Our Elation Review With Pics: Mostly Positive

[muffinbaby]

Thanks for this! It is so hard to find recent Elation reviews.

[mattcj89]

Day 1: Embarkation

We decided to purchase the FTTF when more spots opened up a week before sailing. I will tell you it was the best $50 we ever spent. We were able to bring water and pop on board, which we never would have done if we had to carry it around until our room was ready. We drove into the city and parked at the terminal. We arrived right around 10:15 and pulled into the parking garage. FYI, the porter said they allow people to start parking around 8am at the terminal. They took our $80 and we proceeded to level 3. The porters checked our boarding passes and IDs while everyone piled out of the mini-van and unloaded the luggage. I then parked the car on the next level up while the rest of my group went through security and waited for me. The porters told me my party would wait for me there but were ushered into the elevator. My wife had our boarding documents and they forced them through the first wave of security. After parking the car, I had trouble locating them and had to go through that security without my documentation. Luckily my wife told them I was parking the car and showed my ID. It was a little bit of a hassle. Just make sure the driver has his own documentation before your car is parked to avoid any issues.

 

 

Security checked our drinks we brought very carefully. They shook my in-laws water and they actually opened up our 12 packs to check for illicit items. Luckily they taped it back up when they were done searching.

 

I should say at this point that we only purchased one FTTF for our room. We told my in-laws they could put their carry-ons in our room. We also put our luggage tags on their bags so they would have them earlier.

 

We then proceeded to the FTTF check-in and my in-laws went to the normal check-in. There was no wait in either line and we were done around the same time. Once we received our sale and sign card, we had a seat and waited.

 

 

 

The terminal is set up a little bit different than other ones I have been to. Once you go through security, you have to go past the seating to the back of the building to check-in. There were people who thought they were done once they got through security and did not check in.

 

The staff at the terminal was fantastic and made announcements routinely. They began boarding around 11:30 and we were on very quickly. Once we made it on board, we went straight to our room and to our amazement, our bags were already there and the room was done. We dropped our stuff and went back up to the atrium to wait on my in-laws. Literally as soon as we got back up to deck 7, the in-laws boarded. We took another trip to our room to drop off their stuff. Even though the rooms were supposed to be ready around 12:30, I still think the FTTF was well worth it. We would have had a lot of stuff to carry around for over an hour.

 

We then went up to the Lido deck, had lunch and then went to look around the ship. My son Zach decided to play basketball and was there almost the entire week. The safety briefing was performed around 3:30 and seemed to go a little faster than some of our previous experiences. My in-laws were in a different location and they said there were several people not paying attention which caused a delay. After the safety drill, we went up on deck to await sail-away. I did not check the time but we set sail late, sometime after 4:30. For those who have not sailed from New Orleans you sail down the Mississippi for 7-8 hours to get into the gulf. We hung out on deck looking at the sights and taking a few pictures for about an hour. We went to our 6pm set dining time and met our waiter, Jason. He was fantastic!

 

After dinner, we just walked around and hung out. We did not go to the Welcome Aboard show as we were still really tired from the long drive.

 

Here are some random general thoughts of the ship:

 

1 The décor was glitzy and gaudy, but it was a lot nicer than I anticipated and much more pleasing to the eye than the Fascination.

2 Our room steward was Nino and while he wasn’t the best cleaner, he always friendly and addressed us by name as he saw us in the hallway. He was always there and available when needed.

3 The ship is showing its age in certain spots. I noticed paint that was chipping in several areas. They were making an attempt to fix this as I saw several people painting during the cruise.

4 The Taste Bar has replaced the Sushi Bar and I think it was open on three nights. All of the items offered were fantastic. I would consider booking a night at one of the premium restaurants on our next cruise if they are available.

5 The pictures we took and others that I have seen do not do the ship justice. It is much better looking than what comes across in print.

6 For those interested in the basketball court, the rim is much higher than regulation. It’s more like 12 feet high rather than 10. It takes a little time to get used to it.

7 The volleyball court was not used much and was probably due to both balls being flat.

8 There were several elevators that were out the entire week including one in the atrium and one whole set at the rear of the ship. The rear elevators being out helped cause an issue that made me livid. More on that later.

