Our Carnival Pride Spring Break cruise - 4/5/15 (with pics)

[Jamman54]

Thank you so much for your review! Your pictures and commentary taught me so much about the Pride. We sail in 38 days and I absolutely cannot wait!

 

I was wondering if you could tell me what Chopsticks is. I see it's in the lido buffet area, but I wasn't sure if it was just a Mongolian Grill (like they had on the Breeze and Dream) or if it had other offerings as well, like Asian-inspired appetizers or soups. Thank you in advance! :D

 

Thanks for reading. Chopsticks serves Asian / Chinese cuisine. The menu changes daily. It is NOT a Mongolian Wok.

[Avril]

Believe it or not, we don't have one for our upcoming Splendor cruise at the end of June. They were already sold out when we booked. Like you, I'm checking every day!!

 

Hey Jeff, thanks for another awesome review!! :D I love reading yours (think I've read them all except your 1st one from Splendor, maybe I'll read that one next). WOW, that's quite the beginner's luck in the casino for Ryan, I'm impressed!! Let Patti know she's an awesome photographer, the pics are great. I'm so sorry about Kevin, I can't imagine what that's been like for you and your family. How you keep smiling, cruising, and loving life I have no idea. However, I like to think that he's still cruising with you in some way.

 

I have a few of questions for you. I'm booked on the Sunshine with my boyfriend (we're sailing in December 2016) and one of our ports is Grand Turk. I've been there 3 times already and can't wait to go back. I spend most of my time between Jack's Shack and the pool at Margaritaville!! :D I would really like to get a cabana this time. Is the $130 for everyone or is that per person? How long before sailing do they put the shore tours (including cabanas) up on their website for booking? If they sell out fast (which they seem to), I want to jump on one as soon as possible!! I've been checking everyday (am I crazy? haha) but they haven't been put up yet. Once you've booked one, how do you choose which one you get (or are they randomly assigned)? From what you've said, I think we'd like one of the lower numbers if possible!! :D Also, what are the names of the cabana attendants you like? I'm going to write them down so I don't forget!!

 

I was also wondering about HMC. We're not going there on our Sunshine cruise but Ive been there 3 times already (twice with HAL and once with Carnival), it's fantastic!! I've always wanted one of their cabanas but I like your idea better. Next time I'm there, I'm copying you!! :D Where do you rent the yellow floats from and how much are they?

 

About check in at Embarkation. Since I've become Platinum, I've never sailed with anyone under Platinum. This will be my boyfriend's 1st cruise so obviously, he's not entitled to the VIP check in that us Platinum/Diamond cruisers are. Will we we able to check in together or will we have to check in separately and meet up on the Gangway? It doesn't matter to me either way, I was just wondering.

 

About your Pride cruise, what did Ryan enjoy most? Winning all that money in the casino or getting to drink on the Islands (including parting at Senor Frogs)? I don't thinkI've ever seen anyone with a drink in hand and such a huge smile!! :D Is hesaving the money to use in the casino on his next cruise?

 

Sorry for all the questions. I kinda wrote you a novel, oops. I really hope to cruise with you someday, I'd love to meet you, Patti, and Ryan in person!! :D

Edited May 15, 2015 by Avril

[Jamman54]

Hey Jeff, thanks for another awesome review!! :D I love reading yours (think I've read them all except your 1st one from Splendor, maybe I'll read that one next). WOW, that's quite the beginner's luck in the casino for Ryan, I'm impressed!! Let Patti know she's an awesome photographer, the pics are great. I'm so sorry about Kevin, I can't imagine what that's been like for you and your family. How you keep smiling, cruising, and loving life I have no idea. However, I like to think that he's still cruising with you in some way.

 

Thanks for reading and for your kind words! Next Friday, it will be exactly one year since Kevin passed. We believe that he is still with us, but in a different way, and he has given us signs to prove it. He loved to travel and cruise, so we have no plans to stop, as long as we are able.

 

I have a few of questions for you. I'm booked on the Sunshine with my boyfriend (we're sailing in December 2016) and one of our ports is Grand Turk. I've been there 3 times already and can't wait to go back. I spend most of my time between Jack's Shack and the pool at Margaritaville!! :D I would really like to get a cabana this time. Is the $130 for everyone or is that per person? How long before sailing do they put the shore tours (including cabanas) up on their website for booking? If they sell out fast (which they seem to), I want to jump on one as soon as possible!! I've been checking everyday (am I crazy? haha) but they haven't been put up yet. Once you've booked one, how do you choose which one you get (or are they randomly assigned)? From what you've said, I think we'd like one of the lower numbers if possible!! Also, what are the names of the cabana attendants you like? I'm going to write them down so I don't forget!!

 

The cabanas for Grand Turk will usually show up 6 to 8 months prior to the cruise. It is $130. and only one person needs to pay. They don't sell out nearly as fast as HMC, but do grab one as soon as you see it. There are only 10 available. On our upcoming Splendor cruise, the Glory will also be there that day, so each ship is only given 5 cabanas to sell. That's why I got shut out.

