Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
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David's Supper Club
David's Supper Club / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Florentine Lobby
Florentine Lobby / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Carnival Pride's Skylight
Carnival Pride's Skylight / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Apollo Pool
Apollo Pool / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Sunset Garden
Sunset Garden / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Cruise

Carnival Pride

Our Ship Review
by Lana Gates
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 2,134-guest Carnival Pride debuted in 2002 and, in 2014, was the first of Carnival’s Spirit-class ships to have a whole host of upgrades. Perhaps the most popular additions? Food Network star Guy Fieri’s yummy lunch spot, Guy’s Burger Joint, where you can pile toppings on your freshly grilled burger, and BlueIguana Cantina, where you can add toppings from a salsa bar to your burritos and tacos. Both are included in the cruise fare and are located poolside on the Lido deck. A 2023 refresh added a Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge (honoring America’s service men and women and also featuring TVs so guests can watch sports) and a Chef’s Table dining experience.

What We Love

Fun for Kids: Not only does Pride feature Carnival’s signature Camp Ocean for kids aged 2-11 (and Circle “C” for tweens and Club O2 for teens), but the WaterWorks aqua park with its twisting waterslides and the Seuss at Sea activities (don’t miss the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast) keep kids entertained. The ship also features mini-golf and a video arcade.

Multiple Pools: Unlike some older Carnival ships, Pride has three pools, including one in the Serenity Retreat that’s adults only and one with a retractable dome overhead (the Venus Pool), giving guests a place to splash in inclement weather.

Best Known For

Affordable Pricing and a Lively Vibe: If your vacation budget is limited and your idea of fun is non-stop music, boisterous contests (the poolside hairy chest competition is a hoot), and ubiquitous adult-beverage consumption, a Carnival ship will be right up your vacation alley.

Sensible Layout: Unlike some of the line’s other ships, the Spirit-class vessels have a sleek design with a smart flow, unimpeded by a second dining room midship. The two-story Normandie Restaurant is large enough to accommodate all guests within a range of dinnertime options.

Who It's Best For

Families, Couples, and Singles: Carnival Pride is bursting with entertainment options. From kids programs and comedy acts in Punchliners to 21 and over dance clubs and family activities like Dive-In Movies poolside and the Family Feud Live and Deal or No Deal game shows, this ship is sure to please a variety of age groups.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

The Decor May Be Questionable: Back in the day, Carnival was known for exuberantly themed décor, so you may find some of the ship's Renaissance-inspired interior design to be over-the-top. 

It’s Loud: But then, would you expect anything less from a “Fun Ship?”