Going from 2nd largest ship in world to Carnival Elation- will I be disappointed?

[queenpailhead]

Hi all, I'm a new cruiser. Cruised on RC's Allure of the Seas this summer and loved it. So DH and I are looking to book a Thanksgiving 2019 cruise for just the 2 of us and wanted to do a shorter cruise than the RC Oasis class provides. The ports that Carnival Elation hit that week (Grand Turk and Dominican) really interest us but I'm afraid that going from one of the Mothers of all Cruise Ships down to a smaller older ship we'll be thinking the whole time that it's disappointing. Anyone have the "perks" of Elation and/or the ports it hits? Anyone done a behemoth ship then dropped down to a small one and been disappointed or was it great in its' own right? Anyone have RC vs Royal thoughts?? I need to confirm booking pretty quickly as the cruise is nearing sell out due to being a holiday sailing but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger due to all of my concerns. 

[Schoifmom]

I really think that it's all about expectation management.  If you are honest with yourself about what the Elation has to offer (yes, it is one of the smallest in Carnival's fleet) and are willing to take it as it is without constantly comparing it to the behemoth, you will be fine.

 

Smaller ship = 

• Smaller crowds
• Easier to navigate
• Fewer "wow" factor amenities/activities
• Easier to find a quiet place to just be the 2 of you!

 

[Cruiser_1977]

I was thinking along the same lines as Schoifmom. I don't need waterparks, shooting ranges, mini-golf. I don't even always go to the shows. I like to cruise because I am on a floating hotel. If you need 25 different bars and 24 different places to eat and something "new and exciting" around every corner, then you may not like the smaller ships. If you enjoy the calm of the ocean, having a room steward, a choice of two to three evening entertainments then you may enjoy the smaller vessels (I SURE DO )

[TubT]

It depends on what you mean by "disappointed."  It's a different experience, no doubt.  The food will be about the same.  The shows will not be as spectacular, but they may be just as enjoyable, and the seats may be easier to find.  The ports will be just as good, and getting off in them will probably be easier.  You will be twice as likely to see the same people.  The ship may show her age, to some extent.  All the public areas will be smaller. 

 

Now, to be honest, our all-time favorite cruises were all on smaller ships, even smaller than the Elation.  Just go, enjoy it, and put it in your "computer" as another experience to compare with the others you may have in the future.

 

We have sailed on the Elation, and we had a good time.

Edited November 28, 2018 by TubT
Spelling correction

[trvlgirlmq]

I've cruised twice on that size ship and won't ever again. Bored to tears. I like all the active things on the larger ships.  I want tons of trivia and other stuff planned throughout the day.  You won't get that on the small ships. 

[PhillyFan33579]

I would look at what you spent the most time doing on your cruise on Allure of the Seas and see if similar activities are available on Elation.  Like the last poster mentioned, if you liked all the amenities on your last cruise, you probably won’t enjoy Elation. But if you spend a lot of time relaxing and simply enjoy being at sea, you will enjoy Elation.

[queenpailhead]

Great points everyone. This trip is more relaxation than excitement. Allure was more excitement. Food is huge to DH and I both lol. If we were taking the kids (teens and tweens) we'd definitely go bigger but I think a smaller ship could be good for just the 2 of us.

 

Anyone know much about Amber Cove? I'm reading VERY mixed reviews, but I really would love to go to Grand Turk. 

[schazzy]

16 minutes ago, queenpailhead said:

Great points everyone. This trip is more relaxation than excitement. Allure was more excitement. Food is huge to DH and I both lol. If we were taking the kids (teens and tweens) we'd definitely go bigger but I think a smaller ship could be good for just the 2 of us.

 

Anyone know much about Amber Cove? I'm reading VERY mixed reviews, but I really would love to go to Grand Turk. 

In that case, I think the Elation will be just fine for y'all. I really enjoy the Fantasy-class ships, if you don't need all the bells and whistles and just want the cruise basics and get taken to a few ports, they are the way to go IMO.

 

I haven't been to Amber Cove yet either, I also have seen several mixed reviews, But I loved Grand Turk and excited we will be stopping there again on my cruise next year!

[sanmarcosman]

My advice is to not focus on the " economy car/motel" you're renting for a few days and focus on the new places you are visiting. Happy cruise to you both!

