Mini PRIDE Review- Oct 23-30th

[BellaSweet]

Hi Everyone.. I just thought I'd do a quick lil review of my recent cruise. It won't be as long and as grand as some but I'd be happy to answer any questions.. This is my 2nd cruise, first out of Baltimore. We were originally booked on the Oct 2nd cruise that ended up going to NYC rather than Caribbean due to Matthew. I was able to rebook, thankfully.

 

Embarkment:

We drove from Harrisburg, PA down to Baltimore..its an easy drive and we only got a little turned around once we were in Inner Harbour. Somehow we ended up driving past the Aquarium but that was quickly fixed with some mild cursing and GPS :) We arrived at the port of Baltimore around noon.

 

We had FTTF that was added late..when I rebooked, I was assured that my FTTF would transfer to the new booking and it didn't. So after many phone calls, I finally got it fixed. Due to this, our names weren't on the manifest in the parking lot..I was just supposed to show my confirmation email. But that didn't seem to matter because the porter just said "Oh okay" and slapped our orange tags on, no questions asked!

 

We sat for only 5 minutes in line, waiting to pay (use cash, its faster!) and headed in to the building. We went right in to security..I have to be patted down due to a medical condition. I'm not shy, I don't have anything to hide but I didn't appreciate the male security guard loudly questioning me about my medical condition. As far as I'm concerned(and legally) anyone can be asked to be patted down rather than wanded. He made me uncomfortable by drawing more attention to the situation. In 16 years, I've never had anyone question me at security areas like that..not even at airports. People were staring so I waved, promising that I’m not a terrorist or hiding any crystal meth on my body. But nevertheless, I got patted down and went on to the FTTF line to check-in. We were checked in and sitting down within 10 minutes.

 

With FTTF, we were probably one of the first 100-150 people on board. We only sat for about 20 minutes. We went right up to our cabin..5243, obstructed view balcony. Our room was HUGE and amazing. Its right near the elevators so I was worried it would be loud but it wasn’t. Our room actually wasn't ready but Hari, our amazing steward was there and let us drop off our carry-ons. He also asked if we preferred AM or PM or Both for cleaning.. I asked him what was easier for him and he said "Nobody ever asks me that." LOL So I chose PM and our room was always done by 8pm. We tried to get the HUB app to work and were unable so we jetted off to GS and they also had no luck. But they gave us a ton of free drink coupons for our troubles..we actually only had to pay full price for 3 drinks our entire cruise thanks to this! The GS's rep said "You're being really patient and polite about this problem so please take these coupons.." Yes, it pays to be nice :)

 

Days 1-2:

I learned a very important lesson on this cruise. I cannot cruise this time of year. After going to the MDR for dinner the first night, I was out the door by the time the main entrée was delivered and I was gathering up puke bags. I didn’t even wave goodbye to our newly introduced tablemates. Without being too graphic, I literally was sick for hours. I do get motion sick so I was prepared with medication but nothing was helping. So around 11pm, I found my BF in the casino..stole his coin bucket to puke in and I got to visit Deck 1 Medical. Just an FYI..the medical area closes at 8pm so go to guest services and they'll get someone to help you. If anyone was on this cruise, I was the girl who was sitting on the steps, clutching my coin bucket, wishing I was dead :D A lovely British nurse introduced herself and gave me "a quick shot in your bum!" and I was off to bed. She did mention that since I was throwing up, I wouldn't be able to eat at any of the public areas the next day. Fine by me, I was near death.

 

The next morning, I woke up and was feeling pretty good. So we left our room to go to Guest Services for a quick question and to put some money into our accounts. When we arrived back to our room, there was a letter in my mailbox..stating that I was quarantined to my room for 24 hours! WHAT? Um no, thank you. No fever, no bathroom issues..I was simply motion sick. I understand that they need to be careful but it wasn’t a virus. So yeah, I'll be honest.. I didn't follow this decree. I didn't go to any food areas or shops but I did find a deck chair and snoozed in the shade all day. That "quick shot in me bum" made me tired. Later, I went down to the medical area and they cleared me from "quarantine" and the person(different lady than I saw before) there seemed confused about why I was quarantined. If I had any other symptoms, I would have stayed in my cabin like asked..I’m a rule-follower but I literally couldn’t stay in my cabin with the rocking of the boat..I needed to be up on the top deck, with air. I ended up with a nice letter, with $125 future cruise credit for my troubles. I was surprised by this. We chose to not go back to the MDR at all..too much rocking and rolling back there.

