Hello,
We sailed on the Carnival Pride to the Mexican Riviera from January 27-February 3, 2008.
To start we stayed at the Queen Mary the night before sailing. This old ship-turned hotel was literally RIGHT beside the cruise ship so it is extremely convenient. It very convenient and was a historical experience so I highly recommend staying here pre or post-cruise. Also, the Queen Mary hosts early check-in for the Carnival Pride so we checked in to the cruise before 10am and then at 1:30 (time of boarding) we avoided a huge line!!