Embarkation: We drove from Louisiana and arrived at around 10:30 a.m. We literally drove straight up to the parking garage and were third in line at that time. I noticed a dog sniffing cars in the second line, but not in ours there was also security with a metal detector. I thought they would check all the cars but they did not. Our car didn't get checked at all. We proceeded to unload our luggage and parked. There was no line at this point until we got in the terminal. The wait was minimal and we were issued a zone ticket. Cruisers were welcomed by a woman who called out zones at about 11:20 by 11:30 were in Tiffany's eating our first of 21+ meals. Rooms were ready at exactly 1:30 p.m.
Word to travelers who have been on bigger and newer ships Elation is a beautiful ship BUT it is showing its age in certain areas. For the price we paid for three people for seven days I think we got our money's worth. Carnival better not charge any more for Elation until they refurbish.
Stateroom: We love Empress level on the Fantasy class ships because you have the grand staircase, guest services and piano bar right there. We were in the front of the boat and did notice rocking, but we noticed rocking all over the boat especially in Tiffany's at night. Our cabin was very spacious for three people. We separated the beds to have more room. This gave everyone a place to sit or stand comfortably. This is where I know the ship is aging. Everything was very clean 24/7 but it's an older room that needs updating. We did have a flat screen TV. Bathroom tile was clean but is showing its age. Bring your own TP if you want something soft. We saw our cabin steward every day and he called us by name a few minutes after boarding. We tipped him extra just for doing that. Our only complaint was the lighting. It was ocean view but at night when you wanted light the entire cabin lit up with the main switch which was too much light but the individual lamps did not give enough light. This was a minor inconvenience. When we arrived our cabin was humid. We told the cabin steward and by the time we got back from exploring the ship it was freezing. Thanks Darwin.