Seeking advice on first cruise

[lass01]

I'm glad I found this message board. We had just about made the decision to book a cruise for June on the Holiday....our first! Holiday is the choice simply because Mobile is only a few hours drive for us. Since it is our first cruise, would we be happy with the Holiday? I'm alittle nervous about it after reading some of the replies on the critical Holiday thread. Please what would some of you recommend for us?

[TennisLover]

First of all, welcome to Cruise Critic. Second, take the reviews with a grain of salt and GO WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Some people go on a cruise looking for things to complain about and they let every little thing bother them. Then they love to come back here and tell everyone every little thing that "ruined" their cruise. Cruising is wonderful and I am sure you will have a great time. My last cruise was on Destiny, which had a lot of bad reviews. There were some things that weren't perfect, but they didn't ruin my cruise at all. We had a great time and I would cruise on that ship again.

[nol4am]

The Holiday is an old ship. It is the smaller ship also. You will get both positive and negative reviews. You have to ask yourself whats important to you. If your looking for a less expensive cruise to see if cruising is for you then it would be a good selection. If your looking for a smaller ship to be able to get around in a quicker manner, maybe this one is for you. If your looking for less crowds, this might be the one also. The service is the same no matter what ship you go on. They all work hard to provide you with the best vacation they can. Any ship at any time, will have mishaps or bad experiences. If your looking for a top notch cruise, then this wouldnt be the one. If your looking for a ship with alot to offer this wouldnt be the one. They will all have shows and casinos and pools, but as you choose larger ships, the more they will have to offer. There are many repeat sailers on that ship because it is located close their area. Decide what is most important for your first cruise and go from there. We started witht he Holiday, then Sensation, then Valor and back to Fantasy. Holiday was perfect for us for our first, but after Valor, not sure I could do it again. The Fantasy class of ships, the middle size, are our favorite. Whatever you decide, go with a great attitude knowing only you can allow something to ruin your vacation. Deal with whatever comes, and be determined to have a great time.

[michelle_atkinson]

We took our second cruise on the Holiday this past October. Went with my husband and 2 kids (13 & 8) We all loved it. We selected it because it was only a 6.5 hours from our house. We had cruised on a Disney ship the previous year. We will be doing Carnival again in May. We definatly got more for our money on the Holiday. The Mobile port parking was easy to navigate and close to the interstate. The ship is smaller than most which was a plus for us because it was easier to get around. (didn't get lost so much) It was a minus because the boat rocks more. I knew about the rocking and was prepared with meds. Problem solved. The food in the dining rooms was fabulous! We did the buffet for breakfast and lunch until we realized we could each all our meals in the dining rooms. Just fabulous food. The shows were good but not as good as Disney. I liked the decor (art deco/nuevo) of the Holiday better than Disney but the Holiday is much older and shows its age in places. The beds were VERY comfortable (best mattresses, pillows and linens)The robes were also great. The bathroom was smaller than Disney but the shower was bigger. The staff was friendly and well trained although not as much so as Disney. We docked at Progresso and Cozumel. Some people love Progresso for its authentic nature some hate it for the same reason. We loved it. I was so thankful for my children to be exposed to such a different culture and way of life. Attitude is sooo important with any travel. I'm sure you will enjoy the Holiday.

[JRock59]

WELCOME to Cruising! :) IMHO the Holiday is a nice ship for a first Cruise. You will not be overwhelmed at all. As said on another posting go with a good idea of what she's like by reading as much as you can. ;) We did a B2B on her this past fall and enjoyed every minute. The good thing is if you find you like Cruising (and chances are you will!) the Fantasy will be moving to Mobile this fall. And you can sail on a "bigger" ship your next Cruise. :D Any questions ask away just take some of the answers with a grain of salt and remember we're all different. :p And you'll not only be on Vacation but on a Cruise you'll have a FUN time!

[serene56]

You have nothing at all to compare your cruise with. Everything will be fresh and new to you

 

If reading reviews-- are they comparing a bigger newer ship to the holiday?

If I were you I would only read reviews from a first timer.

 

Go with an opened mind-- bringing along disappointments can make everything seem bad.

[cb at sea]

No matter the ship, your 1st cruise will be special and awesome! Enjoy!

