1st time cruise - Holiday

[bc3536]

My husband gave me a cruise on the Holiday for my 40th birthday. We leave in Oct. on a 4 night cruise. Can you give me any hints to make the cruise the best it can be. I have wanted to go on a cruise for 25 years and my dream is going to come true. What about shore trips? What and how much should we pack? Can we carry our luggage out if we are worried about catching our flight home? Thank you for all of the posts I have loved reading them.

I can't wait!!!!!
bc3536

 

[MS QUEEN]

Hey There! What a wondeful present you got! You are going to be sailing on my most favorite ship that I've sailed so far. I sailed on the Holiday 3 times in 2002 and also just this past June. I'm looking to book another one soon.

The Holiday is an older ship...came out in the 80's. She doesn't have a big, beautiful atrium like the newer ships. Her inner decor is not as glitzy as other ships.....BUT she makes up for it in the excellent service and attitude of her crew. I can't say enough about the wonderful service I have received on this ship. That's why I keep going back.

The less you pack the better off you will be! I learned that the hard way the first time I went on a cruise. I packed all these clothes and didn't wear half of them. Plus if you are into shopping in the ports, you will need that luggage space to put everything you buy! I'm not one to do shore excursions, but I'm sure someone will help you out there. I am also a member at the Cruise Critic website, and there are tons of threads about excursions. You might want to try posting something there....you will get a much quicker response, I promise. This board tends to be very slow with responses / activity.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your Holiday adventure! I've sailed on the Conquest twice and would sail on the Holiday over her any day!

 

[bc3536]

Thank you for responding, I know we will have a great time. My hope is that we fall in love with cruising and will start planning our vacations around them.

 

[Camelia]

What a wonderful gift. The Holiday was our first cruise ever, and we have been hooked ever since. Just relax and enjoy.

 

[LHP]

You will have a wonderful time. We have sailed with Carnival 8 times since 1998 as a family. We sailed on the Holiday July 5th and are booked to sail her again Oct. 11th. We have been on the newest and biggest (Conquest) and the oldest (Holiday) and I can tell you that (except for not having the big atrium) the Holiday is just as good ( maybe better in our opinion, because we like smaller more intimate ships) as any Carnival ship.

OK now for the cruise. Don't worry about carrying your own luggage off. It will be awaiting you at the foot of the escalator. We have sailed out of New Orleans several times and have found our luggage in minutes.

IF your flight is before NOON, make the purser's desk aware and they will make sure you get off in plenty of time. Just show them your ticket. If it is after NOON, do not worry. The airport is maybe 20 minutes away. In July, we were off the ship and on our way by 10AM. We always drive, since we live in the Memphis, Tn area.

The Holiday has a HUGE safe in the room to hold any valuables. I have left everything from cash to a Rolex watch and it has never been bothered.

I carry about $50 in ones for tipping like room service, etc. Room service is included in your cruise (except for the tip) and one of the things I love about cruising is having my coffee and danish awake me every morning. There will be a door hanger in your room that you can fill out and place on your door stating what you would have delivered and at what time.

If you are into Karaoke and have your own CD's (like me) take them. The selection on the Holiday is pretty good. Terrence ran the event when we cruised and he is a doll. He loves rum and cokes. (Tell him Gladys Knight said hello).

The standard tipping is charged to your sail and sign card on the first night...so you don't have to worry about carrying cash for that.

Everything you "purchase:" on the ship is put on your sail and sign card. The only money I carry around the ship is $1 bills to tip the guy at the piano bar for a request.

You will get a "Caper" on your bed every night to tell you the events of the next day. You are at your leisure to participate or not as your heart desires.

