Matt Roberts

My Kind of Cruise

Carnival Pride is coming to the UK

Carnival cruises are relaxed, laid back and fun packed, all at the same time- the only requirement when you step aboard is that you agree to have Fun! And in 2022, Carnival's 50th birthday, the Carnival Pride is coming to the UK and Europe to show us what Fun is all about!

So, if you're a first time cruiser, you want a laid back cruise experience without any of the stuffiness you think you might find on other cruise ships, or you want a value packed cruise at an incredible price, then Carnival might just be the cruise line you're looking for!

With the emphasis on Fun and entertainment, onboard Carnival Pride you can relax as hard as you like while you lounge in the sun on the Lido Deck, swoosh through the aquapark, chill out in the Carnival Spa, or explore the shows, casino, theatre, bars and restaurants where the action runs late into the night! And with the Carnival Pride cruising Barcelona from May, then Dover from June (all at incredible prices), there is literally something for everyone once you step onboard and choose Fun!

Carnival Pride is a mid sized ship, weighing in at 88,500 gross tonnage, carrying around 2000 fun and sun seekers and 900 crew to the Med, UK and Europe. You can explore 12 guest decks and choose from one of 277 inside cabins, 103 Ocean View Window Cabins, or 682 Balconies, Balcony Suites or Grand Suites.

But what can you do onboard? Well, as an introduction to casual, fun cruising, a quick, great value getaway, or even a second cruise this year (go on, treat yourself!), you can't go far wrong with the Carnival Pride. And don't forget, cruises always include your meals, snacks, entertainment, shows, leisure facilities, room and service from your cabin attendant, making this a great value option for any kind of holiday!

We could start at the top- and one of our favourites in the Aquapark has to be the Green Thunder waterslide, starting with a 10 metre vertical drop, to shoot you at high speed through the pipe and out the other end! Or you could choose (or be forced by the kids) to take 150 gallons of water on the head from the Power Drencher tipping bucket! Escape down the Twister spiral slide, get the kids back in the spray park and then beat a retreat to one of the pools onboard, or the Serenity adult only pool area.

Catch a movie by the pool, grab a drink from one of the many bars on board, including Blue Iguana and Red Frog on the Lido Deck, and don't worry if you're cruising from the UK, the sliding Sky Dome roof makes sure that one of the pools can be indoors or out, whatever the weather is up to! Chill out in the Carnival Spa, or the Serenity areas that are kid free!

Other outdoor features include the Mini Golf, the kids water slides and play park for your smaller guests, a Running Track to get the mileage in and the Basketball Court for some outdoor sports action! Twin this with the Fitness Suite and you can definitely play the 'eat as much as you can then try and burn it off again' game that we pretend we can win on a cruise!

If you're peckish, choose from the Normandie Dining Room for a waiter service experience, the Captain's Club Room, or go casual in one of many options - from Guy's Burger Joint to the Carnival deli, Blue Iguana Mexican Cantina (and Tequila Bar!), Chopsticks, Bonsai Sushi, Pizza Pirate, David's Steakhouse or the Piazza Patisserie and Cafe- there's plenty of choice for a 7-10 day cruise*

Bonsai Sushi Onboard Carnival Pride, and the Steakhouse...

Perhaps after a hard day it's time to relax and listen to one of the musical acts that pop up around the various bars and lounges, like the Butterfly, or perhaps take in a show at the Taj Mahal Show Lounge, place a bet to test your luck in the casino, then dance the night away in the club?

Try the cocktails at the Alchemy Bar, or go Caribbean at the Red Frog and try the Rum, hit 'Ivory' and have a sing along in the Piano Bar. There's the lobby and atrium bar called the Renaissance, or you can just go hang out at the Perfect game Sports Bar.

Whatever you want to do aboard the Carnival Pride, there's a whole host of choices to suit anyone who wants a relaxed cruise where the emphasis is on having fun and enjoying yourself - so if this sounds like you, download the My Kind of Cruise App today, register your profile for our special offers and exclusives, and book your next cruise in under 90 seconds!

*Some restaurants carry a cover charge, which is less than you would pay to dine out in style in the UK.