Holiday Review - 4/19/04

[SallyMay]

Back from the Holiday and had a great time. Here goes:

 

Sunday - 4/18/04 - we left Memphis around 7:30 am and stopped in Jackson Ms for breadfast and a few more stops along the way. We arrived at the maison St. Charles Hotel about 3:00 PM. The hotel is old but quaint and we had a nice room. Reminded me of the old movies - with water fountains in an open patio. We caught the streetcar (right in front of the hotel) and went to the French Quarters. We meet up with a great couple from Texas (Kerstin & Sean) at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. Great place and food was very good. Afterwards, walked around a while and caught the street car back to the hotel.

 

Monday - 4/19/04 - while waiting for time to go to the pier meet two couples from MO (Tim and Jody and newly weds Heather and Joey). We were taken to the pier in a limo which was enjoyable. Arrived at the pier with docs in han. had no problem going through the fun pass line. After picking up Sign & Sail cards and room keys where instructed to take a seat. We boarded around 12 and off we went. found our room on the Empress dec and immediately filled out forms for the Tulum Mayan Ruins excursion. We only asked for the Tulum tour, which was $69.00 each. Off again to explore the ship. We sent to the Tahiti Lounge and met some friends I met on the Internet. There were Kerstin/Sean from Texas, Kent/Cary from California and 4 great ladies from Illinois. It was so nice to met people who I had talked to for several months. WE had the early seating (5:45) in the dining room. We sat in a booth with one other couple (Norma and Kent from Louisiana. We had a great time talking and our waiters were outstanding. After leaving the dining room we went to the Lido deck and then down to the casinos.

 

Tuesday - 4/20/04 - enjoyed the dat at sea. Here is where I had to relate to MS Queen regarding the showers. It was a little hard getting the shower to adjust to the right temp. At one time only had just a trickle and took awhile to get shampoo rinsed out. If I had any real complaints (which I don't) this would be it. Mostly just relaxed around the pool having a few drinks.

 

Wednesday - 4/21/04 - Playa Del Carmen - was up early, ready to go ashore. We left the ship around 10 am and found our tour bus. It took about 45 minutes to reach Tulum. That place was so fascinating we could have stayed all day. The weather was rather warm to we just had to go and put our feet in the Caribbean Sea (other side of point was the Gulf of Mexico) to cool our heels. Iguanas everywhere - we didn't bother them and they didn't bother us. We were back on the bus at 1:45 and back to the ship. Just relaxed the rest of the day until party time. We went to the Lido deck for the deck party and mexican buffet. We had a great time and DH tried out his dancing techniques doing the Cha Cha and YMCA dance.

 

Thursday - 4/22/04 - Cozumel _ DH was up first and quickly let me know that another ship was docked next to us (so I wouldn't open the curtains). The ship was the Voyager of the Sea and towered over the Holiday. After seeing this decided the Holiday or one a little larger was big enough for me. Not ot upset anyone who loves larger ships. We dressed and went to the Lido deck for breakfast. We meet up with Sean and Kerstin at 10 and went into Cozumel to shop. had a great time looking for gifts for the family and an extra few things for myself. We ended up at Carlos and Charlies for lunch around 1:00 PM. Had a great table/food and just for fun did the Congo line. This place was packed and ran into tow of our other friends, Kent and Cary. The same was that we had to be back on ship at 3:30 PM. Would have loved to stay longer.

 

Friday - 4/23/04 - another fun day at sea - we just relaxed by the pool and watched the Hairy Chest contest. It was so much fun to watch, laugh and cheer each contestand on as he did his walk, swim and other requirements. We also did a tour of the galley, which turned out to be very interesting, just learning about the different aspects of each crew member's job. Went to our room and started packing. Of course, packing up to leave was not as easy as packing to come. Had a few extra things to put in them.

 

Saturday - 4/24/04 - sad day - they made me get off and let others go in my place. We disembarked and were heading home around 10am. Overall we had a fabulous trip and would sail the Holiday again if she were not leaving New Orleans. The weather was just beautiful and did not have rough waters (some may differ). We may try the Sensation next year. We met some super nice people and would love to stay in touch (which we plan to do) with all of them.

