10/2/11 Carnival Pride to Bermuda Review; some Disney comparisons

[Hamitchell]

Short thoughts: we have travelled extensively, the Missus and I, but not cruising. Disney Cruise with our now 3 and 5 year old was the first one. So, we had a “deluxe” cruise (high priced) and some A grade to C grade lodging experience (E. and W. Europe, C. America, Caribbean, NY, out West). That said, we were very favorably impressed with Carnival, especially the food. While the buffet stuff can get old, it was just fine, and by week’s end, we were just tired of overeating, which is not Carnival’s fault. The MDR and steakhouse were very, very good. I would rate the meals in MDR as actually better than the Disney Magic cruise we were on in January 2011; steakhouse is comparable.

The boat is fine, if a bit too gaudy, but that’s Carnival. The room was nice, and better arranged than Disney’s—the bed in our Disney stateroom was smack in the middle of the room. Having the bed near our obstructed view doors made things much easier and better for our active little gang. The obstructed view was fine; could see the water and a stretch of dock near us in Bermuda. Made things less stressful with a 3 year old who likes to climb up and over things.

One of the downsides to us, and it’s pretty mild, is the nighttime entertainment. With kids, you really should just check them into Kids Camp; our 5 year old shut the place down on a couple of nights—she’s very sociable, unlike her Daddy, but like her Mommy. 3 yo boy was not as shot down with it, so we took him around and there was not much “family” entertainment, like Disney, as you would suspect. I didn’t expect it to be the same for obvious reasons, so not a big deal. Even when kids were both in Camp, the wife and I were not really into the “Vegas” show thing. The male lead singer looked like the Russian in one of the Rocky movies; kind of creepy when he pranced around showing off his bare chest. The lady dancers were very comely, and I pretended not to look at them while we were at the Taj Mahal, which is a ghastly structure, by the way. We did enjoy the stand up comedian we saw with the kids on deck 2; I can’t recall his name, bald black guy, VERY funny for us and kids, sort of an updated Cosby riff on families. I would see him again if I had a chance.

I guess the other thing is the sort of “mass appeal” and lower prices does bring a “rougher” crowd, but nothing to hinder or upset. I’m just not used to some small bit of pretty loud drinkers passing by occasionally, or some of the tattoos etc. that are widely described here. That said, if I was on a boat wearing a coat and tie everywhere, I’d go crazy. Elegant nights were dressy, and even on casual nights, most of the folks did dress up a bit and were not barnyard animals. I would say those experiences would be very few and far between given what I saw. This criticism might be more a criticism of modern culture itself, and a semi-stuffy person like myself observes these things, but it doesn’t offend me. And, I don’t want to make too much of it; I don’t think many believe they’re going on a Regent of the Seas cruise while on a Carnival ship, nor would they want to.

Better than Disney, also, was our steward. Way above and beyond, and sweet with our kids. Kept the ice bucket full without bribes and any prompting, we always came back to a nice room (his name is Erda, from Indonesia). The roving magician, Croatian, was not fully on the program, but just starting with the ship; outstanding tricks for us at dinner. Nice, nice guy. Even the security guys were fun going on and off the ship; joking with me about where were all the Nicaraguan crew??? (wife’s Nica). Never a search for food in our bags going out of the ship. The pestering cocktail waiters weren’t bad at all, and the Thai lady who came by at MDR anytime seating was great; I begged off buying from her at the pools and saw her at end of week at the free drinks party and was highly embarrassed I was practically chugging the free moochables. She was outstanding—she kept coming over to bring me free drinks after she saw me! The only staff I didn’t like were the photogs. One of them sort of grumbled under his breath at us for declining his services one evening. They set up a gauntlet to the MDR you have to run which I think should be changed; however, the boat is sort of tight in spots, so may not be a better way to handle.

To see Bermuda in 2.5 days, I think the best itinerary, at least with kids of this age coming for the first time (and Momma’s first time) was to do it like this:

Day 1: 10am fast boat or 10.30am slow boat (1.15 of an hour) to St. George, eat at waterfront, walk around, take pictures at the Stocks, then get a taxi to Ft. St. Catherine, tour that, you can see the ship from there which is sort of interesting, then walk/stroller down the road fronting the place to the right to Tobacco Bay (not the bay immediately on either side of the fort, but further down toward’s the East/dockyards). Swim in T.B., clean up best you can (no showers) and dress in nice shorts/shirts, have them call you a taxi at TB and go down to best bus stop in St. George, for bus to Hamilton. At Hamilton, buy ice cream near first stop in downtown area, Daddy hit cigar shop for cubanos, Black Seal rum shop (duty free, “Old Rum” special edition is not too bad—they send it to the ship for pick up Sun. 8.30am deck 2), walk down the waterfront to the fast ferry back to Dockyards. We got the 5pm ferry, but I think there is another at 5.30pm and plenty to pick you up. Back to ship to rest/dinner, then walkabout after dinner in Dockyards.

