Pride Review - 16-23rd, FTTF, Solo, Gluten free

[iamsteph]

I booked this cruise a few weeks before sailing. It was my school's spring break and Carnival was not doing single supplements, so I booked it. My husband didn't have the time to take off since we are going on a cruise in May, so I decided to go by myself. All my previous cruises have been with my husband. This was my ninth cruise, fourth gluten free, and first time with FTTF.

 

The review is long and no pictures. I have it typed up already, and will post over tonight and tomorrow because I need to proofread still :)

[iamsteph]

Embarkation Day

 

The Pride has been coming in sort of late recently (last week around 11am, this week around 10am, and at the end of our cruise, 9am) and I received the email saying to arrive around 2-4 and that sailaway was pushed back to 5. I’ve always arrived about three hours after the ship comes in and that has worked for me, so I decided to get to the port about three hours after she docked.

 

I arrived to the port a few minutes after 1pm and I dropped off my luggage with the porter and made sure to point out the FTTF on the luggage tag. I went into the terminal and right off the bat the lady told me I couldn’t have my one bottle of unopened water and that I had to wait in the general security line. I didn’t mind waiting in line, as it wasn’t too long, but I was sort of mad about the water, so I asked her to confirm both with her supervisor. She came back and said I was right on both points - score one for cruising experience on the water issue and score one for cruise critic advice on not having to wait in the general line for FTTF. After security, I got to wait in the FTTF check-in line, of which I was first. Check-in was a breeze, and they have FINALLY started taking your picture at check-in rather than at a separate point in the process. At check-in I was given a Priority pass, told to walk over to another lady and give her my pass, and she sent me on through some double doors. I bypassed many people sitting in the terminal (it was very crowded, making FTTF worth it for that!). On the other side of the double doors, there was a long line for the getting your picture taken by those persistant picture takers. I skipped them. I had to wait in a short line to DING into the ships’ system and then it was up the ramp and onto the ship. It was 130pm at this point (so less than half an hour from drop-off to boarding), and so I decided to see if my room was ready.

 

It was!! I initially booked a balcony guarantee and after receiving my assignment on the port side, decided to upgrade to an extended balcony on the starboard side. This is the side to be on if you want to watch people come into the port. The doors to the hallways were shut and many of the rooms were still being cleaned, but I walked on by and no one questioned me. I dropped off my carry-on luggage and then went up to Serenity to buy a margarita. I then went to the dining room to speak to the Matire D. I put in my gluten-free order for the night’s dinner (Heart of Lettuce Salad w/ basalmic vinagarette, chicken al a grecque, fruit plate) and also checked to see if I was at a big table or little table or what. Being this was my first time solo, I didn’t want to end up the odd person out at a four top with another couple or at some family’s table. I was assigned to a four top, with all four of us solo cruisers, so I decided to stay at that table. I came back to my room to sit on the balcony and people watch. My steward stopped by to introduce himself and check on the room (the only thing I noticed that I needed was room service cards). By this time, some luggage was in the hallway, but I still didn’t have mine. Mine came about 315pm. I unpacked, read through the FunTimes, etc., and then it was about time for muster drill.

 

Muster was a bit chilly, as there was a snow storm moving in. After muster, I chilled (or should I say thawed out) in the room for a bit and then it was time for Early Dining dinner. I debated taking a book with me or not and decided against it. I sat for a few minutes by myself and started to regret not having my book because I was afraid no one else was going to show up!! But eventually one person did, followed by another. My table mates were excellent dinner companions, and by the end of the evening we had our own inside jokes. I was a bit nervous about cruising solo specifically because I worried about dinner because I’m not the most social person, but it worked out. I’m not a picky eater, so you won’t really see me complain about the food unless it was REALLY bad, which I feel like that is a rare occurrence. My salad was good, perhaps a little small, but that’s because I like salad! Chicken was good, very moist and tasty and they put it over a bed of gluten free pasta/marinara sauce. It was so good I ate way too much! And the fruit plate tasted like fruit! At dinner, I also put in my gluten-free order for sea-day brunch and dinner.

