I picked the cruise as I had not sailed on the Elation. Although it is one of the older ships in the Carnival Fleet, that is nothing diffrent about it. It has not had it's ugrade as yet, bit will soon I hear.It does show some wear, but thats not what makes a ship. The crew makes the ship. I have sailed on several ships where I have overheard and heard complaints, or there was a staff member who had issues. The Elation was to me, all in all, a great ship due to its professional staff. They were simply great with One exception. The staff were polite, helpfull and did all they could to make the cruise unforgetable. I could not have asked for more. This make me happy I selected this ship. If there was one thin I and others had a problem with, it was the food served, especially on the Lido Deck. I have had better on other Carnival ships, as well as a better selection on the Buffet line. Vegtables were few and far between, with the exception of broccoli.