 

Pictures of the ship to come later tonight

 

Thanks for the Elation review. We were on the ship in October and had a blast although the ship was a bit older and needed some TLC. The right atrium elevator (looking from the atrium bar) was down the entire cruise too.

[jimicaj]

Thank you for the review! My mom, sister, and myself will be sailing the Elation in 38 days. I've been surprised at how difficult it is to find recent reviews of the Elation! Even the Carnival website does a poor job of giving detailed information. Thanks!!

[LandlockedCruiser01]

I rang in year 2013 in New Orleans during a land trip, so your pictures brought back some memories. I'm also considering Elation for my next cruise. Posting to subscribe.

Edited February 7, 2014 by LandlockedCruiser01

[GabbyCooks]

 

Jackson Square:

This is probably the most recognizable place in New Orleans and it’s beautiful. The area is lined with vendors selling art and performing artists looking for tips. We had a nice time there and everyone was very friendly with the exception of one person who showed very little class. He had a dead dog (I’m sure it was fake) in a suitcase with a note saying he needs money to give a proper burial to his friend. I just found it kind of disturbing.

 

 

We took a land trip to New Orleans last May. There was a guy with a dog like this on Bourbon Street. Assuming it's the same guy, the dog was actually alive and was "playing dead". I was very disturbed when I saw them as well, I think I literally gasped out loud. After watching awhile though the dog took breaks and got up, walked around, ate, etc. It's still very upsetting, but thought maybe that would make you feel a little better.

[LandlockedCruiser01]

@buckeyefrank (OP):

That dead dog scam is just wrong. Did anyone try another scam on you, the "bet I can tell where you got your shoes" one? The correct answer is "on my feet on the streets of New Orleans". ;)

Edited February 7, 2014 by LandlockedCruiser01

[buckeyefrank]

We just came back from a weekend trip on the Elation on Jan 20. We've been on her before. We enjoyed more "live" music on this trip than we have on many ships before. Martin in the Piano Bar is one of the best kept secrects of the Elation. For you future Elation cruisers, look him up for tea time on sea days or any night!

 

After we got ready for dinner, we generally went to the promenade deck by the Drama Bar, have a drink and listen to the band play before dinner. The lady singer was actually pretty good. Much better than the singers on the Fascination. We didn't do the piano bar but we did kind of make fun of the singer in the atrium. He was a character and not a very good singer.

[buckeyefrank]

We took a land trip to New Orleans last May. There was a guy with a dog like this on Bourbon Street. Assuming it's the same guy, the dog was actually alive and was "playing dead". I was very disturbed when I saw them as well, I think I literally gasped out loud. After watching awhile though the dog took breaks and got up, walked around, ate, etc. It's still very upsetting, but thought maybe that would make you feel a little better.

 

Not sure if that makes me feel better or not actually :confused:. I know it wasn't real. My daughter is a dog LOVER and we have 2 dogs. She was really disturbed but we got over it. Even knowing it's fake it seems to me to be in poor taste.

[buckeyefrank]

@buckeyefrank (OP):

That dead dog scam is just wrong. Did anyone try another scam on you, the "bet I can tell where you got your shoes" one? The correct answer is "on my feet on the streets of New Orleans". ;)

 

Fortunately, no other issues. Everyone was very friendly there.

[Hatch54]

Thanks for the review, we will actually be on the Elation by this time tomorrow. I found it interesting that you chose to stay and eat in the Slidell/Pealr River are as that is where we live. I know were lucky to be able to get to port without all the added expense that most others have. I'm glad you found Rotlo's which is a local chain, it sounds like Olive Garden is a precruise tradition but next time try to find some other great local places as we have some of the best food in the world in this area. Looking forward to the rest of the review but may not see it all til after we return from our trip.

[buckeyefrank]

Thanks for the review, we will actually be on the Elation by this time tomorrow. I found it interesting that you chose to stay and eat in the Slidell/Pealr River are as that is where we live. I know were lucky to be able to get to port without all the added expense that most others have. I'm glad you found Rotlo's which is a local chain, it sounds like Olive Garden is a precruise tradition but next time try to find some other great local places as we have some of the best food in the world in this area. Looking forward to the rest of the review but may not see it all til after we return from our trip.

