Carnival Pride Cruise

I recently went on our companies Conference aboard the Carnival Pride cruise ship departing from Baltimore, MD. The ship was fabulous! Many of you may be like me and think that a 7 night Bahamas cruise is a bit much, but oh what a joy! I have never had the opportunity to drive to my cruise.
Since I live in the Dayton, Ohio area the drive is only about 8 hours, so we decided to drive instead of fly to the cruise. With the airlines now charging for baggage, you defiantly have a advantage by driving. When I cruise I have to change clothes at least 2 to 3 times per day I have no option but to take at least 2 suitcases for myself, plus my carryon bag. Anyway, we left Dayton Saturday around 3pm to drive to Baltimore and arrived at the hotel at a little after midnight. After checking into the Holiday Inn Express and arranging for our transfer to the pier, it was off to bed.
Sunday morning we went down to the breakfast bar, which is included in the cost of the room and had breakfast. We took the complimentary 11am shuttle to the port and checked in for our cruise. We were in group 13 for boarding. The seating area at the port was very packed; it seemed that we were sitting on top of each other. Carnival put the beach balls out and most people enjoyed hitting the beach balls around. Time passed quickly and we were invited to board the vessel! Oh I love this part, the first impression of your home for the next 7 days!
The Carnival Pride is a lovely ship, she is a ‘Spirit Class’ ship and is not a huge ‘mega’ ship by any stretch of the imagination. This was great because getting around was not difficult. The décor of the Pride is Renaissance with a lot of art work. Ok, nudes so don’t be surprised when you see a naked statue of David or a naked lady painted on the wall. It is tactfully done and I found the décor pleasing. We took a quick ship tour and then it was off to our cabin. Oh yes, I was ready to sail!
For those of you who are concerned about sea sickness, yes, I am ALWAYS concerned about that! I was worried about going down the east coast since the seas can be rough. I put the patch on Sunday morning, changed it on Wednesday evening and I was fine the entire cruise! I did not get seasick at all. The ship, the food, the entertainment, the crew, and the itinerary were wonderful! I would recommend the Carnival Pride to anyone looking for a good vacation from a port that is close to home!
While on the cruise it was announced that next year’s conference will be on the Norwegian Epic, that is going to be another wonderful trip. I have a entire year to wait!!!
October is Cruise month and the cruise lines are offering some fabulous deals, drop me a note and I will get your trip booked! If you are looking to hold a family gathering or a class reunion we can help! Contact Carol or Peg at 800-479-0906 or cmontgomery@cruisesinc.com Check out our website at www.flyawaycruises.com

What type of Cabin should I book on the Cruise?

When you are planning your cruise cabin assignments are important! Where do you want to stay? Do you want inside, outside, balcony, or a suite? That mainly depends on your budget and what you feel comfortable with!

Last year we went to Alaska with a small group. We had people staying in inside, outside, and a mini suite cabins. While out and about on the cruise all get the same service for dinning, entertainment, shore excursions, etc. (well if you book a true suite, you would get added benefits) So it comes down to choices. If the choice is I can go on the trip and have a great time in a inside cabin, or I cannot afford to go on the trip, the inside cabin may be satisfactory to you.

Most cruisers will tell you that you will not spend much time in the cabin, that is true. So if you don't mind having no windows, this is a wonderful solution. Our folks in the inside cabin had just as wonderful experience in the cabin as we did! Some of the newer ships, like Royal Caribbean offer a inside window to the Promenade so you can see what is going on inside the ship!

The outside cabin is a viable option as well. From this type of cabin you will be able to look out your window and see the ocean or port. My first 3 cruises all had outside cabins and I was so excited and had a wonderful time! I remember the old 'Big Red Boat' the cabin had a window seat type of port hole. I would sit up in the little window seat to enjoy the ocean. But for the most part, I was out on deck enjoying the activities!

My last 2 cruises, and hopefully all my future cruises will have a balcony cabin! I admit, I am a balcony fanatic! I love going out onto my balcony and sitting watching the ocean. In the morning, before everyone gets up, I am on the balcony with my Diet Pepsi enjoying the peacefulness and the sunrise! During the day if I have a down moment, out on the balcony I go. When preparing for dinner, I am on the balcony waiting on my turn for the shower.

But my favorite quite time is at the end of the day, after spending time in the Disco or Casino, stopping by the Poolside Cafe and getting a slice of Pepperoni Pizza, bringing it back to my cabin and going out on the balcony to eat my pizza and enjoy the quite spray / mist of the ocean at night. Relaxing prior to retiring for the night, to get up in the morning so that I can enjoy the ocean again!

While I was in Alaska, I will admit that I did not get to spend the time on the balcony that I wanted, we had the mini suite! But I did go out and enjoy myself when the breeze wasn't too cold. I enjoy the balcony talk with the neighbors, the family on one side was from Hawaii and they were enjoying Alaska. During our trip to the glacier, 9 of us were on my balcony enjoying the scenery.

In October I will be on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore, out on my balcony enjoying myself and talking to the neighbors. In March I will be cruising with my group - Singles Spring Break - March 21 - 27, 2010 on the Carnival Freedom, yep you guessed it, on my balcony!