Elation 4/18 part 2

[blyle]

Trying to get back to normal but it is very hard.

 

Excursions: I have the entire brochure regarding shore excursions. There is a write up about each. I also have the price list.

 

PRogresso: I believe this is the most controversial port. I read all the negative reviews and went with an open mind. Basically you take the free shuttle from the pier and get dropped off at a tiny shopping area. Then you can take a quick 15 min tour of the city in a double decker bus for $2/each. I would say that the majority of the people ended up on the beach a few blocks away. There you could buy your beer for $1 bottle across the street or have them take care of you for $2 a bottle. The chairs are free, there are corona girls all over the beach and watersports. The water is not polluted just a bit green not the normal color of the caribbean blue. We saw men swatting flies off of food but many ate in the restaurants and seemed to be ok. No one raved about their excursions here and most used it as a restful day before Cozumel and Belize. The people were extremely friendly and not pushy. It was heartbreaking to see small children trying to sell things along with aged guitar players on the beach. I am sure that in a few years Progresso will improve but I would not go back for this port. Those who went to Merida only stayed a short time and returned. I think everyone has to make up their own mind here. If you like the ruins then I would do that but if you are a beach person just go on your own and you will see everyone else there too. Do your own math. Carnival takes you for $35 (beer included) to the same beach where you can buy your beer for $1. 35 beers is alot to drink in just a few hours. Those who took the jeep tour said it was hot dusty and dirty but if you have never done that it may be for you. I would do all your t shirt, and trinket shopping in Progresso. The prices were the best of all the ports.

 

Cozumel We always go to Chankaanaab and really enjoy it there. We love to snorkel. Those who did the dolphin encounter had a great time. Of course the fiesta party boat takes you to Playa sol and the catamaran sail and snorkel we did last year and had fun. As youcan tell we have cruised a bit and are really beach people. One thing for sure. In every port there are tour companies just waiting for those who did not book tours.

 

Belize- Since Belize is not an island any water tours must be booked through carnival or private agents. We did the Belize snorkel trip and really enjoyed it. Warning the boats used are of various sizes, some covered some open and hold about 30 persons. You snorkel from the boat and then go to Goff's cay where there is more snorkeling and a small food stand. No chairs or umbrellas and limited shade so bring lots of sunscreen. The more expensive tour and Rendezvous cay has chairs and floats. Actually you can choose to snorkel only from the beach if you desire. They give you the option to do both or just snorkel from Goff's Cay. Afterwards we tendered to Belize and purchased a few items at the shopping center in town. National language in Belize is Endlish.

The water was extremely clear here. Those who did the cave tubing liked it but they said they walked carrying their tube for about 30 minutes.

 

Stacey M - we sailed Celebration 10 years ago and then last year. We had great cruises both times but the Celebration is one of Carnival's smallest ships. The Elation is much different and has all the new features even though it was built in 1998. It is larger and has many more amenities. I would definitely sail the Elation after the Celebration.

 

There are so many lounges on the Elation. The Cole Porter is the largest and most comfortable and non smoking . Duke's is great but smokey.

 

SMOKING AREAS AS LISTED IN CAPERS: DUke's, Casino, ROmeo and Juliette Lounge, Jekyll and Hyde disco, Gatsbys- Port side only, lido deck main pool starboard side only, verandah deck forward and aft. All other areas are Smoke free

 

Thought I would pass along comments from other cruisers on the ship. Those that were first timers loved everything. Those who have only sailed the newer ships thought the Elation was a bit small. Those like us who have cruised on all the different categories knew exactly what to expect and had no complaints. We would definitely take another cruise on the Elation since it will only be here for about 2 more years and the Ecstacy is coming next year to replace the Celebration. The crew seemed to think that in a few years a conquest class ship would arrive . Wouldn't that be great!!!!!

 

Disembarkation was a breeze. We were off and in our car by 9:55. Easy to take the shuttle to the parking lot and easy to get a taxi. No worries here. Luggage was easy to find.