[obx_fintoo]

39 minutes ago, queenpailhead said:

Great points everyone. This trip is more relaxation than excitement. Allure was more excitement. Food is huge to DH and I both lol. If we were taking the kids (teens and tweens) we'd definitely go bigger but I think a smaller ship could be good for just the 2 of us.

 

Anyone know much about Amber Cove? I'm reading VERY mixed reviews, but I really would love to go to Grand Turk. 

If food is huge, then you need to be aware that there are no specialty dining options on the Elation except the Chef's Table.  There is the MDR, and you can order some $20 specialty steaks and seafood in addition to the regular menu.  There is the buffet for all meals and Guy's Burger/Blue Iguana for lunch.  The Chef's Table is a wonderful experience, but pricey ($75pp plus gratuity) and lengthy (expect 3 hours minimum).    

[rukkian]

I am interested in this, because we did allure in March and just absolutely loved just about every part, except maybe the food in the mdr, it wasn't bad, more like just okay.  We did a smaller ship (Jewel of the seas -90k tonnage) last year without the kids, and while it was decent, the shows and activities were just not up to par, and while it was still awesome, we just don't plan on doing small ships again.  We have a Carnival Magic booked for our next trip due to the ports (aruba, curacao, grand turk, and amber cove), so will see how a medium ship on carnival compares.  I know my kids will miss the flowrider, and I am not sure the shows will be of the same caliber as things like Mama Mia, the dive show or blue planet, but maybe we will be nicely surprised.

[rolloman]

It all depends upon what you want out of the cruise. Do you want to visit a couple ports you have never been to? Then whatever ship you are  using as your transportation will not matter. Now if you are booking for ship amenities....then you will be sadly disappointed with Elation over an RCCL Oasis class ship. Keep in mind port of calls are not guaranteed, so with that in mind, I typically choose ship over itinerary. 

[buddylover]

2 hours ago, Schoifmom said:

I really think that it's all about expectation management.  If you are honest with yourself about what the Elation has to offer (yes, it is one of the smallest in Carnival's fleet) and are willing to take it as it is without constantly comparing it to the behemoth, you will be fine.

 

Smaller ship = 

• Smaller crowds
• Easier to navigate
• Fewer "wow" factor amenities/activities
• Easier to find a quiet place to just be the 2 of you!

 

While what you are saying sounds 'logical' - it doesn't work that way unfortunately.  We did a B2B (or side-side) cruise in September.  Got off a huge, beautiful brand new ship (NCL Bliss) onto the CCL Inspiration.  I have cruised a fair amount but never on the older smaller CCL ships.  If anyone could attempt to "Manage expectations" it was my husband and myself.......but SORRY, it doesn't really happen that way.  Yes, smaller crowds, fewer 'wow' factors, smaller to navigate etc.....but that doesn't make up for the smell of mildew all over the ship, the old bathroom with the soft squishy floor in the shower, the suite we paid more for being lesser than any balcony cabin we've been in on any other CCL ship.  We were way below underwhelmed and sorry we had booked that additional few days.  And being 'seasoned' cruisers and knowing it was an older smaller ship did not do much to erase the reality of it.....sorry, but it was a disappointment even beyond our ability to "manage our expectations"!!

[skywalkr2]

IMO Carnival is more like cruising should be.  These new ships are more like resorts that happen to float.  I prefer the OG cruise experience.

[Hotdog 52]

You will be in shock.

[rukkian]

8 minutes ago, Hotdog 52 said:

You will be in shock.

In a good way, or bad way?

[Hotdog 52]

Not good. The couple we travel with from time to time, his wife had just cruised on the Voyager of the Seas. We were on the Inspiration. She was really disappointed with the Inspiration. She kept referring to the other ship and how much nicer it was. We were tickled to be on the Inspiration, our first cruise. Go have a good time, a cruise is what you make of it.

 

Edited November 29, 2018 by Hotdog 52
additional comment.

[martini_guy]

I've been on 2 of the huge Royal Caribbean ships as well as most of Carnival's largest ones. I have zero interest in broadway style shows, ice shows, rockclimbing or water shows at all but love comedy shows, trivia, bean bag toss, etc so I actually end up using more of the Carnival ship where as there's plenty of the Royal ship that I have no interest in.  Most cruise lines and ships are good in their own ways and you can always find something of interest that you'll like on a ship. 

[xDisconnections]

8 hours ago, Hotdog 52 said:

You will be in shock.

Agreed. OP will be disappointed... I know I would be.