 

After dinner, I donated about $10 to the penny slots and then came back to my room. I didn’t have an ice bucket, and so called the steward and got one of those. I didn’t have a towel animal, but didn’t ask him to make me one but maybe I should have haha. There was also a note saying they had serviced my room, which I hadn’t reported anything, so I called to find out what that was about (never did find out. Guest services explained what the note was but didn’t offer up why they were in the room and I didn’t push). I also asked what the thermostat should be turned to because it was pretty chilly in my room (turn it to the minus to heat the room!). I ordered a pot of coffee from room service (took about half an hour to arrive) and relaxed the rest of the evening reading a book (one purpose to this trip was to catch up on some fun reading). I did spend a few minutes out on the balcony watching the snow, YES SNOW, swirl around. Before bed, I filled out a continental breakfast room service card and stuck it outside the door for delivery between 715 and 730 am.

 

Random observations: I’m not sure, because I don’t drink too much, but I feel like the price for my margharita was higher than it’s been in the past. I also seem to remember prices being listed for stuff in the FunTimes (like drink specials, cost for gym classes, etc.) but they seem to be absent now. I also feel like the internet is more expensive than I remember, 45 minutes for $29. While there are some children on board, it’s not near what I expected since it’s Spring Break time. I would say there were no more than on any other cruise. There were a good number of college-age spring breakers!

[iamsteph]

Day 1 – Sea day #1

 

Last night and early this morning brought rough seas. By afternoon it had calmed down some but you could still definitely feel the ship rocking. My room service came a few minutes early this morning, but I was up. Melon slices, yogurt, and coffee. Three spoons, no fork or knife for the melon, but I made do. At around 1130, I made it to the dining room for brunch. I had scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and gluten free toast (all pre-ordered last night). It was good! My only complaint was that I asked for a table for 1 by the window and I was told if I wanted one by the window I would have to share. I wasn’t in a chit-chatty mood so I took a table for 1 but during my 30-45 minutes there, there were several tables that I could see by the windows that had no one there. It wasn’t particularly busy so I was sort of disappointed to not have a window table.

 

After brunch, I donated another $15 to the casino on the penny slots. The slots were definitely not paying out from my own experience and from what I could tell as I watched several people switching machines in my half hour there. After playing slots, I watched some blackjack ($6 minimums). People were also losing there. I decided to get some pizza and a soda up on Lido and found a table to read at while my pizza cooked. The guy behind the counter said it would take 15 minutes, and I went back in 15 minutes and it was ready! The gluten free pizza is prepared in a separate area which is probably good because next to the silverware bin where they were preparing the other pizzas, I watched one of the staff making dough and flour was flying everywhere! The pizza was a little soggy, but still tasty (mushroom and pepperoni). I blame the sogginess on the fact it is difficult to do gluten free crusts! The gluten free pizza is normally two little slices, so if you are looking for a meal, make sure you order accordingly. By then it was about 145pm and I decided to go back to the room to relax on the balcony.

 

When I got back to my room, there was ANOTHER service card, so I called guest services again and basically demanded to know this time why they kept coming into my room. She said she’d look into it. She called back about 215 and said she could only find one report of the cabin being too cold. I tried to explain that the first card showed up before I even asked which setting the thermostat should be set to for heat and that I had never actually complained that the cabin was too cold (even though it definitely is). She also explained that there is no heating system on board and that they try and block the air conditioning vents to keep the temperature up. I do have to say that I’ve never been this cold on a ship before, even in Alaska. BRRR!

 

I took an afternoon nap and then it was time to get ready for dinner. It was formal night! I didn’t see anyone in jeans or shorts. Most men were wearing dress pants, dress shirts and ties and most of the ladies were in dresses. Tonight, lobster and prime rib were on the menu, but I’m not much of a seafood eater. I had the greek farmer’s salad (tasty, could have had more lettuce and less red onion. Whatever cheese was on it was DELICIOUS), spaghetti carbonara (made with gluten free pasta, of course. It was sooo good I ate EVERY bite), and gluten free warm chocolate melting cake. The fourth solo at our table came to dinner tonight and added to the lively conversation. She had done the hot stone massage in the spa and RAVED about it. Almost makes me want to get one!

 

After dinner, I took a stroll around the ship to work off some of that heavy carbonara sauce and chocolate melting cake. I peeked my head into the show that was playing, walked around the “secret” garden that goes around the main theatre, checked out the shops, and then lost another $5 to the penny slots. You’d think I’d learn….. I watched some of the table games (still lots of people losing). Then I came back to my room, ordered a pot of coffee (arrived much quicker than last night – maybe 10 minutes!), and since it had finally warmed up enough to spend a significant amount of time out on the balcony without freezing, I enjoyed my coffee and book out there.

