Carnival Cruise Lines: Holiday Cruise Ship

This Bahamian-registered vessel was one of the first generation of superliners, having entered service in 1985. She displaces 46,052 tons and stretches 728 ft with a beam of 92 ft. Her cruising speed is 21 knots. Officers are Italian, and the international staff of 660 is mainly Filipino.

She usually sails with about 1,500 passengers, mostly American, but carries 1,800 with all berths filled. She operates from Mobile, Alabama, on 4- and 5-day cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Four of her nine decks are dedicated to recreation and entertainment. After-dark activities are concentrated in the lounges opening to the teak Promenade Deck, where a 1934 English bus welcomes tipplers. High-energy Vegas- and Broadway-style presentations are staged in the smoke-free show room, with dancing on stage before show time. Rick's Cafeoffers access to the casino above. A dance club and karaoke bar vary the agenda, and the enlarged Doc Holiday'sspotlights evening lounge shows, country and western music, line dancing, rock and roll, and salsa. Slots and table games await those feeling lucky. Camp Carnival and a video arcade offer excitement for four age groups, and babysitters are available from 10 pm to 2 am. Calypso music in the pool areas rings a tropical note. The cigar bar draws aficionados, while the small gym and beauty treatment center rejuvenate.

Elegant, smoke-free dining rooms, with four sittings for dinner, have upgraded international menus, and dressy attire is requested for one evening. Evening buffets around the pool are a new, less formal option, and the pizzeria is open 24 hours.

Cabins come appointed in bright colors and wood accents with phones, TVs, safes, twin beds convertible to queens, generous closet space, and baths. About 60% of the 743 cabins are outsides (including 10 suites), and 10 are wheelchair-accessible.

Good housekeeping, together with frequent deck and room renovations, ensure well-maintained public areas.