A memorable 1st timer with the family

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 5

Review summary

We sailed on the Elation June 2008. San Diego to Cabo then to Ensenada and back. First timers for a family of 7 and it was a memorable trip. We had 4 year old kids including seniors on our voyage. That was a nice scenario for planning and the logistics of it all. The kids programs 2-5yr was nice. It reminded of a day care setting and all the programs for pre-school activities. Drop them off and come back at a later time, usually a few hours or so. They give U a pager if the kids are ready to go or just to remind U to p/u while having a good time on your own. They had other age group programs appropriate for their age group all the way to teens planned throughout the ship. The kids staff was great, friendly and enthusiastic. There were 3 to 4 staff for our group of 8 to10 toddlers. For the rest of the family, the seniors loved to venture out on their own it was great. They would disappear all day and only to meet up on our assigned dining table .Our family was large enough so to have our own table each time. It was up to you whether U wanted to go fancy dine with better food or go buffet at Tiffany upper deck. Was looking for fresh mango or papaya, but there was none, at least the regular dinner/lunch time. Staff was impeccable, from the stewards to the waiter and assistance. These guys were great. Didn't know, but room service was free 24/7 what ever U wanted, just felt like to tip a little when they get there. Everyone was happy and greeted U with a smile. The shows were "B" rated but entertaining. Managed to get into a bingo game, but didn't win the various several hundred to 3000 jackpot. Anyway saw a bon voyage program with the staff, and good to see the captain has a personality on to see the other side of being a captain. Cool for the 1st timers like us. Excursion we took the beach resort trip to Cabo, kind of expensive, but nice relative to the other excursions. But 5 to 6 hrs standing on land is not enough to enjoy it all. U were limited to one excursion on the allowed time or go on your own. Risky for a family of 7 venture out and get back in time. U got 2 luv it when U have a couple guys with M16 at the port security. Overall trip was memorable and recommend for the 1st timers. The trip was a good check to see if U were prone to motion sickness, but was not enough to deter us and to my surprise, my stacks of Demerol didn't use. But on the flip side, U knew U were on a ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Entertainment

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Pros: The dining experience each night.

Cons: Limited excursion time on land.

Recommends Carnival Elation? Yes!