MS Holiday is a Holiday Class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. She entered service in 1985, measures 46,052 gross tons, and carries approximately 1,452 guests at double occupancy.
Looking for MS Holiday info? This memorial page covers the history, timeline, and legacy of MS Holiday, the lead ship of Carnival's Holiday Class and the first SuperLiner.
MS Holiday was the lead ship of Carnival's Holiday Class, built by Aalborg Værft in Denmark and delivered in 1985. At 46,052 gross tons, she was the largest ship Carnival had ever operated and launched the SuperLiner revolution that redefined the cruise industry. Holiday served Carnival for 24 years before being sold to Ibero Cruises as Grand Holiday in 2009. She later sailed as Magellan for Cruise & Maritime Voyages before being scrapped in 2021 after 36 total years of service.
A First Look at MS Holiday
MS Holiday was the ship that changed everything for Carnival Cruise Line. As the first purpose-built SuperLiner at 46,052 GT, she proved that bigger ships could deliver bigger experiences — more venues, more entertainment, and more reasons to celebrate at sea.
Holiday's revolutionary scale set the template for every mega-ship that followed. Her Holiday Class sisters Jubilee and Celebration refined the formula, but Holiday was the pioneer that proved the concept worked.
Dining Venues on MS Holiday
MS Holiday featured the two-seating main dining room that became a Holiday Class hallmark, complemented by a casual Lido deck buffet, a pizzeria, and 24-hour room service — the dining template that Carnival would expand in subsequent ship classes.
The SuperLiner Era Begins
At 46,052 GT, Holiday was the largest ship Carnival had ever operated. She launched the SuperLiner revolution — ships so large they offered experiences smaller vessels couldn't accommodate. More venues, more entertainment, more space for celebration.
The size jump wasn't incremental; it was revolutionary. Every mega-ship sailing today traces ambitions back to Holiday's pioneering scale.
Ship Timeline
From the Logbook
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MS Holiday Videos
Archival footage of Carnival's first SuperLiner.
MS Holiday Deck Plans
Historical deck plans for MS Holiday are preserved in maritime archives.
Ship Status
MS Holiday was scrapped in 2016. Live tracking is not available for this historic vessel.
Legacy
The SuperLiner experiment Holiday pioneered became industry standard. Every cruise line now builds large ships. The size arms race Holiday started continues today with ships exceeding 230,000 GT. Her legacy isn't just size — Holiday proved that larger ships could be profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions About MS Holiday
What dining options are available on MS Holiday?
MS Holiday offers complimentary dining including the main dining room and buffet. Specialty restaurants vary by ship and may require reservations or carry an additional charge. Check the dining section above for specific venues available on this ship.
How do I find the deck plans for MS Holiday?
Deck plans are available through the links on this page. You can also find official deck plans on the Carnival Cruise Line website or in the cruise planner app.
Where does MS Holiday sail?
Ship deployments vary by season. Check the Carnival Cruise Line website for current itineraries and departure ports for MS Holiday.
How can I track MS Holiday's current location?
Use the live ship tracker section on this page to see the ship's current position, speed, and next port in real-time when available.
Is this information official?
This page provides planning resources and community insights. Always confirm details with Carnival Cruise Line or your travel advisor before booking.
Sources & Attribution
Ship specifications from official cruise line materials. Photos credited where shown. Data verified against industry sources.
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