Like I posted on the other threads, I just got back a week ago from our Cruise on the Holiday to Cozumel, and it was WONDERFUL! yes, on the return trip the boat was a little rocky, but we were sleeping anyway, and I just put on my Dramamine patch and all was well. On our first cruise on the Celebration the water was so rough that they actually put out bags everywhere in anticipation of alot of us getting sick. The water wasn't that bad this time, though.
Service in the dining rooms was spectacular! The food was scrumptious and plentiful. "Formal night" wasn't really a big deal. All it seems to be is a night to dress up for dinner. After that, we changed back into 'regular clothes', as did most others.
The ship is pretty casual for the most part as far as passengers go. The staff, however, was always professional. Kids are catered to, so they will also enjoy their cruise. Book any shore excursions BEFORE you sail. Spots fill quickly. Buy the fountain card if you are a soda drinker and don't want to bring your own. Otherwise there is juice and iced tea to drink, but they are watered down. (So was the soda, though)
Don't buy from the ship stores until SUNDAY before getting home, as they have 1/2 off sales. The liquor tastings are free, the wine class is not. The wine tasting is offered at dinner the night before the event. They take reservations so they know how to plan for it. It is $10 per person and you get a full serving of 4 wines and one champagne, along with cheese/crackers. It's very nice. They explain all about how wine gets it's color - did you know it is from the SKIN of the grape? Red grapes will produce white wine if you don't include the skin!
The first day on ship there will be a party on the Lido deck, lots of dancing, line dancing, crews dance, too! They are filming it, so you may see yourself on the tv when they broadcast it for you to get suckered in to buying the DVD.
Picture opportunities start at check-in! You are NOT obligated to buy ANY pictures. Even if you decide to take a picture, they will post it just outside the casino area, and if you don't want it, and don't want anyone ELSE to buy it either, you can take it down and they have black boxes to put them in for destruction. No harm, no foul. They can be expensive, so check prices!
If you like to drink alcohol, there's plenty of people pushing it from the moment you step onto the Lido deck! If you decide to buy one of the "specials of the day", KEEP YOUR GLASS! It's plastic, but refills save you $2 when you re-use the glass.
The Holiday does NOT provide hair dryers, so bring yours! There are clothes irons in the laundry rooms and you are NOT allowed to bring yours. Detergent;/softener is sold for $1, washing clothes is $2 as is drying them. Coins only. The casino and the pursers office will provide change for cash for no fee.
The bathrooms: Toilet flush is loud, but very efficient. There is a rectangular, off-white "button" just behind it to the left that you push to flush. Samples provided on my trip a week ago were his/her razors, two small tubes of Crest w/ Scope inside toothpaste. The shower has a dispenser of body wash (blue) and shampoo-n-conditioner in one. I suggest you bring your own shampoo/conditioner if you like your hair a certain way. Men can use it if they have close shaven hair. I personally don't like it.
As for crowding - carnival always sails with a full ship! Check out the cruise as if you were going to buy. When it shows room selection, you will see the choices dwindling FAST! Hurricanes come and go, and Carnival knows what to do to avoid them. Just have your dramamine or bonine and have a great time!
Leaving ship for Cozumel occurs on deck 3. Leaving ship for home occurs on deck 5.
When you leave in Cozumel, you only need your sail and sign card. You only need your passport/birth certificate to BOARD the ship initially.
Did I forget anything?