 

Random observations: the ship really doesn’t feel too crowded. The Spirit class ships are my favorite for this reason (good public space:passenger ratio) but tonight felt especially empty. Maybe everyone was at the early show or comedy show or something, but I saw a grand total of five other passengers when I walked through the shops. The staff is super friendly, not surprisingly – that’s another thing that has kept me cruising with Carnival. Oh, and I had a towel animal tonight!

[iamsteph]

Oh! I also have all my FunTimes, so if you have questions about activities or timing of things, let me know and I can look for you.

 

Another thing about me: I'm not an on-the-go person when it comes to cruising. My first couple of cruises, I felt like I had to do everything, but now, my thinking is more along the lines of "It's vacation, I want to feel like I did nothing but relax!" So you won't see a lot about the different activities.

[iamsteph]

Day 2 – 2nd day at sea

 

Much calmer waters this morning, but still overcast. My room service delivery for between 715 and 730 again came a few minutes early. I had a fork and knife this time! Also, this morning my tv was not working – it would not turn on. I tried unplugging it to reset it and that didn’t work, so I called guest services. They sent someone from housekeeping to take a look at it, and he messed with some wires and managed to get it working. If he hadn’t, guest services said it would take until later in the morning when they could send a technician. So I was able to enjoy my breakfast while watching the morning news!

 

At around 11, I made my way to brunch in the main dining room. I managed to get a table for one closer to a window this time! I asked if it was possible to get gluten free French toast as I developed a craving for it this morning, but was told since I hadn’t ordered it the night before that they couldn’t do it. I could order it tonight at dinner for my breakfast tomorrow though. My eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast that I ordered last night were all delicious. My only word of caution would be that I don’t know/think if they use separate bread baskets for the gluten free bread. My bread basket had crumbs in the basket weave part that didn’t really look like it matched my bread. I also used my VIFP drink coupon for a mimosa this morning. It was only available for use for breakfast, lunch, and brunch in the main dining room. The mimosa was all champagne with a splash of orange juice, i.e. PERFECT! Service was a bit slower today – I was there over half an hour before getting my food (I would say it was kind of closer to 45 minutes. Yesterday, I felt like I had my food almost right away) but it was definitely busier than yesterday so that probably explains it.

 

After brunch, I stopped by the Shore Excursion desk to inquire about the Behind the Scenes Tour. I was told it will be on Saturday and that they still had openings. However, it was $95, so I decided to think on it a bit (I ended up not doing it). I donated another $10 to the penny slots (I’m obviously a glutton for punishment) and then walked around up on deck for a bit. It was a bit windy still, and they had one of the front walks blocked off (the one that goes right above the bridge). I stopped in at the spa to inquire about the sauna and whirlpool – they are open to anyone, and you can get a locker by using your sail and sign card. On my walk, I noticed most of the whirlpools were very busy – filled to the brim! I asked if the one in the spa was also as busy and she said it depends on the time of day. Lido also seemed a bit more crowded today – it was not conducive to quiet reading so I grabbed some chocolate/strawberry frozen yogurt and came back to my room to sit out on the balcony until the VIFP returning guest party.

 

It started at 430pm in the Butterflies Lounge. At first I wondered why it was being held in the small lounge instead of the main lounge, but there weren’t a lot of people – most definitely far fewer than I’ve ever seen before. I don’t actually like this party because I cannot eat the snacks (none are gluten free) and I’m not a heavy drinker – I normally stay because my husband likes this party. But since I was SOLO for the first time, I grabbed myself a diet coke and left (I know, I’m a bad returning guest). I went to the casino where another $10 was stolen by the one-armed bandit! At least when I was watching the blackjack table some people were actually winning haha.

 

I came back to the room to drop off my book and then went to dinner. Tonight was prosciutto ruffles and melon (I could have eaten a whole meal of nothing but that) and baked polenta. I’m not going to lie – I thought about sending back my polenta because it had the consistency of soup, but just decided to use a spoon instead! It was tasty, just runny. For dessert, I had the cheesecake (I guess it’s normally the diet cheesecake? But since it’s crust free, it’s also gluten free!) with strawberry sauce. I thought about asking for a second slice but refrained – I don’t know how I managed. Tonight, the waiters sang and danced to Flo Rida’s Low. All I can say is that some of the waiters were really getting into it!

