Mark McClanahan  

Age: 38
Occupation: Maintenance and Rescue Team
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Holiday
Sailing Date: May 6th, 2002
Itinerary: Western Caribbean 5 Day

Our cruise was as good as it could get. We took our 7yr old son. He was in Camp Carnival. There were only about 5 children average with 4 counselors. They were the best. My son didn’t want to be with mom or dad. Except on shore excursions. At the start of the cruise they give you a beeper to get in touch with you if needed a plus we thought. They have so much for the kids a stuff to bring home like a captains hat, Camp Carnival backpack, They color there own Camp Carnival tee shirt to take home at no extra charge. Be sure to get a child’s life vest it took us 3 days upon asking our cabin steward I finally had to go to the pursers office and complain and then they brought one. I've read on some reviews that the ship is really worn out the carpet. They must have just replaced it because the ship is in excellent condition. All up to date music and clubs. The ship is really pretty.

The meals were great. We never ate at the nice breakfast or lunch (sit down). We ate buffet at the Lido deck and it was great. Dinner we ate at the 7 Seas dining. No shorts slacks for men. Pants suits or dresses for the ladies. (Note: At the dinners you can order more than 1 item, so if your hungry EAT UP. 2 Lobsters instead of 1 was good.) The whole time we never meet the Head table waiter. But or table waiter and busboy was great. They have a extra menu for the kids.

Our cabin was larger than we thought it would be. of course there small be just enough. In room safe. Lots of closet space and drawer space. Room service is kinda slow but at no extra charge.

The shows are great and kid friendly. Of course they got midnight shows for adults.

Embarkation and Disembarkation was a breeze.

On the excursions in Playa del Carmen we went to Zel Ha. You can take it on the ship at about $65 per person or get the ship ride the A/C city bus for $3 per person and Zel Ha for $20 per person. Zel Ha is a popular eco park you can snorkel. We took or own snorkel equipment. Theirs rent for $15 per person includes snorkel, life vest, fins you get to keep the snorkel. The under water life was excellent. Iguanas are everywhere. You can ride dolphins for $100 we didn’t.

The next day we went to Cozumel its our favorite. Shopping is cheaper 2 blocks up form the shore stores. (Note: Don’t take the 1st price they will come down.)This is the place to scuba or snorkel. We got a taxi and went to Playa Sol beach. The cab driver dropped us off at a Resort called Playa Azul it was excellent. the have a pier to break the waves. The fish and coral there was excellent. (Note: Saltwater makes you buoyant so you don’t need a vest if you can swim. We took our 7yr old his vest though. At the resort the waiter came to me and asked since we weren’t guests if I could buy a couple of drinks at the bar. I had 2 SOL beers at $4 cheap for us to swim and enjoy the beach.

Back on the ship at the casino the only improvement I could see is the dealers liven up a little bit they were like robots. They could at least thank you for sitting our when you leave. Me and my wife only play Blackjack.

We did OK. I hope this will help anyone, but if you need more info feel free to email me at treeloungemark@aol.com

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