Carnival Elation Review

Good for a short trip and definitely for families with kids

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Elation
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ScubaJen1
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Ocean View

Hubby and I have sailed on this same ship and itinerary twice. I said I wouldn't do it again, but the second time was an invite to vacation with family and friends. The reason we would not have repeated this trip is because we don't have children, and this cruise is definitely for families with kids who only care about pool time. There is a fairly large main deck pool with a twisted slide that the kids will love, good party music on deck, not too "club-like" and not too loud, but very crowded.

The itinerary consisted of one day at sea, Cozumel for a day, then one day at sea. The trouble with this cruise for us, personally, was that there was just nothing fun to do for adults. There were two funny comedians on board, though, with a PG show and an 18+ show. Other things were trivia games stationed all over the ship. A towel-folding demonstration, ice-carving demonstration, and other similar things. I kept some itineraries and scanned them in, hoping to attach to this review, so folks could see how boring the line-up is on this ship, but I can't attach an image to this review. I'll figure something out. Also, there are tons of "seminars", of which I'd gone to the first time we took this cruise, only to find out they try to sell you spa or fitness services and products. Also, the spa is so-so, typical expensive cruise ship spa services, but there's the added pressure to buy their over-priced spa products afterwards where you're basically cornered in the room with your technician. This time I just said "No, thank you." Last time, I spent 60 bucks.

We sailed on this ship the first time in 2012 and were not very impressed with the outdated decor and tiny atrium on the Promenade deck. It's also a dis-jointed style ship with no way to walk from aft to forward on one deck, usually the Promenade deck. No biggie. Just seemed closed in. There is a bar in the Atrium that was always crowded, but most people got a drink and walked off. Just a few lingered on bar stools.

Cabin Review

Ocean View

The cabin seemed to be of a typical size, but this is a 25 year old ship, so there's definitely wear and tear on the furniture. Drawers stick, cabinets don't line up when you can shut them, and our medicine cabinet would not open without practically ripping it off the wall. The bed was fine, but there is this huge obstruction on one corner of the bed where the life jackets are stored. I chose the side of the bed by the window, and I'd have to climb over this thing every night. I also bumped my legs and knees on the footboard every night, which gave me awful bruises. This ship definitely needs an overhaul.

Port Reviews

New Orleans

We've been to Cozumel tons of times, so we just wanted to leisurely walk around this time. Note though that the boat docks early, and the shops don't open till 9 or 10 am. Also, be sure to grab street tacos at a local grub hub. They are pretty good and cheap! There are lots of the typical souvenir chotchkies, but a few places carry some nicer souvenirs, jewelry and furnishings, if you're looking for something a little different.

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