Cruise Ship Review: Carnival Pride

This review is my personal opinion. I am not paid by anyone. I do not receive any amenities (free or discounted).

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr. Purchase our fine art, decor or stock photos on Shutterstock, ImageKind, mcraytonphoto.com, iStock by Getty Images , and Dreamstime. 

Royal Caribbean: Jewel of the Seas

Disclaimer

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 if the copyright act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Review: Carnival Pride

This is one of a series of reviews of mid- to smaller- class ships offered by cruise lines, who tend to advertise the largest ships with the most amenities. But smaller ships may fit your budget, timeline or have the itinerary you want. Don't limit yourself to the only the biggest class of ships, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Check out our review of the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas.

Carnival Pride (editorial)

Lido Deck, Carnival Pride (editorial use)

1. The decor is reminiscent of the Renaissance. The lounges were spacious and there were plenty of areas to relax. Most of the customer areas are on the Atlantic deck, making life very convenient. Like many of Carnival ships, some of the mid- and lower-class of ships have been upgraded to contain many of the amenities that were introduced on larger ships: the burger grill, the sushi restaurant, the bar and grills and other amenities. 

2. This ship is good for a winter sailing: the Lido deck has a pool area with a retractable roof. This ship frequently sails from Baltimore, Maryland, an easy drive for people from the I-95 corridor. It books quickly in the winter months. 

Turn down service (editorial use, newsletter copyright by Carnival)

Normandie Restaurant (editorial use)

3. Like many Carnival cruises, the sea day brunch and teatime are offered on sea days on longer sailings. A cruise from North to South USA may have 2 sea days down and 1-2 days back up. 

Tea Time

4. The fitness area was spacious and offered many services: cardio, spa, classes, free weights and machines, hot tub, sauna, steam room, beauty parlor, the works. For experienced cruisers, this may be worth the extra cash to pamper yourself on sea days.

Fitness Room (editorial)

5. There was plenty of activities for those over 21 and for those who came to shop: casino games, guess the price of the painting, "sales" in the shops, trivia and live music. Don't forget the adults only area on the Lido deck.

6. For the under 18 crowd: Carnival offers the clubs that are closed to parents after the orientation. Check with the latest info: you may have to pay for the young ones in the evenings. The pools are available as is the arcade, and the Dr. Seuss events (like the breakfast and character greetings). 

Youth Club Area (editorial use)

Carnival Pride Lido Deck (editorial use)

The Taj Mahal auditorium (also the holding area to disembark), editorial use

.