 

Sorry this was long - just wanted everyone to know I had a wonderful cruise.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[OhioBeachBum]

How was the condition of the ship? I was thinking about taking a cruise on the Holiday because I like the itinerary. What kind of room did you have? How was the food? How many pools? Thanks!

 

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

 

Great, now I'm hooked!

[SallyMay]

To me, the ship was in great shape. They were constantly cleaning everywhere. We have an oceanview and the beds when put together was king size. The showers are large enought for two. I found the food to be very good. A few things I did not care for but that was just my taste buds. Overall I found the food good. Ther are three pools (kiddie pool, small round pool about 3 1/2 feet and the pool with the slide is 4'6". Not very large - it is mainly for the slide. Hope this helps.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[Cotton]

Hey Sally! SO glad to hear that you enjoyed the Holiday. My son just booked his first cruise on her after she relocates to Mobile. I'm going on the Sensation next, but will go on the Holiday again one day. Thx for the review!

 

Festivale 1987

Carnivale 1988

Mardi Gras 1989

Pacific Princess 1990

Norway 1994

Holiday 2001

Holiday 2002

Holiday 2003

 

[SallyMay]

Thanks, sorry about the typos - was in a hurry and at work. To me, the Holiday is a great ship and just the right size. Glad your son will get to sail her.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[CruiseFever]

I bet we hear a lot more about the Holiday with this relocation, thanks for the most current info

 

Happy Cruising

 

Chris

 

www.LifeIsCruising.com

 

Next up:

Caribbean Princess 06/26/04

Star Princess 10/24/04

Diamond Princess 12/22/04

Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

 

[teedee]

Thanks for the review, I'm glad you had a good time. We don't see too many reviews for the Holiday, so I'm glad you posted yours. It's been 10 years since we sailed on her, but we loved that ship. My brother and sister in law are on her in 2 weeks and are really looking forward to it.

 

Terri

 

Skyward - 1989

Carnivale - 1991

Holiday - 1994

Fantasy - 1998

Century - 2002

Century - 2003

Jubilee - 7/04

Century - 9/04

Coral Princess 3/05

[waterbound]

Great review!! We got off her the day you got on... We were sad to leave too!! I agree that it is in pretty good shape for its age.. I was impressed.. I had figured she would be pretty beat up, but I didnt find that to be the case at all... Sounds like you had a great time all around!

 

Pride- 07/06/02

Jubilee- 02/22/03

Conquest- 10/19/03

 

4/15-- Holiday--Surprise cruise for my boyfriend!

 

5/15-- M&M at Rawlings All American Grille

03/13/2005- Conquest with the kids

[SallyMay]

Bump, to MS Queen - another Holiday lover.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[osbeach]

My husband's family (27 of us!) are going on the Holiday July 17 and I have a couple of questions. How long was the ship in Port at Playa del Carmen? Carnival's site shows 9am-6pm but my TA said she thinks till 10pm which makes more sense since it is at Cozumel the next day. How long at Cozumel?

 

Thanks

[SallyMay]

We docked in Calica and you will have to take a cab into Playa. I believe they said $10 each way per person. We were at Playa until 10 - had to be back on ship at 9:30. We were in Coz until 4 - again on board by 3:30. Hope this helps. I wish that we had tendered in Playa - I was not impressed with the dock in Calica.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[Cotton]

Sally, NOBODY is impressed with that ugly rock quarry!

 

When I was there in September, the cab was $10 per cab, not per person. Like Cozumel, $10 for up to 4pp. And....a rough dusty ride it was!

 

Festivale 1987

Carnivale 1988

Mardi Gras 1989

Pacific Princess 1990

Norway 1994

Holiday 2001

Holiday 2002

Holiday 2003

 

[SallyMay]

Sorry, my mistake. Thanks, Cotton for the correction.

 

Holiday 4/19/04

[Brenda Bell]

My family is planning to take a cruise on the Holiday in June 2005. We took our first cruise July,2004 and loved every minute. We went on the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship and stay in the penhouse suite it was very nice and clean. Does anyone know what the suite #12 penhouse are like? I hope that I'm post this in the right place I sure if it not someone will let me know.

[Cotton]

Hi Brenda, and welcome to the board. I've never been inside a penthouse suite, so can't help you, BUT.....why don't you post a new thread - maybe w/the title "Holiday-Penthouse Suite?".....and you'll probably get more answers.:)