Holiday sets sail one last time

MOBILE, Ala. - Since 2004, it's been pretty neat to see a 728 foot cruise ship sailing away from port in the sunset as you drive down I-10. It's even better if you're on the ship.

Monday, the Holiday sailed away from Mobile for the last time, making way for bigger and better ships to come. And cars were lined up with people, like the Libbys, waiting to get on board.

"We were on the cruise last November, so we're coming back for the final cruise of the Holiday," said Don Libby.

This is their fourth cruise. So why do they keep coming back?

"Not being at work, just getting away and enjoying ourselves and having a good time," he said.

"We love to cruise," said Nancy Libby.

The Jernigans say they wouldn't have missed the Holiday's last voyage out of Mobile for anything.

"That's why we're going, it's the last cruise," said Sam Jernigan.

"And the friends that we're going with went on the Holiday for their honeymoon, so this is sentimental for them and they asked us to go with them," said Judy Jernigan.

The Craders came from New Orleans to set sail on the Holiday for the last time.

"We needed a break, trying to get away from business and all, just coming," said Lawrence Crader.

For some, like Richard Nally and his girlfriend, the last cruise for the Holiday is their first cruise together.

"we're expecting to have fun, what else do you expect on a cruise?" said Nally.

The ship and it's passengers are on the way to Mexico now, but for some, the destination isn't important.

"Somebody will ask me, 'Where are you guys going?' and I say, 'I don't know, doesn't matter.' It's all about the cruise itself, the ship. I love the ship, I love the people that work on the ship, the food," said Nancy Libby.

Mobile may be saying goodbye to the Holiday, but on Tuesday morning, we'll be saying hello to the Fantasy, with just as much good food, fun, and relaxation.

The Holiday will be going to Europe.

The Fantasy is newer, and more than 40 percent bigger than the Holiday. In May, that ship will be replaced with the 855-foot Carnival Elation, which holds 600 more passengers than the Holiday.