Formal dining: Carnival wants you to be happy....so if you want 3 soups, 4 appetizers (sp? ) 2 entrees and 5 desserts....order it. My husband doesn't eat salads...so he orders 2 appetizers. On lobster night...he orders 2 lobsters right off the bat. They bring them to him one at a time. If you order an entree and it wasn't what you thought it would be...order something else. As evidence from the multiple cruises with them, I love Carnival. However, do be aware of some things. The Sirloin Steak will be dry and tough. I have had it on every Carnival ship we have been on (since all I eat is beef) and it is always dry. However, the rest of the beef selections are fine. (Prime rib, Beef Wellington, Chateau etc.) My husband primarily eats seafood and all dishes have been fine. The Holiday has the dessert Chocolate Decadence. If you are a chocolate lover...this is the one for you.

The most important thing to pack is a carefree attitude. The ship's cabins have been reburished in preparation for the dry dock that will happen in December. So they are in good shape. There will be some stains on the carpet in the public area (hallways etc). Just ignore them and go about your merry way. They were working on the A/C when we were on board. All the cabins, dining rooms, lounges etc were fine. The Lido deck was warm (because the doors are opening and closing constantly)..but nothing that really bothered us.

The staff are wonderful. Risa Barnes was our CD and she was our first lady CD. She was great. She is from the Carolinas. Jeremy is an Ass't CD from Texas. Brent (if he is still onboard) is from Michigan. Terrence (my personal favorite) is from Australia. Take the time to get to know these folks....it will enhance your cruise.

Don't be afraid to ask for anything...they are there for you....and they want your cruising experience to be the best more than you do...because they want you to come back.

On the 4 day cruise I am not sure which port you go to. If it is Cozumel, you can totally relax. Cozumel is very safe. From the dock, there are is a taxi to take you anywhere you want to go and there will be a taxi waiting to pick you up where ever you go.

Do not feel like you must take a Carnival shore tour at Cozumel because (again) it is very safe. If you want to do one of the dolphin encounters (either just petting the dolphins or snorkeling with the dolphins) then I would recommend you go through Carnival just because they do book up quickly if there are many ships in port at the time you are there.

IF you just want a day at the beach...then I would recommend grabbing a taxi ($14 one way for a party of up to 4) and head to Mr Sanchos or Nachi Cocom. Mr Sanchos has NO cover charge. They do not charge are sitting under their wonderful shaded tables. Nachi does not have a cover charge...but they do expect you to eat at least $10 a person in food or drink. Nachi has the best pool. But both are wonderful. Mr. Sanchos has a frozen marg for about $5 and a plate of cheese and been nachos for about $6. Both are great. Remember, the menu will be in pecos which is about 10%. If it says $55.00 for a drink that means $5.50.

For shopping, you grab a taxi from the pier and pay about $6 one way for a party of four to head downtown (the opposite direction of Mr Sanchos) Have them drop you off at a local Risa will tell you at the "talk" she gives on shopping at Cozumel. It used to be a "Touch of Gold" but Cozumel is growing to quickly, I think that has changed.

If you are into Putt Putt golf there is a couple from New Jersey who own a course a few blocks north of the beach that is unbelievable. And it is neat to talk to them about living in Mexico.

And of course there is the ever popular world famous Carlos N Charlies if drinking is your thing.

I hope some of these tips help. As you can tell I love Carnival and I love Cozumel. The people are wonderful in both places and really want you to have a good time so you will come back.

Have a great trip. If you are going before Oct 11th...leave us some ice cream. And remember pizza is 24 hours a day as is room service!!!!!

Enjoy

 

[YoRay]

Wow Linda,

What a response! That was so nice of you to take the time to help Stacey to such detail.

Good for you!.....And Amy too!

Happy Birthday Stacey!



Post Edited (08-29-03 22:35)

 

[joebat1]

How can a guy follow Linda's response???? And of course MS Queen has nothing but just praise for the beautiful Holiday. I have cruise many years from the 60's on most every kind of ship afloat from the WWII troop carriers in the 60's thru the small cruise ships of the 70's/80's up to and including the Grand Princess.

I will always remember when I first saw the Holiday, my first thought was WOW.. First wave side ways and she turn over..... I will always rank the Holiday as one of the best. This was last year. She is truly a beautiful ship.. I know you will enjoy your 40th Birthday ~~!!~~ Happy Birthday !!

