We decided to sail on the Carnival Pride for our cruise vacation of 2003. We chose the week of June 14, and counted the days until we got on!! We had read some negative reviews about the overpowering artwork, and also about the food. As soon as we walked on, we found out that the Renaissance art theme was used very well, and wasn't overpowering at all. Now the vacation is started.

First, we arrive to Port Canaveral. We see the huge Carnival Pride in port and are overwhelmed by its size. At this time we are all so excited to get on and start what every cruiser likes to do.... EAT!! Well, we wait maybe 1 minute to pull into a spot to get our baggage unloaded. The man takes the bags out of the car, and we go park. We then go into the building where they scan your carry-on luggage. You go up the stairs to see a huge line of people!!! The line actually moves pretty fast, and then we board!! It was that easy.

You walk into the atrium, and are overwhelmed by its size. You look up to see a beautiful glass dome as the ceiling. You also see a glass staircase leading to David's supper club, as well as some glass elevators, a nice sitting area, a bar, and a lot of nice art! I think everyone's mouth dropped as they walked in!!

We then made our way to our room, which was an 8A balcony cabin on the main deck 4. In my opinion, 8A is one of the best decks you can be on because it is right above Atlantic Deck 3 which has the dining room, as well many other lounges, and walkways. If we go on the Pride again, its either a 8A cabin or a 8H cabin which is one under the lido. Anyways, the balcony was awesome. We found ourselves out on it a lot before dinner, or anytime we needed a break from all the action. Our friend booked an extended balcony, and it was quite a bit larger, so get one of those its well worth it! But the main deck was very close to all the action, and I would prefer one deck more which is Panorama deck 8.

The food was awesome!! In the Mermaids Grille, Lido deck 9, they had like separate stations everyday in which to choose. For example, a taste of Italy, Mexico, France, etc. So you had a wide variety of food each day. Or you can stick to hamburgers and hotdogs right by the pool. Or of course, the PIZZA which was open 24 hours and was awesome!!!!! The food in the dining room was also to die for. Every night at dinner, we would find ourselves saying "Mine is soooo good, you have to taste it" then the other person would say, "No mine is better, taste mine"!! The food was awesome. Our waiter and asst. waiter were awesome, and made our dining experience one to remember. The shows were awesome, our waiter, Daniel from El Salvador, would get up on the table and dance almost every night!!! Radka, his asst. was also very good and we were very sad to say goodbye!! Every night after dinner, Daniel would do a trick and see if any of us could do it. We booked one night at David's, and after David's we came back to the Dining Room because we couldn't miss our waiter and asst.!! David's was an awesome 6-course meal that was truly worth the 25 charge for the service and food you get.

The Islands were cool, and getting on and off the ship while in dock was very easy. In the Bahamas (Half Moon Cay) it was a bit congested so we went and got a sticker for a tender, and they called your number when your tender arrived. That was the only port where tenders were used, and also the only port where it was hard to get off. The islands were beautiful and Trunk Bay at St. John was an awesome beach you may want to check out.

The Entertainment was very good with a wide range. Pool side entertainment was awesome with a live reggae band, Koosha, as well as games.

This was the best of the 2 other Carnival cruises we've been on. The decor of the ship was awesome and very elegant (not overdone). Thanks Carnival for the great service and fun you provide!!!

Debarkation was very fast. Carnivals the only line to travel!