Holiday review 1/28 - 2/2

[memphislonghorn]

First off let me tell you I will NOT keep talking about the norovirus outbreak. Other threads for that subject.

However, that did have an early effect on this cruise, b/c we were not allowed to board until around 1 - 1:30 pm while the crew was disinfecting the ship. I decided to smuggle my own beer onboard, using the Coke fridgepack method. Well, I brought two of them--one with actual Coke in it. Tried to check them with my other luggage, but the handlers wouldn't take it--said the cases would bust open, etc. So I had to carry them on myself. I won't do that again. Had to tote them along for about 3-4 hours before we were finally allowed in our cabins about 4:30 pm.

This whole process made us late for the muster drill, so it was pushed back to start at 5.

When we finally got underway, from that point on I had a really good time. Oh, there were little things that bothered me, like the hot tubs didn't open until 2:00 on day 2, something about maintenance. And then the one tub was very hot, while the other one seemed just about right.

I did notice the brown water, which went away after a few seconds, but I heard from other guests that it did not go away in their cabins. But the point is, why? The ship should be able to provide clean, drinkable water for their guests. Maybe it is time for the Holiday to be retired.

I did not feel that the ship was "dirty", but it certainly shows its age. However, I don't let things like that ruin my good time.

The food was good, but I didn't think it was any better than on the Fantasy or the Sensation. My lobster was delicious, but small, the beef tenderloin was really good, and of course the "chocolate soup" was great as always (I got it every night but one).

The drinks were definitely strong, I even asked one barmaid to add more coke to my Jim Beam!:eek: The Miami Vices were delicious. At the Captain's cocktail party I got a couple Manhattans, they were almost clear instead of red. Not much cranberry in them!:cool:

In Cozumel the weather was gorgeous, sunny and about 84 degrees. I went to the beach at Nachi Cocum, and it was worth every penny. They only take reservations for 100 people daily, and this day there were about 50-60 people there. The food was good, plenty of drinks, and a nice pool, and hot tub. Just a relaxing day without the crowds and party atmosphere.

Next day in Playa, same weather as above. Went to one of the 5th Ave. beaches, rented a chair and umbrella for $10, and relaxed for the day. Saw a few topless women, but not as many as I was led to believe.:(

The trip back from Calica was uneventful, however the seas were a bit rough, and they had the sickness bags out all over the ship. I just took double doses of Bonine and ginger and I was fine.

Debarkation went pretty smoothly, it just seemed to take longer this time. I wasn't off the ship until around 10. (I was in no hurry.):cool:

All in all, I had a great time, I enjoyed the Holiday, but not as much as the other Carnival ships I have sailed. She has her problems, but I wouldn't let them get in my way of having fun.

 

Pete

[Charming01]

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you had a good time and didn't sweat the small stuff.:)

[ShanteS]

Glad you had a good time but can you give anymore info? If you went to any, how were the shows? How was the karoake and piano bar? Any particular place you hung out at every night? I wanna know about the fun stuff since I haven't sailed on her in 7 years.

[mcfam5]

What sort of cabin did you stay in? And what was your opinion of it's size in relation to the other ships you have sailed on?

 

Thanks!

[memphislonghorn]

I was in cabin M8, in the bow of the ship. There were some shimmys and engine noise, but it didn't affect my sleep. The cabin was an upper/lower, which means there was a pulldown bunk on the wall. As I was cruising alone, I had plenty of room. Even for 2 people there would be ample room. This cabin seemed the same size as others I have had in the past on the Fantasy and Sensation, always inside cabins, although the bed was just a single instead of 2 beds pushed together for a queen size.

Sorry, can't help you on the shows, or the karyoke. I guess I'm just different, or weird, but I don't enjoy these. At home, you would have to tie me down and drug me to make me watch American Idol.:eek:

I will mention that the guy playing near the bus stop bar every night was HORRIBLE. Now, there were people there that enjoyed his renditions of 50's - 60's music. I did go into the Reflections disco a couple nights, they played mostly 70's and 80's, which I enjoyed. The Asian band in the Tahiti lounge was good, also, but they didn't play every night.

I had the 8:00 seating for dinner, which is when a lot of shows are going on. After that I would be too full to wanta do much, hang out in the casino for awhile before turning in.:cool:

[jrs101]

Thank you for your report. I see that there were 8 ships in Cozumel the day you were there. Any delay getting a cab to or from Nachi Cocum?