Like Fine Wine

We live in a world addicted to superlative -- biggest, greatest, newest. Especially newest. There are people who must see the movie opening day, score the new smartphone the day it’s released or sail on a new ship’s first launch.

Carnival Pride sails out of Baltimore. It’s been doing so for nine years now. And to watch and listen to the passengers on my recent cruise, they couldn’t care less that the ship isn’t new. Sure, it needs some paint here and there, a spruce-up definitely, but people love this ship. I lost track of how many people said it was their 14th, 16th, 18th cruise. I met a fair amount who’d even gained Diamond status, meaning 200-plus cruise days, which adds special benefits. Some make this their annual vacation; some sail more often.

Just goes to show that age + experience = knowledge. And those in the know find Carnival Pride and Baltimore worth repeating.

Pride of Place

Carnival Pride sports a wide range of clientele -- young, old, solos, couples, families and an astonishing amount of multigenerational groups. And ship features and daily activities reflect that. Kids’ clubs and Dr. Seuss-themed events draw young people galore. Two pools are packed with kids (even during evening Dive-In Movies) -- the third is adult-only and competition for a cabana is fierce. Some people don’t know there’s another whirlpool in the spa -- also available to those not paying for services.

Dual slides in Waterworks lure kids and adults, as does the sports court. The usual games and dance instructions on Lido entertain poolside, and the number of opportunities to play bingo in Taj Mahal Theater or trivia games in The Piazza Café is extensive. Plus, Butterflies Theater offers comedians in two showings -- R- and PG-rated. And bars and nighttime music venues, of course, are in abundance.

Food is pretty much what cruisers expect -- Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint justifiably pulls in a crowd. But the best by far is the premium-charge Chef’s Table. And those who don’t reserve a spot way ahead won’t get one. Open to 14 diners per evening, this meal begins with a galley tour, plus a few hors d’oeuvres to whet the appetite.

Dinner -- with wine pairings -- takes place in the former disco, and participants are the exclusive stars. Executive Chef Michael Wisdom introduced each of the eight courses. It’s an exploration of creative cuisine, expertly prepared and artfully plated. For those who can’t land a spot at Chef’s Table -- or those wanting more -- David’s Steakhouse is exceptional. This intimate and yes, superlative, restaurant, graced by a demure replica of Michelangelo’s David, is also host to a once-a-cruise chef demo (complete with samples) that puts cruisers up close to the culinary talent.

Boasting of Baltimore

Baltimore’s history is lengthy and diverse, and a pre- or post-cruise visit is more than well worth the time. It’s a city of neighborhoods, and the visitor’s anchor is Inner Harbor.