Embarkation at NOLA was quick and easy. Once on the ship, I realized how much I liked the decor on this vessel. Yes she is showing her age but the crew is constantly cleaning and repairing to keep her nice. The Romeo and Juliet lounge is beautiful but a closer look shows how badly the furniture needs to be redone. There are so many fabrics out there that do not stain, if Carnival does not know about them--just ask any company that makes furniture for nursing homes!

The food on the Elation was good and at the right temperature. I am always amazed at people here complaining about the food. If you want 5 star dining, do not book a discounted cruise on Carnival! The food is tasty, properly done and plentiful. There were more than enough choices to please any palette and the staff bent over backwards to make sure you were satisfied. One of my table mates was not happy with a dish she had ordered and was almost immediately brought another entre. The steaks and seafood (including the lobster) were cooked perfectly! The ribs were delicious and falling off the bone.

Entertainment was so so. The comedians, "Mo" included, were not to my taste but they were very typical of this level of show. It is not Vegas or Branson, for sure. The library is a very nice space but is only open for short periods of time. What a waste! It could have been used for card and board game tournaments, some kind of enrichment classes (maybe lectures on the Mayan ruins or Inca traditions) There was very little to do during the daytime hours. Since many of us were older and not of the "Drink Yourself to Oblivion" set or the "Cook in the Sun" set, it would have been nice to have something other than overpriced Bingo and "the marriage game." Since there was almost no sun and high winds closing off the Serenity deck and the aft pool deck, something going on inside would have been nice. Read more