Elation Review - May 2014

[jkkas3700]

Because there aren’t many Elation reviews, I thought I would write a few lines about our recent 4-day cruise. After watching the prices drop for a few days, we ended up booking the cruise three days before the sail date for a much needed weekend getaway. We (my husband, daughter & myself) left our house at 2:30 am for the 8 hour drive to the New Orleans and pulled into the parking deck at 10:30 am. We were in Zone 3 and it did not take long for boarding to begin. We went to the buffet to eat lunch and wait for the cabin to be ready.

 

We booked an Ocean View guarantee and ended up on the Rivera deck. Cabins were ready at 12:30 pm, and our luggage was already there when we went to check out our cabin. The bed was made into a queen, which didn’t leave much room once the pull-down bed would be out. When the cabin steward came by to introduce himself, we ask him to please move the beds to the twin configuration, which would give us more room. The cabin only had one electrical plug-in, which was by the desk—it worked out fine for us. The muster drill was different than the last time we were on this ship. We met by the Musical Café where they did the safety briefing, then went up to the outside deck where the life boats were located. I thought this was a little better than standing outside the whole time.

 

We were assigned late dining and had great tablemates and wait staff. The food was pretty good, and as usual, the wait staff was very accommodating to special requests. On Mother’s Day, all women were given a pink carnation and a special chocolate dessert. I got a latte in the Musical Café every morning that was very good. We ate breakfast in both the buffet and the dining room on different days. I prefer the dining room for breakfast, but it is only available on sea days.

 

Our only port was Cozumel. The weather was perfect and it was a busy day in port with three Carnival ships and one Royal Caribbean. We didn’t port at Carnival’s pier, but at the smaller pier the RC ship. We were only in Cozumel for 6 hours so whatever you were going to do there, you had to do it in a hurry!

 

Overall, we had a great trip. The weather was good and after two cruises on her, the Elation has become one of our favorite ships. The only negatives would be the outside cabin windows could use a good washing, the shopping area has an awkward layout that gets congested easily, and she doesn’t have all the bells & whistles the newer larger ships have. But, if you are looking for a cruise that is a good value for the money, a fun staff & great crew, and awesome casino, the Elation would be a good ship for you. And, the shows still have the live band, which I really like better than the recorded music.

 

By the way, I don’t have any of the FunTimes since I threw them away before we left the ship. I can tell you it was just the normal shopping talks, art auction info, spa specials, shows, etc… listed. I don’t have any pictures of the ship either. You can find great pictures on Zydecocruiser’s website.

[maldenmusic]

Thanks for the review. I will be taking my 8th cruise and 6th on the Elation this June-love that ship. We also drive in about 8 hours to get to NOLA but we usually take a little side trip and spend the night a few hours out of NOLA then drive the rest of the way that morning. Do you remember what the main shows were? On a 4 day cruise they may only have one. The last few times I think one of the was Spin but can't remember the other. Glad you enjoyed her and I can't wait to be on the ELation in a few weeks.

[Barbluvstocruz]

Thanks for the review. I've been looking for info on the Elation. We'll be sailing her on June 9th with our family (group of 13). Looking forward to our first time on her.

:D

[starstruck05]

Thanks for the review! Elation information is few and far between!

[jkkas3700]

Thanks for the review. I will be taking my 8th cruise and 6th on the Elation this June-love that ship. We also drive in about 8 hours to get to NOLA but we usually take a little side trip and spend the night a few hours out of NOLA then drive the rest of the way that morning. Do you remember what the main shows were? On a 4 day cruise they may only have one. The last few times I think one of the was Spin but can't remember the other. Glad you enjoyed her and I can't wait to be on the ELation in a few weeks.

 

We saw the show WIN! one night, but there was another show the first night - I'm sorry I don't remember the name of it. The Cruise Director was very good. I saw him around the ship a lot. He was even in the Comedy Club. Have fun on your cruise!

[DSSoccerMom]

Thanks for the review! I just booked hubby and I in February on the Elation!

[Mike Dante]

thx for the review as well..Driving out tomorrow for 4 days on the old girl.

[KatieCharlotte]

I'm thinking about a four-day on the Elation next winter, so I appreciate the review. I had a couple questions for anyone who's been on her -- Is there anywhere semi-quiet to read and sunbathe? Where would you recommend watching sailaway if we're more interested in scenery than the party scene?

[jkkas3700]

I'm thinking about a four-day on the Elation next winter, so I appreciate the review. I had a couple questions for anyone who's been on her -- Is there anywhere semi-quiet to read and sunbathe? Where would you recommend watching sailaway if we're more interested in scenery than the party scene?

 

 

The Elation has a Serenity deck on the back of the ship on Deck 9 that is great. It is a good place to watch the sail away also. There are chairs and tables on Deck 10 outside Tiffany's Lido Restaurant on both sides of the ship and on the back of the ship that are nice to just sit as you go down the river.

[TruckinMama]

I'm thinking about a four-day on the Elation next winter, so I appreciate the review. I had a couple questions for anyone who's been on her -- Is there anywhere semi-quiet to read and sunbathe? Where would you recommend watching sailaway if we're more interested in scenery than the party scene?

