Just off Elation - no more Carnival

[April2412]

I first want to say that this is just what I feel, no one has to listen to me, so please do not try to fight here. I am just sharing my info and I know that evey cruise line has people who love it and hate it.

 

I also want to say that I have been on many, many cruises, so this is not info from a newbie.

 

After many cruises on many lines I have decided that Carnival is not my favorite and that I would not be going with them again. The company I work for planned an event on the Carnival Elation. Since this was a free crusie, I was not going to say no. We left on Thursday Aug 16 and just got back today Monday Aug 20.

 

First the good things -

The food was pretty good and I got lots of free drinks because my company paid for lots of private events and drinks with dinner.

Our dining room staff was great, very nice, helpful and very fast.

Our cabin steward was great, and was on top of keeping the room clean as usual.

 

 

 

The bad -

The ship is older and is showing it, the main issue was that every hall smelled like smoke. This is kinda funny because my boyfriend smokes, and when he asked for an ashtry they said we couldnt smoke.

Too many kids in the hot tubs, we couldnt even use them because they filled them all up and no one ever said anything to them.

Many of the staff were rude or just unhelpful.

Everything was way unorganized.

Lucky for us we planned one of the shore excursions with them, but it still took us forever to get off the boat then had to wait at the pier for almost an hour to wait for the rest of the group. Other people we talked to said that they had to wait HOURS to get off and by the time they did, they only had 3 HOURS TO SPEND IN CABO.

We also had the worst disembarkation ever.

 

 

 

I am sure I could think of other things good and bad, but I cant at this time. So thats my story, and after having 3 trys with Carnival that will be it. (unless we get to go for free again!) All the other cruise lines we have been on have been much better, so we will stick with them.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Travel Angel]

I first want to say that this is just what I feel, no one has to listen to me, so please do not try to fight here. I am just sharing my info and I know that evey cruise line has people who love it and hate it.

 

I also want to say that I have been on many, many cruises, so this is not info from a newbie.

 

After many cruises on many lines I have decided that Carnival is not my favorite and that I would not be going with them again. The company I work for planned an event on the Carnival Elation. Since this was a free crusie, I was not going to say no. We left on Thursday Aug 16 and just got back today Monday Aug 20.

 

First the good things -

The food was pretty good and I got lots of free drinks because my company paid for lots of private events and drinks with dinner.

Our dining room staff was great, very nice, helpful and very fast.

Our cabin steward was great, and was on top of keeping the room clean as usual.

 

 

 

The bad -

The ship is older and is showing it, the main issue was that every hall smelled like smoke. This is kinda funny because my boyfriend smokes, and when he asked for an ashtry they said we couldnt smoke.

Too many kids in the hot tubs, we couldnt even use them because they filled them all up and no one ever said anything to them.

Many of the staff were rude or just unhelpful.

Everything was way unorganized.

Lucky for us we planned one of the shore excursions with them, but it still took us forever to get off the boat then had to wait at the pier for almost an hour to wait for the rest of the group. Other people we talked to said that they had to wait HOURS to get off and by the time they did, they only had 3 HOURS TO SPEND IN CABO.

We also had the worst disembarkation ever.

 

 

 

I am sure I could think of other things good and bad, but I cant at this time. So thats my story, and after having 3 trys with Carnival that will be it. (unless we get to go for free again!) All the other cruise lines we have been on have been much better, so we will stick with them.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Sorry that your cruise aboard the Elation did not meet your needs, but at least it was FREE !

 

If you have not sailed on the newer vessels in the Carnival Fleet, I wish you would give them a shot before just saying "Thats All for Us" !

 

Some folks just don't like Carnival, and this is understandable, but many of the issues you brought attention to have happened to me on other cruiselines as wel..... Is there a perfect cruise... Nope, but I sure would rather be on a cruise than at work even if it was a little rough around the edges as yours appeared to be !

 

Good Luck on your next cruise and I hope it meets all your needs.

[Mikel1733]

Did any adults visit with Security about all the kids in the hot tubs? Also what hallways smelled of smoke? There are designated areas where smoking is allowed. So you might expect the smell there. Otherwise its an inconsiderate smoker who caused the problem.

[SDPadreFan]

I say that because too many people who post negative opinions of Carnival do so without ever sailing on one of her ships, or go on one cruise during spring break and paint the whole cruise line with one broad paint brush.