[ProgRockCruiser]

19 hours ago, queenpailhead said:

Great points everyone. This trip is more relaxation than excitement. Allure was more excitement. Food is huge to DH and I both lol. If we were taking the kids (teens and tweens) we'd definitely go bigger but I think a smaller ship could be good for just the 2 of us.

 

Anyone know much about Amber Cove? I'm reading VERY mixed reviews, but I really would love to go to Grand Turk. 

 

Last question first: we have booked the waterfalls excursion in Amber Cove.  If you like that kind of action, look into it.  If you want something "less active", maybe look at the cocoa/chocolate plantation/harvesting tour, where you can get hands on the whole process.  You both like food...

 

As for whether you  will like Elation:

 

We have a cruise booked on her (to Amber Cove and GT as well, in May 2019).  We have sailed on Liberty twice, and about to enjoy Sunshine for the first time.  This is essentially our first time on the smaller ship class - I was on Elation a looong time ago, prior to refit.  I remember next to nothing of that experience (no, it wasn't due to alcohol consumption, maybe just the opposite - not enough...)

 

I cannot predict how your expectations may play out.  For us, we'll enjoy the different size ship simply because it is different.  Maybe we are easily satisfied - give us a good bar to sit at, a friendly bartender, some people to watch, and then at dinner time give us good food, we're generally happy campers!

 

No, sir, I did not mean I am going to put up a tent in your lobby, nor start a campfire.  We just like hanging out.

 

Look, no, I'm not going to swing from the chandeliers, that's not what I meant by hanging out.  I just wanna sit here and watch folks.

 

Look, no, I am not an espionage agent from Russia.

 

Sigh, alright, I'll co-operate and go with you to security...again...

[Schoifmom]

I still would argue that it's all about expectation management.  Research the ship, know what to expect of the cabins and amenities.  Since you say that this cruise is more about relaxation, I think you will be fine.  Enjoy the Serenity deck, go to a comedy show, have a little fun in the casino.  

[PhillyFan33579]

19 hours ago, rukkian said:

I am interested in this, because we did allure in March and just absolutely loved just about every part, except maybe the food in the mdr, it wasn't bad, more like just okay.  We did a smaller ship (Jewel of the seas -90k tonnage) last year without the kids, and while it was decent, the shows and activities were just not up to par, and while it was still awesome, we just don't plan on doing small ships again.  We have a Carnival Magic booked for our next trip due to the ports (aruba, curacao, grand turk, and amber cove), so will see how a medium ship on carnival compares.  I know my kids will miss the flowrider, and I am not sure the shows will be of the same caliber as things like Mama Mia, the dive show or blue planet, but maybe we will be nicely surprised.

 

The shows/entertainment on Carnival are not going to be close to the shows you saw on RCCL.  Like someone else mentioned, make sure you are happy with the ship, since there is no gaurantee you will visit every port. Personally Magic is my favorite Carnival ship and I am sure you will enjoy your cruise as long as you don’t compare it to Allure if the Seas, which really isn’t a fair comparison. In my book, any day at sea is a good day. But I am pretty easy to please. As long as I have my kindle and a few good bars to visit on the ship, I am happy. 

[rukkian]

7 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

The shows/entertainment on Carnival are not going to be close to the shows you saw on RCCL.  Like someone else mentioned, make sure you are happy with the ship, since there is no gaurantee you will visit every port. Personally Magic is my favorite Carnival ship and I am sure you will enjoy your cruise as long as you don’t compare it to Allure if the Seas, which really isn’t a fair comparison. In my book, any day at sea is a good day. But I am pretty easy to please. As long as I have my kindle and a few good bars to visit on the ship, I am happy. 

I have had some people tell me the shows are as good, but I doubt that.  I am hoping that the ports and the food as well as other entertainment is enough.  If not, we will know not to do it next time.  My older son and I just got certified for scuba open water, and are looking forward to diving in at least one of the 4 ports (probably grand turks).  So we have that, and Aruba and curacao are 2 ports I have heard are incredible.  This is also a trip with my sister, her son, my mother and 2 of my nieces in addition to my family of 4 and maybe one of my son's gf's.

[wms99]

We love the Elation and all Fantasy class ships. If you are cruising to relax, they are the way to go.

 

[Schoifmom]

You might want to read this thread (disclaimer: I haven't read it all).

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2606222-paradise-111everything-to-know-fantasy-class-ships-inc-pics-of-all-cabin-classes/