Elation - November 19 - 24, Pictures and thoughts

[Naomi John]

I found so few reviews on this board for the Carnival Elation, so I decided to do one. I did not keep notes, I did save the Fun Times, and I do have some food porn, but not a lot.

This cruise was originally booked on the Carnival Ecstasy. As some know, the Ecstasy moved from NOLA to Port Canaveral and Mobile lost the Elation to NOLA. We booked an OB, (Obstructed View), junior suite, (V21), on Ecstasy, and the cabin was transferred to the Elation. Some in our party booked a balcony on Ecstasy, and would not accept the downgrade to an OV and would not pay an extra $400 per person for a mid-ship suite, so they choose not to go. They did get a full refund.

Embarkation: We have sailed out of NOLA 6 times. This was probably the worst embarkation. Not the ports fault or Carnivals, it’s because we arrived, (@ 10:15 am) when two wedding party’s arrived. There was a wait and a little confusion getting into the check in area. Once we made it up the escalator and into VIP check in, (@10:45 AM), things went very smooth. They started boarding about 11:15 AM and we were on the ship about 11:30 AM. We parked at the Erato Street parking garage. Another bonus, to me, was to see the RCL Voyager of the Seas also embarking. This was the first weekend since Katrina four ships were embarking: two on 11/19 and two on 11/20 (Conquest and the NCL ship). NOLA is back!

This information is for the smokers: No smoking at all until the ship pulled away from the dock. This is because the way the ship is fueled at the dock. Never encountered this on Carnival Triumph or Fantasy, but it was the rule on Elation. On debarkation day, there was an announcement at about 8:00 am advising smoking anywhere was prohibited.

 

We found two tables for our party of 12 and had lunch. Rooms were available at 1:30 PM, (a side note, this ship is very punctual. If it says a time, it means that time and not one minute before. This happened for the main dining room, all shows, activities, punch-liner club, arriving at ports and Camp Carnival). We went to our room dropped our carry-on’s, and then found our luggage waiting at our door, (@2:00PM).

 

Our room: Our OB was the same size as the regular balcony room we had on Conquest and Triumph. The only difference was having a mini fridge and nice glassware, (champagne flutes, wine glasses, etc), which were located under the TV. On the Conquest, we had a mini fridge in our standard balcony room, but on the Triumph we did not.

 

 

 

[Naomi John]

I will also say the “balcony” was the smallest we have ever had, if you attempted to sit looking out on the chairs provided, your knees hit the glass. The “obstructed view”, was barely the front part of a life boat. IMHO, the obstructed view was the deck below. See pictures

 

 

Obstructed views:

 

Looking aft:

 

Looking FWD:

 

Looking down:

[schultz]

Thanks for the pics. We have booked an Jr suite and I wondered if it was the same size room as a balcony room on the Conquest class ships. Was there a hair dryer in your room? What food stations did they have on the ship? We have only sailed Conquest & Dream class ships before so I am looking forward to be on a smaller ship for a change. We love NOLA and try to visit twice a year. We always stay in the warehouse district so we will be nice and close to the port.

[Naomi John]

The ships layout was a standard Fantasy Class ship, the only exception was no Waterworks, and no Owner Suites. The area where the two owner suites are usually found on the Fantasy is where Camp Carnival was, and instead of Waterworks, they had a children pool and two hot tubs on the Verandah Deck Aft. There is a slide, mid ship lido, that empties directly into the main mid ship pool. The Bonus is the Aft lounge, “Cole Porter’, was bigger.

 

It did say "Children Only" in this pool and hot tub.

 

 

The basketball and volleyball courts were also back here.

 

 

Slide:

 

 

 

[Naomi John]

Thanks for the pics. We have booked an Jr suite and I wondered if it was the same size room as a balcony room on the Conquest class ships. Was there a hair dryer in your room? What food stations did they have on the ship? We have only sailed Conquest & Dream class ships before so I am looking forward to be on a smaller ship for a change. We love NOLA and try to visit twice a year. We always stay in the warehouse district so we will be nice and close to the port.