 

I happen to be very happy with Carnival. I do have some rules though. I don't sail on ships during the summer that I know will be popular with college students or couples with young children. I also don't cruise during Spring Break or Christmas. I have no problem with children, but I am smart enough to avoid certain times when Carnival as well as RCCL, and others will be flooded with young families.

 

Since you could not control when your company booked this cruise, some things you just have to put up with.

 

I would venture to say however that if you booked a longer cruise (say 7 days or more), during the school year, or to a place like Alaska in the summer, you would have a more favorable opinion of Carnival. Those cruises would also give you the chance to try one of Carnival's newer ships. All of the mass market cruise lines (including RCCL, etc.) use their older ships for shorter "starter cruises" and during the summer, you will find pretty much the same thing (kids, etc.) on those cruise lines as well.

[Kurbanfan]

No questions here, since we just got off the Elation as you were getting on. We were on the Elation also in 1999. I thought she looked great! Sounds to me like your main issue was the smoke smell. The only smoke we smelled was in the casino.

We have been on 10 carnival cruises before this and I have to say this was one of the best cruises we have been on in a long time. The crew was the greatest. They seemed really happy. Even a few told us that they were happy that they were moved to San Diego.

I have to admit they don't have the tendering down yet. The other ships we were on that stopped in Cabo had everyone get a tender number. You waited until your number was called. This time it was a free for all. The lines were out of hand with no one monitering them. Even then it only took about 20 minutes. I hardly believe someone in your group waited hours to get off:rolleyes: giving them only 3 hours. Especially since you were in port 8 hours.

The ship was in great shape and clean.

The crew was the best we have had in several years. Better then some of our longer cruises.

The food was great.

The passengers were great. Mostly laid back californians:p

And no I'm not a die hard Carnival fan. Have been on RCCL and loved it and will be cruising on Princess in Dec.

I believe the only disapointment I had on this ship is we did not have a balcony:(

So take it for what it's worth:D

[SDPadreFan]

Hey Kurbanfan (sp),

 

Were you in an oceanview cabin. Did it have 2 twin beds and a sofa bed.

[Cruise-Crazy]

Personally I liked the Elation.

[Kurbanfan]

Hey Kurbanfan (sp),

 

Were you in an oceanview cabin. Did it have 2 twin beds and a sofa bed.

 

Yes oceanview on the upper deck. 2 twins pushed together. No sofa. Cabin was not big enough for sofa only small chair.

 

Are you looking for a cabin for 3? If so they have uppers that pull down in some cabins. But should be booked early cause they go fast.

[Barkingowl]

We also had the worst disembarkation ever.

 

Now that I can relate to.

[777mjrseb]

I’m sorry you had a few bad experiences on your cruise…but I love the Elation it was my first cruise, I can’t wait to see it with the upgrades. You should give Carnival another chance, I'm sure the other cruise lines have the same problems.

[mmmyna]

I got off the Elation on August 16th, and I agree that we did smell smoke from time to time. The worst was near the bar that was just above the Inspiration Dining Room, that smelled strongly of cigars. Overall, however, we had a great trip--I am sorry to hear you were unhappy. What happened with your disembarkation? Ours was very organized and calm.

[BlueJacketsFan1]

So you are so unhappy with Carnival that you would be pervectly willing to take another free cruise. Talk to your company and tell them you didn't like the cruise, but to please do it again. Because you would love for them to apparently waste their money on you, so you can not like it again.

[Darlipoo]

Blue Jacket: Now, now, now. Be nice. This poster was just telling us HIS experience. No need to be mean.

[curiousl8y]

So you are so unhappy with Carnival that you would be pervectly willing to take another free cruise. Talk to your company and tell them you didn't like the cruise, but to please do it again. Because you would love for them to apparently waste their money on you, so you can not like it again.

 

That was unnecessary. :( They were just giving their opinion. They mentioned the good and the bad. They weren't ranting and raving. Sheesh, no wonder nobody wants to come on here and give an honest opinion if it isn't all sunshine and light.

 

Linda

[datonamanmike]

we were on the elation as our first carn cruise

it was our second cruise of 4 we loved it

this was when it was still in miami

we go on # 5 in 2 weeks carnival libertyt

we only go on carn now

[steel123]

We were on the Elation this past April. While the ship is older, we thought she was still in great shape. The cabins looked a little outdated compared to the new ships, but we had a great trip! :)

[FlorenceItaly]

Mainly subscribing myself to this thread since I leave on the Elation cruise in 14 days. My last cruise on Carnival was in 2003. I have been cruising RCI, HAL, and one Celebrity since. It's not that I had a problem with Carnival, it's just that I was wanting to experience some other lines. Now, my next two are booked with Carnival. It will be an interesting comparison. Thanks for taking the time to share about your cruise. There are not too many Elation reviews so they are very welcomed on the board.

