The Carnival Elation is not as bad as everyone keeps saying. Yes, it is older, smaller, a little worn, a few outdated styles & can feel the waves a bit more than the bigger ships, but I enjoyed the smaller ship with less people on it.
I would recommend staying an extra night in San Juan at the Fortaleza suites & explore a bit. The hotel was an experience in itself. We also used Batey Zipline Adventures & http://toursandtransfers.wix.com/toursandtransfers picked us up at our hotel in Old San Juan & drove us to their site approx. an hour away. Javier, Jesus and Javo took us zip lining and we were able to spin, flip upside down, & let go of the rope & dangle. We also repelled 70 ft, hiked in the rain forest, crossed a suspension bridge, kayaking through a cave, & enjoyed an all natural Puertorican lunch.
The next night we took the 10 day journey cruise to Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, & St. Thomas. Favorite ports were St. Lucia and St. Thomas. Grenada & Tobago were our least favorite ports.
Our cabin U-180 on the upper deck floor 6 had two single beds converted into a king bed. The closet fit all of our hanging clothes for 2 weeks and the drawers fit all of our jeans, capri, etc... Only 1 plug in the room which was a pain since the bathroom the plug was only for electric shavers. Plenty of light and the shower was very nice. There is a hair dryer in the room although ours did not have one and we had to ask for it. Overall, we enjoyed the room and did not feel it was super small.
We took the tour Mini-boat adventure with Noel. Only took a 15 minute ride to the place in a nice trolley like bus. We spent 1hr and 20 minutes snorkeling at Christmas Cove and had a blast driving the boats! Highly recommend this place!
This was a 3hr tour in a very nice van with a/c. Rose had no mic but was very loud to hear her. It was $30pp for 3hrs + $3 to get into the Romney Manor to see the Batik Factory and shop. There was a restroom there. Also stopped by the spot where the Atlantic and Caribbean waters meet. Viewed the black rocks beach where you could shop and buy a coconut drink for $3 or 2 for $5. Very nice tour of the islands.