 

Enjoy your trip. It's funny how we get stuck in ruts. When we take land based vacations, we try like crazy to find local establishments to eat at but when we cruise it's generally the OG. We ended up there this trip because it was there and we were tired, hungry and grouchy. Unfortunately, the only one that likes seafood in our family is my wife. My children are very picky, just like me. :)

[SmittyCo]

Thanks for the review, we will actually be on the Elation by this time tomorrow. I found it interesting that you chose to stay and eat in the Slidell/Pealr River are as that is where we live. I know were lucky to be able to get to port without all the added expense that most others have. I'm glad you found Rotlo's which is a local chain, it sounds like Olive Garden is a precruise tradition but next time try to find some other great local places as we have some of the best food in the world in this area. Looking forward to the rest of the review but may not see it all til after we return from our trip.

 

Is the Boiling Pot (?) still open in Slidell? We went there years ago, it was fantastic!

[SmittyCo]

We have been on Elation's sister, the Ecstasy, and the Elation once. We love the smaller ship (compared to Conquest), and will be on Elation again in March :)

[crazychuckie]

Thanks for the review, we will actually be on the Elation by this time tomorrow. I found it interesting that you chose to stay and eat in the Slidell/Pealr River are as that is where we live. I know were lucky to be able to get to port without all the added expense that most others have. I'm glad you found Rotlo's which is a local chain, it sounds like Olive Garden is a precruise tradition but next time try to find some other great local places as we have some of the best food in the world in this area. Looking forward to the rest of the review but may not see it all til after we return from our trip.

 

 

Can you make some non-chain recommendations?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jns425]

I can't wait to read the rest of your review. I sailed on the Elation last summer. One of the atrium elevators was out of service the entire week on my cruise as well. Hopefully they'll get that fixed when they drydock the ship later on this year.

[onewildrice]

So, is the basketball goal in good shape? I have a 12yo and 17yo that are both basketball players and will be disappointed if it is unplayable. I thought I had read on here somewhere that the goal was bent and no net. I can bring a net.......... not sure I can help a bent goal.

Edited February 8, 2014 by onewildrice

[buckeyefrank]

So, is the basketball goal in good shape? I have a 12yo and 17yo that are both basketball players and will be disappointed if it is unplayable. I thought I had read on here somewhere that the goal was bent and no net. I can bring a net.......... not sure I can help a bent goal.

 

My 12yo was at the basketball court for more than half the cruise. The rim is higher than standard and was very loose. There was a net and the basketball had a good amount of air. Early in the morning he could play alone but it got busy. Some of the older kids / young adults played very rough. Zach ended up getting knocked to the ground and bloodied his nose.

[buckeyefrank]

As promised here are a few pics of the ship:

 

The basketball court

 

Putt Putt Course

 

Serenity Deck

 

Mikado Theater

 

Casino

[ShipsAhoy425]

Loving the review, it's so hard to find current information about the Elation! Can't wait to read more!

[buckeyefrank]

Pool deck

 

Atrium

 

Our Room

 

Beautiful sunset over the Mighty Mississippi

 

Traffic encountered while sailing

[buckeyefrank]

Day 2: Sea Day

 

There is not much to describe today as we tried to layout to get some sun. The sun was shining and was somewhat warm. Unfortunately, it was very windy which made it feel a bit chilly. We all ended up getting sunburns though. I guess that’s what we get for living in Ohio. That evening it was elegant night. Dinner was fantastic and I just about ate myself sick. We just like to be casual so we dressed in khaki’s and a nice shirt and went to dinner. One thing I noticed was how few people really were dressed up for the occasion. Most of the people I saw were dressed in business casual clothes, not formal. Quite a difference from my last cruise on the Fascination.

 

Jason was our headwaiter and you would be lucky to get him. We all ended up feeling bad since he has a wife and young child at home that he is not able to watch grow up. He really took interest in our children and showed them some cool tricks so we took care of him at the end of the cruise.

 

It is possible that I am getting my nights mixed up but I believe there was a production show on this day, which I think was Rock of Ages. We went to the show but ended up leaving early. Some of my group was bored, one thought it was too loud and some were not feeling well. I guess we are just not production show people. After we left, we just hung out on deck for a bit and then went to bed.

