DramaQueen22

They're not new and they work great! Problem is that many think they work like regular systems and just jump on. If you have 2 in your group, you do have to press the floor for each person.

I literally just did a mock booking for the first Panorama cruise on a search and Havana Cabins are listed. Interiors are sold out, but there were balcony cabins available . Don't understand why you cannot find them.

We've done multiple trips in the Havana Insides. Yes, you will hear some noise from the band. The closer you are to the bandstand (which is about in the middle of the bar area), the more noise you will get. The band stops at midnight. We've never found the noise too bad, but I suppose it would depend on your personal taste, and your preferred sleep time.

100%. We've decided that too!

For some yes, but to us it is well worth the private area and bar...especially without kids. We factor the price of those cabins in and enjoy our trip!

I goofed! You are right...I got myself all turned around thinking about the Horizon! It is the forward MDR on Elation.

I was just on Elation and YTD is in the AFT dining room

THIS!

This was very unusual to me. There's typically a line for the arrival time, then an "early/late" line. None of that the day I embarked. Maybe it was just that day. No matter...I still got on!

I sailed on the Elation January 13-18, visiting Nassau and Princess Cay. Thankfully the norovirus outbreak occurred AFTER I left the ship! Here's a brief review of my experience: I flew into Jacksonville the night before and stayed at the Courtyard on Duval Road. Great hotel! They had a free area shuttle that not only picked you up at the airport, but took you to local restaurants or shopping in the area. This was a great feature! EMBARKATION Arrived at Jaxport just about noon. Ugh. The port check in process is chaotic here. Everyone was in one line, regardless of arrival time appointment. The line snaked its way into and through the terminal. We had to stop to have our bags checked by the dog. Cool thing there...right after I went through, they tested the dog with a dummy bag. It was interesting to see how the dog alerted to the bag. After going through the rest of the line, you finally reach an agent who checks your documents and sign and sail info. You finally get to board after that. That entire process took 45 minutes. Definitely NOT the streamlined boarding I'm used to through Miami. THE SHIP AND MY CABIN Elation is the smallest ship in the fleet. Great for a 5 day trip, but anything longer than that would leave you looking for things to do. Hardly any trivia on this trip. Punchliner is tiny...you have to line up for a seat before the show or you will be out of luck. Duke's Piano Bar was my absolute favorite hang out this trip. Felicia was amazing. (she's headed to Freedom next!) Crowded dining rooms, but that doesn't bother me. I originally booked an Inside, but was offered an upgraded ocean view for a small price. I was in R195, just off the aft elevator bank. I thought that would make the hallway loud, but with only a few exceptions the cabin was very quiet. My steward, Lloyd, was great. Lots of storage and room in the cabin and a great location on the ship. DINING AND BARS I had YTD with a single table. Most nights the folks around me were nice and we enjoyed good conversations. Food was very good from the buffet, to Guys, and to MDR. Service could be a bit slow, but I tended to eat around 6:30 and that seemed to be the busy time. Alchemy is always my favorite and this ship was not exception to that. Pizza and sandwiches were available later at night, both were good even if lines were sometimes longer. I never waited very long. PORTS Nassau is SO MUCH BETTER with the new port complex open. I chose an excursion to Arawak Cay which was a great beach day. Princess Cay was lovely and another great relaxing day on the beach. ENTERTAINMENT The Playlist cast on this ship was PHENOMENAL. We sailed on the Horizon in September, and this cast was a million times better. Shows were Heart of Soul and Epic Rock. Do not miss Epic Rock! The violin duo were excellent, and the solo guitar player was very good...smooth voice! I loved Felicia in the Piano Bar, again one of the better performers I've seen in 10+ cruises. Cruise Director Gabe was truly wonderful. He was everywhere onboard. His Motown and Farewell parties were so much fun. This was his last cruise on Elation. Not sure where he's headed next but if you have a chance to sail with him, do. DEBARKING Elation uses the new digital debark through the Hub. So easy. I chose the time I wanted to get off, luggage tags were delivered right to me. When the number was called, off I went. No fuss. Caught a taxi to the airport right from the curb.

I am sailing on the Carnival Elation starting on Saturday. I am looking for some ideas on what to do for a few hours after debarkation on January 18. My flight isn't until 4:35pm. I'd rather not sit in the airport all day. I would need someplace that can store my suitcase while I am there. Id love to do the Zoo, but I am not sure if they can store the luggage. Any suggestions appreciated. TIA

Probably not. Best bet might be the internet package then livestream it on a laptop, but even that might not work.

Think about your own personal grocery buying for a minute. If you bought 3 big steaks figuring you'd eat all of them, but then only ended up using 1, and had to throw out the other 2 because they spoiled before you could use them, you'd probably only buy 1 next time, right? Carnival is really just doing the same. Food waste is a huge issue, that actually costs us more in the long run. Smaller slices mean less waste. You can go back for more if you like, but you're not likely to waste this way. We were on Horizon in September, cakes were plentiful and good...served by the slice there. I'll be on Elation next month and will see what they are doing there.

We cruised on the Celebration in January, and I have to say your review is spot on. ChiBang was a disaster, and the food wasn't very good. We enjoyed Cucina. I was not impressed by the shows and normally I love them. The whole layout of that CenterStage area is just not conducive to a full show.

Looking forward to following along! I'll be on Elation in 50 days for a much needed solo trip.

Probably going to be the Jubilee out of Galveston. I'm on Elation in January, then hubby and I are on the Vista in October 2024. Gotta get something for 2025 on the books!

That is it. There is a small seating area as well. In my opinion, Havana is way better on Vista Class ships. I wouldn't pay for it on Excel Class.

You may need to actually sign up for VIFP Club to get those offers. You can do it on Carnival's website. I get all of my offers that way. We cruised in September, and I got an offer with $200 OBC and booked that for January.

The people who stand in the middle of the pathway and make it nearly impossible for others to get around. Happens all over the ship Loud talkers who think they're the only ones in a room No real late night food options. I love the pizza, but the line is always so long New shopping options. If you cruise more than 1x per year, you see the same selection on every ship. And get rid of the EFFY jewelry! So overpriced. Bad karaoke singers Hard sells after a spa service

I fully realize you are talking about gambling...but the title cracked me up at first glance!

We were on the Horizon 3 weeks ago, in Havana too. I will not sail on Vista class without that wonderful area! Totally worth it. We're on Vista in a Havana Cabana next October and are looking forward to that.

Good for you! I have the same amount for my solo Elation cruise in January. It's going to my bar tab rather than Cheers! Enjoy your trip!

We're leaving on the Horizon on Sunday. I'm not worried at all. The storm will still be far enough at sea to not affect our getting our of Miami. Beyond that, I trust Carnival to keep me safe. My ports may change, but I'm still on a cruise, so it's all good! Try not to stress about it.

on Vista class ships, it is absolutely worth it. I wouldn't pay for the experience on Excel Class. The Havana area is significantly smaller and the pool is tiny.

I'd pass. You still get the access to the Havana area so why pay extra?