Trains, plans, and automobiles have always been our mode of travel, until now…for the first time, we set foot on the high seas upon the @CarnivalCruise Pride, an impressive floating city of metal and martinis. When we embarked on the ship, it became evident we were in for a week long extravaganza. With nine stories, this boat had a waterslide on the top, a casino on the bottom, and everything you could possibly want or need in between.
For the first time ever, my brothers and sisters came together for an eight day vacation on a cruise-ship to the Bahamas. In addition, my nephew and his wife along with her family, made the trip as well. With a group of 17, it was hard not to notice us. For the many of us in the group, this was our first cruise.
Food – It’s true what they say about the food on a cruise, it is delicious, abundant, and available around the clock. We loved the main dining room, each evening we gathered with whole family to a formal meal. We adored the evening menu with things like prosciutto ruffles, braised rabbit, broiled ox tongue, lobster tail, swordfish, salmon, steak, pork chops, and the list goes on. Each night the menu changed to reflect the port of call of our location. Our servers, Gerald and Mohammad, performed nightly with song and dance routines to lighten the mood. Other restaurants included Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, and David’s Steakhouse to name a few. Needless to say, we tried every eatery on the boat.
Drinks – there is just something about an exotic cocktail that confirms you’re on vacation. We tried as many concoctions as our alcohol tolerance would allow. Our favorite spot on the ship was the Alchemy Bar, where the mixologists were impressive, accurate, and intense. Of course, there were bars at every turn with craft brews, cocktails, and their infamous Bloody Mary’s. Many in our group managed to meet the 15 alcoholic drink limit per day, an impressive task in itself!
Fun – Each day, cruise guests are given a schedule of the day’s planned activities on the ship. We jumped right in a attended a cooking demonstration at David’s Steakhouse that included a four- course sampler. Not to be outdone, Bonsai Sushi offered a sushi rolling demonstration, complete with samples to try. Other activities like game shows, stand-up comedy, and karaoke happened nightly.
Ports – Our nautical course included the islands of Princess Cays, Nassau, and Freeport of the Bahamas. The sunshine was a pleasant change of pace from the overcast skies we left in Baltimore.
Princess Cay is an island owned by the cruise line. Lined with royal blue chases, we found ourselves on a pristine private beach. The cruise line prepared a barbecue-style lunch on the island and offered shopping, drinks, and anything your day at the beach required.
Nassau was not what what we expected. Once you left the dock you were thrusted in the middle of a bustling thoroughfare. The markets were filled with local crafts and merchandise. The locals were well trained in tourist techniques to get your attention and make you feel special. We were greeted as the beautiful lady and the handsome gentleman, as an continual icebreaker. The local beach was patrolled by armed security and we were warned not to stray from the first two blocks for safety reasons.
Freeport was our last stop. It was an industrial port surrounded by freighters hauling shipping containers. Just off the dock, there was small market area complete with souvenirs and tchotchkes to tempt the masses.
Our final night at sea was one for the record books. A winter storm named Skyler, created a weather phenomenon called a Bomb Cyclone on the east coast. The captain gave us fair warning the seas would be rough during the night and he was right. With 87 mph winds slapping the side of the ship, the real adventure began. As we hunkered down in our cabin, the sounds of the ship reacting to the rough water was like a scene from a movie, you know the one I’m talking about. We made it to calmer seas by morning about five hours behind schedule. The #CarnivalCruisePride crew was outstanding and never missed a beat to make our vacation memorable, right down to the last hour.
Thanks @CarnivalCruise for a memorable vacation on our first #Cruise in the #Caribbean. #Humbleweeds #CarnivalPride #FunSquad
HUMBLEWEEDS 
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