 

[bc3536]

I would like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and your responses. Linda, I we are going to Cozumel, I would like to give you an extra special thank you for the time and advise you gave me. Our plane doesn't leave until 2 pm, so I think we should have plenty of time. My dream is that we to will become hooked on cruising and then I will be able to help first timers as much as all of ya'll (yes, I'm from Texas) have.
Thanks again!!

 

[LHP]

Ms. Texas (our last table mates were from San Antonio and they were absolutely delightful!!!) Since this Norwalk thing has appeared again, and since we cruised during the last round of this stuff without incident, may I offer a few suggestions that our family follows.

1. I carry on one a bottle of Clorox sanitizer spray (sorry Lysol). I am the first one in the room (and while the guys go eat pizza) and I completely (and I mean completely) hose the place down. We are talking bathroom top to bottom, comforters, curtains, carpet, door knobs, air conditioner ducts, you name it. It is has a surfaced, it is sprayed!!! I then leave the room to meet the guys and have some pizza myself for about 30 minutes to let the fog settle.

2. I place a large bottle of hand sanitizer lotion on the dresser and everyone knows that before they leave that room....they sanitize those hands. My youngest son is a special needs child and must hold on to all railings constantly when walking up and down steps...and he has never gotten sick. This is just another extra measure of protection along with regular hand washing.

3. I pack a medical kit complete with Imodium, Pepto, Tyleno etc to help relieve the symptoms should all preventative measures fail.

As for the cruise itself, I also pack ear plugs (the kind from Walmart that are the soft clear gummy stuff seems to work best for me) because I like absolute quiet.

Have a great birthday and tons of fun.

 

[YoRay]

Yo! Stacey!

Some of the extra things we brought that really came in handy were, the booze(smuggled in checked luggage), Purell, Lysol, alcohol-wipes, extension cord, 3-outlet cube-tap, lanyards, binoculars, duct tape, nightlight, wad of small bills(tip$) and extra cable-ties. Could have used a backlit clock.

Have fun!.....That's an order!

 

[EW]

BC3536 -

Ah - the Holiday. I love that ship. We were on her in July and will once again be strolling her decks on Oct. 30th for a 4 night cruise.

We had a fabulous time in July. If you go to Cruise Critics and search for Doc'sWife posts (me regarding the Holiday you will see just how fantastic our cruise was.

Ms. Queen is right - the special attention and personal service is outstanding on a smaller ship. We have also been on a larger ship (Inspiration) and liked the quaint atmosphere of Holiday.

You didn't post when your Birthday cruise is scheduled in Oct. We are going for my birthday celebration. Even though it isn't until 11-10, we wanted the 4 night cruise and that date (Oct. 30th) fit well into our schedule.

Whenever you sail - have a spectacular time. I know you will. And yes, once you cruise - you will be hooked !!!

 

[MrsZ0619]

i have been reading all sorts of posts, to get some clues, and this one, deserved a response! i am also a first time cruiser, and it is a trip from my husband for my 40th birthday also!!! 7/3/63! we are travelling next week on the Legend for an 8 night cruise RT from NY. i am so excited, and truly appreciated all the helpful hints i have found in these forums. i already went out and bought a 6 plug power strip, air freshner for bathroom, bungee cord for balcony door, (we got upgraded from interior no frills to balcony room..yippee!!!) i am bringing my kids walkie talkies, to communicate with my hubby, should he wander off. great ideas from seasoned travelers! i have been wondering too, about the smuggling of vodka. is it a good idea to put it into water bottles, some have suggested that, or just stick the bottle into a bundle of clothes in a zipper bag? i have been non stop searching cruise review sites, and i am already addicted, and want to plan my next trip with my daughters, 13 & 14. i think they will have a blast. they are so disappointed they are not coming this time, but it is our first romantic trip! my hubby is not a fancy dresser, as a matter of fact if i can get him to put on a shirt i am lucky. he prefers gym shorts and tank top and the recliner chair when not at work,,,,,,so i am stressing over him not dressing appropriately for the dining room. can you go in the dining room in good jeans, or do they have to be docker type? i am sneaking his one and only suit, into my suitcase, and will just put it out for him on formal night and hope he puts it on! any suggestions or advise on the subject would be great... Happy Birthday to you, BC3536. enjoy your trip. i know i will enjoy mine.

