Anchors Away... | Page 1: Getting to the Ship | Page 2: On Board and Setting Sail | Page 3: Tour The Ship |


Saturday, March 9, 2002: Making Our Way to the Cabin


The massive atrium towers eight floors filled with the Renaissance theme as the pink sunlight filters through the glass wing which is on top of the ship.
This being our ninth cruise, we knew what to expect when we entered the ship on the main floor, the Atrium. We knew that "Icons of Beauty" was the central idea for the design of the Carnival Pride, however, we were immediately taken back by the Renaissance architecture for the lobby, atrium, elevator and stairwell areas. It was amazing to see the detail of the atrium. With the Renaissance inspiration, the arts and craftsmanship of the Italian Renaissance were reflected in rich details of wood, bronze moldings and dominated by gold and burnt-red tones. Reproductions of murals by Botticelli, Raphael and other Italian painters adorned the walls. The massive room rose eight stories.

The room was tainted pink from the sunlight above. We would later figure out that the wing on top of the ship was actually red glass which allowed the light to filter into the Atrium.

We used the glass elevators to take us to the sixth floor and find our cabin. Our room was conveniently located right near the elevators which made access to the ship easy. We were all excited to finally be on the ship.

Cabin 6182...
The cabin was surprisingly smaller than the Destiny class, but the verandah was much larger. Greg always has the room decorated to celebrate the bon voyage theme.

On the other Carnival ships, the kids always slept on a hideaway bed. This time was different. The hideaway only accommodated one person. That meant that there was an overhead bunk that came down from the ceiling which meant the kids couldn't wait to take turns enjoying the bunk. You would think that it was made of gold.
Brooklyn instantly knew something was different about the bathroom. There were two toilets, but one looked really different.

After thinking and laughing for a while, the kids finally figured out that it was a bidet. Greg eventually decided that it was better used to wash the sand off of your feet after you returned from the beach. Which ever way, it was a touch of class.

Grandpa Randall had purchased the kids tote bags filled with a shirt, hat and a towel. The kids enjoyed the gifts.

Both Greg and Susan knew they would be enjoying the verandah. Being almost twice as large as the other ships, they would enjoy sunbathing on the Fun Days as Sea and being away from the crowd around the pool.

We decided to go up three floors and get Greg his hamburgers as we were all starved since we didn't having breakfast. After Greg was satisfied, we returned to our deck to watch the cast off. Of course, we had to have a ship's boat drill which Susan always hates.


Saturday, March 9, 2002: Waiting to Leave Port


The Disney ship actually caught fire. Their muster station drill became a reality as the passengers were awakened in the early morning hours Thursday and escorted to their muster stations with life vests in tow.
The ship's boat drill where all passengers have to wear life vests and report to their muster stations, went smoothly. Susan didn't complain too much. It's always hot and uncomfortable to be squashed in with 2900 other passengers listening to instructions. Good thing we listened because problems do arise. When we returned to Orlando, we discovered that the Disney ship docked across from us actually had to put on their life vests and report to their muster stations by early Thursday morning as a fire started in the forward exhaust stack.

The only thing holding us from leaving were the people hurrying across the gang way and the 8,000 some odd pieces of luggage still making it's way on board.

The history surrounding this port points especially towards NASA which can be seen in the background. We've visited NASA five times over the years. Greg keeps hoping that the rest of us will enjoy it someday.



Saturday, March 9, 2002: Finally We Head Out to Sea

Due to the September 11 attack, security was extremely high getting on the ship and even moving the ship to sea. Each time we entered or left a port of an island belonging to the United States, an escort was provided by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard would use their larger ship to launch the zodiacs to keep other vessels 1000 yards away from the ship.
After the gang way was pulled back, the ship left port and began to idle through the channel and out to sea. It's great to sit on the verandah and watch the view.

Greg is on his cell to make last minute phone calls and check on the business. He takes time out to call Paul and Kathy. We had forgotten to tell them that we were leaving and of course, no one believed Greg as he told them we were heading out to sea. Paul and Kathy thought he was kidding until Susan got on the phone and told them the update.

Leaving Port Canaveral isn't quite as fun as leaving out of Miami. In Miami, the cars stop along the highway and the passengers get out and start yelling and waving at you.

Occasionally, you'll see some women--and men--flashing at you. Thus, Preston keeps his binoculars handy just in case of a flasher. However, Port Canaveral is pretty tame and laid back. Nothing exciting happened on this day.

Anchors Away... | Page 1: Getting to the Ship | Page 2: On Board and Setting Sail | Page 3: Tour The Ship |