Swodog's E. Caribbean Adventure: Carnival Pride 23-30 July 17

[swodog94]

1st Sea Day (Cont.)

There was a time (some would call it the Golden Age of Cruising) when Formal Nights were truly events. Men would wear tuxes or dinner jackets and the ladies would be in their gowns and finery. But alas, those days are no more unless you're on a certain cruise line which also starts with a C. Carnival has really watered this down, even going so far as to calling it Elegant Night. Plus, there is no dress code, just "suggestions". Basically, they just want folks to wear clothes to dinner. However, we like to dress up. In the Fun Times I had seen that the Meet and Greet with the Captain and his officers was happening in the Atrium at 7:15. One of my traditions is to pour a drink while we're getting ready for dinner. I'm a scotch drinker and I'm partial to Laphroig 10 year, which Carnival doesn't carry...so I bring my own. All you rum runner haters can flame me all you want...you'll be ignored.

 

Once we were dressed we headed down to the Atrium and posed for pictures. These are usually the only pictures we'll actually purchase from Carnival.

 

Then we got in the receiving line to meet the Captain. Most of Carnival's Captains are Italian (since the ships are built by Fincantierri Shipyard) and Captain Galotto is no exception. My wife is also Italian and the Captain got a huge kick out of talking to her in his native tongue. He is a very gracious man and was kind enough to spend a few moments chatting with us before posing for a picture.

Pictures complete , we had a drink at Alchemy while we waited for our seating to begin.

[swodog94]

1st Sea Day (Cont.)

When we arrived at our table we found that even though we had been alone the nigh before, we now had four dining companions. One couple was from Northern Virginia, he was a partner in a restaurant group and his wife was the vice principal of an elementary school. The other couple was a police officer and his delightful significant other. They tuned out to be wonderful people and we enjoyed dining with them, even though we did not all dine together every night. Elegant Night is sometimes referred to as Lobster Night because this is the night they serve lobster tail. I didn't order that, instead opting for the prime rib, which is very good. My wife ordered the vegetable tart and then we split a dessert.

 

 

 

After dinner I poured another scotch and went up to the smoking area on the Lido to have a cigar. Afterwards, upon our return to the room we found our latest towel animal and tickets for the official Meet and Mingle the next day.

 

 

We headed down to the casino, but after an hour of losing money we decided to call it a night. We hung our room service order form on the door and turned in.

[Jamman54]

Thank you! Jamman's reviews were part of what inspired me to start doing these. You will love the breakfast burrito's! And no, Ken was not back.

 

The breakfast burrito is even better when you wash it down with a Thirsty Frog Red! :D

[Ilike2cruuuz]

Definitely following! My cruise is in 80 days, but I feel as if I'm on a cruise while reading your blog. Keep 'em coming! I guess I'll go aimlessly check the Carnival website...wait, I've already done that twice today and it's just after 8 a.m.!

[swodog94]

The breakfast burrito is even better when you wash it down with a Thirsty Frog Red! :D

In this we are in complete agreement, sir!

[swodog94]

Definitely following! My cruise is in 80 days, but I feel as if I'm on a cruise while reading your blog. Keep 'em coming! I guess I'll go aimlessly check the Carnival website...wait, I've already done that twice today and it's just after 8 a.m.!

Thanks! LOL, yeah I'm the same way...when I'm waiting for a cruise I'll check Carnival and CC several times a day. Drives my wife nuts!

[JaniceB]

Following, enjoying the pictures and wishing I was on the Pride right now!

[swodog94]

Following, enjoying the pictures and wishing I was on the Pride right now!

Thank you!

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day

Our second full day at sea dawned nice and sunny and lot less windy than the day before. Room service arrived with our "wake up" tray of goodies.

 

Today my wife decided she wanted a real breakfast, so we headed to the Lido to see what was available. The usual suspects were available so we loaded up. Yes, there is a Bacon Police (Carnival server limiting the number of slices of bacon you get). Also, while there are scrambled eggs on the line, if you want fresh eggs, get in the omelet line. A line cook will prepare you a fresh omelet, or scrambled eggs to order. However, there is usually a line for this so be prepared for a short wait.

 

 

After breakfast I headed to the Taj Mahal for the Military Appreciation Gathering. I had previously attended one of these and really liked the concept. The event is hosted by the CD, Saffie. She did a great job! The last one of these I went to the CD played the service song for each of the services and asked that folks who had served rise for their respective songs. The he gave anyone who wanted an opportunity to speak. Saffie did things a bit different. She had every member who had served file on to the stage for their respective service song and then had everyone speak, even if all they had to say was "Hello, me name is ________". Most folks had plenty to say, usually giving a brief description of their length of service and military specialty. The Army and Air Force were heavily represented, while the Navy and Marine Corps were not (and the Coast Guard had no representation at all!). One gentleman actually went up twice; he had served in both Air Force and the Army! Talk about a glutton for punishment. SMH. Anyway, it was a very well done event and I am thankful that Carnival provides this service.

[swodog94]

Military Appreciation (Cont.)

One of the Carnival Singers came on stage and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then sang the National Anthem.

 

 

[swodog94]

Military Appreciation (Cont.)

Carnival even allows for any possible Canadian veterans to be recognized, but there were none on this cruise. Most importantly, there was recognition for the families. In my opinion this was the most important group in the room. Many of us there served (or were serving) for over 20 years and there is just no way you can do that without the support of your family. By the time this slide came up though it was moot, because family members had already gone up on stage with their respective servicemembers and been recognized.

Then we observed a moment of silence for those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation.

 

We wrapped it up after that, and true to service traditions, many of us headed to the nearest bar for a drink!

