We decided to cruise Elation for my daughter's college graduation. I usually cruise Royal but this fit our dates and budget. I cruised this ship in 2011 and enjoyed it ok, but so much has change..not for the good. First, I was sad to see the steel drums are gone. That really welcomed you aboard and made you feel that you were on vacation from the start. No live music except the smoke filled casino area and the Duke bar a few times. The overall attitude of the staff was distant and RUDE. The service in the imagination dining for terrible on our first two night. After I complained the 3rd night and asked to sit on the other side it improved slightly. Seriously I have had better service at a Waffle House. The food overall was terrible. Our chicken was actually GREEN?? The shrimp was frozen from Sams I guess, The caesar salad dressing was so full of anchovies it tasted like cod liver oil. Let's not even get started on the rubbery fake turkey they passed off as our Thanksgiving meal. Elation needs a new chef..period...Royal C. is light years better than this on their WORST day. Our rooms were comfortable other than the scalding shower. I did enjoy High Tea on the last day. I will say their room service option is better than Royal. The comedian Muncy was fabulous but Carolyn Picard was disappointing. Try the Golden and White cities excursion, it was a lot of fun. Other than this I would Never Ever go on Elation again, not sure sure about Carnival, but doubtful.