 

Yes, there is a hair dryer in the suite, however, it took me until the 3rd day to find it. See the three sided mirror above the desk? One of those mirrors open and the dryer is in there:

 

 

[Naomi John]

You enter on the Empress Deck where you find the Atrium bar, Internet Café, Guest Services and Shore Excursion Desk, plus a small hall way for the Art Gallery. The rest are staterooms. One deck up is the Atlantic. This is the deck one can not walk front to back as the Main Dining rooms and Galley are on this deck. Also found here are the Library, (where the Chef’s Table is held), Piano Bar, Shops and the lower entrance to the Mikado Show Lounge, (main shows). The Promenade deck has the upper entrance to the Mikado Show Lounge, photo gambit, casino, and the usual bars/areas. One minor disappointment, the Gatsby’s Great Cigar Bar is no more. Used to enjoy a smoke and drink before dinner in this area. Cole Porter Lounge where the Comedy was held is right behind Gatsby’s. The Adult only serenity area is accessible through the back of Cole Porter.

Here are some photo's from around the ship:

Atrium:

 

 

Internet Cafe:

 

 

Piano Bar:

 

[Naomi John]

Mikado Main Lounge:

 

[Naomi John]

The Promenade

 

Cole Porter Lounge

[CruizeCast]

Thanks so much for this great review with pics! We will be on in 2 weeks and plan to do a podcast review and blog, but it is sure nice to see some details beforehand.

[msolberg]

Getting on the ship Thursday. Your timing is perfect. I'm hanging on your every word. :) Thank you.

[Naomi John]

The remainder of the first day was spent on the Lido deck, enjoying the sail down the Mississippi and the sunset over NOLA. We had late seating in the Inspiration Dinning Room. Was so happy to see my favorite appetizer, Duck, on the menu.

I had that along with the escargot from the “Didja Ever”, menu, along with a Caesar salad, and hubby and I split the spinach and artichoke dip. I had the fried chicken for dinner and the New York Cheesecake for dessert. Only item I will say was not up to par was the fried chicken. It just had no flavor, spice, or heat. OK I admit it wasn’t Popeye’s. One of the main problems with having late seating is you get full and are ready for bed at the end, which we were. So up and forward to our room where we found a towel animal the first night, cool.

The second day, (a sea day), we ordered a little breakfast for room service, (banana, orange juice, and some hot chocolate). It was our first sunrise at sea and the ability to walk around in our bathrobes. We choose to partake the remaining breakfast in the MDR. It was OK. DH said he would rather go to lido and have his own omelet made and the eggs benedict I had were over salty. DD had fun with the waiter learning how to fold napkins. After breakfast, DD went to camp, not sure where DH went, but I went up to the lido, found a nice lounger in the sun, lathered myself up and soaked up some vitamin D with a great book. Chair hogs were about, but not too bad. At least one family member was around the “saved chairs” at all times. I was a single with two groups of about 4 chairs on either side. They would all come and go now and then, but at least one person from their party would remain. The people to either side of me would also change throughout the day. When I had to leave my spot for a bit, (you know bathroom, food, etc), the people to the side of me were always accommodating. Is this chair hogging? I don’t think so. DH would pass by and if the seat next to me was empty, he would sit.

My spot was on the Verandah Deck, below the funnel, right above the main stage. Enjoyed the usual mixologist and hairyman contests, finished my book and got a nice little tan.

This was the Cruise Elegant night. The main show this night was “Just Rock”, and for late dinner seating, you had the early show, (7:00 PM). We went, it was OK. I was impressed with the vocals of Nicole and Trent, just the song choices were a little off. When I see rock, I expect Zepplin, Hendricks, Beatles, Stones, etc. Most of the song choices were “popish”.

As it was elegant night, I went for the “surf and turf”. Shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lobster and prime rib. The first lobster I was served fell to mush upon barely touching it with my fork. I sent it back. The second one was just right, but very small. The prime rib was “there”. Not great, not bad, but nothing special either. For dessert, I had WMCC. The waiters sang “That’s Amore”. I think it’s time for Carnival to have some new MDR entertainment. 7th cruise for me, and 5th time hearing “That’s Amore’”. I found it also a little strange the waiters all moved to the center of the dinning room instead of staying by your table. I guess I need to mention our head waiter was Rapheal, and his assistant was Sevil. Both from India. Both were very friendly and accommodating.

We were full, sunbathed, (at least I was), and tired. After dinner we fell asleep.

[BeeBeeCee]

We just got off the Elation yesterday. We had a great cruise....:)

 

We did not have a hair dryer in our cabin (Empress OV cabin). However, we did have a new flat screen tv.