 

 

Marie

[snownyet]

Ive sailed Holland America when schools out and it was over run with kids. Im not defending carnival, heck my first cruise with them is next month so what do I know right? But I can say as a past cruiser with other lines that every complaint you've got could easily be applied to any cruise line.

[spar23]

Elation was our first cruise and it is all her fault that I am now addicted to cruising. We cruised on her in 2005 and she was beautiful. Not spectacular but well loved and cared for by her crew.

The crew was the best and hands down we liked CCL food better than RCI.

I would try a different ship or itenerary before I quit CCL all together. JMHO.

 

Happy Cruising.

[FlorenceItaly]

It does seem the last few recent reviews have mentioned unhappy, grumpy, employees. I do suppose, that could also be on any line, but it hasn't been my experience on my last 12 cruises since 2003. I will be happy, regardless, as I will be thrilled to not be home cooking,cleaning, etc. I have no expectations other than to really enjoy the cruise :). I appreciate hearing ALL the different reviews, good or bad.

 

 

 

Marie

[fllady61]

I have not sailed on the Elation, but did on the Fantasy, and Sensation. Sensation is an old ship. It had some rips in the wall paper, but other than that, it was in excellent shape.

 

I had friends who sailed on Elation before she left Port Canaveral, and they loved it.

 

I will not sail other companies. i have only sailed Carnival, but I see no sense in paying more for a cruise line to get the same service that Carnival gives me. They were great to us all 3 times.

 

Our only complaint got taken care of within 2 hours, and we had a wonderful time.

 

On the PR deck, you will find a lot of smoke. As that is usually where all the bar's and the casino are. But where the cabin's are, that does not sound right.

 

I know the Elation will soon be going in for Referb because of the new pools and the water park that are being added to the Fantasy class ships.

 

As someone else said, DON'T GIVE UP ON CARNIVAL BECAUSE OF ONE BAD CRUISE. If everyone who ever had a bad experience on Carnival did that, then Carnival would not exist. Try the larger newer ships. You would love Glory. She is a beautiful ship and there are plenty of areas to get away from the smoke if you don't like it.

[Kurbanfan]

It does seem the last few recent reviews have mentioned unhappy, grumpy, employees. I do suppose, that could also be on any line, but it hasn't been my experience on my last 12 cruises since 2003. I will be happy, regardless, as I will be thrilled to not be home cooking,cleaning, etc. I have no expectations other than to really enjoy the cruise :). I appreciate hearing ALL the different reviews, good or bad.

 

 

 

Marie

 

We were on her August 11 thru 16. Did not encounter any grumpy empolyees whatsoever. The happiest crew I have seen in a long time.

I even praised our room steward (Justina) cocktail server (Kishore) and the casino host (Annie) on the comment card. They were the best!

We were on the Valor and Liberty last year and I have to say this cruise was so much more fun!

Good Luck!

[Kurbanfan]

I will not sail other companies. i have only sailed Carnival, but I see no sense in paying more for a cruise line to get the same service that Carnival gives me. They were great to us all 3 times.

 

 

This is not true. We have paid the same as Carnival for RCCL cruises. And also a little less for the Crown Princess. Which is one of their new ships. So you have to do some research and you will find out you can sail other lines for the same or less.

Princess offers $100.00 per person on board credit for new cruisers.

[fllady61]

It does seem the last few recent reviews have mentioned unhappy, grumpy, employees. I do suppose, that could also be on any line, but it hasn't been my experience on my last 12 cruises since 2003. I will be happy, regardless, as I will be thrilled to not be home cooking,cleaning, etc. I have no expectations other than to really enjoy the cruise :). I appreciate hearing ALL the different reviews, good or bad.

 

 

 

Marie

 

 

Marie, I don't fax that form. I just turn it in when I get there. I don't have access to a fax machine. That is my next purchase of something I really want.

 

Happy cruising on Elation next month.

[truecruiser]

...The passengers were great. Mostly laid back californians:p...

 

um, pardon me, but can someone pls direct me to the "throw up" icon?:confused:

 

kidding, kurb.:D welcome home!:D :p