 

After dinner, I threw on the bathing suit and went up to the spa whirlpool. It was not crowded at all (three people there, plus me, plus two that came in right after me), but was definitely a bit chloriny – my eyes were still burning hours later. I thought the water temp was just right, but someone commented they thought it was a bit too cool. Afterwards, I came back to the room, ordered my pot of coffee, and sat out on the balcony. You can see I really utilize my balcony. If you are an on-the-go-never-in-your-room kind of person, a balcony might not be worth the splurge to you. But to me, it is.

 

Random observations: I think this is the nicest/politest group of passengers I’ve been on a ship with recently. No balcony doors slamming, no children screaming in the hallways, pleases and pardon/excuse mes all around. Maybe people are just super happy to be away from the cold, snowy winter we’ve been having? Something in the water? I don’t know, but I wish all groups of passengers were this way!

[iamsteph]

Day 3 – Port Canaveral

 

We docked on the port side today. I had breakfast in the main dining room at around 730. It was not crowded at all, probably because many people had early tours. I had gluten free French toast (tasty) and had also ordered bacon and fruit, but that seemed to have been left off my order. Since I was in somewhat of a hurry, I just asked for melon slices. At 9, I met my dinner table mates in the lobby and we took a shuttle/taxi to Jetty Park. It was $9 total for the four of us (and it would have been $9 if it was just one of us). We were given a card with a number to call when we were ready to be picked up.

 

It was a short ride to Jetty Park (maybe 10 minutes or so). Jetty Park was an excellent choice for a beach trip. There were clean bathroom facilities, a small store where you could buy souveneirs and sodas, a small food stand, and the beach was clean. It was $15 for two lounge chairs and an umbrella for the day. It was almost empty when we got there and when we left at around 1230, there were more people there but it was not crowded. There were lots of older people just walking the beach, a couple of families and other small groups of people. Definitely family friendly and probably less crowded than Cocoa Beach. I didn’t buy anything from the food stand, but a couple of people did and they said it took a while to get their food. 20 oz. sodas from the shop were $1.25 plus tax, so much cheaper than on the ship. The shuttle picked us up maybe 15-20 minutes after we called.

 

We made it back to the ship around 1 and went up to Lido to grab some lunch. Normally when I want gluten free from Lido, it’s not difficult to find one of the hostesses to help me figure out what is gluten free or what can be prepared gluten free. Today was a bit difficult, but it was later explained to me that they had an inspection and were busy from that. Moral of the story: don’t wait until you are starving! I was able to get rice noodles and stir fry prepared from the Asian place without soy sauce and they were very good. I followed it up with some ice cream and a nap.

 

Since we were in port and I could use my cell phone, I talked to my husband for a bit (I miss him just a little!). We were supposed to leave port at 6, but we left closer to 7 because one of the Disney tours was late arriving back to the ship due to traffic. For dinner, I had a simple salad and the Indian vegetarian meal, both good. Dessert was “tiramisu.” Now, in all my other gluten free cruises, I’d been told they couldn’t do tiramisu gluten free so when the hostess suggested it, I jumped all over it. It was not really tiramisu though – it was just the cheesy filling stuff minus the lady fingers. It was good, just not what I was expecting.

 

After dinner, I hung out in the casino for a bit with my dinner table mates. Won $8 at penny slots (I was so confused – what do you mean I can put $10 in and can come away with $18??) and then watched people play the claw machine ($100 prizes, $1 per try). One girl won $100 on her first try! Then it was back to the room for, yep you guessed it, coffee out on the balcony! Tonight, there was the Mexican buffet up on Lido, but I didn’t hear a bit of it since even though my room is right below. Speaking of my room – it was actually warm inside at one point after dinner. I’ve seen a couple of technicians working in the hallway so maybe others have complained? The entire hallway feels cooler than the rest of the ship, so I wouldn’t be surprised if others were also cold.

 

Random observations: The terminal we were in today at Port Canaveral was like a maze and every so often at the turns there would be an employee guiding you through the maze. Getting off at 9 and back on at 1, we missed all of the lines so that was nice. Security did confiscate my open bottle of water, but not my unopened bottle of diet coke.

[iamsteph]

Ok, that's all for tonight. I'll finish up the rest tomorrow!:)

[jamscckmc]

Hi Steph, I'm enjoying your review and look forward to cruising with you in May!

[PaulMedik]

Steph,

 

Great review. Looking forward to more. :)

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks so much for the review. I'm on the GT/HMC/Freeport itinerary, but haven't found reviews for that.

