This was our 8th cruise overall and 2nd time on the Pride. DH and I took our 5 yo son and DH's parents with us. We were on the Pride in 2011 and on the Dream last year so those are the most recent comparisons i can make with this cruise.
If you don't feel like reading the whole review, i will sum it up by saying, we had a great time with only a few nuisances. We would definitely sail both Carnival and on the Pride again.
EMBARKATION - We arrived at the port about 11 and got checked in quickly. Then we sat and waited about a half hour and were on the ship by noon. When you get on the ship, if you head to the aft elevators, there is hardly anyone there and much less crowded.