BySherry Laskin News

Carnival Pride Returns to Tampa in 2017 and Adds Two Longer Cruises

The Carnival Pride off the coast of Grand Cayman.
The Carnival Pride off the coast of Grand Cayman.

From Tampa to Aruba? You bet. It’s a Carnival Journey!

If you have never cruised from Tampa, you’re missing a wonderful experience. The Port of Tampa is cozy, convenient and easily accessible from anywhere around the state. And soon you’ll be able to cruise from Tampa to the Southern Caribbean aboard the Carnival Pride.

On January 2, 2017 the Carnival Pride will cruise away from its seasonal home in Baltimore and begin the first of two Carnival Journey cruises. South America-bound on a 13-day voyage, guests will visit Grand Turk, B.W.I.; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Limon, Costa Rica; Mahogany Bay; Cozumel and Carnival’s recently developed Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Back to Tampa for the remainder of January and early February with one five-day western Caribbean cruise and four seven-day Caribbean cruises. On February 26, the ship will set out on another Carnival Journey, this one for a 14-day cruise to Cozumel, Limon, Colon, Aruba, Bonaire, and St. Maarten and returning to Baltimore for a year-round schedule of 7-day cruises.

I experienced the Carnival Pride earlier this year on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise (here’s my review) and had a wonderful time. The Pride recently had a multi-million-dollar renovation that added Guy’s Burger Joint – Guy Fieri’s signature spot, my favorite sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, and BlueIguana Cantina for Mexican food. It’s all about the food, isn’t it?

Carnival Pride Bonsai Sushi
Some of the best sushi at sea at Bonsai Sushi.

Yes, Carnival’s own RedFrog Pub, and the poolside BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar are there, too.

There’s also the massive WaterWorks aqua park featuring the Green Thunder, the fastest and steepest water slide at sea, was added, as well. No…I did not try it! But here’s the photo…

Carnival Pride Green Thunder
Carnival Pride Green Thunder. Uh, no. But looks like fun.

If you’re a Carnival Pride fan (yes!) this short window of time looks to be your only chance to get onboard the Pride and cruise from the port of Tampa in 2017. If you prefer a longer cruise, don’t wait too long to book one of these two Carnival Journeys, especially if you have a preferred stateroom category or location.

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