 

Your boarding info was very helpful. I'm Platinum but have never sailed from Baltimore, so it's all very useful. I realize the window for boarding in Baltimore is later and smaller than at a lot of ports. I have a hotel booked with a park-and-cruise package, and I'm sure I'll have to check out by noon, so will probably just get whatever the earliest shuttle may be and if I have to wait, I'll wait.

 

I am used to boarding in time to have lunch, so I'll have to be sure to bring something to snack on while waiting.

 

Glad you stuck to your guns on the unopened water and the general check-in line! All the ports do things slightly differently, but unopened water is ALWAYS allowed on (as long as they check to be sure it isn't vodka! ;) ).

 

I'm solo on my Pride cruise. I'm not very sociable, either, but I sail solo fairly often (I'm single and DD is grown and married). I think dining with strangers is actually a very useful experience. Making small talk is a good skill to have and if I weren't "forced" to do it, I probably wouldn't.

 

I've sailed Miracle twice and absolutely LOVE the Spirit-class ship layouts (which is why I switched to Pride with no solo supplement from a Girls' Cruise on Fantasy). I'd forgotten that there was a hot tub in the spa! This will be my 19th Carnival cruise (21st overall) and I've never, ever been in a regular pool and have rarely in hot tubs, but was in the one on Miracle. With the way the weather's been this winter, it may still be snowing in May and I might have to spend a sea day in the spa's hot tub and sauna to keep warm! :p

[092306]

Enjoying your review, glad you had a great cruise!

[zee909]

Really appreciating your review. Upcoming first cruise on Carnival and I"m so happy to hear that they handle the gluten free issue so well. Did you have to notify them before the cruise or just talk to the maitre d after boarding?

[asalligo]

Random observations: I think this is the nicest/politest group of passengers I’ve been on a ship with recently. No balcony doors slamming, no children screaming in the hallways, pleases and pardon/excuse mes all around. Maybe people are just super happy to be away from the cold, snowy winter we’ve been having? Something in the water? I don’t know, but I wish all groups of passengers were this way!

 

 

My Wife and I felt the same on our Pride Cruise early this month. Never on a Carnival cruise have I seen a more polite and well behaved group of people. We have been trying to decide what factor made them so. It could be the area most cruisers are from, but I personally suspect the decor on the Pride has a little to do with it. Being surrounded by renaissance art does not make one think it would be ok to strip your shirt off and scream woohoo.

[CrystalBelle]

I really enjoy your review. I've considered going solo before, I don't mind eating alone. I am ready once the kids get older! LOTS OF LOVE

[iamsteph]

Thanks so much for the review. I'm on the GT/HMC/Freeport itinerary, but haven't found reviews for that.

 

That itinerary is the best one the Pride does!! I've been on it once and will be on it again this May. In Grand Turk, there is a shopping area and beach right there. We did the Gibbs Cay Stingray excursion through Carnival and LOVED it. Half Moon Cay is wonderful for just sitting on the beach doing nothing. The facilities were clean and the chef recognized me from the Chef's table so when it came time for lunch he made me a gluten free plate. I'll review Freeport later today, but I think you'll love this itinerary!

[iamsteph]

Really appreciating your review. Upcoming first cruise on Carnival and I"m so happy to hear that they handle the gluten free issue so well. Did you have to notify them before the cruise or just talk to the maitre d after boarding?

 

I've notified them before the cruise, and I've not notified them before the cruise. It really doesn't seem to matter. No matter what though, you'll have to visit the Maitre D after boarding. One of the hostesses will sit down with you with that night's menu and let you know what they can prepare for you that night. They really are great about gluten-free-ness. Later today in the rest of my review, I'll let you know why I think I am getting the slightest bit cross-contaminated on these cruises though (but I'm a really sensitive celiac).

 

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the review so far. It's my first! :D

[WahooGirl95]

I am sailing on the Pride this upcoming Sunday, March 30. Your review is really making me excited. I splurged on a balcony room, and I expect I will do just as you did... decaf coffee at night and sitting on the balcony with my Nook :-) My parents will be in the room next door, and we have requested that they remove the partition between our rooms outside. So maybe we will have a pseudo "extended deck" too! :)

 

I look forward to reading the rest of your review!

 

Cookie

[NCTribeFan]

That itinerary is the best one the Pride does!! I've been on it once and will be on it again this May. In Grand Turk, there is a shopping area and beach right there. We did the Gibbs Cay Stingray excursion through Carnival and LOVED it. Half Moon Cay is wonderful for just sitting on the beach doing nothing. The facilities were clean and the chef recognized me from the Chef's table so when it came time for lunch he made me a gluten free plate. I'll review Freeport later today, but I think you'll love this itinerary!

