Carnival-Holiday

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JanC

Guest
Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!
My daughter, her husband, my grandaughter, and I are leaving May 24 from New Orleans on the western-caribbean trip, cruising on the ship, Holiday.
I have cruised before and LOVE it; but they have never, and I want their first time to be great.
This was a last minute thing which we booked just a few days ago.
Since then, I have checked out reviews about the Holiday and 90% of them are bad!! I read that it's real old, dark and dreary; the food is bad, etc. Can anybody tell me anything GOOD about the Holiday and this trip? One person compared it to a motel-8, and said you get what you pay for. I have cruised on RCC, Princess, Carnival and Celebritiy and thought they were all about the same. Now I'm real worried because it's their first time.
Also, we have to get our own transfer from airport to ship and back when we return; which is something else I've never done---any advice about this.
Thanks so much for any help anyone can give me!!
JanC
 
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Jeff & Susana

Guest
JanC

First of all, don't worry about it.
As you have cruised before you know what to expect and in the same light they have not so they have no real idea.
This very same thing happened a few months ago right before we took our first Carnival cruise. The only reviews I read were all bad and I was a little scared also.

None of my fears were realized. It was a great cruise!

Yes, the Holiday is an older ship but it's brand new to the first timers.
Yes, the cruise lines are mostly the same. They are all just boats in the water giving the passengers a chance to have a great time.

You are the key here. Keep an upbeat attitude no matter what little bumps you encounter. They will be looking at you for insperation and they'll probably follow your moves accordingly.

Remember that there are no bad cruise lines.
There are no bad cruise ships.
There ARE bad cruisers.
 
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MS QUEEN

Guest
JanC ~~ I love the Holiday. I leave in just a couple of weeks for my 4th cruise on the Holiday since May of last year. It is an older ship. It's inside decor is not what you're going to be used to. It is in need of a major re-do as far as carpet and such goes.

BUT, BUT, BUT....I absolutely love the Holiday. I have never had a problem with the food. It's always been great. The crew are some of the best that I've ever been around, and that's one of the main reasons we keep going back. The service is outstanding...or it always has been for us. I like the smaller ships too. When you get on those big ships, the intimacy and service just isn't the same for me...everything seems more forced / hurried on the larger vessels.

I hope you all have a great time, and please let us know how it goes!!!! We sail on June 2nd, so I hope to hear good things from you!
 
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joebat1

Guest
Jan....It is true.. the Holiday is the oldest, most decrepit ship in Carnival's vast fleet of ships..... I found her to be Very Beautiful and well maintained. We were caught in Hurricane Lili and she rode it out like a champ. The ship had been voted # 1 by passengers something like 10 out of the 11 weeks prior to our sailing. Customer satisfaction runs very high as the crew is decided to giving all their passengers a 1st Class Cruising Experience ~~!!~~

I am sure your family will enjoy your cruise !!

The ship is very well maintained. Here are some pictures of her from last October:

<http://community.webshots.com/user/joebat1ark>
 
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Don

Guest
Remember that the Holiday has some history to her. At one time, she was a trendsetter, and many people have fond feelings about her. One thing to keep in mind - she doesn't have a multi-level atrium, which alot of people like. So don't be disappointed about that.
 
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Shangrilq

Guest
Yes, we enjoyed the Holiday on 9/28/02(the infamous Hurricane Lili thing) and again on 11/14/02. We had a good time and for people that have not sailed on other ships it will be absolutely wonderful. Since you have been on "Celebrity" you might be a little disappointed. I was a little disappointed in our room steward on both cruises but the food was very good and service in dining room was "excellent". You go with a good attitude and you will have a GREAT time!
 
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