Carnival Pride, a Spirit-class ship from Carnival Cruise Line, delivers a cheerful holiday for up to 2,124 passengers. Launched in 2001 and refurbished in 2024, this vessel blends Renaissance-inspired decor with modern amenities, creating a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere for families and couples.
Guests can anticipate a holiday blending relaxation and activity. Days offer waterslides, spa visits, or ping pong, while evenings feature comedy, live music, or dining under the stars. The ship’s smaller size makes navigation easy, though some areas may feel crowded during peak times. The crew’s attentiveness fosters a friendly atmosphere, and the artistic decor adds a distinctive touch. Families, couples, and solo travellers will find tailored options for an enjoyable cruise.
Reception Areas: Elegant and Social
The Renaissance Lobby, an 11-deck atrium with a ruby-red glass ceiling and classic murals, greets guests with a spacious, artistic hub on Deck 2. Guest services and the Carnival Adventures shore excursion desk provide efficient assistance. The lobby’s bar and stage host live music, creating a lively social space. The shopping zone on Deck 3, with its clean, modern setup, offers jewellery, candy, and souvenirs, while clear signage ensures easy navigation.
Dining: Diverse and Flavourful
Carnival Pride’s dining options cater to a range of tastes. The Normandie Restaurant, with panoramic windows and a tiered layout, serves daily-changing menus with flexible or fixed seating via the Carnival Hub app. Mermaid’s Grille on the Lido Deck offers buffet-style international dishes, while Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina provide casual burgers and tacos. Bonsai Sushi offers affordable sushi, and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, located under the ship’s funnel, serves premium cuts for a surcharge. The Chef’s Table in the library provides an intimate dining experience, though some guests note occasional inconsistencies in buffet quality.
Entertainment: Fun for All Ages
The ship’s entertainment keeps guests engaged day and night. The Taj Mahal Theater hosts Playlist Productions with Broadway-style shows, while the Butterflies Lounge offers Punchliner Comedy Club performances for families and adults. The Beauties Dance Club provides late-night dancing, and Ivory Keys Piano Bar offers singalongs, though seating is limited. Families enjoy Carnival WaterWorks with its 214-foot waterslide, and the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat provides a peaceful pool area. The Seaside Theatre screens films outdoors, and Seuss at Sea brings Dr. Seuss-themed activities for kids.
Accommodation: Spacious and Comfortable
With 1,062 cabins across six decks, Carnival Pride offers interior, ocean-view, balcony, and suite options. Eighty percent of cabins have ocean views, with 60% featuring balconies averaging 40 square feet. Standard cabins measure 185 square feet, while Grand Suites offer 300 square feet with 115-square-foot balconies. All rooms include plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and robes for use, though some guests note limited outlets and dated decor like green sinks. Sixteen wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity.
Hospitality: Friendly and Attentive
The crew’s approachable service creates a welcoming environment. Room stewards provide customisable cleaning and towel animals, with complimentary 24-hour room service offering sandwiches and desserts. The Cloud 9 Spa, renovated in 2024, offers massages, a thermal suite, and complimentary sauna access, though treatment costs can be high. Staff at bars and dining venues maintain a warm demeanour, despite occasional delays during peak times. Camp Ocean, Circle C, and Club O2 keep kids and teens entertained, offering parents relaxation time.
Standout Features
The ship’s Renaissance-inspired artwork, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David at Fahrenheit 555, adds a unique charm. The 2024 refurbishment introduced the Heroes Tribute Bar, an expanded casino, and Dreams Studio for professional photos. The onboard brewery at RedFrog Pub crafts ThirstyFrog Red ale, and the Alchemy Bar serves custom cocktails. The partially covered Lido pool allows swimming in cooler weather, and the nine-hole mini-golf course adds family fun. Enhanced Wi-Fi ensures connectivity, though some guests report maintenance issues like air conditioning.
