Four of us ladies sailed on the Elation 1/6/07 to celebrate a 40th birthday. I had sailed RCCL once before, two of the ladies had sailed Carnival once before, and one was a first-timer. Going in I had heard nothing but negative remarks about Carnival from other people, so I went in with very small expectations. I was pleasantly surprised!

Flew into Orlando the night before, and rented a car for the drive to the port. Very easy drive (literally a straight shot) and stayed at the new Country Inn & Suites--highly recommend this place, very accommodating, had our extra requests waiting in our room, very big continental breakfast. Spent the morning shopping in Cocoa Beach and dropped off our group and luggage at the port at noon-no lines, very quick and efficient. Dropped of the car in Cape Canaveral and took the shuttle to the port--very nice driver! Once we were all together again we had about a 10 minute wait in line to go through security and a ten minute wait to check in. On board around 1pm and our rooms were ready with our bags already there!

Cabin is very spacious and ours was near the central elevators which was very handy. New bedding is superb, my back was greatly relieved! Decor, however...is a bit odd. Gray walls with dr. orange metallic trim, light orange ceiling and SALMON PINK counters and doors. Yep...Salmon Pink doors with gray in all the hallways. It didn't work in the 50's so why its on a ship built in '98 is beyond me. Bathroom is in gray and light pink tile, the ship shows its age with chipped sinks and counters in the cabins but they were nice size and comfortable and considering how cheap we got the cruise I guess I shouldn't complain! Read more