 

[EW]

MrsZ0169 -

To respond to a few of your questions - and only from my experience and opinion -

Do not wear jeans into the dining room. It is very elegant in there. You will find several comments/topics posted on attire for the dining room here on this board and also on Cruise Critic board. Personally, I would describe the dining attire on non-formal nights to be "country club casual". This means no jeans, no tank tops, and by all means, no shorts. The usual is dress pants and nice shirt (even pressed polos) for the men. For formal night, a pair of dress pants and sports jacket will suffice if that is the farthest your hubby will go in dressing up. My husband dons his tux as he loves dressing to the 9's when his lady is all dolled up in her sequin gown

The vodka. Buy "it" in a large plastic bottle, wrap it up inside a large trash bag, then wrap a towel or clothing around it and pack securly. If it breaks, it is confined mainly to the plastic trash bag and will be soaked up (mainly) by the towel and not your clothes. You could even use the handy "duct tape" to wrap the towel around the bag

You will be able to find reviews here on this site, as well as on Cruise Critic.

No matter what - remember to pack your "positive attitude" in your "carry on" and whip it out as soon as you arrive at the pier. With that in hand - your fun, enjoyment, relaxation, and excitement possibilities are endless !!

 

[MrsZ0619]

EW.. thanks for the info. i actually had to pick up my hubby's suit at the cleaners, and he was with me,,and i told him about the dining room etc...and he didnt even bat an eye. i just assumed he would be upset, and was going to bring it anyways,,but he handled it fine! i am relieved.. i went on to cruise critics,,,,and read some notes about the legend sailing today, and how rough the waters are from the storm. do you think by next week it will be calmer? having never cruised before, i am not aware if my hubby or i will be sick. do you recommend bonine, as a precaution, or just wait and see? as far as packing the positive attitude..i definately will. i have never been this excited,,and so certain we will love it. i am looking into my next cruise already!

 

[EW]

MrsZ0169 -

As far as sailing next week, Isabel will be over and not affect the seas. Other storm systems could arise, but you will need to check the weather forecasts daily and keep on top of it. No matter what, the ships have stabalizers and will put them out if the seas get choppy. Whether you know if you are prone to get seasick or not, I always recommend bringing Bonine along. Pop one of those each morning and you will be fine. They do not make you drowsy, and since you are not driving the ship , they are fine to take if you are planning on consuming some "adult beverages". We also bring Sea Bands (available at all local drug stores - OTC). These came in very handy when we sailed in July through Tropical Storm Claudette. The seas got very rough and we donned our bands the entire trip. None of my party got ill --- several others on the ship did. We came prepared while others stood in line at the gift shop scarfing up the last of the Bonine and Sea Bands ----- so, go prepared ! It doesn't take up much room in your purse and your mind will be at ease.

I am so glad to hear that your husband did not fuss about dressing up for the dining room. It is so nice to dine in an elegant atmosphere. If you don't feel like dressing up, you can always skip out on dining at your dining room table and order room service, sit out on your balcony and dine under the stars. (If you choose this, be sure to stop by your dining room and advise them that you won't be dining with them so the waiters don't wait to serve the others at your table) There are also several other buffet type venues onboard to dine at. Believe me, the last thing you will complain about is that there is not enough food available 24/7. I NEVER eat as much as when I am on a cruise. I would never think of eating several slices of pizza at 3 am prior to going to sleep -- but you know what -- it is so darn good to have that available after a long night of dancing

Have a fabulous cruise, tell your husband Happy 40 (experienced that landmark myself last year), and remember, go with a positive attitude and don't sweat the small stuff !

