Back from Elation!

[Junecruiser]

Just got home from a wonderful vacation. Hope I cover everything.

We are a family of 4. husband, 19 yr old son, 13 year old daughter and myself. along with my parents.

 

Embarkment - This was pretty simple. Left our hotel in Texas City about 11 and was on boat eating by 12:30. All out luggage got there about 3 except for my main one and it showed up after dinner. Dinner was casual - some changed clothes but most wore what they had boarded in.

 

Progressolefted and - Took the Merida tour. Stayed with the group for some of the time and then wondered on own because their version of shopping was hitting stores probably owned by their cousins. Information man directed us to a nice restaraunt for coronas. The history part of the tour was very interesting and the directors were extremely educated in the Mayan history. Overall tho it was not my favorite port and really don't have a desire to go back.

 

Cozumel - Due to the hurricane we changed our plans from Chankanaab to Paradise Beach. We loved it! The water toys were fun and the food was great. Afterwards we shopped at the port and visited Carlos and Charlies. A great day overall. This is the second time to be in Cozumel and I would definitely go again. It was sad to see the tree damage and the water wasn't as clear as before but it'll be back in shape in no time. We constantly saw workers cleaning and repairing.

 

Belize - We took the ships tour to Goff's Caye. The island was great. The water looked like it came out of the tap. My son and I stayed on the island while DH and DD snorkled from the boat. It was just the right amount of time for us. Afterwards we had time to shower and eat on the ship and tender to the Belize port shopping area. This is really nice - someplaces even had a/c! We would like to see Belize again - go on different tours to see more of it.

 

Dining - We had Mat and Roy. They were great. By the second or third night they knew how to mix the tea and water to get the right strength for everyone at the table. The cooks make very strong tea! We really enjoyed them as our waiters. As far as dress goes... For the formal nights my DD and I work short black cocktail type dresses and the guys suits. My parents were very nice Sunday clothes and our table mates did the same. Other nights we wore skirts, nice capris or pant suits. The guys wore khakis and nice shirts. I did let my son wear his NICE Cinch jeans and a button down shirt (tucked in) on two nights just to keep him happy - after all the cruise was in his honor and he hates the dining room food! He looked nice compared to some his age with their wrinkled khakis and long shirts.

 

Shows - some were really good - In my opinion, one Las Vegas dance show was enough but I really liked the talent shows and Elation Idol show. Went to some Karoke (good) and club music (also good). Bingo was great since we one $120 and that made us ahead of our losses. The casino was way to tight most of the time. Blackjack was even hard to win.

 

Sea Days - wonderful - pool activies were alot of fun. Went to the dance classes with DD and had fun. Didn't ever had much time to nap so guess that tells alot!

 

Gym - went everyday at some time. I liked the track - much better than the Celebration. Loved all the workout equipment. Was able to take my DD with me to keep her in shape for athletics. Definitely a must with all the food!

 

Embarkment - This is the only bad time of the whole trip - Our color was the last one called. Then we couldn't find a piece of luggage - it had be moved out of our area. So we were literally one of the last dozen families off the boat but still were in the car by 11:00. Tho they said to be at our waiting spot by 8:15 they didn't start calling colors until 8:45 or 9. Next time we will sleep alittle later!

 

As I said it was a great trip! Of course, while waiting to disembark my DH was listening to some people complain about everything. And my parents shared a table with a couple who complained about the all the kids. She wanted to ask if he didn't like kids on a cruise why did he pick Carnival during the summer! So you'll always find a griper about something but go with a positive attitude and even the bad things are funny....like getting your the back of your head thrown up on from a college kid with too much margarita!

[DreadPirateRobert]

Good review. I'm glad you had a fun time. Elation was our first "big ship" criuse and I fell in love with her and cruising. It's good to hear nice things about Belize. That port seems to get mixed reviews.

You'd think that Carnival would have worked out a better way to disembark. That is a constant complaint of mine and many other people. Unfortunately, that process is at the end of your trip so you often leave on a less than positive note.

[Stella_Illuminata]

Thank you for the great review! We are sailing on the Triumph to Canada this month, but the Elation is definately a choice for our next cruise! What kind of stateroom were you staying in? Also, any comments on the food around the ship?

[seattlejeff]

Thank you for the great review! We are sailing on the Triumph to Canada this month, but the Elation is definately a choice for our next cruise! What kind of stateroom were you staying in? Also, any comments on the food around the ship?

 

Going in March 06 with 25 others!

[moonvine]

Thanks for the review - I will be on her in February.:)

[LisaT12]

Thanks for the review -- we leave on Sun. on the Elation. Yeah!

[Junecruiser]

Our room was M95 which is an insider. I'd rather have had a window but DH wanted to spend that extra money somewhere else and it was okay except when you wake up and have to go outside to see what the weather is like. We had the twin beds made into a queen and then two pull downs. A little tight for 4 four of us but there is alot of space under the bed to put suitcases. I never really unpacked all of mine - just slid it out to get shoes etc and slid it back in again.

 

The food was good. There wasn't anything really special but all good. Our thing is to taste something we've never had before. I think the Celebration four years ago had better desserts - Elation didn't have alot of Chocolate items. The hamburgers at the Lido are great. The pizza was okay - better than some and not as good as others. The deli sandwiches were good and of course the ice cream always hit the spot. My DH loved the hot chocolate before bed.

 

You'll enjoy it all - DH also loved the virgin strawberry diaquiris! Bought a souviner glass right off and had it refilled each day for 3.95.

 

Have fun on your trip!

[Junecruiser]

DD just read my review and noticed my mistakes. SHE liked the hot chocolate and the virgin strawberry daiquiries, LOL.

[Taylor's Nona]

Hi, I'm new to these boards. Your trip report was quite enlightening.:) We will be taking our 2nd cruise at Christmas and I was a bit leary about going for 7 days. I hope we'll have as much fun as you seemed to have. thanks

[yeehaw!]

Nice review, just making us count the hours until our turn on the Elation!

 

605 HOURS TO GO!! YIPEEEEEE!!!

Departing 9/4/05