We chose this cruise for our honeymoon. This was our first cruise, and we did not know what to expect. In some ways we were delighted, in other ways, horrified. We departed from Baltimore, and embarkation was smooth and trouble-free. The ship was ornate and enormous. There were many decks with pools, hot tubs, and unending supplies of food. Unfortunately, it took us a while to find our favorite places to get away from all the kids and hoopla that seemed to be everywhere. Our favorite places were a deck called Serenity where no kids were allowed, and the comedy club (late night). There was also a beautiful gym. We were very happy with the food. The Chef's Table was a special treat, which I highly recommend. The entertainment was too child-oriented, and the ship director was constantly making overly enthusiastic announcements as if she was talking to a shipload full of romper room escapees. The shows were also child-oriented, and the only entertainment that was appropriate for adults was the late night comedy show, and the occasional movie. The service was disappointing. We were on our honeymoon, and on day #5 our dinner companions asked us if we had received our packet of honeymoon goodies. We had not. On the evening of day 6 we received our "packet" which consisted of a few odds and ends, including a gift certificate for a discounted couples massage, scheduled to expire the next day. It appeared from the wording on the packet "Hope you enjoy your cruise" that we were supposed to have received this at the beginning of the cruise. Since we only had 1 day left, we enjoyed the couples massage, which was nice. However, like so many of the activities on the ship, it was geared toward pressuring you into spending more money. The masseuses basically high pressured us to buy various high-priced lotions ($70 for a small bottle) and would not take no for an answer. The beaches were beautiful but the excursions were disappointing. Two of our excursions were cancelled. One of the excursions, which involved a bike and hike tour, was led by a disengaged, bored young girl, who skipped right over the sites that were advertised in the brochure. We bought some souvenirs on one of the islands (tee shirts, rum cakes, candles), and the crew snatched away our candles before allowing us to re-embark. Upon disembarkation, we had to wait in 3 different lines to re-claim our candles (first they said the candles would be brought to us, then they said to go to a particular deck, then no, that is only until 10 a.m., now you have to go to the customer service desk to get your candles, then the customer service people couldn't find the candles for a half hour. It was ridiculous.) All in all, it was a fun getaway, but I do not recommend this cruise for honeymooners. Best go after you've had a few kids. Carnival Pride just loves the kiddies.And whatever you do, don't buy any candles from the islanders.
The cabin was smallish but suited us fine. We got a kick out of the decor which we called "Early Seventies Elvis." Everyday, we found towels folded into different animals, which was amusing. We loved our little balcony, where we could sit and look out at the vast ocean. The TV lost most stations after we left US waters, but we weren't there to watch TV, so we didn't care. We enjoyed the TV channel that showed the location of the ship on a world map, and the channel that showed the front of the ship! No bathtub, which was a little disappointing. Plenty of storage for our things
Embarkation went smoothly, no complaints.