Holiday or Inspiration

[kbkids]

Help me decide!! My husband and I are going on a cruise to celebrate my 40th birthday, and I can't decide between the two ships. Holiday is sailing to Cozumel and Calica, and Inspiration to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We don't care about the casinos - this trip is ALL about just relaxing (it's been a stressful year!) We're not huge partiers, but will certainly enjoy a few drinks here and there. Holiday is less than a hour's drive, so saves the night before hotel stay. Inspiration is about a 6-7 hour drive. Both quotes are within $100 of each other. I know the Holiday is smaller and older - I don't need luxury, but I want nice. The only other cruise we've ever been on was the Disney Wonder, which we LOVED!!! But I couldn't swing the dollars for that again. What do you think???

[blwms]

We're going on the Holiday April 28 to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We are only three hours from Mobile and that coupled with the price is our reason for choosing. We have sailed on many larger ships and one that was half the size of the Holiday. If you understand that there is no atrium with the glass elevators,etc. and that the ship is the oldest in the fleet (though I understand well maintained) I think you will be pleased. We toyed with the idea of taking anot her 7 day cruise on the Glory but then decided...we will save that for our 75th! hahahah.

[Kurbanfan]

We have never sailed on the Inspiration but have on a couple of her sister ships. If it was me.....I would pick the Inspiration. Love the fantasy class. Been on the Holiday and that is the only carnival ship we will never sail again. Don't get me wrong....it's decent with great dining room service. But too small and closed in for us....Plus the bar services sucked when we were on her....

But alot on here seem to like it.....not for us......

[Beth]

In 17 cruises I thought there was more vibration on the Holiday than any other ship JUst my opinion.

[CorbinCatFan]

I always look at what I;m going to do in port to help decide on the cruise. I've never been to Calica but have been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. I personally would like to go back to Cozumel and Grand Cayman.

 

Plus, I've been on the Inspiration and she is a great ship. We sailed out of Tampa on the Miracle and there is so much to do at the Port before a cruise and after. I really liked Channel Side in Tampa.

 

My choice would be to take the Inspriation cruise.

[Cruzman]

From someone who has sailed on both ships, I'd go with the Holiday; lots of reasons. Proximity would be a major consideration (gas is now what? $2.60 / gal), and the fact that based on my own experience, you won't find a more efficient and friendly crew. And did I mention the food and entertainment; second to none IMHO. Vibration? I've sailed on her 4 times and only felt vibration once; lasted about 10 minutes on the first day during dinner (I think we had just dropped off the pilot at Farewell Buoy and were accelerating to cruising speed). Of course, I cannot say anything bad about the Inspiration, I just prefer the Holiday!

[pink roses]

We just sailed the Holiday and we also were looking for relaxing. We were not disappointed. The terminal at Mobile was very stress-free and friendly. The entire staff made us feel wonderful. We have sailed the Elation and the Conquest, although every ship is different we have and will continue to recommend the Holiday. The one negative difference was we did feel the ship/water more on this ship but we still were fine. The boat is smaller but we liked that on this trip, again we also were going for relaxing. I will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

[futaba951]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=529717

 

Better book it soon. :D

[PINEVIEW01]

From someone who has sailed on both ships, I'd go with the Holiday; lots of reasons. Proximity would be a major consideration (gas is now what? $2.60 / gal), and the fact that based on my own experience, you won't find a more efficient and friendly crew. And did I mention the food and entertainment; second to none IMHO. Vibration? I've sailed on her 4 times and only felt vibration once; lasted about 10 minutes on the first day during dinner (I think we had just dropped off the pilot at Farewell Buoy and were accelerating to cruising speed). Of course, I cannot say anything bad about the Inspiration, I just prefer the Holiday!

I agree with this poster! Done both. I love that little ship (She was soooo big the first time:D )

 

Also Grand Cayman isn't a bigge! Everything over priced. Nice beach though:) .

[mrBit]

I have been on the fantasy class and Holiday.

 

Holiday is my fav!!!!

[kbkids]

Well, now I'm really confused. If they do sell the Holiday, what happens??? The cruise we're looking at would be in October, so how would that work if the ship has been replaced with another? If it's a different type of boat, how do they get everybody reassigned correctly - type of room, etc.

[mrBit]

it is just a rumor, go ahead and book holiday.