 

Day 3-Grand Turk

Ohhhh, so happy to get off the ship and onto land!!! We did the Conch dive and Snorkel..it was fun..but tiring. I'm 33 and in good shape..but the waves were just too rough. The guides said its rarely this rough and they even seemed a lil nervous, having us out there in the water. People were falling on the boat. But anyway, we had fun and after the trip, we went down to Jack's Shack..not to eat but to meet Topher, the goldendoodle!!! I have a doodle and I wanted to meet this awesome dog :) I'll be happy to answer any specific questions about this excursion. It really was fun, I just wish it wasn't as rough.

 

Back on the boat (sadly, more rocking and rolling and sickness) and we were told we would be missing HMC and heading to Nassau instead. I didn't care. I'm happy to just be going somewhere rather than another sea day. But holy crap, that ship was moving fast to get to Nassau. We came out of the comedy club that evening and saw a whole group of women fall over like bowling pins. When we got to the elevator and saw the baskets of bags, I knew it wasn't going to be a fun.. so I drugged my nauseous self with Benadryl and went to sleep.

 

Day 4 Nassau:

We were set to arrive at 1pm, I think and we got there around 2pm. I’ve never been to Nassau but my BF has been once so he knew the way around the shopping area and knew to not let anyone put a bracelet on our wrists! Haha I feel like Nassau was an overwhelming experience. I’ve never experienced people grabbing me by the arm to try to get me to buy things like that. We literally walked down the streets, saying “No, thanks..No thanks..” over and over again. We were bombarded..I don’t know if it’s always like that or if it was the time of year..but no, I didn’t enjoy that. I also said “No, thanks” to the marijuana, coke and meth that was offered to me 5 minutes after I walked through the gate. I bought a gorgeous purse from an alley and drank my very first fresh coconut. A few shop owners warned us that we should get back on the ship at 5 pm even though we were there until 8 or 8:30, I can’t remember. We boarded around 4:30 and it just started to sprinkle rain a bit.

 

Days 5-6 Sea Days:

We knew we would be missing Freeport ahead of time so that meant an extra sea day. We played in the casino..made some money..lost some money..made some more! Not much to say..we drank and went to the comedy shows. BF bought a watch and a ring for me during the ship specials. The jewelry is, of course, all overpriced. I’m a jewelry designer so I know..but who cares? You’re on vacation! Buy yourself something pretty! I did go to the t-shirt sale on the last day and I was in shock at the women grabbing shirts. It was like Walmart was giving away gold bars on Black Friday. I got stuck between two women’s butts and couldn’t get out!

 

Disembarkment:

We chose self-assist and waited in the Butterfly Lounge. We were off the ship and in our car at exactly 9:35am. It was great! Everything went smoothly.

 

Highlights:

 

The Alchemy Bar—Loved it. I love unique cocktails and thanks to the free vouchers, I love cheap ones too! I think we paid $1.50 or something per drink with the vouchers..plus extra tip each drink. Gabriel and Katie were awesome. He is a very kind person and I enjoyed getting to know him. He made the world’s best Old Fashioned for my BF every day and made me something odd and unique. He also mixed me up a ginger drink when he found out I was sick..and would make me “sexy waters” if I wasn’t drinking alcohol. It might be odd to say that a crew member actually made our trip special but its true. We actually ran into him at customs while leaving the ship because he’s heading to the Vista!

 

David’s Steakhouse—We ate here on Friday..we had a 5pm reservation to celebrate our anniversary. I was happy to be feeling pretty good so I was able to enjoy it. It was fabulous. Our server was a little pushy with ordering wine even after we explained that we had pre-dinner drinks at the Alchemy Bar. But otherwise, everything was delicious. Get the mashed potatoes..just do it.

 

Guest Services—These people were great. FTTF gave us a separate line and we rarely waited more than a minute or two. I wish people could just be nice to them…I stood there and heard people shouting and yelling numerous times. It’s awful. We were treated so amazingly by them and it’s sad how they are treated.

