Carnival
Pride
Mexican Riviera

Dwight Holmes

Age: 54
Occupation: 911
Number of Cruises: 3
Sailing Date: July 24th, 2005

We flew into Long Beach Airport instead of LAX. I believe this saved a lot of airport hassle.

Upon arrival at the terminal our bags were swiftly taken away and we were politely directly to the Queen Mary for early check in. Even with early check in it was another hour plus before we got aboard the ship. Most of the waiting was outside in the direct sun (hot).

Our bags did not arrive at our cabin until almost 8 pm that night. they warn you this may be the case.

The first thing once aboard I noticed was the hallways were really soiled badly and needed cleaning.

The cabin (8218) was very nice, clean and roomy. We were missing the two robes that were supposed to be in the cabin and it took three days to get them.

On day three the tv died. It took 24 hrs to get it repaired.

Often times the public restrooms were too dirty to use. On the last day though I did see service call buttons to push. I would have been pushing them much earlier.

We did not see the cabin Stewart until day three but once we found him he was very nice and helpful.

Dining in the main dining room was fine. The food was usually very good. The service was "ok". Our waiter was responsible for 22 guests - way too many for excellent attention. I don't think most other waiters had this many to look after. The waiter and assistant were very nice though and very entertaining each night when all the waiters danced and sang.

The food at the Mermaid Grill was usually quite good. We usually ate breakfasts and lunches up there. The layout of the grill is somewhat confusing though - broken up and you have to go all over the place looking for different types of selections. At night about all that is available is pizza - I thought it was good pizza. They do open up a buffet though around 11:30 pm until 1 am which wasn't too bad.

The shows were great. Some of the shows were as good as you would find on the strip at Las Vegas - great dancers and great orchestra.

Lenny, the cruise director, was great - Yoo hoo !!

Evening entertainment was abounding...rock n roll in the Butterflies lounge - decent, jazz lounge - decent, various music in the atrium - usually good, piano bar - ok, karaoke room - lively, calypso on the Lido deck - usually ok, disco - lively...lots of choices.

Ports - Cabo San Lucas, long walk to the shops but some great swimming beaches all the way around the marina. Mazatlan - high pressure condo sales and taxi/van drivers. If you take a van - agree to pay only at the end of the day. Puerto Vallarta - definitely do the dolphin swim - a really special treat.

Summary - Carnival service and cleanliness was not up to Princess standards but it was still decent. I would recommend this cruise - it was fun and a good bargain. Even though there were lots of youth - it was not a problem.

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