The Carnival Pride is one of Carnival’s older ships, but she has some unique features that have given her a bit of a cult following. From a Serenity deck (21 and up) on the back with a pool, to some unique indoor seating options and three total pools, the Carnival Pride is a ship that should not be missed.
Just don’t expect the decor to be modern. It’s not. The ship’s decor is really gaudy. But it’s so bad it’s funny, so just laugh and enjoy the three pools.
Planning a Trip on the Carnival Pride soon?
Review these Top 10 Tips for the Carnival Pride:
1. Utilize the 21 and up Serenity Pool on the back
Most Carnival Ships have the Serenity Area (for guests over 21) on the front of the ship. There it has some hot tubs, but not pool. That is not true on the Carnival Pride. The Serenity deck on the Carnival Pride is one of the best on the fleet because it is adults only. In addition to the pool, there is plenty of aft facing seating, some hot tubs and of course a dedicated bar.
2. Know that the front pool has the smoking section
This is a good or bad thing depending, but just be aware that there is a rather large smoking section on the front pool. If you are a smoker, the Carnival Pride has one of the most obvious and centralized smoking areas I have ever seen on a cruise ship, but if smoke bothers you then use the middle pool instead.
First time on a Carnival Cruise and don’t know what to expect? Check our our Tips for your first Carnival Cruise!
3. There is a camera on the middle pool
When you get on board and are scrolling through your TV channels you should notice that there is a channel that shows off the front of the ship. That’s pretty normal. There is also a dedicated camera on the middle pool. Take that into consideration as you enjoy your pool-side shenanigans.
4. There are two sections of buffet
People seem to miss the middle section of buffet and only go to the one in the back. It may not be open all the time, but when it is, it has a much shorter line!
5. Take in all the seating options
The Carnival Pride has tons of indoor seating options. Find a lounge, or even just a hallway that speaks to you. On a hot or cold day, there are plenty of places to watch the water go by!
6. Check out the wrap around Promenade deck
Promenade decks are something they just don’t put on new cruise ships in quiet the same way. It is low on the ship, deck 3, so you are very close to the water. It’s not a place to spend the afternoon, but it’s great to pop out and see what the port looks like, check the weather or just get a few minutes of fresh air while you wait.
Taking the Carnival Pride through the Panama Canal? Check out our Guide to Cruising the Panama Canal on Carnival
7. There are more seats in the back of the buffet
Don’t just sit at the closest seat to the food in the buffet. There are most seats towards the back and towards the front. Walk a little further and you can find somewhere quieter.
There are also outdoor seats if the weather is nice. Some of these are even shaded and you get a great view!
8. You have to try a Guy’s Burger and a breakfast burrito at least once
Carnival really excels at it’s breakfast and lunch options. Make sure you try a breakfast burrito from Blue Iguana Cantina and a burger from Guy’s at least once during your cruise!
Looking for more information about food on Carnival? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Food on a Carnival Cruise
9. Play mini golf when you’re docked
The mini golf is on the front of the ship and it gets really windy up there. Not ideal conditions for a good game of mini golf. Try to play when you are docked or at least going very slowly!
10. The elevators are tiny
The tiny elevators may be great for social distancing, but don’t expect to fit a ton of people in each elevator. On the other hand, it’s not a big ship and there are enough elevator banks you usually don’t have to wait too long!
Final tips for the Carnival Pride
Don’t take the decorations seriously and it’s a great ship! It has a cult following for a reason. It’s well laid out with some great seating choices.
Have a great cruise!
What to read next:
What to do on Sea Days on a Carnival Cruise
Carnival Pride Review: Embarkation and sea days
Carnival Cruise Tips : How to have the best Carnival Cruise possible!