 

Overall assessment:I will cruise again. I will not cruise this time of year. I'm just a crappy sailor when the water is rough. It was a learning experience and even though I was sick most days and we missed some ports, I still found ways to enjoy myself. We had fun and that’s all that matters. I will never understand the posts that I see where people complain about their cruise and say one issue ruined their entire trip. We had lots of issues and we still had a bomb-ass time! I try to find joy in everything..we even laughed our butts off about me using the coin bucket as a sick pail. I enjoyed the convenience of Baltimore but we’ll probably fly to Miami next time or maybe even drive up to NYC for a Bermuda cruise.

 

One last weird thing… the afternoon after snorkeling in Grand Turk, I noticed a little itchy mark on my ankle. I figured it was a bug bite and ignored it. It got bigger and both of my ankles were (and still are) covered in this horrific, itchy rash. Its HORRIBLE! I’m on steroids and from what my Dr can tell, she feels like it is some kind of bite or jellyfish sting. I don’t recall touching anything weird in the water but who knows. The weirdest things happen to me, I swear!

 

If anyone has any questions, please ask. I’ll try to post some pics soon..I’m writing this from my work computer and I don’t have pics on here. I have some cute ones of Topher, the golden beach doodle that I have to post!

Edited November 8, 2016 by BellaSweet

[swodog94]

Thanks for the review! I have lots of experience on ships and I agree that it was rough going for a couple of days. Sorry you didn't feel well. My wife suffers from motion sickness and she learned on our first cruise to just wear a patch from the time we board until we get off. She had no issues with motion sickness this time, but she never really got her "sea legs" and did not enjoy staggering from side to side as she weaved down the passageway. Looking forward to any pics you post!

 

And yeah, I don't think we'll cruise in October again, either.

[pcvtmom]

Thanks for the review! Great attitude, too!

[JimAOk1945]

Thanks for posting your review. It sounds like you had a great time in spite of a few problems.

 

Happy cruising wherever you go next.

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Crusin Karen]

On our very lst cruise we had to leave Bermuda to sail back to NY a day early so the Captain could "skirt around" Hurricane Gloria. This was in September, 1992, the olden days before patches and wrist bands and advice from others. We rocked and rolled but had NO PROBLEM. We have cruised "around" a few hurricanes in the years since and still have no problems but I feel so badly for those, like you, who cannot tolerate this. Looks like you made lemonade out of lemons, tho! We LOVE the Pride and crew. I had a similar experience on the Liberty during the "designer watch" sale. I am just a smidge over 5' and about 115 lbs and was at the edge of the table and a HUGE woman LUNGED into me from behind knocking me every which way. Fortunately I was not hurt except for some aches and pains but it was a HORRIBLE experience. In all my cruises I have never once complained, but did to DH who promptly informed security who tracked the woman down. She was with her DH who was bigger than a football linebacker and when confronted he accused ME of "getting in his woman's way." CRIPES! Tip of the iceberg of the confrontation, but I did not what to pursue it. Anyway, thank you for sharing your cruise and hope you can book a cruise OUT of the hurricane season next time! And fill the casino bucket with $ this time! :D

[pusywillow]

You should have stayed on the Oct 2 cruise with us. The waters were as smooth as glass. The ship was only half full, so we got lots of great service. Carnival gave us $250 each OBC and 50% off our next cruise. I just booked a NE & Canada cruise for Sept 2017 using that offer. Going in and out of NY was amazing seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower etc. We also visited the 9/11 Museum which was very well done. The weather was perfect!

[BellaSweet]

You should have stayed on the Oct 2 cruise with us. The waters were as smooth as glass. The ship was only half full, so we got lots of great service. Carnival gave us $250 each OBC and 50% off our next cruise. I just booked a NE & Canada cruise for Sept 2017 using that offer. Going in and out of NY was amazing seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower etc. We also visited the 9/11 Museum which was very well done. The weather was perfect!