 

Are you on our 5/4 sailing? If you are, please join our Roll Call!

 

I've been to all the ports multiple times. This is my post-tax-season relaxation cruise and the plan is to do absolutely as little as possoble. Upgraded myself to a French Door cabin (I normally sail insides because I prefer dark when I sleep and prefer to be able to afford to cruise 2-3 times a years!).

 

There are some other non-attached females on the roll call and someone sailing with a friend offered to let two of us join them in the cabana to cut costs. I typically just rent a clamshell. Had my first cabana reserved in October 2012, but Hurricane Sandy came through a few days earlier (I was on my only B2B) and did some damage. Would've been my 6th stop there.

 

I don't have any excursions planned at all. I've done Gibbs Cay. I used to always do the Horseback Ride & Swim in Grand Turk. Did it once at HMC but liked GT better. Riding the horses in the water is really great! These days, I get off the ship, go through the building, turn right and head to the furthest point I can to get as far away from the noise and activity as possible.

 

I may take a shared taxi into the Lucaya Marketplace area in Freeport. I'll need to find the little bar I went to last time (NOT Senor Frogs) and have some draft Sands Light beer. :D

[iamsteph]

Day 4 – Nassau, Bahamas

 

Woke up to smooth waters today. Breakfast was from 8-10 this morning in the Main Dining Room (gluten free French toast, bacon, and melon slices). Once again, I asked for a table for 1 by a window and was told no. There were plenty of empty tables by windows, so I’m not sure why they keep denying this request. After breakfast, I spent the morning walking around up on deck. We pulled into Nassau a bit early, around 1015 (was estimated to be 11) but passengers didn’t start debarking until about 11. We did a 180 before “parking” and were docked on the starboard side. There were only two ships in port today, us and the Norwegian Breakaway. There was nothing between us and Nassau, so the port side has a gorgeous view of Nassau. The weather was perfect – warm, but not hot, and sunny.

 

I had decided to spend the day on the ship and work on homework (You can take the girl away from school but you cannot take school away from the girl or something like that). I did for about an hour and then ate lunch up on Lido. I had two things from the “French” line – the vegetable casserole (basically glorified potatoes au gratin. Good though) and the roasted cauliflower salad (very little cauliflower, lots of broccoli in a creamy sauce). While sitting on Lido watching Nassau, I saw that there was a Harley Davidson store, and knew I had to get my husband a shirt. So it was off the ship I went.

 

It was probably about 115 and there was no line to get out. The only way to get out of the port is to walk through their shops but once I was out, the Harley store was almost right there. Normally, there are a lot of people outside wanting to braid your hair, etc., but there wasn’t a lot of that today – I only was asked that once! Maybe it was because it was lunchtime? The lady working at the Harley store was very nice and helped me pick out a shirt and I was on my way back to the ship in no time at all. I tried connecting to the wifi in the Visitor’s Center before going through security (there were lots of crew members hanging out there) but couldn’t get my email to load.

 

Once back on ship I got some ice cream and lemonade and headed back to my balcony to continue working on homework. I have one complaint about the day in Nassau. I know Carnival probably cannot control whether the port is doing construction on the piers, but they really should have done something about it (or docked on a different pier, like the pier the Breakway was tied up to. Passengers were trying to walk down the pier and there was a cement truck trying to come in. Then, in the afternoon, some guy was using a sander to sand those short metal pillars/knubs that ships tie the ropes to (I don’t know their actual name lol). It was loud and obnoxious, and at one point I saw the metal grinder wheel bit fly off across the pier towards where passengers had been/would have been walking. It is a good thing there were no tours or groups standing around outside.

 

I sat on the balcony and did homework/people watched until it was time for dinner. I had ordered the mozzarella and tomato salad, gourmet burger and fries, and fruit plate. All were delicious and in the end, for dessert I also ordered chocolate ice cream in addition to the fruit plate! I came back to my balcony to watch sailaway, and we left a bit early. I guess everyone was back on board so why not get a start to get to the next port?! I ordered coffee and sat on the balcony until bed. I had a letter in my room about the balconies being cleaned tomorrow between 930 and 1pm and to close the curtains. The letter said that if I planned to be in/on the room/balcony they could reschedule by calling guest services. I was kind of curious as to when they would reschedule it, because after Freeport, we’d be at sea!