 

Once docked, get off as soon as you can, and head over to Margaritaville and check in at the restaurant. You can request the number you want, or if it doesn't matter to you, they will assign you one. Ricardo or Winsome are my two favorite cabana attendants.

 

I was also wondering about HMC. We're not going there on our Sunshine cruise but Ive been there 3 times already (twice with HAL and once with Carnival), it's fantastic!! I've always wanted one of their cabanas but I like your idea better. Next time I'm there, I'm copying you!! :D Where do you rent the yellow floats from and how much are they?

 

There is a hut on the beach between the Pirate Ship and Villa "A". I'm sure you've noticed all the watercraft on the beach in front of it. The floats are $15 each.

 

 

About check in at Embarkation. Since I've become Platinum, I've never sailed with anyone under Platinum. This will be my boyfriend's 1st cruise so obviously, he's not entitled to the VIP check in that us Platinum/Diamond cruisers are. Will we we able to check in together or will we have to check in separately and meet up on the Gangway? It doesn't matter to me either way, I was just wondering.

 

If your BF is in the same cabin as you, and I assume he is, then you will both have VIP check in!

 

About your Pride cruise, what did Ryan enjoy most? Winning all that money in the casino or getting to drink on the Islands (including parting at Senor Frogs)? I don't thinkI've ever seen anyone with a drink in hand and such a huge smile!! :D Is hesaving the money to use in the casino on his next cruise?

 

He loved it all!! He told me that this was his best cruise ever, and here we were worried that him being in that "in between" age, he would be bored! He took his winnings and bought himself a brand new desktop computer. He'll save some of his HS graduation money for the casino on the Breeze in August. Only Patti and I are going on the Splendor.

 

Sorry for all the questions. I kinda wrote you a novel, oops. I really hope to cruise with you someday, I'd love to meet you, Patti, and Ryan in person!! :D

 

No problem with the questions as I can talk about cruising all day long. Just ask Patti!! Who knows, one day our paths might cross. We'll be close with the Vista. You'll be getting off in NYC after your TA, and we'll be getting on!

[PinaCarada]

Thanks for reading. Chopsticks serves Asian / Chinese cuisine. The menu changes daily. It is NOT a Mongolian Wok.

 

Sounds awesome! Thanks again! :D

[Jamman54]

Sounds awesome! Thanks again! :D

 

Your welcome! Enjoy your cruise on the Pride!!

[eas2225]

Loved, loved your review! Felt like I was right there with you all. Beautiful pictures!

 

Our fourth time on the Pride starts next Sunday, and I'm really getting excited that it's so close now.

 

I hope to show the picture of Ayu, one of your favorite bartenders(ours too), to her when we get onboard. I'm sure she'll remember you all.

 

Oh, and I hope to be half as lucky as your son in the casino!

 

Thanks for the great review of our favorite ship!

[Jamman54]

Loved, loved your review! Felt like I was right there with you all. Beautiful pictures!

 

Our fourth time on the Pride starts next Sunday, and I'm really getting excited that it's so close now.

 

I hope to show the picture of Ayu, one of your favorite bartenders(ours too), to her when we get onboard. I'm sure she'll remember you all.

 

Oh, and I hope to be half as lucky as your son in the casino!

 

Thanks for the great review of our favorite ship!

 

Thank You so much for reading!! Enjoy your cruise, and be sure to tell Ayu I said hello!! :)

[revcraig]

Thanks for following along! I will be posting more later tonight.

 

 

 

Ken Byrne is the Maitre d' on the Pride, and his email is not a secret. it is prmaitred@carnival.com Now would be a good time to email him. Give him your booking #, dining time, your request, and a thank you. He will most likely respond to your email, but if not, you'll get what you asked for.

 

Jamman54,

 

Thank you so much for your review!!!! This helped me tremendously! I am sailing May 24th on the pride. This will be my second trip on her. I followed your instructions above and have my fingers crossed. I have not finished the rest of your review so I am wondering about the Cabana. We were unable to book it and were going to try and be put on a waiting list. Thanks again...

[Jamman54]

Jamman54,

 

Thank you so much for your review!!!! This helped me tremendously! I am sailing May 24th on the pride. This will be my second trip on her. I followed your instructions above and have my fingers crossed. I have not finished the rest of your review so I am wondering about the Cabana. We were unable to book it and were going to try and be put on a waiting list. Thanks again...

 

 

 

Glad I was able to help. Enjoy your cruise on the Pride. Make the Shore Excursion Desk your first stop when you get on board. Good Luck!

[gborra2004]

Glad I was able to help. Enjoy your cruise on the Pride. Make the Shore Excursion Desk your first stop when you get on board. Good Luck!

 

Ken was AWESOME. One of my friends name is Barbie needless to say he took a liking to her. The next night at dinner he was asking "where is my Barbie"

 

What a great ship the Pride is. Very simple to get around and not ginormous to the point that you are exhausted.

