I cruised on the Elation from Jan. 14th- 19th. We were on a chartered trip (The Rock Boat), with very different entertainment and pricing so I can't comment on those two aspects. Also, due to the nature of the trip there were very few children onboard.

The trip was originally scheduled on the Ecstasy out of New Orleans in September but was cancelled, so Carnival gave $100 sail&sign credits to anyone booked on the original. After everyone rescheduled for the Jan. trip, the plans were changed again to move the sailing port to Galveston, TX. More credits were given. The final change came when they switched ports of call from Cozumel/Costa Maya to Play del Carmen/Progreso.

I was traveling with a person who uses a walker, and we were pleasantly surprised when the staff member at the port directed us to skip the long main line and go to a shorter (actually only one other person) line for disabled people. The staff beyond check-in were not helpful at all, with me holding our documents and such in my mouth at times when I needed to show for both of us, and nobody ever offered my friend any assistance in getting up the gangway which is a very long uphill walk for someone with limited mobility. Read more