We live in San Diego so it was a breeze driving to the port. My friends boarded earlier at 12:30pm and I got in at 4pm. I had my passport and Sign and Sail papers on hand so the check-in was quick.

We all chose to carry our luggages on board. The Elation allows passengers to carry in their luggages and drop them off in their cabins (you can't unpack though till room is officially ready) and proceed to Tiffany's for the buffet lunch. Food stations close during the life boat drill at about 4pm.

We had two cabins right next to each other on the Upper deck. It was the lowest category (Upper/Lower) but very reasonable priced. We have been in these cabins before as we were on the Elation last year also but to a different port. The cabins have lots of storage room and floor space. The bathroom had a supply of "trial size" toothpaste, heartburn med., and disposable razor. The shower area has shampoo and liquid bath soap available in side-by-side dispensers on the shower wall under the shower head. Read more