry to thread hijack!!)

 

Yes, I suppose if we could cruise at off times it would be more reasonable. We have a 15 yr old that we wouldn't consider pulling out of school or leaving home alone so we've checked summer, spring break, and xmas - all high price cruising time. Just this morning I looked at the rates for June 2012 on Pride ($4100) for the four of us in a balcony (older son is in college so only available for summer cruising) vs Legend same week four in similar balcony ($3000). It may be wash if flights are $1100 for the four of us but we could drive to Tampa which would not cost $1100.

 

We may try to get a last minute cruise next year from NY, MD, or SC and see if we get lucky.

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

Yes, I suppose if we could cruise at off times it would be more reasonable. We have a 15 yr old that we wouldn't consider pulling out of school or leaving home alone so we've checked summer, spring break, and xmas - all high price cruising time. Just this morning I looked at the rates for June 2012 on Pride ($4100) for the four of us in a balcony (older son is in college so only available for summer cruising) vs Legend same week four in similar balcony ($3000). It may be wash if flights are $1100 for the four of us but we could drive to Tampa which would not cost $1100.

 

We may try to get a last minute cruise next year from NY, MD, or SC and see if we get lucky.

 

When I checked for our family for next year, the week of August 24th or 26th, something like that, had some good rates, and that should be before school starts (if your school starts after Labor Day). It's a long way to wait, but it might save you some money. I know rates change all the time though, so that week may not be that price anymore.

[RaiderFaninNM]

THANKS for the review and pics! The Pride holds a special place for us as she was our first.................:o and LOVED every bit of her! I see the Serenity area is a newer place as that was not on board her when we sailed her, do you have any more pictures of the inside of her, I loved them! THANKS!

[cruisin07family]

When I checked for our family for next year, the week of August 24th or 26th, something like that, had some good rates, and that should be before school starts (if your school starts after Labor Day). It's a long way to wait, but it might save you some money. I know rates change all the time though, so that week may not be that price anymore.

 

Thanks for letting me know. Unfortunately, our crazy school system actually starts TWO weeks before Labor Day and college son will have to return before the end of Aug as well. Oh well.

[garyf3]

Thanks for the review! Makes me even more excited for my first cruise ever and on the Pride!

[Johnsblonde]

I don't know if this is unfortunate or not, but really people wear just about everything. If you don't want to dress up, you can still go to the dining room. I didn't see too many cocktail dresses or tuxes, but DH and I always bring a couple of nice dresses and a suit with tie. There will be lots of photo ops around the ship on elegant night, and even if you don't buy any of the pictures, they are fun to look at. That being said, if you want to dress up like you're going to a black tie dinner, you certainly can. You will also see people in polos and kakhis though. I've heard sometimes they'll turn you away on elegant night if you are in shorts and a t-shirt, but I don't know if that's true or not.

 

DH and I were on the same cruise. Our regular table was right at the entrance to the dining room and several people were turned away that were wearing shorts, etc. That said, khaki slacks/dockers and nice shirts seemed to be ok. The women were dressed for the most part like they were going to a nice dinner, with some dressed in beautiful cocktail dresses. I don't recall a single tux though.

[Conway733]

I don't know if this is unfortunate or not, but really people wear just about everything. If you don't want to dress up, you can still go to the dining room. I didn't see too many cocktail dresses or tuxes, but DH and I always bring a couple of nice dresses and a suit with tie. There will be lots of photo ops around the ship on elegant night, and even if you don't buy any of the pictures, they are fun to look at. That being said, if you want to dress up like you're going to a black tie dinner, you certainly can. You will also see people in polos and kakhis though. I've heard sometimes they'll turn you away on elegant night if you are in shorts and a t-shirt, but I don't know if that's true or not.

 

You will have a great time on the Pride! Which itinerary are you thinking of?

 

We are looking into the Bahamas itinerary. I see that it costs less to them them pick your cabin. If I choose Balcony guaranee, does that mean we could possibly have a balcony with obstructed views?

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

We are looking into the Bahamas itinerary. I see that it costs less to them them pick your cabin. If I choose Balcony guaranee, does that mean we could possibly have a balcony with obstructed views?