[Naomi John]

I love sunrise and sunset pictures:

 

Sunset over NOLA

 

 

Sunrise first sea day:

 

 

Sunset:

 

 

Next morning was Progresso. This was a new port for us. Of course, my body clock had me up at 6:00 am. I was on my balcony, it was almost sunrise, and I saw the pilot boat coming toward the ship. Darted out of my room, ran forward down the hall, hung a left, then a right, bolted out the “secret doors”, to the deck above the bridge, saw a guy, (still running on the deck), yelled, “Pilot Boat”, to the this person, went to the starboard side and watched. The guy who was up there already, walked over to where I was with a puzzled look in his eye until I pointed to the small boat coming along side our ship. I know this may sound weird, but I am fascinated by how a little boat can pull along side the big ship to drop off a Pilot. The ship announce for passengers to go ashore right at 7:00 AM.

[Naomi John]

We just got off the Elation yesterday. We had a great cruise....:)

 

We did not have a hair dryer in our cabin (Empress OV cabin). However, we did have a new flat screen tv.

 

There wasn't one hidden like mine was? We had a flat screen but our friends on Upper deck (OV not grand suite), did not.

[Naomi John]

Thanks so much for this great review with pics! We will be on in 2 weeks and plan to do a podcast review and blog, but it is sure nice to see some details beforehand.

 

Getting on the ship Thursday. Your timing is perfect. I'm hanging on your every word. :) Thank you.

 

Thank you to both. If you have a specific question, please ask.

[cruiser fanatic]

Do you still happen to have the Funtimes?

[BeeBeeCee]

There wasn't one hidden like mine was? We had a flat screen but our friends on Upper deck (OV not grand suite), did not.

 

No... just a flat single mirror...so no hiding place for the dryer

 

I guess we got the crazy corner box for life jackets instead :eek: They should have removed those boxes in dry dock ;)

 

BTW...enjoying your review...thank you!...I'm having post cruise depression :(

[Naomi John]

Do you still happen to have the Funtimes?

 

Yes I do. Will scan and post at the end.

 

No... just a flat single mirror...so no hiding place for the dryer

 

I guess we got the crazy corner box for life jackets instead :eek: They should have removed those boxes in dry dock ;)

 

BTW...enjoying your review...thank you!...I'm having post cruise depression :(

 

Me too!!

[Naomi John]

We exited the ship at about 9:00 AM. Fairly easy, bypassed all the photo opportunities, walked through the mini shops and boarded a free bus to town. We did have to wait ion the bus until it was full and not all of the shuttles had AC. Ours is one that did not. After about 20 minutes, the bus left the port for the 5 mile drive into town. It dropped us off in an enclosed market area. Prior to getting off the bus, a young man came on the bus to offer excursions. One must know, this is the same company that Carnival uses in this port. They run the shuttles from ship to town.

The market area we were dropped off at was a big “flea market”. In the middle of the market was indoor bathrooms, (a girl handed you TP to use). They offered massages everywhere. If you want a great deal on a massage, this is the port to get it. We were offered 1 hour massages for $15. Actually, this was the area to barter and get great deals. I obtained my faux Coach purse for $12, we obtained two straw hats for $10, (talked him down from $20), a shot glass and magnet for $5, (total).

The market:

 

 

As we walked through the market and on to the street, people approached you from all angles. However, a nice no thank you, and they would leave you for the next person. We walked the “beach area” to get a shot of the ship way out there at the pier.

 

 

I do not know what the substance was, but when we left the beach, the bottom of my feet had a black substance on it. Luckily, the bars and restaurants on the beach road had foot showers, no charge; was able to get this gooey substance off. We made a square block and returned to the Market area where we were dropped off. The double Decker bus was there so we hopped on for a little tour. It was $3.00 and a nice ride. Some of the architecture around this town was really interesting.

 

Duck!!

 

 

This was a hotel distroyed by a hurricane. Check out those balconys

 

They called this the wedding cake house:

 

[Naomi John]

Here is the beach road:

 

 

Town Hall:

 

 

Town square getting ready for Christmas:

 

 

The sign says Banqueiro. Looked interesting open spot for a meal:

 

 

After the bus tour, we had lunch/snacks and drinks at this place:

 

 

We returned to the shuttle area about 2:00 pm, and obtained seats on the AC bus. If you can wait for one, wait, so much nicer after a long sunny day.