 

Red Frog Pub was our night spot after dinner we all met up there our group that hung our grew and grew and danced the night away. Any one who has a chance to go there make sure to say hey Carma she is the server in there she is the best. Tell her Gina says HEY lol

[Jamman54]

Ken was AWESOME. One of my friends name is Barbie needless to say he took a liking to her. The next night at dinner he was asking "where is my Barbie"

 

What a great ship the Pride is. Very simple to get around and not ginormous to the point that you are exhausted.

 

Red Frog Pub was our night spot after dinner we all met up there our group that hung our grew and grew and danced the night away. Any one who has a chance to go there make sure to say hey Carma she is the server in there she is the best. Tell her Gina says HEY lol

 

Glad you had a great time on the Pride. We loved the Red Frog Pub too!! :)

[RenoNanaOz]

Just checked my S&S printout, and I was charged $6.75 + 15% right to the bitter end, and as you know, no breaks on the buckets of beer on the island.

 

We are by no means wealthy, but to tell you the truth, when I'm on a cruise I pay no attention to the prices. If we want something we get it, and face the music later. :D

We do exactly the same thing. We never look at our account we just have a good time and deal with it later ;)

[Jamman54]

We do exactly the same thing. We never look at our account we just have a good time and deal with it later ;)

 

And on the other hand, I know some people have to budget their spending money more carefully, so knowing the prices going in is a big help! :)

[Pandot]

Jeff - I had to go back and reread to make sure I wasn't confused - but you mentioned that Ryan does the aquatrax adventure at HMC. My sons (the older ones) want to do that - any tips?

[Jamman54]

Jeff - I had to go back and reread to make sure I wasn't confused - but you mentioned that Ryan does the aquatrax adventure at HMC. My sons (the older ones) want to do that - any tips?

 

Ryan loved it. He said that even though it's a follow the leader type excursion, once they got out into the ocean, they had a blast jumping waves.

 

No tips really, except to tell you that it's best to reserve online before the cruise. It was sold out pretty quickly on board.

 

Your biggest choice will be picking your time.(another reason to book early).These excursions run throughout the day. Ryan chose 11am.

[Mkehlb]

Hi Jeff. Just back from the Pride. Used your location suggestion for HMC and spent a lovely day under the trees between cabanas 10 and 11. Thanks!

[Jamman54]

Hi Jeff. Just back from the Pride. Used your location suggestion for HMC and spent a lovely day under the trees between cabanas 10 and 11. Thanks!

 

You're quite welcome. Hope you had a GREAT cruise!!

[Crusin Karen]

Hi Jeff. Just back from the Pride. Used your location suggestion for HMC and spent a lovely day under the trees between cabanas 10 and 11. Thanks!

We were on the same cruise. What an AWESOME day on that little island paradise. Not one cloud in the sky...

[Jamman54]

We were on the same cruise. What an AWESOME day on that little island paradise. Not one cloud in the sky...

 

Come on Karry, we want details!!! :D

[Crusin Karen]

Jamman, I am totally G rated during the day lol. It was HOT. Thought of renting a clam shell but I had my trusty fold up umbrella. Got off the tender, DH found a lounge chair, covered up with his towel and fell asleep. Party pooper! I walked all over, went in the water, did the not Guy's Burgers lunch which was fine and then soaked in the water again and watched all the gorgeous fish. Again, it was HOT HOT HOT....only stayed about 2 1/2 hours, got the tender back to the ship, had some food,hung out and had a Caribbean Colada at exactly 4pm! :p:) Gorgeous day and such a beautiful place to be, and it was so nice to get back there. :)

[suggie123]

Thank goodness I read your review before the nightmare vibrating cabin review. I am so excited to be on this ship in August. Thank you to you and your family for the photos and tips. My 19 year old daughter really liked the pictures from Señor Frogs so guess where we are headed. On our cruise last year she kept winning money in the casino too. In the claw machine of all places.

[Jamman54]

Thank goodness I read your review before the nightmare vibrating cabin review. I am so excited to be on this ship in August. Thank you to you and your family for the photos and tips. My 19 year old daughter really liked the pictures from Señor Frogs so guess where we are headed. On our cruise last year she kept winning money in the casino too. In the claw machine of all places.

 

Thanks for reading. We had no issues with the vibration. Yes, it is there, but didn't effect our experience.

[Shelby0208]

Curious.... We're there a lot of people Ryan's age? My nineteen year old spent our last cruise reading most of the time because she didn't know really how to get involved. Great review!!

[Jamman54]

Curious.... We're there a lot of people Ryan's age? My nineteen year old spent our last cruise reading most of the time because she didn't know really how to get involved. Great review!!

 

Thanks for reading. On this cruise, because it was a spring break cruise, there were a lot of young men and women Ryan's age. If you cruise during this time and during the summer, there will always be a lot of people their age. I have read that some ships are having get togethers for the 18 to 20 age group, but I didn't notice one scheduled on the Pride.

[Storm0075]

Jamman, between you and mitsugirly's reviews, I'm going to lose it. Sept 6 can't get here soon enough.

 

Hey sammee!!! We are on that cruise as well. Check us out on the roll calls! So excited to see someone else from our sailing!!!