 

Yes, depending on which category you pick for guarantee. Ours was a guarantee balcony cabin and we got a nice extended balcony on the upper deck. Sometimes I've found that the obstructed balconies will actually sell out because they are cheaper...so unless one of those cabins takes an upsell, you have a good chance of getting a normal balcony. That being said, my experience is that the obstructed part just means that if you look down you will see lifeboats. I'd still rather have that than an oceanview (non-balcony). You can try to do a mock booking on the Carnival site and see if obstructed balconies are still available. If they aren't, there is a good chance you won't get one. BUT, you do have to be prepared for anything...we've done three guarantees and haven't been disappointed. Knock on wood...

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

DH and I were on the same cruise. Our regular table was right at the entrance to the dining room and several people were turned away that were wearing shorts, etc. That said, khaki slacks/dockers and nice shirts seemed to be ok. The women were dressed for the most part like they were going to a nice dinner, with some dressed in beautiful cocktail dresses. I don't recall a single tux though.

 

Good to know...it is nice to at least dine with others sort of dressed up on elegant night.

[CapsR1]

When I checked for our family for next year, the week of August 24th or 26th, something like that, had some good rates, and that should be before school starts (if your school starts after Labor Day). It's a long way to wait, but it might save you some money. I know rates change all the time though, so that week may not be that price anymore.

 

This is actually the week that we booked for Aug. 2012. Even though it is a loooonng way away, we were able to get a very good price (as this is the first week where the rates go down after June) and cabin selection. As you said, it will also be the last week before our son goes to school. Having the cruise booked so far in advance also allows us to pay it off over the next year.

 

Hope you and your family book as well!

[rkacruiser]

DH and I were on the same cruise. Our regular table was right at the entrance to the dining room and several people were turned away that were wearing shorts, etc. That said, khaki slacks/dockers and nice shirts seemed to be ok. The women were dressed for the most part like they were going to a nice dinner, with some dressed in beautiful cocktail dresses. I don't recall a single tux though.

 

Good to know...it is nice to at least dine with others sort of dressed up on elegant night.

 

I totally agree with your comment. Once, on a Princess cruise on Formal Night, wearing my tux, I was sitting in the theater waiting for the show to begin when a couple occupied two vacant seats next to me. Their dress: t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops!

[Room Service!]

Good to know...it is nice to at least dine with others sort of dressed up on elegant night.

 

I totally agree with your comment. Once, on a Princess cruise on Formal Night, wearing my tux, I was sitting in the theater waiting for the show to begin when a couple occupied two vacant seats next to me. Their dress: t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops!

 

They weren't in the dining room...so what's the problem?

[Shelli]

I totally agree with your comment. Once, on a Princess cruise on Formal Night, wearing my tux, I was sitting in the theater waiting for the show to begin when a couple occupied two vacant seats next to me. Their dress: t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops!

They weren't in the dining room...so what's the problem?

 

Back in the day, passengers were requested to keep on their formalwear for the entire evening. It used to be a line item in the daily newsletter, following the dress code for dinner information. I guess "the day" is over now, though...

[Room Service!]

"Back in the day", "requested". Says it all. Times change.

I have no problem with formal night. We just choose not to participate, although we do dress in better than "t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops".

I just don't see why people care so much about what others wear. If what you're wearing is clean, and fits. I DON'T CARE!

[cruisin07family]

I hear ya Gran; this was one of the huge draws to go to NCL. I LOVE being able to wear what I want and have 12 restaurants to choose from to wear them. If I could just get NCL to cruise from Baltimore, I'd be all set.

[Room Service!]

I hear ya Gran; this was one of the huge draws to go to NCL. I LOVE being able to wear what I want and have 12 restaurants to choose from to wear them. If I could just get NCL to cruise from Baltimore, I'd be all set.

 

You can wear what you want on Carnival too, ....just aren't going to make everyone happy.:rolleyes:

I should clarify that we don't do the MDR on formal nights. Wouldn't want to upset anyone, but we do come out of our cabin.:)