 

[MrsZ0619]

EW: thanks again,,i love reading all this stuff. i just hope i remember enough of the good tips. i have a little list here beside me, and i jot things to do/pack down. i plan to start packing tomorrow. the sea bands....after opening them, do they continue to work,,or do they expire/evaporate/disintergrate????? after opening?? also...we are celebrating my 40th bday,,he is turning 50 in april!! this is going to be the best thing we have ever done,,i just know it!!!! is anyone familiar with the NYC pier in relation to the greyhound bus terminal?? i thought for $80, 2 people round trip, it was well worth it, to leave the driving to them, from boston to NY. so i think we will need a cab, to get to the ship...are there set rates? we are scheduled on the 8am bus, to arrive at 12:30. should i plan an earlier bus, to get to the pier earlier?? i just didnt want to deal with driving to parts unknown, and then pay a fortune to park my car for 8 nights. i can read or nap on the bus,,and daydream about the fun we are going to have!!

 

[EW]

The Sea Bands are just terry cloth wrist bands (like tennis sweat bands) and they have a plastic cone shaped circle in the middle. It is a "pressure point" concept. There is no medication at all - they are good forever. One thing -- don't get them wet - no showering or swimming in them. Since there is no medication - they don't impair your ability to drink or make you sleepy. They are great.

 

[bc3536]

Wow, it has been a few days since I have checked the site and look at all the discussion. Happy belated Birthday to you MrsZ0619. My birthday is Thursday 9-25-63 and we leave on our cruise next Thursday 10-2-03. I would like to thank you for the questions and a BIG thank you to EW for the answers. LHP earlier gave a lot of good advice too. I am soooo excited about leaving. My husband is not a dancer at all, but I was asking him what he wanted to do on the cruise and he said this is your dream fulfilled, so it's all up to you. I told him I wanted to go dancing and he said if that is what you want I will do it. After I picked myself up off the floor, he told me he wanted this trip to be perfect for me. It has been 17 years since I have been dancing; I hope I can remember how. Anyway MrsZ, I hope you have a wonderful 1st cruise as I know mine will.

 

[MrsZ0619]

hi there..everyone. EW...your tips are greatly appreciated. good advice, i have put to use. BC3536, your birthday is almost here....HAVE A GOOD ONE,,, i have read a lot of good reviews and some not so good, in the past few days, while i surfed these boards as well as others. i am taking my positive attitude, and not dwelling on any of the negatives, some have mentioned. i did get the sea bands, as well as bonine, imodium, gasX, tylenol,lysol spray, plug in air freshner,nightlight,power strip, cable ties, bungee cord, duck tape and VODKA!!!!!! i know i have over packed,,but feel i want the availability to change clothes as often as i can. i think my next cruise i will know what i will wear and what i wont, so i am not fretting about it. i have 3 suitcases on wheels, and 2 carry ons, for my husband and i. he has also agreed to dance with me, and go to the formal nights. it has been more recent than 17 years though for us, in the dancing dept!!! you will remember how, BC. i have my digital camera, regular camera with 4 rolls of film, and a disposable underwater camera!!! the only thing i dont have is a video camera. i am trying to figure out how to get in some of the pictures, as my husband is not a picture enthusiast like i am!! we leave in 3 short days!!!! friday morning at 5:30 we head into boston for the greyhound bus, and a 4 1/2 hr ride, with my headphones on,,,,and then we board the beautiful LEGEND. i can not wait,,,i am so excited. enjoy your trip BC, and lets compare notes after our trips, in honor of our 40th!!! thanks again to everyone.....LynnZ

 

[EW]

BC3536 -

I am not sure if they will be back from vacation yet, but possibly. If so, please look up Peter John. He is the maitre'd of the Four Winds Dining Room --- absolute delight !! Also Captain Donato may be back from vacation by then. You will enjoy meeting him at the Captain's cocktail reception. The CD is a lovely lady from South Carolina. You are going to have a blast.

Well, bon voyage and let me know how your cruise experience turned out. AND - Happy Birthday !!!!

Take care of our dear Holiday as we shall be sailing on Oct. 30, 2003 and we just can't wait.