HELP!! Elation VS. RCI Splendour of the Sea

[jbsvette]

I'm looking to read comments from those that have done a Western Caribbean cruise on both Elation orExctacy and Royal's Splendour of the Sea

[PrairieGirl]

I'm looking to read comments from those that have done a Western Caribbean cruise on both Elation orExctacy and Royal's Splendour of the Sea

 

Ecstasy - February 2005

Splendor - April 2006

 

Had so much fun with my girlfriend on Ecstacy in 2005, I'm taking my DH for his first cruise in April. 5 nights is a really nice length for a first experience. Cozumel will be a beach day at Paradise Beach. Costa Maya will be a tour of the Chacchoben Ruins.

 

What exactly would you like to know? :)

[jbsvette]

In April... I am very interested to find out how you like it compared to Carnival :D

[tootsiescurly]

My DH and I were on a 7 day W. Caribbean cruise aboard the Splendour a year ago. We had a good time but would not sail on the Splendour again.The ship itself is very nice and the service, with the exception of our room steward who was less than adequate, ranged from good to outstanding - outstanding in the bar by the casino.

The food was awful and we heard many others complaining about the food as well. The night that lobster was served our server told us not to order it because it was frozen and frequently was tough. I ate steamed vegetables for most meals because that was the best thing they had to offer-prime rib was tough, chicken marsala made on wonder where the marsala was and shrimp cocktail was a joke! The only good thing we had to say about the food service was the wine package which must be purchased when you board. The selection was outstanding and the price for 7 bottles was well worth the expense.

We are scuba divers and chose this itinerary because of the ports. We were unable to tender in to Grand Caymans, Cozumel was awesome diving, Belize we booked a diving excursion with the ship and regretted that we had and Costa Maya was a waste of time for anyone who lives in Southern California and goes to Ensenada.

We have found Carnival to have better food, better service and better cabins. We are very hesitant to book with RCCL even though we have cruised with them before.

[cruise.freak]

Although it has been two years since the Splendour for us and only 9 months since the Elation we would defiently pick Splendour over Elation. We like everthing so much better although we are not bitg party people.

[neverevercruised]

Hi - my husband and I just got back yesterday from a Costa Maya tour and went to the ruins - a 50 minute drive from port. We got back with enough time to spare for shopping, but not much. I don't know for a fact, but based on what I saw, I would say you wouldn't be able to make that drive. Reason I say that is there is military all around there, and checkpoints (that was a little scary! M16's and such as they peer into the transport - wow) that might make entry difficult. Again, don't know that for sure, but certainly wouldn't count on it! But on a side note - if interested in the ruins, do the Native Way tour (not Carnival) with David. He is a TERRIFIC native guide, half Mayan, and we got further into the site than the Carnival tour did.

[gfsmith]

I'm looking to read comments from those that have done a Western Caribbean cruise on both Elation orExctacy and Royal's Splendour of the Sea

 

 

Trust me the Elation wins hands down!!!

 

SPlendour of the seas failed to offer but a few activities during the day. They did however offer plenty of art auctions if thats your thing. The beds on Splendour are like a cot on a board very uncomfortable. We had rough seas which can't be helped and didnt really bother us but the entire boat smelled from people getting sick. The staff wasn't cleaning it up rather covering it up, it was quite desgusting. The casinos were packed from lack of anything else to do. They do offer a adults only indoor solarium that was very nice, but definetly not worth changing my mind. If I was to base my decision on this trip as to weather i would ever travel with RCCI again I would never Book with them again. People say the longer cruises 7+ there are more activities so someday we may give them another try. But not on this boat tahts for sure.

 

When we sailed on the Elation we had a wonderful time. the staff was wonderful and there was plenty to do for all ages. We are going on her again in September we can't wait.

[neverevercruised]

Hi - the above post from me was supposed to go into the response for the woman who was worried about missing the ship if a tour ran late - as my son would say "my bad"!

[bfallen1]

I've sailed on all three.....

I must say that the Elation is my favorite next to the Jubilee (it has been decommissioned). The last cruise that we took on the Elation was during Hurricane Katrina and that was quite a ride. It smoothed out after the first day though. The actual Carnival “experience” differed only slightly on each ship, but I have never been bored on one. The Ecstasy was kind of old, but for the most part it was well maintained. On RCCL; I was a little bored on the Splender I like the CCL party all the time. The Splendor would have been ok if I would have just wanted to lounge about. The ride was little rough so several shows where cancelled and that didn't help. But hey I figure a cruise is a cruise no matter what ship you're on. I will soon sail on the Conquest and from what I’ve read on these boards it will likely become my favorite of all........I will be on board her in…..(see the countdown).

:D

[jbsvette]

I think I'm leaning towards Splendour because Elation isn't doing 5days out of Galvenston any more and by the replies it appears Exctacy is not nearly as nice.

[beach2sea]

The Splendour of the Seas was our first cruise. Nothing to compare it to, but we enjoyed it very much. True the beds weren't great, but they were clean and seemed to be made up instantly once we left the room. Dining room service was excellent. My wife has dietary restrictions and they were always supportive in making selections and offering alternatives.

 

It was a shrimp cocktail ! With so many options on the menu, why are people hooked on shrimp? Pick some up at the market, its not like some rare delicacy. Go with the escargot. It was great. I did hear one comment the following day that a woman's husband said it seemed like snails. He should have gone for the shrimp.

[Lewdog]

We just sailed the Splendour in February. I must say we enjoyed the Monarch better but the Splendour was still a very nice cruise. I think that was the nicest group of people in the service industry we have ever dealt with, from the pier at Galveston all the way on to the ship until we returned.

 

We have not been on either of the Carnival ships you mention but have been on the Fantasy and are sailing the Victory in June and find we enjoy both lines equally well.