The Carnival Elation is a good ship even though it is a smaller one. This was my 6th cruise, my 3rd on Carnival. I was cruising with my daughter, who has sailed as often as I, and my mother who was a first time cruiser. I had done my homework, so I knew going into this trip that the Elation was an older, smaller ship. I like smaller. Since the ship is older I find that the cabins are roomier than on the newer ships. I had read previous reviews that the cabins were stuffy, but ours was just fine. I am a bargain cruiser, so we had an interior room on the lower level. There were three grown women in there and we had plenty of room.
Embarkation was easy and efficient. We parked using Fulton Street Parking which I booked online. It was $8 a day for rooftop parking and they have free shuttle service to and from the ship. We arrived at around 11:30ish and we didn't have to wait in line at all. We were on the ship relaxing with a drink by noon.
We were able to stash our carry-on stuff in our room, so we didn't have to drag it around with us at all. Our cabin steward was there to let us in right away even though the room was not quite ready yet.
Cab was very roomy! Only one outlet though. Great hot water in shower.
We just took a cab into town. It was about $7. We walked and shopped then wandered back to the ship. We did eat at Tio Jose's on the way back. It was great authentic food served right on the beach.
We drove from Illinois and came down two days early to enjoy New Orleans. We just did touristy stuff. We did book a 5 in 1 tour with the Voodoo Bone Lady and that was great. I would also recommend Preservation Hall for the music.