 

Next up: Progreso

[buckeyefrank]

Day 3: Progreso

 

We woke up and had our usual breakfast of freshly made omelet and whatever else we could shovel into our mouths. We were pleasantly greeted by the sight of land. For whatever reason, I really enjoy pulling into and out of ports. It fascinates me.

 

I am a planner and had decided to try and do a relaxing beach day. Let me tell you it did NOT work out.

 

For those who have never been to Progreso, the ship docks on a pier that is four miles long with a shopping area on the pier. Once everyone in the group was ready we headed down to the gangway and got off the ship. We looked for a few minutes at some of the shops and hopped on board the bus to go into town. The bus takes you to a bus terminal a couple of blocks from the beach. I had a feeling at this point that our day was not going to be as relaxing as we had hoped. A lady stood up once the bus stopped and began to sell excursions, etc that were available right there. We declined and started to walk to the beach.

 

It was at this point, we were basically harassed constantly until we got back on the bus. A man approached us and said he had free beach chairs and tables that we could use if we ordered something from his restaurant so we said OK. We figured we could try some authentic Mexican food. From that point on, literally every 20 feet we had people bugging us to buy stuff from them. We blew it off thinking it would get better at the beach… it got worse. The same man tracked us down as we hit the beach and made sure we got to the right place. We put our stuff down and went to the gulf.

 

Our first impressions of the beach was that it was not great. Lots of broken shells and the water was choppy and unclear. We tried to get in the water but the water was pretty cold. We went back to the table and ordered some chips and salsa along with some soft drinks. The waiter was nice enough and the food was OK. The coke products are formulated differently in Mexico though. The regular coke is made with real sugar instead of corn syrup and it tastes different. Not bad, just different.

 

The whole time after we ordered until we left, there were vendors around us asking to sell us stuff. I don’t think I have one picture without a vendor at the beach. It was crazy. Even when laying out people interrupted us. I saw the same person come by no less than 10 times in an hour. So much for relaxation. By this time we were so frustrated and tired of saying NO that we decided to go back to the ship. We put our heads down and pushed through to get back to the bus terminal. We got back on the bus and enjoyed a day in the sun on the ship while my son played basketball.

 

I would not hesitate to go back to Progreso but would not get off the ship without pre-booking an excursion. Other people on the ship said they were not harassed by vendors when they went to the Mayan ruins.

 

Here are a few pictures of Progreso

 

Shopping on the pier

 

On the bus

 

Performer asking for tips

 

Progreso Beach - Not sure of the real name

Notice all the people in the picture.... they are all vendors who saw us and smelled blood

 

 

This guy came us behind us and placed the hats on the kids without asking. We gave them back and no I have no idea what they are supposed to be :cool:

[Hatch54]

Is the Boiling Pot (?) still open in Slidell? We went there years ago, it was fantastic!

 

Yes the Boiling Point is still here. As far as recommendations if your talking about New Orleans there are so many options and you almost can't go wrong. Some personal favorites are Deanie's for seafood, Vincent's for Italian, and you have to make a trip to Port of Call for some burgers and drinks. If you happen to be here in Slidell I would say Vera's for seafood, Koi's for Asian and sushi, Chesterfield's for a burger, and Bonnie C's for a menu with a little of everything that is all great.

 

Just got done printing our luggage tags, can't wait to set sail tomorrow.

[SmittyCo]

Yes the Boiling Point is still here. As far as recommendations if your talking about New Orleans there are so many options and you almost can't go wrong. Some personal favorites are Deanie's for seafood, Vincent's for Italian, and you have to make a trip to Port of Call for some burgers and drinks. If you happen to be here in Slidell I would say Vera's for seafood, Koi's for Asian and sushi, Chesterfield's for a burger, and Bonnie C's for a menu with a little of everything that is all great.

 

Just got done printing our luggage tags, can't wait to set sail tomorrow.

 

Thank you! I hope you are having a blast!

[tropicaledrink]

We did the Mayan ruins and beach break excursion through Carnival when we went to Progreso. Our beach experience was pleasant - no vendors, and the only thing they advertised that was extra cost was a lunch buffet (but did not push it!). I recommend this excursion if you go back!