[iamsteph]

Day 5 – Freeport

 

We arrived around 7am and docked on the starboard side. When I woke up, my room was filled with a gas/mechanical smell. It smelled like that for a while. I’m not sure if it was from a tugboat or from a container ship, but I was facing that side. I had put in a room service order (coffee, gluten free toast, melon slices, citrus slices, yogurt) for delivery between 715 and 730 and it came about 720. I had tried to order gluten free toast, but they couldn’t do that. They also forgot my coffee and a spoon for my yogurt. Oh well. I managed to eat most of my yogurt with a fork (and it’s not the thick yogurt either haha).

 

After breakfast, I decided to get off the boat and walk around the shops, buy a soda, and try and find free Wifi access. The only wifi I could get to work was the titled Freeport FR or something like that (it definitely had the FR in it though). It was not a great signal and it would only work if you were simultaneously browsing the Lucayan Resort facebook page (I guess it was their wifi? If I wasn’t browsing their page, it would kick me off. It could have just been poor signal though) but it allowed me to check my email! If you get off the ship and walk as far to the right as you can, there is a sports bar there and a little sitting area and about a bunch of crew members also using the wifi!. I bought a soda from the sports bar (I know from my last cruise visit to Freeport, they also make a pretty strong drink) and sat out on the point in the little sitting area and read my book and checked my email. I also saw a lizard of some sort. The sports bar did also have wifi access, 1hr for $5, which I would have paid for if I’d not been able to get the free wifi to work.

 

I walked around the shops and bought a bag for myself (Just your general Made In China generic Bahamas bag but I liked the color) and got the guy to throw in a magnet for my fridge for free. I also bought two pins from the Harley store – one for my husband and one for some sort of exchange thing the other riders do. I did feel sort of guilty leaving my husband at home all week! The weather was absolutely PERFECT for walking around and just being outside which is why after I finished walking around I went and bought another soda and sat out on the little point again!

 

By this time, it was about lunch, so I went back to the ship (no line to get back on) and dropped my purchases off in my room. I got pizza from Lido again, pepperoni on two slices and roasted garlic on another two and took it back down to my balcony to eat. The pizza was definitely better than the other day because the crust was crispier. I also took the advice I’d seen on cruise critic and mixed some tea and lemonade together – it definitely made the tea better, that’s for sure! After lunch, I had to work on homework and did so until it was time for dinner (I maaaay have taken a quick break to stretch and walk around the ship a bit). There were passengers late getting back to the ship – we were supposed to be back on board by 1 to leave at 130, but several times after 1pm the ship honked its horn as a reminder that it was time to get back on board!

 

Tonight was the second formal night. I had the cream of broccoli soup (tasty, but the broccoli bits kept separating out from the soup part so it required constant stirring) and the penne siciliana (but made with gluten free pasta instead of whole wheat. It wasn’t my most favorite dish of the whole week, but I didn’t send it back either), with chocolate melting cake for dessert (mine had been overcooked, as there was no melting bits ☹ ). All during the week, the waiters have also been bringing me gluten free bread at the beginning of the meal. It’s been different than I’ve had in the past, and it’s an improvement than in the past, though it can still be a bit dry. Also, the wait staff has been awesome in accommodating my request for orange juice at dinner. I don’t know why, but I’d been craving it all week, and since I usually get a cold every time I cruise, I indulged the craving in the hopes all the vitamin C would ward off those evil germs. So far, a success *knock on wood*.

 

After dinner, I came back to my room and ordered my pot of coffee and enjoyed the balcony. The coffee order took almost twice as long as they estimated when I called (I was told to expect it in about 20 minutes, and it took about 40). I also keep telling them that I don’t need the creamers or the sugars, but each time they sent both. I feel bad about the creamers, since it’s such a waste (If you don’t know, they creamer comes in a little open container, it is not the prepackaged kind).

 

Random observations: I had seen on cruise critic the advice to take bungee cords to prop open the balcony door. I did this and it was wonderful to be in my room and still hear the waves. However, if you forget the bungee cords, the little side table will also work (stick one leg into the room with the other three on the balcony side and that will keep the table from sliding out from the door).

