Looking at a 4 day cruise over Thanksgiving out of New Orleans. Unfortunately we are locked into leaving from NO due to children. It's a 60th bday trip for my father - none of us are too fancy, so not expecting 5 star accomodations/food, but also don't want a disaster for the $$. Have read some really, really negative things on Holiday & I'm not rethinking this idea. Are there other ships out of New Orleans that are more up to date? What about the Conquest?

Hi Debbie-<BR><BR>I was on the HOLIDAY last month for an 11 night cruise. Had an absolute blast. I can't think of even ONE negative comment... our steward was a doll, the dining room food was outstanding, the employees were friendly. This was my first cruise and it knocked me out!<BR><BR>The Conquest is arriving in November. It will take the place of the "INSPIRATION". The Conquest looks like it's going to be FABULOUS! You probably need to get busy if you want to book a Thanksgiving cruise on her...If I'm not mistaken, that's the Conquest's "Inaugural" cruise.<BR><BR>Also, out of New Orleans, you can hop on the Grandeur of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) this Fall.<BR><BR>Looks like you've got some homework, kiddo!! <BR><BR>(We loved our Holiday Cruise...wouldn't hesitate to board her again).

You are talking about a ship that is about 18 years old compared to a brand new (and larger, in case size is a plus or minus) ship. They are not much alike at all. Is the price significantly different? The Grandeur is fairly new (about 3 years) as well!<BR>Nanette is smart to be concerned about availability. Lots of Thanksgiving space may already be gone and you don't have a lot of choices from that port!<BR>

I would go on the Conquest, it is going to be a great ship, it will also be much more than the Holiday. start making reservations yesterday, today might be to late

Conquest!

I was on the Holiday a year ago and had a wonderful time. It is still a nice ship and the service was great. I truly think you would enjoy your cruise.<BR><BR>On the other hand, I would be tempted to sail the Conquest. She sounds wonderful!<BR><BR>Happy sailing,<BR><BR>Sharon

Comparing the Holiday to the Conquest is like comparing a one seat airplane to a 400 passenger super sonic jet. Some people say they enjoyed the Holiday. For me it was the worst of our 16 cruises to date. It has no atrium. We sailed the Pride last month. The Pride has an 11 story one and I'll bet the Conquest will be the same. The food on the Holiday was plentiful, but lacked variety. The Pride has 6 serving stations in the buffet area serving 6 different types of food. Again I'll bet the Conquest will equal that. I could give you at least 10 things that were wrong on the Holiday, the biggest of which was that our 3 yr. old grandson was almost electrocuted by a 220 volt socket hanging loose from the wall. Also the inspection certificate on the bridge had expired some months earlier. I think you get the picture. GO WITH THE NEWEST SHIP POSSIBLE.