Dream Vs. Pride

[Indytraveler83]

Ok everyone, here it goes another "which ship" thread.

 

I am in the beginning stages of planning next year's trip which will be a winter/spring journey. But this time it comes with a catch: We are talking about bringing both of our parents!!

 

Background:

 

Us: We've cruised on the Dream and Elation, and loved both (for different reasons). We aren't big fans of Lido and appreciate all the extras, such as waterslides, Serenity, alternative restaurants and much of the 2.0 stuff.

 

My parents: Avid Princess cruisers. My Dad can be a complainer (no matter what) and both enjoy relaxing areas on a ship, bingo and lots of food availability. My Mom enjoys healthier food options, likes to drink a little extra now and then, and loves Princess except what she terms "the snobs."

 

His parents: Cruise virgins. Neither have ever gone. We affectionately refer to his mom as an "aging hippie" and would certainly enjoy the Casino, active things (such as waterslides or activities) and loves Vegas, so the Farkus decor would be a plus for her. His stepfather is a more relaxed type and does have some minor mobility issues (doesn't need a scooter or wheelchair, but can't do stairs very well).

 

The Dream sails out of NOLA and the Pride out of Baltimore or Tampa. Tampa is the absolute limit of our driving ability with this group, and we can't afford for everyone to fly (at least at this moment). The southern Florida ports or Galveston are out of the question. Ports aren't a huge factor because I know we'd all be happy with the port selections. I am looking at other lines, but NCL is the only one that has a reasonable price within driving distance. If we end up being able to fly, it brings Princess and even HAL into the question.

 

Dream: I think we would all enjoy the Cloud 9 Spa, the Lanai, the oceanside BBQ and the many hottubs. On the downside, the Lido can get extremely crowded, and his father in law may find navigating without stairs to be difficult. The wildcard is if we sail after drydock, what 2.0 features go in?

 

Pride: Less crowded, easier layout and an awesome Serenity, really cool waterslides and 2.0 make this ship attractive. The higher price, lack of the Cloud 9 spa and Lanai are drawbacks.

 

So: which would you sail, and why? What am I not considering? Given the personalities I listed, do you think anyone would hate or love either ship?

 

Is there anything I'm not considering?

Edited February 19, 2016 by Indytraveler83

[stargate fan]

Ok everyone, here it goes another "which ship" thread.

 

I am in the beginning stages of planning next year's trip which will be a winter/spring journey. But this time it comes with a catch: We are talking about bringing both of our parents!!

 

Background:

 

Us: We've cruised on the Dream and Elation, and loved both (for different reasons). We aren't big fans of Lido and appreciate all the extras, such as waterslides, Serenity, alternative restaurants and much of the 2.0 stuff.

 

My parents: Avid Princess cruisers. My Dad can be a complainer (no matter what) and both enjoy relaxing areas on a ship, bingo and lots of food availability. My Mom enjoys healthier food options, likes to drink a little extra now and then, and loves Princess except what she terms "the snobs."

 

His parents: Cruise virgins. Neither have ever gone. We affectionately refer to his mom as an "aging hippie" and would certainly enjoy the Casino, active things (such as waterslides or activities) and loves Vegas, so the Farkus decor would be a plus for her. His stepfather is a more relaxed type and does have some minor mobility issues (doesn't need a scooter or wheelchair, but can't do stairs very well).

 

The Dream sails out of NOLA and the Pride out of Baltimore or Tampa. Tampa is the absolute limit of our driving ability with this group, and we can't afford for everyone to fly (at least at this moment). The southern Florida ports or Galveston are out of the question. Ports aren't a huge factor because I know we'd all be happy with the port selections. I am looking at other lines, but NCL is the only one that has a reasonable price within driving distance. If we end up being able to fly, it brings Princess and even HAL into the question.

 

Dream: I think we would all enjoy the Cloud 9 Spa, the Lanai, the oceanside BBQ and the many hottubs. On the downside, the Lido can get extremely crowded, and his father in law may find navigating without stairs to be difficult. The wildcard is if we sail after drydock, what 2.0 features go in?

 

Pride: Less crowded, easier layout and an awesome Serenity, really cool waterslides and 2.0 make this ship attractive. The higher price, lack of the Cloud 9 spa and Lanai are drawbacks.

 

So: which would you sail, and why? What am I not considering? Given the personalities I listed, do you think anyone would hate or love either ship?

 

Is there anything I'm not considering?

 

I'd choose a Spirit class ship (Pride, Legend, Miracle) over any other because I love that Serenity is the entire aft deck and has a pool. When we cruise, we like to sit in the sun, read books, relax, dip in the pool without having children splashing, shrieking, and running around.

 

Before anyone jumps on me, I love kids. I'm an educator and am fortunate to share my days with fifth and sixth graders. That doesn't mean that I have to vacation with them.

 

Another reason I'd choose Pride is she has Red Frog Pub. It's a great place to go at night to listen to live music. We've befriended such nice performers, all of them acoustic guitarists.

 

Thirdly, Pride is easy to navigate. We can walk forward to aft straight through on every deck.

 

Good luck with the poll.

[T2C]

I choose the Pride because I live close to Baltimore and it's also the best port for embarkation we've been to.

 

Going on the Magic this year so I'll be able to see what that class is like but we love the Spirit class ships, they never feel crowded. Hope the Magic is like that

[luvsviola]

I vote Dream (and have booked it twice) because I like the itinerary better.

[KPfromCT]

Well, clearly, I am in the minority (meaning the only vote for Dream):D:D

Love the Dream class of ships. Waterworks, etc. Lido layout.

While we enjoyed the Pride, I was NOT a fan of the DARK, DRAB, BLAH décor.

However, that doesn't bother most.

 

Yes, the Pride had a great layout, but I guess I prefer all of the additional amenities on the newer ships.

 

Either ship, you are going to have a great cruise.

 

Enjoy!!!!:D

[riclop]

Dream by a mile.

[noelbows]

It's always a tough call when you are trying to please multiple people. I loved the Dream and preferred its itinerary to the Pride's, I didn't find the weather as great when doing a Baltimore cruise as one out of NOLA, and lastly I could get from one end to the other on the Dream on any floor except 3 because the galley is in the middle of deck 3. BUT, the Pride has some great 2.0 upgrades. Who knows what the Dream is going to get? Carnival isn't even saying.

[ladylikes2cruise]

having sailed both.....Pride....we found the public areas too small and difficult to navigate on the Dream, nice ship, tho.

[cruiser fanatic]

I voted for the Pride because I am not a fan of the Dream.