I went on the Elation because it was out of Jacksonville and not far from home plus we used our RCI certificate on it. I have been on one other cruise 10 years ago on the Valor. The Valor feels like a Marriott while the elation seems more like a days inn. We are in our 30's with a 3 and a 5 year old and maybe the theater theme just wasn't for us. The room seemed really out of date and old and honestly had old people smell when we first walked in. We thought the ship was from the 80s or early 90s but it was built in 1998. Needs updated in my opinion. The ports were nice and we enjoyed them and the dining experience and service was really nice and good food. Another pro is that it was smaller and easier to get around on with our two kids. Would we go on the elation again? probably not till it gets updated or its been about 5 years and memory isn't as fresh. Overall it was a good experience and we enjoyed our time just don't expect it to be as nice as the bigger ships.