 

The Serenity Deck for reading. Deck 11 Forward has a GREAT little almost private deck to stand out on if you want a more serene sail away. We were in V5 last May, and spent a lot of time out there. :)

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[NOSaints1]

How is the decor? We were on the Breeze and my DW didn't like the decor, she likes the looks of a Vegas style.

 

 

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[jkkas3700]

How is the decor? We were on the Breeze and my DW didn't like the decor, she likes the looks of a Vegas style.

 

 

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The ship is definitely more of the Vegas style. My daughter liked the peacock decor in the buffet.

[NOSaints1]

How is the public areas, the ports and was there enough to do?

 

 

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[Wheels87]

Hello everyone!

 

We were on the Elation for a B2B in January and loved every minute of it!

 

The show on the 2nd night was called "Lets Rock" and it was awesome. We loved all the Rock-n-Roll music and enjoyed it both times on that trip.

 

We have sailed the Elation 7 times since we live close to the port. Three B2B cruises and one single 5 nighter. We have been on many ships ranging from the Elation to the Allure of the Seas and the Elation is still our favorite. It just has a feel all it's own that we cant describe. We have always found the cruise director's staff to be awesome and engaging and I always enjoy chatting with Melissa (the Philippines) at the Musical Cafe and have sailed with her five different times.

 

Plus, it is quite easy to get around on as well. Embarkation is always a snap and clearing customs on the way home is also easy.

 

Good luck!

 

Brad

[NOSaints1]

If you had to pick to do a 5 or 7 day would you pick elation, fantasy or fascination and what stateroom would you pick? Btw how was Progresso? Is it a port worth visiting?

 

 

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[christyran1228]

We saw the show WIN! one night, but there was another show the first night - I'm sorry I don't remember the name of it. The Cruise Director was very good. I saw him around the ship a lot. He was even in the Comedy Club. Have fun on your cruise!

 

In August it was Let's Rock! Or something like that....Don't know if know if it's changed. We enjoyed it. [emoji4]

 

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[christyran1228]

I thought the Elation was a perfect sized ship for our first cruise. Although is quite a first impression, it wasn't overwhelming. And everyone was ridiculously friendly.

 

We're going on the Magic in November ... I've seen pics of the Dream & Elation next to each other recently and now I'm kinda scared! Lol

 

 

 

 

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[mzloolue]

If you had to pick to do a 5 or 7 day would you pick elation, fantasy or fascination and what stateroom would you pick? Btw how was Progresso? Is it a port worth visiting?

 

 

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I would pick Elation.

 

My favorite staterooms are the aft ocean view cabins on Empress deck.

The way those cabins are configured, the pink box is still in the corner, but you can walk around the bed.

 

A lot of people don't give Progreso a chance.

It is a great port for excursions to Mayan ruins.

There are several to choose from Progreso.

Chichen Itza is the most well known, but a long bus ride.

Uxmal is big and beautiful, set in some hills.

Dzibilchaltun is close to Progreso and would be my choice for ruins to visit with kids because they can climb on the ruins which are big enough to be fairly impressive, but not big enough to be scary.

 

You can also go into Merida on your own or an excursion.

You can also get a tour that goes to some salt tanks, a wetland where flamingoes live and a good sized Mayan ruin.

Look at the tours offered by AutoProgreso.

They are good and do all the tours for Carnival, but you can book directly with AutoProgreso for less money. They have a stand right on the dock and are easy to deal with.

And Progreso is a good place to buy stuff.

Not fine things, but the souveneir type stuff.

But the silver is fake.

There is also a four dollar bus ride in a double decker bus around Progreso.

Or you can walk down the beach and find a place to sit.

The beach is free, but they will expect you to buy something if you sit in chairs that belong to one of the restaurant/ bars along the beach.

 

Someone else asked about the décor on Elation.

To me Elation is the prettiest ship I have been on so far.

The buffet dining room is all stained glass and looks really pretty at night.

It is nice.

 

For a place to watch sail away on Elation, either the serenity deck, or the sitting area at the back and along the sides of the buffet dining room.

Snag a table fairly early.

Sometimes you can see dolphins along side the boat from those areas on the side when sailing away from Cozumel.

 

We enjoy the karoke with a live band.

And get there early to snag a good seat for the comedy shows.

 

DH and I have done six cruises on Elation.

She seems to follow us around.:)

Edited May 21, 2014 by mzloolue

[Stateroom_Sailor]

We're doing our 2nd Carnival cruise on Elation next Halloween, good to know it is doing great. I'm not sure I love all the colors and decor, but maybe they'll grow on me. We're specially glad that Carnival goes to Progreso from New Orleans, all the rest is bonus. ;)

[Purplesaurus]

Nice review.

[NOSaints1]

Do you know if there supposed to be getting an upgrade?

 

 

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[maldenmusic]

Do you know if there supposed to be getting an upgrade?

 

 

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I think I read that it will be in dry dock September 2014.

[NOSaints1]

Do you know what there adding?

 

 

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[maldenmusic]

Do you know what there adding?

 

 

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Not entirely sure but I am led to believe that they may be adding the water park like the Fantasy has. I hope so-that is the thing I really miss on the Elation.