Nice but could've been better

Item: Holiday
Rating: 4
Author: MelissaC6984434

Holiday Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

MelissaC6984434

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Vote: 1

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Western Caribbean (Mobile Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 09, 2009

Ship: Holiday

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 15 years ago

Review summary

This was a 4 day cruise which was a nice trip overall but had some areas that need improving. I booked a spa treatment online for the first night. My boyfriend & I went to the spa area after the safety drill to see if he could get a massage at the same time. Initially, they could not find my reservation but then found a sticky note w/my name & another guest to call & inform us that the therapist for those specific treatments was not on board this cruise. Long story short I had to check nearly everyday of the cruise to see if i was going to get a refund on my credit card as there was no other treatment i wanted. The manager said she would call me to let me know but she never did. A note left under my stateroom door would've sufficed, just something letting me know what was going to happen rather than me having to check in daily with them. We had a good time but I will not cruise on the Holiday again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food was tasty but not any better than what i have found in area restaurants in my home town which was disappointing. The buffets on Lido deck were better than the dining room meals as the food was hotter and more flavorful. My meals from the dining room were usually slightly warm or room temp.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

There were several different entertainment options going on despite the ship's size. A good variety for all adult age groups.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The staff were helpful and friendly, some more so than others. My waiter and busboy were polite but somewhat standoffish. The spa staff just seemed like they didn't have a clue as to what was going on and failed to communicate when they did know. Bar staff and servers were attentive & knowledgeable.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Overall it was clean & tidy. Many of the public restrooms had a urine smell to them. The dining areas were clean and was thankful for the standing hand sanitizing units.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The stateroom was in good condition and clean. Our steward did a great job keeping things tidy & orderly. Had one incident of the toilet not flushing and very poor water pressure in the shower. The issue resolved itself in a few hours which was before the plumber ever arrived.

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

The swim & ride at the Dolphinarium is a must see/do. The trainers are knowledgeable, helpful & friendly. Being in the water & interacting with a dolphin was a unique and enriching experience. I can't swim and have a fear of water when my feet aren't touching & my shoulders aren't above the water but the trainer and dolphin made me comfortable & confident enough to over come this (while wearing a lifejacket of coarse). They record your experience on dvd & take digital photos which is really cool but be prepared to haggle with the salesman. And yes, you can bargain about the picture prices/amount even though this is an established business & not a flea market vendor. We also did the Atlantis submarine ride and it was pretty awesome too but if i could've only done one it would have to be the dolphinarium.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: The dolphins and bargain shopping.

Pros: Shows and entertainment

Cons: Dining room food was mediocre and spa employees lacked communication skills

Recommends Holiday? No.

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