Day 2: Get Russell Wade, guide and taxi driver, to take you around; we wanted to mainly go to Horseshoe Bay, and there was some mix up with the dispatcher we contacted who sent us Mr. Wade, but you can contact him directly and I would suggest that. He was very professional compared to the regular taxi guys, and owns a substantial B & B—he’s pretty wealthy, and obviously enjoys his “post-retirement” work (he was an engineer for Bermuda; worked on some bridges). He took us to an organic farm, old house converted to a church, described all sorts of interesting plants/trees they have, gave us some history, beautiful drive to HSB. Then we took 11.30am to about 2.30pm at HSB, enjoying the small bay with all the little ones/families to the right as you step on the beach. Kids loved it; had tropical fish all around us, and a big purple/green parrot fish sort of ambling around us. We ate fish and chips there for lunch, then 2.30pm packed it in just in time for a rain shower and got back to the docks about 3.30pm for some walking/shopping around clock tower mall there. Then to ship dinner, etc.

Day 3: Stay near ship because we have to board by 11.30am. Back to shops, got great wind breaker at Davison’s for $40, went to the fort/museum/dolphin complex and roamed around, great pictures up there. Nice little shop near dolphins with mini dolphins that make squeaky dolphin noises (confiscated at bedtime in our cabin, however). Prompt shove off at 11.50am, so be prompt. Watch the way the capt. has to take the ship out; it’s pretty treacherous around Bermuda for shipping! Beautiful water.

Water was not that clear at TB and HSB so don’t be let down with that; I think the winds and the people stir it up a lot. Might want to rent a boat at the bridge or at Blue Hole and go out into the protected areas for clear snorkeling. You can snorkel and see stuff, tho, at TB and HSB. It was a bit chilly, but you get used to it, and the water stays warm, even if the wind is a little chilly; no need for wetsuits in Oct.

If I think of anything else I’ll post; will try to post pics if I can figure that out.

[Hamitchell]

[sparks1093]

Thanks for the review! This time next year we'll be on the Pride doing the Bahamas run.

[wife2b]

Ohh... please do tell more about this organic farm! Where can we find it?

 

Looking forward to our trip in a few weeks! Thanks for the review :)

[Smithkids5521]

Awesome!!! Thanks so much for the review- I have been wondering if we should have ventured over to FLA in April for a Disney Cruise instead of cruising the Pride again, so I really appreciate the comparison you provided!!!:)

[Hamitchell]

I liked the Pride just fine. Two pool/jacuzzi set up was also better than Disney. We had the back end jacuzzi to ourselves and small groups most of the time, and more kid-friendly. The main pool was cold! But no biggie, jacuzzi is more fun. I like the put-put and wish it were bigger.

 

We could always find a chair, if not a lounger, then one with a table. We're moving around so much, didn't get much time for the lounging. I was able to read a kindle book on my iphone for a little while on one, tho. Just download your ebook before cruising to avoid charges.

 

The MDR was cozy--we ate on top level for anytime dining which was great. Rarely a wait, and none were long.

 

Fried tiger shrimp were awesome.

[maenzoe]

We also cruised Disney with our three kids before we cruised on the Conquest during Spring Break. Our opinions are almost identical--we enjoyed Carnival's dining just as much, if not more than Disney's meals. We felt the staff was friendlier on the Conquest, but Disney definitely wins hands down with the entertainment. We would consider cruising Disney again, but we could almost do 2 trips on Carnival for the price of one on Disney.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

Jamie

[Hamitchell]

Kids loved the bunk:

I think the cheesecake made me sick, I wasn’t used to rich food, had been on a diet:

Dockyard:

Ft. St. Catherine:

St. George bay:

TB:

Breakdown straight ahead:

Hamilton:

I don’t think there are many farms, so ask for the organic farm with the native pigs near HSB:

Dockyards were beautiful:

Beach at Dockyards; closed if it rains:

[bumorgan]

Great review fair and honest. I was tired after reading your 3 day island romp!:D

[Hamitchell]

Well dammit. Let's try it with pictures this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hamitchell]

Limited to 6 pics at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hamitchell]

 

other shots:

 

 

 

 

[Hamitchell]

HSB:

 

 

Kiddie HSB:

 

 

 

Mr. Wade, our guide:

 

[Hamitchell]

The view from Gibbs Lighthouse, don't have to climb, just drive up there:

 

 

 

[Room Service!]

Very nice! Thanks!