The ultimate "fun ship," the Carnival Pride has two basic cruises leaving from Baltimore, although occasionally there are specialty voyages added to the lineup, such as singles cruises or charity events. The seven-day Florida and Bahamas cruise heads first to Port Canaveral in Florida and then makes stops in the Bahamas at Nassau and Freeport before returning to port. The eastern Caribbean trip, also seven days, visits Grand Turk Island, Half Moon Cay and Freeport. The ship features the Twister waterslide, an enormous pool area with a sliding dome for days with inclement weather, hot tubs, kiddie pool, arcade, miniature golf, teen club, disco, lounges, bars, and a casino. The decor is Renaissance art with a touch of Las Vegas, and there is some soft-focused nudity in the paintings, but nothing you wouldn't see in a museum. Toddlers are welcome, but if you need a crib you should reserve it in advance.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Doral, FL 33178
888-227-6482
carnival.com
The Royal Caribbean line's Enchantment of the Sea cruises from Baltimore to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada and offers voyages varying in length from five to 12 nights. The shortest cruise is a round trip to King's Wharf in Bermuda; the nine-night Caribbean cruise goes to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Samana and Labadee; the nine-night Bahamas voyage includes Port Canaveral, Key West, Nassau, and Coco Cay, Bahamas. The New England/Canada cruise goes through the ports of Maine, Saint John, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Boston. The Enchantment is a slightly older ship that had a remodel in 2005, but it still has an old-fashioned formal Captain's dinner night on every cruise, and is one of the last ships to offer set times and reserved tables for dining. Still, there is an informal food court, 24-hour room service, a Ben & Jerry's, and plenty of bar lounges for those who prefer more casual food and drink options. The most impressive feature of the ship's makeover is the futuristic suspension bridge that allows for amazing views of both the ship and the horizon.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
305-539-6000
royalcaribbean.com
Celebrity Cruise Line's Celebrity Mercury only sails out of Baltimore from November to February, and there are two itineraries: a nine or 10-night Bahamas voyage with stops at Coco Cay and Nassau, and 11- to 14-night Caribbean cruises that visit up to seven islands. Although children and teens are allowed, the ship is definitely geared more to mature adults, and there is little in the way of glitz. Instead, there is one elegant main restaurant, a piano bar, a Champagne bar and walls adorned with original works by Jasper Johns, Christo, and other modern artists. Jackets for men are required in the dining room, there are formal dining evenings and, if you really want to go all out, you can book a suite with your own butler.
Celebrity Cruise Line
1080 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
800-647-2251
celebritycruises.com
American Cruise Line's small ships offer seven- or 14-night cruises, leaving from Baltimore to tour the east coast or the historic villages of Chesapeake Bay. All staterooms have outside views, as do all dining tables. Onboard entertainment is limited to local musicians, parlor games, lectures and the occasional skit performed by crew members, who also serve as tour guides during the voyage. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served each evening as guests recount their experiences of the day.
American Cruise Lines
741 Boston Post Road
Suite 200
Guilford, CT 06437
800-460-4518
americancruiselines.com