 

One thing I would pass along is that though not listed on the menu you can always have a steak and baked potato for dinner. No one seemed to know that and they were pleasantly surprised when we told them. I just assumed that everyone knew that.

 

If I think of anything else I will add to this but I wanted to give as much info as possible.

 

All in all this ship is on top of things. It all runs like clockwork and the crew is happy to be on the ship. They were very thankful for their tips and told you so.

 

I hope that those of you who cruise her in the future have as great a time as we did. It's hard to get back to normal again.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[tpear3]

Thanks Blyle--nice review. We can't get enough! Though our trip is many months away, there is much excitement. Again, thanks for taking the time to write the review!

 

NCL Sea - 10/00

CCL Inspiration - 11/01

 

12/19/04 Elation cruise

[aggieastrosfan]

Thanks for the info! Only 6 more days to go, and then it's my turn!

 

Having sailed on the Elation before, I'm glad to hear everything is as fantastic as it was two years ago. I love the idea of Galveston getting a Conquest-class ship someday! It makes sense, since I keep hearing that Carnival's sending all their ships out full from Galveston.

 

Glad you had a great trip, and I'll make sure to return the favor of my own review when I return - hurry up, next 6 days!!

 

'Till 5/2 on the Elation...

 

Ecstasy awaits...12/4/04

 

Holiday 12/00 - Baja

Elation 05/02 - Mexican Riviera

Elation 05/04 - W. Carribbean

Ecstasy 12/04 - W. Carribbean

[blyle]

Not only are they sailing full but they are dropping the prices right before sailing to fill it up.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[RedOnTheFly]

Great Reviews. The info will come in handy in a few months

 

Elation 8/8/2004

[tinsel57]

The Elation won our cruise booking simply by default, it was the date we were able to sail. Period. We're throwing a surprise 50th party for hubby and his sister and her husband are flying from NY to TX to surprise him. I asked her if she wanted to kill two birds with one stone, as long as she was down this way would she like to go on a cruise! And the answer was yes. So one day post party, the Elation sat, waiting for our booking.

 

So I am thrilled to read your review and can't believe how long we have to wait for this! But it just gives me more time to save my pennies and shop for cruisewear!

 

tinsel57

 

[blyle]

I am originally from NY. Just be sure to prepare them for all the Texans! They will enjoy the cruise and the friendly atmosphere. Thank you all for the kind words. Sometimes I leave out info for the first time cruisers but I do have all the bar prices, capers and excursion papers if you need info. Just ask away.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[tinsel57]

Luckily they won't be here too long before we hustle them off to the boat where it will be cooler! We moved here 18 years ago, funny, I thought we'd be back in 5 but things didn't work out that way. My sister in law has visited us before, loved it. It's sure to be a great trip. I know nothing about Carnival and Elation so anything you'd like to share feel free!

 

tinsel57

 

[blyle]

We have been here 24 years and we too thought we would leave after 5. My daughter is a native Texan.

I posted 2 reviews part 1 and 2. If you have any other questions just let me know. You will love the Elation. It is one of the only ships with dark teak wood instead of glitz and neon. it is a classic ship.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[tinsel57]

Oh the teak really makes me happy. Honestly, usually Carnival is so glitzy, it would not be my first choice, so again, you've improved my mood over this booking.

 

5 years, that's odd, we'd thought we'd be here for 5 years too and be transferred back to NY... does that ring a bell?? You don't happen to work for a company with a three letter initial do you?! That'd be too much of a small world! My youngest was 2 when we moved, she considers herself a Texan. I am just stubborn enough of a NYer to remind her where she came from LOL!

 

I will read more of your posts and appreciate your info greatly.

 

tinsel57

[rez1]

Wow! Another 4/11 to 4/18 Elation review. Our 1st and trial cruise on the Elation, 05/09. Thank you Blyle. Just another 12 days...

[DreadPirateRobert]

blyle

We too love the Elation and were so glad to see her come to Texas.

