As first-timers (newbies, neophyte cruisers, etc.), my wife and I decided that a cruise would make for a nice honeymoon after being married recently. Even though we live in San Diego, we opted for the Carnival Pride based upon its Sunday sailings, rather than wait a couple more days and sail out of San Diego on its sister ship, the Carnival Spirit. It was a very good decision! Here are some observations from a first-time cruiser:
EMBARKATION: Though a bit confusing at first, the general traffic flow does move passengers through the Long Beach terminal reasonably well. Do not be intimidated by the long line snaking out of the domed terminal building, back toward the Queen's Village shops. Once inside, the line splits into two security lines and then -- after the security check, both pass into the check-in lobby. **TIP** Save time (as we did) with Carnival's online "Fun Pass" pre-clearance processing. Once checked in, it is just matter of a couple of minutes to walk onto the ship. Allow one hour to check in.
Initial IMPRESSIONS: The first thing that struck me was how spotlessly CLEAN the ship was. Ship staff work very hard to keep things cleaned up, washed down, polished, etc. From the housekeeping staff to the wait staff others, I never saw stray litter, cigarette butts nor any other debris in public places. Clean, clean clean...cleaner than Disneyland!!! Also, Carnival earns a huge measures of credit for their corporate culture that fosters a sense of pride and genuine friendliness amongst the entire Carnival Pride staff and officers. The politeness and cheerfulness were not forced, but very genuine -- like being a member of the family.