This was my 2nd time on the Elation after sailing on a 7 day cruise of the Mexican Riviera back in 2000. My girlfriend and I stayed at a Courtyard Marriott near the port. Embarkation was breeze and we walked on the ship in no time thankfully avoiding the crowds and checking in around 11:30am. Food served on the Lido was great and we had a little time to walk around the ship. I was pleasantly surprised that we could get into the rooms at 12:30pm. We met our cabin steward Lawrence, who introduced himself not to long after we got in the room. He was excellent and we always came back to a clean room so he certainly earned the extra tip we gave him.

After the SORAS drill we sailed off around 4:30pm. We had the early seating at 6pm and the service was not very good. Often times though we were there around 6 we often waited just to get a menu for that nights dinner. Food though was great although I noticed the steak and lobster on formal night is now lobster and jumbo shrimp. Must be the rising cost of beef. Casino was hopping the first night especially the craps table. We saw the 2 comics. One was a riot the other one probably would have incited a riot from his bad humor. The ship still has that old decor and is probably due for an upgrade.

Cozumel was nice other than a few minor issues. Thankfully we landed at the far dock that has the better deals for liquor and nice mom and pop shops. Serenity certainly lived up to its name and they should think about expanding it to more than just a small spot in the back of the ship. Debarkation though was a nightmare. They started letting people off around 7:45am however we weren't off the ship and thru customs after after 11:30am that morning. There was extensive questioning at customer I heard. However Carnival does offer self debarkation but its done by cabin level. Overall a great time on the ship other than the food service this was a much needed vacation.