[iamsteph]

Day 6 – 3rd day at sea

 

I ordered room service to be delivered between 715 and 730. Again, it was a few minutes early. I went to brunch at about 1030. I had ordered the gluten free French toast, bacon, and melon slices the night before. My “French toast” came out and was basically sliced bread. The waiter kept trying to convince me it was French toast and all I could say was “I’ve had French toast several times on this trip and THIS is not French toast.” They returned it to the kitchen to “check the order.” I asked for my melon slices while I waited, and got watermelon slices (not the cantaloupe and honeydew I was expecting, but I guess still technically melon!). My French toast came back and actually looked like French toast this time. Then I was offered the choice of regular syrup or “Sugar free, you know gluten free syrup.” I tried to explain that sugar free and gluten free are not the same thing, but I think it went over the waiter’s head.

 

After an unimpressive brunch, I went for a walk up on deck and sat in the sun for a bit. The temperature was perfect when in the sun, and there were many up on deck refilling their Vitamin D stores, but still plenty of deck chairs available. Eventually, I had to return to my room to work on homework, but did so out on the balcony. I got pizza at around 230. The crust was crispy and they gave me a whole pizza without asking (gluten free is smaller than their regular whole pizza) so I was a happy gluten free person! I did more homework (I maaaay have taken a quick break and gambled the last bit of money that was on my Sail and Sign card, bringing my total loss for the week up to $60) and then packed up most of my stuff before going down to dinner. Normally, they put the brown leather luggage thing out to protect the bed from suitcases while packing, but I couldn’t even FIND mine (and it was there at the beginning of the cruise). I just put my suitcase on the couch… At 3, the weather was still nice and warm, but by 430ish, it had cooled considerably. Good thing it was almost time for dinner!

 

For my final dinner, I had the fruit salad, the indian vegetarian meal, and chocolate melting cake for dessert. It looked like most people came to the last dinner, which was nice (I never like seeing a half-empty dining room on the last night). After dinner, I tried to sit out on the balcony, but it was just too cold brrrr! So I read inside, and stayed up quite late to finish my book, a luxury I don’t really have in the real world ☺

 

Random observations: I’m very glad that Carnival caters to gluten-free-ness. With Celiac, it is very difficult to eat out sometimes, and my cruises are fun to me because it’s a whole week of “eating out.” I’m a very sensitive celiac, and while I’ve never had a full-blown glutening, I will say that by the end of the week on my cruises, my stomach isn’t as happy as it could be. There may be a small bit of cross-contamination (and since I also get what I call the “brain fuzzies,” something I associate with ingesting gluten, I don’t think the cause is too many rich foods haha). It’s just a reminder to be diligent and don’t be afraid to ask how something is prepared.

[iamsteph]

Day 7 – Debarkation day

 

I woke up super early this morning for some reason, so of course the room service I ordered for delivery between 715-730 actually came in that time period instead of early like most of the other times. I ate breakfast and finished packing up my stuff. We were supposed to be out of rooms at 9 (though many weren’t) and we docked at 9. When we docked, I texted my husband who was picking me up and he left a few minutes after that. FTTFs were to meet in the dining room annex. They called us to debark about 930 and there was a short line to get off the ship. Then it was down the ramp and into the customs line, which was a little bit longer but moved quick. They had the drug dog sniffing passengers coming off which I hadn’t actually seen before. I made it through customs by 945 and my husband was in the pick-up lot waiting for me. He said when he got there, he was told by security to park in a little area for pick-ups. It wasn’t a large lot, and I was curious where they would have sent people to wait if the lot was full. We left and were home by 10!

 

All-in-all, it was a great cruise. After so much winter weather we’ve had in Baltimore this winter, it was nice to get away someplace warm. I didn’t mind cruising solo and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, even though I did miss my husband (it was the longest we’d gone without seeing each other in 10 years!!). I like that Carnival has the promotion for no single supplements, because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to go.

 

If you have any questions, I’ll try to answer them!

[iamsteph]

Are you on our 5/4 sailing? If you are, please join our Roll Call!

 

Nope, I'm on the 5/18 sailing! :cool:

[NOSaints1]

How did you like the decor, I know most people say it's too dark. I'm waiting till it goes into drydock.

 

 

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[iamsteph]

How did you like the decor, I know most people say it's too dark. I'm waiting till it goes into drydock.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I honestly don't mind the decor. It can be dark in some of the lounge areas (dark paneling, dark woods, etc), but you're not going to be tripping over anyone or anything. I think a lot of people have issues not with the darkness, but with artwork (lots of half-naked women). It's really nothing you wouldn't see in a museum though. Maybe after four cruises, I've just become desensitized to it?