 

 

No thanks, I was very happy with my change. I go to NYC often so it just wasn't my idea of a vacation. Glad you had fun though! :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[easyboy]

I am impressed that despite the rough seas, you did not dwell on that issue and enjoyed the other aspects of cruising. Spring or summer next time? Thanks for your review.

[JMAE]

Sorry you got sick the first day. We live in NE PA and my wife also gets seasick too or I should say in the past she would. After many cruises she finds the best results when she takes dramamine around Harrisburg and then once a day thereafter each day of the cruise.

[minni323]

I was on this cruise as well and I agree the waves were very rough the first couple of days.

[treasurespast]

What's the HUB app that you couldn't get to work?

[luckyinpa]

I was on this cruise as well and I agree the waves were very rough the first couple of days.

 

can anyone comment if this ship handles different from a newer ship? ive been on the NCL breakway during winds that were 50 and waves 15 ft where you had to steady yourself while standing. just curious if a smaller ship tosses more

[DaisyandMoe010]

You should have stayed on the Oct 2 cruise with us. The waters were as smooth as glass. The ship was only half full, so we got lots of great service. Carnival gave us $250 each OBC and 50% off our next cruise. I just booked a NE & Canada cruise for Sept 2017 using that offer. Going in and out of NY was amazing seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Freedom Tower etc. We also visited the 9/11 Museum which was very well done. The weather was perfect!

 

I was on this cruise with you...it was one of my best vacations to date!!! I booked the Pride again for Sept 2, 2018 and took advantage of the 50% off to book a Vista Suite....sooo excited, the wait is killing me!!

[pusywillow]

I was on this cruise with you...it was one of my best vacations to date!!! I booked the Pride again for Sept 2, 2018 and took advantage of the 50% off to book a Vista Suite....sooo excited, the wait is killing me!!

 

That's great! It will be fun getting a suite.

 

Did they give you a hard time booking? They wanted me to book Early Saver, but I refused. Finally after a lot of back and forth, they approved past guest fare.

 

Sue

[Crusin Karen]

I was on this cruise with you...it was one of my best vacations to date!!! I booked the Pride again for Sept 2, 2018 and took advantage of the 50% off to book a Vista Suite....sooo excited, the wait is killing me!!

Congrats! Those Vista suites are AWESOME. Have had one 6x on spirit class ships. Be prepared to be spoiled forever! What 50% off? :confused: Deposit?? :confused: Or did you somehow get 50% off cruise fare? :confused:

[h_blond2]

Thanks for the review. I, too, understand the awfulness that is motion sickness, but I've never experienced anything like you went through! Glad you still had a good time!

[DaisyandMoe010]

That's great! It will be fun getting a suite.

 

Did they give you a hard time booking? They wanted me to book Early Saver, but I refused. Finally after a lot of back and forth, they approved past guest fare.

 

Sue

 

No issues at all. For the most part, I am really impressed with the way they handled this whole situation.

[DaisyandMoe010]

Congrats! Those Vista suites are AWESOME. Have had one 6x on spirit class ships. Be prepared to be spoiled forever! What 50% off? :confused: Deposit?? :confused: Or did you somehow get 50% off cruise fare? :confused:

 

Oh I cant wait! Those of us that were on the October 2, 2016 Pride sailing were given a 50% reduced fare (yippee) since we missed every one of our ports. We stayed in NYC overnight and then cruised back and forth up the coast for the rest of the cruise.

[easyboy]

Oh I cant wait! Those of us that were on the October 2, 2016 Pride sailing were given a 50% reduced fare (yippee) since we missed every one of our ports. We stayed in NYC overnight and then cruised back and forth up the coast for the rest of the cruise.

Not bad for compensation!

[Crusin Karen]

Oh I cant wait! Those of us that were on the October 2, 2016 Pride sailing were given a 50% reduced fare (yippee) since we missed every one of our ports. We stayed in NYC overnight and then cruised back and forth up the coast for the rest of the cruise.

And then re book a Vista suite for 50% off. That is not a bad deal, tho I'm sure your October cruise was a bummer. I would not mind cruising for a week straight (I actually joke that I would be the lst to book that "itinerary" lol :D) but I'm sure it was not the cruise you were expecting and CCL sure stepped up to the plate. ENJOY that cabin!!!! As I said, you're gonna be spoiled forever!