We just returned from the March 2, 2002 sailing, which was for the Western Caribbean. We had a blast. This was our second cruising experience (the other was on Carnival Triumph last year), and I did not think our vacation last year could be outdone, but it was on the Pride.
Other reviews for the Pride have detailed what you can expect to find vis-à-vis the rooms, meals, entertainment, etc, so I will not go into those areas in great detail. All I can say is that we were not disappointed in the least. Our room steward (Zanna) was great. We'd leave the room a mess and come back a short while later to a neat and orderly room. The food was delicious and there was an unbelievable variety to choose from. We generally ate breakfast and lunch at the buffets but always had dinner in the Main Dining Room. Service was exceptional. Shortly after embarkation, we checked our seating arrangements and found that we were to be seated at a table for eight. We asked Ken the Maitre D' if we could have a table for two instead, and he quickly accommodated us. Ken also coordinated the dining room entertainment, and he was outstanding. He's a real asset to the ship. . If you don't mind song and dance from the staff at the conclusion of your meal, Carnival delivers.
As for entertainment, there is something for everyone. There were two or three guitarists who separately played at different lounges on the ship, a trio who performed jazz, a trio who played classical music, a piano player who did sing-a-longs at night, and a "roaming" pianist (Greg Samson) who filled in where there was a void. Mr. Samson was particularly good. Not to mention the various djs who played at the discos and lounges. It often was difficult to choose where to spend my time. The organized shows in the Taj Mahal showroom were first-rate, and there was an evening or two where the acts involved audience participation.