Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
325 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
131 |
| Food |
400 |
221 |
| Service |
400 |
258 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
70 |
| Cruise |
400 |
240 |
| |
Holiday was the second new ship ordered by Carnival Cruise Lines, and is now the fleet’s oldest. It is a bold, high-sided, all-white contemporary ship with short, rakish bow and stubby stern typical of so many vessels built in the 1980s. The ship, whose bows are extremely short, has the distinctive, large, swept-back wing-tipped funnel that is Carnival Cruise Lines’ trademark, in the company colors of red, white and blue.
Inside, the passenger flow is quite good, although the ship does have a high density and always feels crowded. There are numerous public rooms on two entertainment decks to choose from and play in, and these flow from a double-width indoor promenade. A real red-and-cream bus is located right in the middle of one of the two promenades, and this is used as a snack Cafe.
The bright (very bright) interior decor has a distinct Broadway theme. The Carnegie Library (which has very few books) is the only public room that is not bright. The casino is good, and there is around-the-clock action. There is plenty of dazzle and sizzle entertainment, while “Camp Carnival” takes care of the junior cruisers (facilities include virtual-reality machines).
This ship, now 25 years old, is fine for a first cruise experience in glitzy, very lively surroundings, and for the active set who enjoy constant stimulation, loud music, and a fun-filled atmosphere, at an attractive price. It delivers a highly programmed, well-packaged cruise holiday, with plenty of music, constant activity, and fairly brash entertainment including adult late-night smutty comedy, and food that is acceptable but nothing more.
The line does not provide finesse, nor does it claim to. But forget fashion – having fun is the sine qua non of a Carnival cruise. There is no doubt that Carnival does a great job of providing a fun venue, but many passengers say that once is enough, and afterwards you will want to move to a more upscale experience.
Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account at $9.75 per person, per day; you can have this amount adjusted, although you’ll have to visit the information desk to do so. The onboard currency is the US dollar.
A cruise aboard this ship can be noisy and not relaxing at all (although it is good if you enjoy big-city nightlife), with little chance to escape from announcements that intrude (particularly those that bring revenue, such as art auctions, bingo, horse racing), and much hustling for drinks (although this is often done with a knowing smile from the bar waiters, working for gratuities).
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
