We have taken this cruise multiple times, due to the proximity of the debarkation port of Mobile, AL. Called the “Wal-Mart special” of cruises, I have to say we thoroughly enjoy it each time, and even though the price is low compared to some other cruises, we feel very pampered each time.
The port at Mobile is right off Interstate I-65, which makes it easily accessible to most surrounding states without much maneuvering through side roads. Parking in the parking lot at the port costs sixty dollars for the average five-day cruise. Many guests also choose to stay at the local Radisson, only a few blocks away, and take advantage of their “Park and Cruise” special. For $129, a family can stay one night, have a nice buffet breakfast in their restaurant, and then leave your car parked in their parking garage at no additional cost. They provide a shuttle to the port, and we got curbside service right at the entrance, which is where they pick up passengers at the end of the cruise. It is very convenient.
When arriving at the port, one joins a line, showing their cruise ticket booklet to enter, and then joining lines through a security scan. Finally, one joins the line at registration, and having been told in line what documents to have in hand, so this process moves quickly. Cruise tickets, birth certificates or passports for each family member, along with picture ID’s, and a credit card for the Sail and Sign account are needed. Each person receives a Sail and Sign card, which comes with a warning that this is “just like a credit card so don’t lose it”, and it is used for all purchases on board. No cash is accepted on board except for Bingo and Casino (although the Mexican shops love that American cash and will sometimes give a better deal when you pay cash rather than Visa). The final step is to have your picture made, insert your Sail and Sign card into the machine at the doorway and follow the hallway onto the ship.
Finding your room is easy, and most people check out their rooms first. The rooms are small but comfortable. We found our room was usually hot, and our air-conditioning seemed inadequate until we left port when the ship is “buttoned up” and cools more efficiently, according to our room steward. If the stewards know you are a couple, the beds are usually already pushed together into a king bed; otherwise, the beds are left as two twins. There is a walk-in shower in all inside and ocean view rooms.
Food is the best part of cruising, and the Carnival Holiday is no exception. On the Lido deck, a pizza bar is open 24 hours, and lunch buffets abound. The dining room seats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We especially enjoyed the filet mignon, lobster, salmon, chilled zucchini soup, lobster bisque, and Grand Manier soufflé. Those were our favorites but we didn’t have a bad meal in the dining room during any of our cruises.
The staff is wonderful, young, and energetic. Activities go on from early morning until late, late into the night. Each night when the steward turns down your bed, he leaves a chocolate on the pillow, a cute towel animal across the bed, and a “Carnival Caper,” Carnival’s newsletter of the next day’s activities. This is one paper you might want to keep with you as you move about the ship, as we always referred to it often. The shows are fantastic, with beautiful costumes and toe-tapping music. The game shows and dance lessons are always fun. If you want to play Bingo, one card is $5 and a strip of three is $10 for most games.
The usual port of calls are Cozumel and either Calica or Costa Maya. Cozumel has multiple shops alongside the pier within walking distance. We have taken some of the excursions, but found that we enjoy shopping on our own more than the excursions. My grown children enjoyed the snorkeling adventure.
If relaxing is your goal, it is easy to find a lounge chair on deck to sun and watch the waves passing by. A library is available for borrowing a book, in case you forgot to bring yours. The library also has games and puzzles the whole family can enjoy. There is one movie channel on the televisions in the staterooms, but we didn’t watch television often with all the other activities going on each day. If you just need a quiet place to get away, the library also has a television where you can sneak away to catch the evening news.
Room service is available twenty-four hours a day. We found each time we packed too much. For the five-day cruise, I recommend seven days of casual clothes, one dressy outfit for formal night (along with shoes). Items that we also found very useful were a multiple power strip and an insulated water bottle to fill on the Lido deck and carry each day.
The only negative we found on this cruise was the fact that we had to come back home after five days. We always come home discussing when we can go again. I recommend this cruise for practical people who don’t feel they have to have luxury surroundings and a price tag to match, but still want to be pampered and have a nice time.
