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Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Pride
Travelling with a family through the United States is fun but fraught with problems, find transport, a place to stay, food, unpack, then pack and do it all again when its time to move on.
That's why rounding off a fortnight exploring the US with a Mexican cruise was enticing for my family and me. Unpack once, your transport is your accommodation, the food is on tap, and you've paid for it all in your ticket price. These thoughts percolated as we arrived at Los Angeles' Long Beach cruise terminal ready to board Carnival Pride.
Carnival Pride is big, so big that she dwarfs the neighbouring Queen Mary. That means plenty of facilities to discover during a seven-night cruise down the Mexican Riviera.
As we clear security and walk on board we all take a deep breath - before us an 11-storey atrium complete with glass lifts rises up past huge Renaissance-style artworks, to a ritzy supper club complete with a life-sized replica statue of David. Impressive. Our boys, aged 15 and 13, were itching to enrol in the youth clubs (there are three clubs: for little kids, 12-14s and 15-17s). But first things first - find our cabin and meet our Carnival Cruise steward. The cabin is fine: roomy, en-suite, double bed and two bunks, desk, plenty of storage room, TV and balcony. The unpacking done, our boys head off to join their clubs. Each is immediately christened 'Australia' and they are soon regaling their new American friends with tall stories of riding kangaroos to school and avoiding drop bears. Being on a cruise full of Americans makes us minor celebrities and the Aussie accent is an instant icebreaker: "Oh, I just love your accent, I've always wanted to go to Australia."
Exploring the ship takes time, as the vessel is as big as a skyscraper on its side. With the bon voyage party in full swing, we wander around the upper outside decks, cocktail of the day in hand, taking in the outdoor basketball court, mini-golf course, jogging track, water slide, four pools, bars and sun lounge areas. The Carnival Pride oozes style, with plenty of artwork and cosy nooks. It's impeccably clean and the crew are friendly.
The next two days at sea unfold dreamily as we settle into resort-style relaxation. Carnival Cruise director Butch and Laura the Bingo Lady constantly urge passengers to join the fun with everything from dance classes and trivia quizzes to bingo and basketball.
But sometimes you just want to kick back and relax. There is something delightfully decadent in letting a day or two drift by watching the ocean go past, lazing by one of the pools, being beaten at mini-golf by your kids, chatting with strangers and having the odd cold Corona by an outdoor bar with live music. Being in 'relax mode' meant taking lunch at the Lido deck buffet, rather than in the posher restaurant. With a wide selection including hamburgers, roasts, salads, Asian, Mexican, deli dishes, pizza, fruit, desserts and more, it is a ship of plenty. If there is one thing Americans know how to do, it is provide food - a never-ending stream of top-quality food arrives at various buffets.
Each night, the swish Normandie restaurant holds a table for us for the earlier of the two sittings (6pm and 8pm). A typical night at the Normandie goes like this: a bit of light-hearted banter with our waiter while we mull over the menu, then soup, entre, main course and dessert, usually punctuated by entertainment from the waiting staff. Head for the sumptuous David's Supper Club with its spectacular glass ceiling (a surcharge applies) for something a bit different.
After dinner the kids disappear to their supervised youth clubs for games and a movie while we wander the boutiques, peek into the casino and grab a drink at the sports bar. Then it is on to the three-story Taj Mahal show lounge to catch a Broadway-style show.
An all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the 1980s gets my feet tapping, so I whiz my wife off to the intimate Ivory piano bar where an excellent pianist is tapping out tunes. Then he announces it is karaoke night. The horrified look on my non-singing wife's face says it all - we bolt for the atrium bar where big comfy chairs and a cool lounge band beckon. In fact there are bands all over the place, from string quartets to kettledrum ensembles, in venues like the Starry Nights Jazz Club or Beauties Dance Club.
Our sons are loving the freedom and new friends, but happily join us for meals and occasionally find us during the day by a pool to share a drink, a snack and a joke. "Hey Dad, can I take a picture of you picking your nose?" was one afternoon greeting. Seems their club was having a scavenger hunt and my eldest lad needed a photo of a nose picker. The joys of parenthood.
Snacks on board, from pizza to ice-cream, are free so about the only thing youngsters have to pay for is soft drinks. Buy them a Fountain Fun Card, which covers unlimited drinks - great value.
The Carnival Cruise ship calls at three Mexican ports over three consecutive days: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Carnival has a swag of shore tours available, from shopping to 4WD to game fishing to scuba diving. We opt for shopping at Puerto Vallarta, city tour at Mazatlan and power snorkelling in the warm waters at Cabo San Lucas.
Each is fun, and leaves plenty of time for family exploration of these fascinating towns. We vote Cabo San Lucas, at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, our family favourite with its sandy beaches, cool shops and hip atmosphere.
The final full day at sea is a chance to unwind again after the busy shore days, have our ultimate family mini-golf tournament and say goodbye to new friends, including the excellent crew. We still haven't tried the gym or the spa, though a massage sounds tempting. Next time, perhaps.
Arriving at Long Beach in dawn's golden light is exhilarating - truly relaxed and ready for the flight home.
Written by William Forrington - issue 33 spring 08