 

[kesrya]

This is so, so helpful. Thank you so much. We are cruising on Pride in 16 days for our first cruise ever, and I have a ton of questions that I've searched everywhere for - and you are answering them all! I particularly appreciate your review of the first day. We too have an OS (we have two young kids so wanted the larger space), but I've been having a really hard time understanding how the suite privileges work at embarkation and how they differ from FTTF.

 

What would you say the earliest we can get to the terminal is? We live 15 minutes from the port and are having a friend drop us off. Our goal is to get there first thing, get on, and start relaxing to start our vacation immediately! Sitting around at home will just drive us and the kids nuts.

[swodog94]

This is so, so helpful. Thank you so much. We are cruising on Pride in 16 days for our first cruise ever, and I have a ton of questions that I've searched everywhere for - and you are answering them all! I particularly appreciate your review of the first day. We too have an OS (we have two young kids so wanted the larger space), but I've been having a really hard time understanding how the suite privileges work at embarkation and how they differ from FTTF.

 

What would you say the earliest we can get to the terminal is? We live 15 minutes from the port and are having a friend drop us off. Our goal is to get there first thing, get on, and start relaxing to start our vacation immediately! Sitting around at home will just drive us and the kids nuts.

I'm glad you're finding it useful. Based on what I saw, I'd say the earliest they'll let cars into to start dropping off luggage and parking is 1100. And with your suite you have priority, so you'll be able to get in the Priority line for Security and to check in at the desk. But, I also did not see folks being allowed to board the ship until about 1215 or 1220 or so. That means that even if you get there as early as you can, park , get thru security and check in, you'll be made to sit in the terminal for a bit.

The main difference between Suite perks and FTTF is that you are technically not allowed to go to your stateroom until 1:30 or 2pm, while FTTF is specifically set up to have staterooms ready for immediate occupancy. However, it's been my experience that suites are treated like FTTF and you will be able to go there and drop off luggage. I wouldn't hang out in your cabin, but just drop your stuff and then head to the Lido to get lunch. Come back after 1:30 or so.

[JaniceB]

The military appreciation gathering is really becoming a nice event. My last one was on the Breeze and the place was packed!

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Great pictures.....is that your YouTube Carnival Pride Ocean Suite video on YouTube?

 

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[JerseyshoreBruce]

What nights are the formal nights on? Thanks

 

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[Shirleybird]

Thanks for posting. We are cruising next month. This will be our first time on the Pride!!!

[swodog94]

Great pictures.....is that your YouTube Carnival Pride Ocean Suite video on YouTube?

 

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Thanks! Yes, I have several Pride OS videos on YouTube.

[swodog94]

What nights are the formal nights on? Thanks

 

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Usually the night of the first full sea day and then again on the next to last night. So for our Sunday to Sunday cruise, Elegant nights were on Monday and Friday.

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day (Cont.)

[Note: Sorry for the delay, I was overcome by other commitments. Back to the review!]

After the Military Appreciation Gathering I met back up with my wife and we headed up to the Lido for the Hairy Chest Contest. It was hilarious! Saffie really did a great job of running it. First she asked for three female volunteers to be judges. Then she asked for six guys to participate as contestants.

 

 

The judges were each given a duty: one lady had to feel the chest hair, one lady had to judge the contestant's dance moves, and one had to give them the "sniff test". They all carried out their duties superbly!

The judges quickly eliminated three of the contestants, and the last three guys left standing were now subjected to a series of questions.

 

 

After some funny questions...and equally funny answers...the contestants were whittled down to the final two!

 

 

It was then left up to the audience to decide who was the winner. This was done by forming two conga lines, and folks picked who they supported by joining that guy's conga line. The winner was unanimously acclaimed!

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day (Cont.)

After the hairy chest contest we walked around the ship for a bit. With the wind having died down since the day before, lots of things were open, but the mini-golf on deck 11 and the green slide were still closed.

 

 

However, the other slide was open, as well as the kids Splashzone. Everyone seemed to be having a great time!

 

 

 

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day (Cont.)

After a much needed nap, we headed off to the official Meet and Mingle. It was held in the Captain's Club, which is a small dining room located just forward of the Alchemy Bar. Prior to sailing, one of the folks on the Roll Call set up a gift exchange. Anybody who wanted to participate should bring a gift of $10 or less that was emblematic of their region/city/state. We decided to participate so we brought our gift bag with us. Turned everybody who attended decided to participate so we had a really fun time. The M&M was hosted by Britney (Entertainment Director) and Saffie. Usually the Captain attends but he was busy and not available. Some basic refreshments were provided. It took less than an hour but was well worth it.

 

 

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day (Cont.)

After the Meet & Mingle we headed to the casino, but it was just as fruitless an endeavor as always, After losing a few more bucks, I gave up. Eventually it was time for dinner.

I chose the Navy bean soup while my wife got the greek salad. We decided to also split the flatbread, just to try it out.

 

[swodog94]

2nd Sea Day (Cont.)

Entrees looked good, too. I went with the lamb shank while my wife decided on the tilapia.

The lamb shank was really good! Dessert was probably good too, but whatever we picked, I didn't take a picture of it, so it's lost to posterity.

After dinner we spent a little more time at the casino but after about an hour we called it quits. We knew we would be getting to Grand Turk early in the morning, so we decided to call it an early night. We headed back to the stateroom, where we found our latest towel companion.

[swodog94]

The military appreciation gathering is really becoming a nice event. My last one was on the Breeze and the place was packed!

I'm glad that Carnival does this so that all our veteran's feel the love. As a country we didn't really treat our vets too well for a time (especially the Vietnam guys). This doesn't make up for that sad treatment, but it does give us an opportunity to show them that we care.