My husband and I (both over 50) are experienced cruisers and decided to do our first back-to-back on the ELATION Dec. 12-21. A seven-day cruise just wasn't enough time. We drove down the night before and stayed at a Country Inn and Suites in Metarie, LA because they offer a park and stay, and we've stayed with them before. Hotel was fine and within walking distance to all kinds of places to eat, drink and shop. Got to the port about 10:30 and embarkation was a breeze. We were on the ship well before noon.

The ship is older, but I thought it was clean and the staff was exceptionally friendly. My only complaint about the cabin is the aggravating box in the corner. Surely something can be done about those boxes???? Our cabin was smaller than we have had in the past as this was the first that we've had without a balcony. Still it was OK for two people. E60 on the Empress Deck was our home for nine days, and we loved the central location.

We had Any Time Dining which was fine. We only had to wait a couple of times for dinner. While nobody left hungry, food was not as good as it has been on past cruises, and we are not picky. The Deli in Tiffany's Dining Room was good, but slow. Also, lines seemed to be longer than usual for the Grill and Mongolian Wok. Typical grill food (hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, fries and nachos). The Wok wasn't my favorite. Read more