Just Back From Holiday- Tried to Cover it All

[tnbigun]

Holiday 4-29 - 5-04

upon arrival at port had a bit of a wait in line to get in. Got unloaded and bags dispatched via porter to appropriate bin (I watched the cart all the way). Again minor wait until noon to enter to begin embarking. Screening of carry-on bags I though somewhat of a joke- told to put cellphones and keys in carry on bags. Obviously all they were looking for was weapons/explosives. Bottled water not even looked at. Could have been booze, but no, I had to wait for that to arrive in my cabin with my checked luggage. Reasonable line to get s&s filled out, but done efficiently politely, and quickly. Learned we were delayed at start as FBI had to conclude investigation concerning a few guests getting off who had caused a ruckus.

Ship started to leave on time, however HEAVY wind prevented thrusters from pushing us away from the pier. Had to get a tug to first pull us out then push us away. Had quite rough weather for first 20 hours or so. Many green people!!! But 58 knot winds and FORTY foot seas will do that. (That, btw, is what the Captain reported later that night)

Room steward kept collapsible ice bucket full entire trip. Great thing to take. Order tomato juice and coffee from room service. Keep pitcher when coffee gone or throw out what you don’t want. Use it to keep the tomato juice and add your own tabasco, worcestershire, and celery salt to taste. You can always pick up a bottle of tabasco on the ship but I took my own. Nobody said a word about walking around with a large insulated mug. They were everywhere. Only once carried a drink to dinner, and then used a tall water glass I walked out of dining room with.

Scheduled for Costa Maya but had to divert to

Calica/Playa del Carmen

due to slow speeds from weather. It was Monday, May 1, the day of Illegal Aliens protesting here in the states. I decided I was doing my own protest, so I did not go anywhere other than off the boat and look at the few flea market vendors at the pier. Town was a $10 cab ride away. I kept to my guns and did not spend one dime in Mexico. Did the souvenir thing in Cozumel next day. Got a couple of bottles of booze here and it was discovered when bags screened coming back. Told to check it - there was a mob of folks so I walked right past to the elevator and took it to the cabin. Its still not opened.

Missed the first show, a country music production, due to not reading capers closely enough. Heard it was good though. Went to the late "adult comedy" show, and left after a few minutes. I enjoy raw humor, but this was rough and not so funny.

Extension cord a must due to lack of plugs in cabins. Soap and shampoo dispensers empty and was told they had no more to replenish. Good thing we had some with us. Amenities basket not replenished after start of cruise.

Drink prices not as high as I was afraid of. $6 for Jack Daniels and $5 for bloody mary (that’s about, tip inc).

Lines on Lido deck always seemed long during prime eating times. Only meal we ate there was when we first got onboard before sailing. Bags mostly arrived before dinner, but not the Jack Daniels. We ate in regular dining room for breakfast and lunch daily (open seating and only one room open). Dinner was assigned seating and was excellent. I had no problems with having one entre as a starter, and another (or two when it was lobster) for entre. Key point is ask for it any you will most likely get it.

Midnight buffets are themed and different each night. Last two nights little other than burgers and fries.

Arrival back at port was simple. We got up and went to eat in restaurant. Went back to room and rested until evicted by room steward - remember he has work to do to get ready for next cruise. As soon as we got to the floor we were assigned, they said we could leave, so got right back on the elevator and went down and were among first 50 or so off the boat. Bags were arranged by floor, but in no order, so you will have to search the entire area as no two of our bags were together.

Customs was a breeze. Listed all 7 bottles of booze and customs officer asked about tobacco. Not charged a dime and booze not mentioned. Before 10 am were at friend’s where car parked and on the way home.

The Holiday may be a "Bubba Cruise", and indeed I saw him often. However it was a reasonable priced cruise and well worth the money. I plan to do it again as Mobile a reasonable drive for me.

[bugwendy]

Thanks for the info, it helped ease my mind about a few things. My husband and I are leaving Mon May 8th for our first cruise on the Holiday.

 

BugWendy

[stev10]

Thank you for the trip report. how was Cozomel?? :)

We are going May 27

[LHP]

Glad you had a good time. BTW, there is nothing wrong with a "bubba" cruise as long as they know how to act. (spoken as someone who is married to a bubba and is raising to little bubbas...but my bubbas know how to act ~ or they have to deal with Momma Bubba!!)

 

I, too, am interested in how Cozumel is coming along. We won't be there until October....unless we get the urge to "Holiday" before then.

[tnbigun]

Cozumel report

 

Main piers devastated. Even the one now open can take but one ship at a time. According to info passed on by Captain ships get the dock on a rotating basis and it was our turn. Still a six dollar taxi ride to downtown. Beachfront stores mostly open and business as usual. Could see that some still empty, but most open. Evidence of storm widespread, and was reported by friends who rented vehicles and explored. I went to town, had a couple of brews, got vanilla and a couple of souvineers, and back to the ship. The other piers are just gone. Only one open is a distance away from town and repairs on it are ongoing despite it being open for one ship.

 

Bubba was there, but normally well bahaved. My biggest complaint was the music was always too loud, despite low crowds.

 

Something I left out however was the inside temperature in rooms. It was simply cold! I wore my sole long sleve shirt often, and it felt good outside with the wind. Next time i will take 2 long sleve shirts. Ladies, take heed. Take a wrap and wear it to shows and meals, and any other time in inside rooms except casino.