Elation Review Nov.26 - Dec 2

[kooljamming]

This was our 5th cruise. Our first with Carnival and the first with our kids (ages 9 and 12). We have done all-inclusive vacations in Jamaica at Beaches, Sunset Beach and Spa, Sunset and the Palm, Sunset Jamaica Grande and others. We waited to take our kids on a cruise out of fear they would get bored and drive us overboard. Thanks to Carnival and the kids program this fear was unfounded. This has been one of our best family vacation so far.

 

Ship

The Atrium is spectacular. On the ship, there were lots of places to get away or get together. I enjoyed walking and exploring the ship. I used the stairs alot which minimized my weight gain, mere half a pound. The shops had items priced reasonable and even deeply discounted (cheap). The formal resturants were well presented and inviting. A pool with a slide and heated water added an extra appeal, especailly with kids.

 

Kids Program........What the doctor ordered!

 

Carnival has a great kids program with varying age groups. The kids were constantly entertained with art, crafts, games, shows and tours of the ship including back stage. The club ran late for parents who wished to enjoy an early evening of adult entertainment. For my daughter the program ended at 10 pm with a minimal fee for additional hours. They host a slumber party from 10 pm - 3 am. My son’s program ended at 12:30 am which is way past his usual bedtime. We were there the week after Thanksgiving, so the ship was not loaded with children but enough for them to make friends and keep busy.

 

Entertainment

There was always something to do, starting early and ending late. From an early live band to the midnight adult comedy show.My favorite, dancing starting around 9 pm then later the disco around midnight. Some of the shows were cheesy but still fun.

 

Food

The breakfast buffet was disappointing (my hubby just disagreed) . The first time I said NO to food on a buffet. It was the usual eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and potatoes which is not my thing. After a few days, toast with jelly was more appealing or an omelet. The lunch buffet was better because it introduced food with different themes. Enough to eat but not to overindulge. There was always the option of more formal dining which was done to a greater satisfaction. The restaurant for sit down dining was suburb. I saved my appetite and sacrifice my waste line of extra servings of lobster, prime rib, shorts ribs, beef wellington, and shrimp made by award winning chefs. The desserts were fantastic: hot melting chocolate cake with ice cream, strawberries covered in chocolate and so much more. I ate what I needed at breakfast but over compensated at dinner. Meals were served quickly which made it possible to dine at the restaurant as a family without the kids getting impatient. They tried new things which was very pleasing. We did not do the soda card which didn't seem to bother my kids too much. On our next cruise I might splurge as a treat.

 

Cabins

The cabin was spacious, larger than expected. We booked the Inside Gaurantee and got an inside cabin on the Empress deck. We liked the location. The inside cabin made it perfect for mid-day naps and late mornings sleep in. We had a queen bed and two twin beds that pulled down. My kids loved climbing into bed. The beds were very comfortable. I would choose an inside again because of the sleep factor and we spend very little awake time in the room. I would not object to an upgrade to a suite or the penthouse but it’s not in my budget.

 

Excursions

While in Cabo San Lucas we took a water taxi to Lovers Beach where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. I would love to see more of Cabo or any place that I visit but my kids are not into doing or seeing much in terms of excursions. I don’t care to spend money on a tour to just to hear them whine. We enjoyed Lovers Beach and went snorkeling right off the beach. After a few hours, the usual echo of when do we leave was heard.

 

Overall

Overall this vacation worked because our kids were well entertained. This allowed us to do things that we enjoy individually and as a couple. I went dancing with my new best girlfriends for the week. My hubby played trivia for ship on a stick trophies. My son enjoyed being up way past his bedtime, while my daughter enjoyed the slide, shows, and having her picture taken. The fast service in the dining room made eating a formal dinner enjoyable for all of us. We sailed out of San Diego and used the park and ride to get to the terminal. We booked early so got a great price and used our military discount for further savings. For the down part, you could easily spend more on pictures, drinks, excursions, and tips than the cost of the actual cruise. Whatever the cost, seeing your kids try escargot and not hearing the dreaded words "mom I am bored" was priceless.

 

After being back for a week we have booked Carnival Paradise for Spring Break which is April 7-11 and looking at the 7 nights to PV in Nov. 2009! I also applied for the Carnival Seamiles credit card.

[boaterette]

Thanks for the nice review. we will be on the Elation April 1st. We are really looking forward to it a I haven't been on it yet. Did you visit the casino? If so how were the slots?

[kooljamming]

My hubby spent time in the casino. He lost a few bucks, but had fun doing it. I also received the photo release from Carnival to copy the formal pictures. Just call or email guest relations. If you wait to purchase your photos while back in San Diego you will have to pay California tax.

[cathyoo]

I'm glad you had such a wonderful family vacation. It sounds ideal. Now a word to the wise....

 

 

NO! NO! NO! for the Carnival Seamiles card. Much better deals out there. I have had one since June 05 and as soon as I get my free cruise I'm done with it. You have to book through SEAMILES, can't use other discounts (such as military) and I've yet to hear anyone say it is a good deal. RCI appears to have a card that points get you $500 gift certificate that you can use however you book or for an onboard credit. Do a search with the keyword SEAMILES to get an idea of what your fellow cruisers think about this card.

[kooljamming]

Thanks for the information on the Seamiles card. We used our military discount. If it sounds too good to be true....then it usually is!

[winewanderer]

Thanks for the review. I'm eyeing the Elation for later next year possibly.

 

Question: Where did you catch the water taxi in Cabo to Lover's Beach? How much was it?

[skiorcruise]

I agree about the Sea Miles Card. Cut it up when you receive it.

 

glad you had a great cruise. I debated Elation vs Paradise for a trip in Feb 08. Your review (short & sweet) makes me wish we had gone with the Elation.

[kooljamming]

We took the water taxi over to Lovers beach. The guy gave us a tour around the arch. We told him when to return to get us. We took bread front the ship and on the ride over threw it in the water and the fish popped up. My hubby and kids went snorkeling right off the beach. The water was warm but a little rough but they had a great time. There are guys at the beach who will help you on and off the taxi. Take a few extra buck to tip for their help. The extra set of hands help when getting on and off.

 

We are trying Paradise in April just to be on a different ship.