[Naomi John]

(Before I start this section: Do not flame me, flame my DH. I attempted to bring my camera for food porn, however, he thought we could not bring one at all. There were no photo's allow in the Galley, but I could have brought it along for the dinner. Blame him for no photos.)

When we returned to the ship, it was nap time because tonight was Chef’s Table Night! A little history on this: we booked through John Heald’s blog, I brought our confirmation letter on board, and no one knew exactly what to do with it. First went to guest services, they said talk to the Maitre’D; the Maitre’D took our room number and said to wait. Found out if they did not have a least 6 people, they did not hold a Chef’s Table, and the time of embarkation, there was only DH and I. Well 3 other couples sign up for it as well and we received our invitation, along with the past guest reception, the evening of the first Sea Day. The invitation advised to wear comfortable closed shoes, so my little black dress with heals was out of the question. I wore capris with a nice top and sperrys.

The past guest reception was from 5-6pm and by invitation only. The CD and hosts were at every entrance to the Mikado Lounge collecting the invites. When we gave our cards to the CD, he asked DH if he would like to participate in the next nights production. DH said yes, more on that later. The reception was the same, drinks flowed fairly well.

From there we went to the Atrium Bar to meet for the chef's table. Like I said before, there were a total of 4 couples and one child 9 - 10 years old. The chef met us there and escorted us to the Galley.

Once in the Galley we were treated to Champagne, introduced ourselves to each other and enjoyed some Ahi Tuna Tartar, Steak Taco, and Avocado Cheesecake. The poor child threw up the Tartar. DH commented privately to me a child should not be allowed, however, we learned later he was trying to earn a watch he wanted. For each new think he tried, he received points toward the watch. The sweet thing earned his watch. He was also very polite and respectful.

We left the Galley and went to the Library where a nice table was set up with name card and menus. All of the food was fantastic. Beef Carpaccio, Fried Calamari, Poblano Chile Bisque, a nice salad, Chilean Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, (perfect med. rare), and a fun and tasty dessert. I cannot explain the dessert, only it was a fun party in my mouth. No, we did not get WMCC. But this dessert was fantastic. I wish I had my camera. There were waffers, and dolops of flavor.

This was the good part of the Chef's Table. See next post for the "Almost Bad".

[ManyMore]

We went to Buddy's too! They had 2 for 1 margarita's for $5.00 lol

[Naomi John]

We went to Buddy's too! They had 2 for 1 margarita's for $5.00 lol

 

We did that. Did you try their queso dips? We had the shrimp, it was wonderful.

[Naomi John]

As I said before, there were eight couples and one couple brought their son. From the onset of the evening, this one couple was very “happy”. The husband was flat out obnoxious. He was loud, interrupted the Chef, and became worse as the evening progressed. As I am not a hypocrite, DH and I were also feeling no pain; however, we were able to control ourselves for the meal. This couple could not. He was loud and getting louder, and hostile in his voice. This is how I remember the bad got worse. At one point during the meal, DH said a four letter word, not the f-bomb, but it was describing how delicious something was, (you know, this S??? is fantastic). I reminded him there was a child at the table, to which DH apologized. Loud Man decided he did not like that and started to continuously curse in a hostile manner. This is when one couple arose from the table and announced they were leaving; I used the bathroom excuse to summon the Matre’D who was just outside and advised him they needed to call security, and DH went to speak with the Chef to do the same thing. When I returned to the table, the man with his wife was being escorted out of the room. DH convinced the other couple to return, and dinner went on without any more problems. According to the Chef and the Maitre’D, they have never had to kick someone out of the Chef’s Table. First time for everything.

I will say the cost of the Chef’s Table is worth every penny.

[Naomi John]

Progresso night was the Love and Marriage Show in the Mikado Lounge at 10:30 PM. I was happy they moved this to an evening show. It always seems a little PG-13 - R rating.

 

We did not attend as we have seen the show numerous times. We did watch most of it on the TV the next day. Some of the answers were original, but the usual laugh line answers were still there.

 

If you have never been to this show, it is funny, the first few times.

 

This was also the night for Auditions for the Legends Show. Again we did not attend.

 

For us, after a full day in Progresso, Past Guest, and then Chef's Table, we were full and I can admit it, drunk. The bed look wonderful, and we hit it hard.