[lass01]

Thank you for taking the time to respond all of you!! I feel much better about everything. :) Now even though the Holiday is not as expensive as the others, I still want the very best price I can get. Please give me pointers on any discount codes, etc. I have made contact by email with a Carnival planner so I hope he will help me out honestly. I'm not even sure about how to choose the best stateroom..(I feel pretty stupid asking about that after reading what experienced cruisers you all are, but, hey, you have to start somewhere!!) Thanks again for your help!

[letsgocruz1]

I've never cruised on the Holiday, but like the other posters said, its all in what you are after. If you are used to staying in nicer hotels, like things on a bigger scale, then you may want to at least consider the Fantasy out of NOLA or Inspiration out of Tampa. I've never sailed the Holiday because in my mind, I know I would go in and be disappointed, I like the big atriums, the bells and whistles. I know that after having sailed RCCL Mariner, Carnival Glory, Liberty, etc that I just wouldn't be satisfied. Its all in what you like and what you make of it!

[habby]

Thank you for taking the time to respond all of you!! I feel much better about everything. :) Now even though the Holiday is not as expensive as the others, I still want the very best price I can get. Please give me pointers on any discount codes, etc. I have made contact by email with a Carnival planner so I hope he will help me out honestly. I'm not even sure about how to choose the best stateroom..(I feel pretty stupid asking about that after reading what experienced cruisers you all are, but, hey, you have to start somewhere!!) Thanks again for your help!

 

Staterooms are staterooms. Unless you're looking at a suite, I've found them to be pretty much all the same. If you don't think you could stand waking up in the morning in almost complete darkness, avoid booking an interior cabin. Once you're out on the main decks, nobody knows or cares what kind of cabin you have, you will get the same (IMO) great service from any of the staff.

 

You've made a wise step by doing research, and this is a great place to get a lot of info. Ask questions, no matter how silly you may think they are. Everyone's asked them before at one time or another!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[nol4am]

As far as picking your cabin, the lower the deck, and being in the middle, the less u feel the rocking. Inside verses ocean view, well, ocean view you have a nice square window to look out of. I for one looked out ours maybe 3 times. The inside rooms are same only theres a picture where the window would be . It is also very dark when you turn the lights out. You will get a great nights sleep. Also, if your looking for the best price, then you may want to consider booking a guarantee room. That is where you pick the kind of room you want, ocean view or inside or balcony and you let them give you your room number closer to sailing. Sometimes you get a nice upgrade and sometimes you just get what you pay for. Any questions you have just ask away. People here love to help, least most time, they think they helping.:)

[lass01]

Is there formal night on the Holiday? What about other special nights?

 

All of the pictures I've seen only show bunk/twin beds. Can you request queen or king size beds or is there no room?

[cdn seeking heat]

The first cruise I took, was on one of the smaller ships. I knew no different as I had nothing to compare it to.

From the moment I boarded, I was in awe, completely in love with the whole experience.

Knowing what I know now, having cruised 5 times since, I would not change a thing. Starting small is a good thing I think because you can always work your way up. You will not be disappointed in my opinion.

I agree with what everyone else has said so far. The majority of negative statements (I think) come from people who have unreasonable expectations. Some I'm sure are legitimate complaints, but I think those are far and few between considering the numbers.

Congratulations on your decision to join the cruising community.

Have a wonderful time and I do hope you enjoy every moment. Right from the planning stage to the end when you get home and gush over the fabulous time you had!

[SCFCRUISER]

Is there formal night on the Holiday? What about other special nights?

 

All of the pictures I've seen only show bunk/twin beds. Can you request queen or king size beds or is there no room?

 

They have formal nights on all of the ships. One night will be formal for the shorter cruises. The cabins have 2 single beds that are pushed together by your cabin steward to make a queen size.

Have a good time, we sailed her 3 times a long time ago.

[oceanbums]

My first cruise was on the Holiday, it was an all girls cruise and we had a blast. We had nothing to compare it to, and maybe starting out with a small ship was better. We learned our way around quickly and the staff got to know us well, it was a great experience. The only thing that I didn't care for was the odor on some decks at the very end of the cruise. Not sure why it was there or if this is still an issue. have a great cruise!

[vic804]

When in June will you be sailing? We are booked June 1, on the Holiday. It's me my DH, DD and DS

[Tncontrygirl]

Thank you for taking the time to respond all of you!! I feel much better about everything. :) Now even though the Holiday is not as expensive as the others, I still want the very best price I can get. Please give me pointers on any discount codes, etc. I have made contact by email with a Carnival planner so I hope he will help me out honestly. I'm not even sure about how to choose the best stateroom..(I feel pretty stupid asking about that after reading what experienced cruisers you all are, but, hey, you have to start somewhere!!) Thanks again for your help!

