This was a last minute booking for us. We watched the price drop when the Mexican ports were closed due to the flu virus and jumped on the Friday before we sailed on Thursday. The lack of Cozumel was not a big deal because we were going on a cruise. This was our ninth cruise, all with Carnival, and our first on the Holiday. Due to the Holiday's retirement in the fall this will be our last trip on this ship.
Embarkation We arrived at the port at 11:15. We were directed to drop off our luggage and then to have $60 cash ready for the parking garage. When we pulled up to the gate we were told good luck finding a space as people were still getting off the ship. Once inside we waited in a short line and were processed quickly by a very nice lady. We were then given a letter that due to bad weather the previous cruise had not returned until 9:00 am and that they would not be embarking until 12:30 and that rooms would not be ready until 2:30. We were then seated in zones and waited. At 11:50 they announced that they were going to go ahead and board with a wedding party first and within about 15 minutes we were on the ship.
We went straight to the Lido deck for the lunch buffet. It was really very good. It began to get crowded quickly and before long it was hard to find a table. We went exploring and were impressed by the ship. You can clearly see how Carnival ships evolved from this ship to what they are today. There is no atrium when you board just a lobby for the shore excursion desk and customer service. The lido deck has two buffets, a salad bar, a pizza area, a deli, a dessert bar and of course the ice cream machines. The seating area is rather small and quickly filled on sea days at lunch time.
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The promenade deck was the bomb. The older décor with the real bus at the bus stop bar was cool. Doc Holiday's was also a real blast from the past with its western decor. Having been on other newer Carnival ships it you can clearly see what has become of these early ideas and concepts. Everything was really well maintained.
Food We were wait listed for dinner but ended up with the 8:15 seating in the Four Winds. Oh well, make the best of it. We had two great waiters -- Ariadi and Laurentiu. They did a great job and were fast and friendly. We were seated at a table for four but the other couple did not show up until the third night so we were on our own three of the four nights. Food was good, you can tell the menu has changed and costs are being cut, but it is still good. My wife had the warm chocolate melting cake every night. By the last night Ariadi didn't even ask her what she wanted for dessert. The service was simply fantastic.
The lido deck did food well also. The buffets were only open during specific hours. The desserts were awesome here also.
We always do the open seating in the dining room for breakfast. I love the eggs Benedict and it is a great way to meet people. We meet the nicest people this way and this cruise was no exception. Many were from the Mobile area and had also booked at the last minute. They are all very proud of their cruise ship and look forward to the Fantasy in the fall. They also were thrilled to be going to Key West. Maybe Carnival needs to think about mixing it up every once in a while. One couple we met had a son who was injured after renting a scooter in Cozumel. It was a nightmare. They were a fun couple to talk with and get to know.
Entertainment The cruise director -- Tory -- was a hoot. She was very upbeat and available. The shows with the dancers were great. The comedians were not great. The exception was the juggler who we have seen before, but we always get a kick out of his act. The entertainment staff worked hard to keep things lively and did a great job.
Key West We were docked before 8am and the Valor was docked behind us. We were downtown right in the middle of everything. It was hot and humid and we walked a block or two before my wife gave me that look. So -- we bought two tickets for the conch train tour. One and a half hours with two stops. It was worth it not to have to walk or to get the look. We bought some small souvenirs and then started to walk back. You may see the ship and be walking toward it, but you may not get there. Two streets ended at the water but had no way to get to the ship. We were back on board for lunch. We got to watch the Valor leave first and then turned and headed for the channel. There were two weddings going on at the beach as we passed by -- how cool.
As we were reboarding the ship in Key West there was an elderly lady in a wheelchair struggling to get off the ship. The security guard that was checking cards stopped the line and helped her off the ship and then came back to carry the wheelchair off for her daughter. Good work Carnival.
Disembarkation If you read my review of our last cruise (Glory Sept. 2008 -- Great Excursion Find) you know that I am not a fan of self assist. We put our luggage out the night before and went for eggs Benedict in the dining room one last time. They were letting people off at 7:30. We were the last to be called and were off by 9:30. It was quick and easy.
We loved the ship and the crowd from Mobile. They have every right to be proud of their ship.
