Opinions on the Carnival Elation

[DJ1VIKES]

I have cruise many times on Royal & Disney. My wife and I have been talking about trying the Elation out of Jacksonville for a New Years Eve Cruise. I live in S.E. Georgia, so the port will be very convenient for me. So for a first time Carnival cruiser, can I get some opinions. Thank you in advance, Dave J

[chasinraynbowz]

The Elation is an older, smaller ship. She doesn't have any of the bells and whistles that the newer ships have and you will find people who really hate her and others who really love her. I am cruising on her in less than two weeks and am counting down the days!! This will be my 3rd cruise on her. I did a review below on one of my cruises on her and included pictures around the ship.

Edited January 31, 2016 by chasinraynbowz

[Cruisegirl6]

Every year we take the ship out of Jax for a last minute getaway...our Fascination is being replaced by the Elation not happy about it because we always get balcony cabins but the Elation doesn't have balcony cabins unless you get a suite or jr suite but the way I see it I can take two of those cruises since she be cheaper. We also love Jax because its only a 40 minute drive for us and this is why she is our last minute getaway "casino" trip. She only does 4/5 night cruises and we always get the 5 nights.

 

The Elation won't have the regular balcony rooms

This is the oldest class of ship but very quaint

She doesn't have the Steakhouse (neither did the Fascination) but we are able for a small fee get a better main course (NY Strip, Surf and Turf, Lobster Tails)

The buffets are the worst (least selections/variety and quality compared to the newer larger ships)

There is only pizza past midnight to eat unless you want room service and want to sit in your room waiting for food?

No mini refrigerators in the staterooms

 

If your fine with all this you enjoy her especially for a New Years Cruise. I am not sure which RC ship you sailed but there is a big difference at least to us when it comes to RC vs Carnival mainly with the food overall (buffets more variety/selection and better quality on RC) and more food items to choose from late at night to eat.

RC is always our main cruise of the year and Carnival is our second cruise each year.

RC drink package is unlimited, Carnival has a maximum of 15 drinks per day (never gotten to my 15 lol)

 

Carnival glitzy inside where RC is more elegant/classy.

 

Larger Balconies on RC ships

 

I am planning on going on the Elation probably on the same cruise as you are for New Years Eve, so with that being said, yes I would cruise her and recommend her especially for having the driving convenience.

Edited January 31, 2016 by lyndamr

[Disneygirl80]

Just got off of her. We had a great time. My expectations were in line with what we experienced. I knew it was an older ship without bells and whistles. The food was not great, but we didn't starve and had a great time. It was a 4 day to Cozumel with a bunch of friends and family. No kids. Couldn't beat the price.

[nwo4life]

We have sailed on her 3 times. Every trip was fun and she is a beautiful ship, much prettier than the two sister ships we have sailed on.

[fuddrules]

Old, small & fun.

 

We did a NYE trip out of NO from 2014/2015 and would do it again. But, if your desire is a fancy or new mega cruise ship, the Elation won't be for you.

[WLHyatt]

She is definitely fun. The rooms are my biggest sticking point, as they have not been updated like most of her sisters. It works out though, since we don't have balconies we spend more time out in the public areas.

[acs2653]

The old saying "you get what you pay for" holds true with the elation. I was on her last May. My wife and I did not have high expectations since the 4 day cruise was super cheap. I will say that it did have some fun things, but don't expect the top of the line stuff that most cruise lines have to offer. Would j sail on her again? Absolutely! We sail more for the ports than the ship anyways.

 

 

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[Stateroom_Sailor]

The oldest class of ship in service, and one of the least updated. Generally, we far enjoyed the Victory over the Elation. The ship shows some wear, not all the beds are equally comfortable. On the other hand, we had wonderful service, and the activity staff kicked butt.

 

If it's convenient, inexpensive, and an itinerary you like.. why not? Better to know what you are getting into.

[mulewagon]

I thought it was very nice, and wouldn't have noticed the wear except for reading about it on here. I went down the big waterslide three times, sat in the hot tubs, went to the steam room and so on. I didn't have time to do or eat nearly all that I wanted. It was great!

[a91741]

The Elation was our first love (cruise) on Carnival in 2001, 43 cruises ago!!!

We've been on her 4 times and even though she is an older ship, she is in great shape and we have ALWAYS had a great time on her.

I remember her being on the news when she first came to L.A. ....a 2000 passenger ship was a big deal at the time!

15 years later I would still give her 2 thumbs up!!!!!

Edited February 2, 2016 by a91741

[PhotoPete]

Just got off Elation on Thursday. Wife and I had a good time. Cheap cruise. Food was OK in the buffet and good in the dining room. I would sail on Elation again.