Carnival Elation Review

First Time Cruise

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Elation
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Asphaltman
First Time Cruiser • Age 40s

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Sail Date: Apr 2008

This was my first ever cruise, and a very great one at that, it was a group of friends with 21 total people. A few of us arrived in San Diego several days prior, and I would recommend that to anyone, as the ones that flew in the day of seemed much more rushed than we were. We had a Budget rent a a car, and that was also nice since they provided a free shuttle to the pier. The embarkation seemed very easy, and smooth, it took us about 30 min. When we arrived we gave our luggage to the ground guys, and then proceeded to the terminal building, at that point we waited in a line that moved almost constant. We got up to the desk and received our sign and sail cards and verified our ID information, then we were off to the boarding gangway. We entered the ship and proceeded directly to our room since it was after the 1:30 time when they open the rooms. I had heard previously that the colors on the elation were old, I just didn't see that, I was actually expecting a little worse from what I had read on the reviews, but was pleasantly surprised. Next in our stateroom (interior) we found an actual comfortable space, not the cramped quarters I was expecting, the Carnival comfort beds are amazing. I think the interior rooms were just fine, and don't think I would spend the extra for an ocean view, after all you never in your room. Our cruise director was Stuart Dunn the Australian guy, he did a fantastic job with all of the entertainment. We made a point to hit most of the nightly shows, and loved the comedy and hypnotist, the comedians R rated show was hilarious, and really not that bad either. We did miss the variety show, but I didn't think that really appealed to us anyway. Our dinner seating was at 8:00 and the perfect time, we were all hungry by then. I heard the early seating's people were not quite hungry. The food was all very nice, however selection for kids items may not be the best, but for everyone else very nice. Our dining staff was amazing, we ended up getting to know both waiters very well by the end of the trip. For breakfast and lunch we ate at Tiffany's, and again enjoyed it very much, I just cant say anything bad about the food, it was great for what we paid for the cruise. Of all the reviews making comments about the aging ship, I just did not see it, everything seemed to be in great order, and what impressed me the most was the cleaning of the ship. The crew were constantly deep cleaning 24 hours a day, wiping everything down constantly, it was really nice, and at night they scrubbed the outside decks and carpet cleaned the restaurants. It just impressed me how much time is spent to keep the ship sparkling. The rest of the activities kept us busy, some of our group did not have a minute to lose, as they wanted to take part in all the action. I would say our CD did a great job with the entertainment on the ship, there was never a dull moment, unless you created it. I will also point out that we were never bothered by the photographers, there was no pressure, but those that did had the opportunity to get some great photos to take home. The end up giving you the chance to buy a stack of different photos. In Ensenada we did not do an excursion, rather just wondered around, and were totally fine with that. I would describe Ensenada as a cleaner version of TiJuana. In Cabo San Lucas, we also did not book an excursion with Carnival, but found a bunch of guys selling them as you got to the pier from the tender boat. We paid $20 pp to take a boat ride to a beach and snorkel, the same thing to the same beach would have cost $80 with Carnival, so in this case we save a bunch and had a good time. I would recommend to do the helmet diving or Snuba if I went again, I think you would be able to see more than we did with the snorkeling. Overall Carnival did a great job getting me hooked to cruising, and I was very happy with the Elation, I would love to sail it again. They just had so much for you to do and eat, that I felt we got more than our moneys worth. Don't let some of the negative reviews about decor, aging boat, and the food scare you, the Elation and crew are awesome, I could find hardly anything to complain about, and I can be a picky person too.

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