Carnival Pride

Why the Carnival Pride is Baltimore’s Best Kept Secret: A Honeymoon Review

They say you never forget your first love, and for my wife and me, the Carnival Pride will always have a special seat at our table.

After our wedding in late August 2025, we were looking for a honeymoon that balanced luxury with ultimate convenience. Living in Arlington, VA, we realized the best getaway wasn't a flight away in Miami—it was a 45-minute drive up I-95 to the Cruise Maryland Terminal in Baltimore.

Whether you’re a "loyalty free agent" like me or a Carnival die-hard, here is why this Spirit-class ship punched way above its weight class for our 7-day Bermuda honeymoon.

The "Suite" Spot: Aft-Corner Room #6329

If you are going to splurge on the Pride, I recommend the Aft-Corner Vista Suite. We stayed in Room #6329, and the large wrap-around balcony was a total game-changer. While the ship’s interior is classic, this balcony felt like our own private island. We spent our sea days lounging and napping back there with great views of the Atlantic wake.

Small Ship, Big Personality

I’ve sailed on the giants like the Carnival Horizon and Celebration, and while those ships are impressive, the Pride reminded me why "smaller" can be better.

• No GPS Required: It was incredibly easy to navigate. We never felt "lost," and moving from a cocktail at the Alchemy Bar to a show in the theater took minutes, not a marathon.

• The Vibe: Because the ship is smaller, it felt less crowded. We actually caught more activities than usual—Bingo, Family Feud, the Love & Marriage show, and late nights at the Piano Bar.

• The Hidden Gem: If you need a quiet moment, head to the Sunset Garden on Deck 3 forward. It wraps around the theater and offers a peaceful, indoor spot to read or work with massive windows overlooking the ocean.

A Culinary Deep Dive

Since we had some wedding registry gift cards and shareholder credits to burn, we decided to treat the Pride like a floating 5-star resort.

• The Chef’s Table: This was the highlight. It’s an intimate, multi-course experience that includes a galley tour. My wife doesn’t eat red meat, and the team was incredible—they substituted several courses specifically for her without missing a beat.

• The Steakhouse & Bonsai Sushi: We hit the Steakhouse on night one (highly recommend!) and Bonsai Sushi for a sea-day lunch.

• The Main Dining Room (MDR): Interestingly, I found the food in the Pride's MDR to be more consistent and higher quality than on the newer, larger ships. It felt like the kitchen could focus more on the details.

• Alchemy Bar Cocktail Class: Pro tip for your blog readers: You have to sign up for this early at the bar! It’s a blast and a great way to meet the mixologists.