Compared to Cozumel how would you rate the overall experience of Belize? We've been talking about taking the 7day on Elation. Cozumel is fine, Progresso doesn't sound too great so it all hangs on Belize.

Thanks

 

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?

Elation Sept 2001

Voyager of the Seas May 2002

Celebration July 2002

Jubilee Sept 2002

Destiny June 2003

Jubilee Sept 2003

[tinsel57]

Since we're taking this cruise with friends I figure the best time we have will be with each other, regardless of where the boat sails! If it was just hubby and me, I'd probably be more particular. But this cruise I know even sitting in progresso (?) we're bound to have a rip roaring laugh a minute time with these people.

 

tinsel57

 

[blyle]

Actually Belize is a country and not an island. We like the water sports so most of our time was spent snorkeling. The water is beautiful and very clear on the off shore cays but it takes about 30 minutes to get to them by boat. It take about 10 minutes to tender to Belize city. There is a small shopping center that looks very knew and some bars and restaurants. We tried to ask about the other excursion experiences and basically everyone liked what they did. The Cave tubing started with a 30 min walk carrying your tube to the starting point. I did not hear anything about the zoo, bicycling or horseback riding. Those that went to the shark ray alley said they had a good time. The water excursions sold out very fast on our cruise. It was very hot in Belize city and on the cays.

 

Due to the time you have in Belize I suggest doing an excursion in the am so you can tender to Belize city in the PM. SInce we have cruised to so many beautiful islands we are spoiled. The ports on this trip are ok but not what I think of as the caribbean. We had fun with what we did but the beautiful islands were missing.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

 

[This message was edited by blyle on 04-27-04 at 04:50 PM.]

[blyle]

sorry

 

[This message was edited by blyle on 04-27-04 at 04:58 PM.]

[blyle]

One more thing, there was no corkage fee for a bottle of wine I brought to dinner. They just served it with no problem.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[dianacatherine]

Hi rez1, you're the first person I've read on this board who's cruising the Elation May 9. My husband and I are as well. I was beginning to think we were the only ones

[rez1]

Hi dianacatherine,

 

Fantastic. It's me, DW and 2 1/2 YO DS! This is our 1st and trial cruise. Someone started a thread for the 05/09 Elation, but it didn't get as far...I just found it yesterday and posted a response. I have a OV GUAR I haven't received my documents yet. Have you received yours? I called my TA yesterday and was told to panic and call them right away if i don't receive 7 days before the sail date.

[blyle]

Don't worry if you dont have your docs you can still get on with your booking number.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[rez1]

Thanks Blyle. DHL delivered the docs this morning., So far, it doesn't look good on the upgrade. The 05/09/04 Elation is sold out, so I shouldn't even expect one. I booked an OV Guaranteed, and have learnt from another string how to find out your room number from the sign and sail document. It says R148. Any good? I know it's on the bottom deck.

[dianacatherine]

Hi rez1,

I already have my docs. How exactly did you find your room number? We do not know ours, and we are doing an OV guarantee also. It's too bad you didn't get an upgrade, we probably won't either.

Where is your family driving from?

[GUYnTEXAS]

We are on the May 9th Elation cruise and received our documents 2 weeks ago. We booked a 6A GTY and according to the info on the back of the Sign and Sail page we were upgraded to a 6D on the Empress deck. We were on The Elation last October for Halloween and had an absolute blast! If you have any questions please feel free to email me!

[blyle]

As for upgrades, it was really strange to hear how some got them. THere were some very good reasons and most were not by chance or JUST HAPPENED. If I were you I would call your TA and ask them to go to bat for you. We always find out our cabin # when we have a gty. Have a great cruise! Will be interested to know the age of most of the cruisers. It was an older group in April.

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

[scorpio1971]

Blyle,

I am cruising the Elation 5/2/04. Do you have the price for the Ruin tour in Progresso and the shark reef alley snorkle tour in Belize?

[blyle]

Shark Ray - $79 adult, $64.50/child

chichen itza- $77.00

Dzib- $51.00

Uxmal ruins & lunch - $71.00

 

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93