Past Celebrity/Princess cruiser looking to try Carnival Pride. Input wanted!

[Seayalater]

Hi all

We've sailed previously on Celebrity and recently on Caribbean Princess.

I really want to go to the Mexican Riviera, which Carnival Pride offers year round.

We kind of keep to ourselves and like some quiet times cruising the decks early A.M. to read. We also, however have 2 teenagers who like to be where the action is. All of us enjoy a good dining experience.

So, can you share with us your candid thoughts if this cruiseline would be worth a try or should we steer clear?

[kajsb]

IMHO, the Pride would be a great ship for you to try. My friend and I that just went on the Pride, generally prefer to keep to ourselves. We had a nice balcony (aft- 220 sq ft) and could avoid the pool areas and enjoy the sun and quiet on our balcony. We chose not to partake in the activites around the pool, it just isn't for us. I enjoyed waking up early morning and seeing the sunrise from our balcony.

 

From what I've heard from other cruisers though, there is plenty to do if you prefer the active life.

[tlmlb]

i've been on celebrity, oceania, ncl, carnival, sitmar and princess. pride was one of the most mediocre ships ever. Even the Carnival Jubilee was better. better way s to spend the $$.

[Seayalater]

i've been on celebrity, oceania, ncl, carnival, sitmar and princess. pride was one of the most mediocre ships ever. Even the Carnival Jubilee was better. better way s to spend the $$.

 

Ok, can you explain why you think it's mediocre? The cruise book rates it very highly.

 

Maria

[kajsb]

You might wish to read the various reviews posted on the cruise critic review site. Maybe this will give you a balanced insight to the Pride. I loved the ship, but not everyone likes the same things.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=190

[tlmlb]

Embarkation was a mess of 2 hours; room steward was adequate; decor gaudy; public rooms not well designed (prefer them on higher decks), food ok the first two nights then went downhill along with dining room service. No enthusiasm from the crew (Jublilee smaller and older had a better crew). year round itinerary not that much of an advantage since weather is very hot in summer, better to wait when there are more lines going to the riviera.

[Seayalater]

i appreciate the candor.

I wish we could go other then summer but husband is a professor and we have 2 teenagers, so there goes that option!

[torpeedo]

The Pride was our favorite Carnival ship. I would cruise her all the time except it was moved to the West Coast. Loved David's. Their food, service, and ambiance was better than any other cruise line's alternative dining rooms. Includes HAL, RCL, and any other Carnival ships. We have sailed on the Legend and Glory also and whe speaking with staff, they all say that the Pride is their favorite ship as well. The layout is very nice and easy to navigate around this ship. Service was great on our cruise ( I know that can be different cruise to cruise but we had great service).

We like a quiet cruise and there are plenty of places to enjoy peace and quiet. Enjoyed the shows and casino as well. Lot's to do for teenagers and they all seemed to have a ball.:D

[CanTex]

public rooms not well designed (prefer them on higher decks)

Virtually every line is doing this on their newer ships of the last 5 years. Why? Simple: because of the higher demand for balcony view cabins. Putting a couple of the "public" decks above the Riviera decks allows the the remaining cabin decks to be high enough where all outside cabins can have balconies. More revenue for Carnival, and happier cruisers.

 

Yes, there is lots that is still nice about the Holiday and Fantasy classes, but their lack of / very few balconies is a major negative for some.

[SoccerMom#3]

We just got off the Pride today and previously I have sailed on Dawn Princess and on Celebrity. I think the food on Princess and Celebrity was much better but that was also 5-8 years ago so take that into account. The food wasn't bad. It just wasn't spectacular like I remember Celebrity's food being. The atmosphere on Pride is great. Lots going on if that is what you want. We had a balcony cabin so I spent a fair amount of time on the balcony reading and staring at the ocean. Having sailed Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean previously, I was a bit concerned that Carnival would be too much of a party atmosphere for me. It wasn't any wilder than any of the other ships I had been on. We had our two kids who are 13 and 14 and they had a great time. There was tons of kids but I never saw wild kids, just kids having fun. I would highly recommend Carnival.

 

Elise

[yarlenna]

If you love Celebrity you may not love Pride.

I didn't love Celebrity and found Pride very very good with few exceptions.

Celebrity had better food and better food and beverage service.

Pride had much more and better live music.

Celebrity's dining room felt more crowded.

Carnival's pool areas felt more crowded.

More diverse passenger population on Carnival.

Carnival ships are awake and busy most of the evening.

Do check out some of the speciality pizzas on Carnival. They can substitute for breakfast or lunch. Do go to the buffet for breakfast. The omelets cooked to order are so fresh and hot and yummy! In the dining room They spend too much time in transit. If you are going to try Carnival, Pride is a good ship to try with. The decour is a bit much - lots of renaissance style nudes. The only thing I can think of that may drive you nuts is the uneven service. It drives me nuts - but everything else is just so good, I ignore it.

[lighthouse1492]

Pride was a joke. Boring stupid toilet humor passing for entertainment. Crowded, inner city like tiny pools, just pasing food. David's restaurant the biggest rip off in vacation history and excursions way over-priced. If you don't get sick in rough waters, cruise director will take care of that soon enough.