 

We just got off the holiday...for the second time. My suggestion for a room would be mid-ship lower level (she does rock more in the water) Rear rooms have engine vibration.

 

Will you like the holiday mite depend on what type of vacation you usually take. Do you book at Comfort Inn...or the 200 dollar a nite hotels? I'm a Comfort inn Girl. If you are used to a place with all the glitz and glamour...you may not be satisfied on Holiday. All of our group (11 persons) had a great time, but those who cruised bigger Carnival ships were defiantely more critical of Holiday. The new cruisers LOved EVERYTHING.

 

It is a vacation that is weather dependent...so keep a good attitude and have fun.

Vicki

[lass01]

When in June will you be sailing? We are booked June 1, on the Holiday. It's me my DH, DD and DS

 

 

It will either be the 1st or the 15th.

[lass01]

Would someone explain the categories to me? For example........1A/4S/5A/6E/7A/8P/8S/9A/11/12/SS ???????

[letsgocruz1]

Would someone explain the categories to me? For example........1A/4S/5A/6E/7A/8P/8S/9A/11/12/SS ???????

 

1A is the cheapest room, but has bunk beds. Not what you want if you are going with a significant other.

 

Rooms that start with 4 are the interior rooms, and the higher the letter, the farther up they are on the ship. (4A would be Riviera, 4B Main deck, etc..or it used to be that way...now Carnival has recently reclassified some rooms and they go on and bump them up an extra letter if they are midship...its really confusing, I know!)

 

Rooms that start with 6 are your oceanview, again, the higher the letter, the higher up on the ship. (the 6E's are family ocean view, they are bigger and have a HUGE window instead of a balcony)

 

the 7's are your obstructed balconies, 8's are standard balconies, 9s are aft rooms with wraparound balconies, 11s and 12s are your suites. (the 12s being bigger)

 

The 9's are usually very sought after and booked way in advance.

 

Most of your older ships dont have catagory 8s or 9s. They jump from 6 to 11. (in other words, you have to book a suite to have a balcony).

 

HTH

[BeansoBob]

Well the Elation is great.

[lass01]

Here's another question specific to Carnival (Holiday)....when you make your booking, what percentage deposit is made? When is the balance due? What if an emergency keeps you from going...can you change dates without losing money?? :) Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer!!

[letsgocruz1]

Here's another question specific to Carnival (Holiday)....when you make your booking, what percentage deposit is made? When is the balance due? What if an emergency keeps you from going...can you change dates without losing money?? :) Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer!!

 

Usually 5 night (or less) cruises require $200 upfront. You may make changes or cancel your booking without penalty up until final pymt (usually about 2 months out for shorter cruises). After that, the refund is based on a scale...its on Carnival's website somewhere). As far as emergencies, you may consider getting some travel insurance, which is usually inexpensive.

 

Hey, could you please email me at smileamile127 @ hotmail.com (without the spaces). I have a question for you...

[fpslim]

First off, as someone suggested earlier, take the reviews on here with a grain of salt. I feel too many people take the "critic" in Cruise Critic too seriously. I have yet to read any review, good or bad, which bear any relevance to my future cruise decision making. As an experienced cruiser, I know my needs and expectations, and I don't rely on others to sway my own judgement. To me the itinerary is primary, ship secondary. That being said, CC is a great resource for a lot of information. Just remember, you have to deal with a lot of opinion as opposed to fact.

Being from New England, I have to fly to whatever port I cruise from, therefore, I'm not too dependant on any one specific port. But that's my situation. I totally understand the convenience of living near a port, and cruising from there.

I haven't been on the Holiday, but a lot of people seem to enjoy a smaller, more intimate ship.

Go with a positive attitude and I have no doubt that you will have a great vacation and will join the cruise addiction!

[Chat Noir]

If you go remembering that you're sailing partially for the convenience of your home port, likely not paying an arm and a leg, and realizing that she's a old gal and almost at the end of an era, I think you'll be fine. :)

 

Ecstasy is not my favorite ship, but we've sailed her twice. Galveston is our closest port, and Ecstasy is cheap. She is older (though not as old as the Holiday), but convenient. We don't expect a lot, yet have been pleased.