First time using

Carnival Elation Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

budgetcruiser

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 10, 2013

Ship: Carnival Elation

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 11 years ago

Review summary

We left from New Orleans. The new garage was convenient and felt very secure for our car at departure. I really was disappointed that is was quite so expensive to park there. But, we chalked it up to part of the trip expenses. This was nice for a quick, relaxing trip. The two stops, Progreso and Cozumel were laid back, but had options for activities. We chose to purchase an excursion once we got to Progreso. this was much cheaper than going thru the cruise line and we had the same experience as other cruisers who paid much more. In Cozumel we spent a relaxed day shopping and ate at the mall right at the dock.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The entertainment was not up to the level we have come to expect on other Carnival cruises.

Children's Programs

N/A

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

It is a smaller ship, so that limits some of the onboard activities. It was okay for us.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Breakfast in the dining room was the quickest option. The pizza bar was not run very efficiently. There was frequently a line there because they had run out of pizza.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New Orleans, Louisiana

5 out of 5

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

6 Comments

CruiselineQ 11 years ago

Oh, you got a resort pass for a day - that's a great idea! Especially for people who want to relax by the beach. Thanks for the tip.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

budgetcruiser 11 years ago

We rode the bus from the ship to the shopping area/bus terminal. At that point, we were offered several options by the tour company...not related to Carnival. We opted for the one that included food for no extra charge. We rode to a resort area (probably only 2 stars) and had access to a. nice buffet, open bar (we are teetotalers and drank water and cokes that were made available), swimming pool and beach. We had been to see some of the ruins on a previous cruise and did not feel the need to do that again. So, we opted for the relaxing day of swimming and eating. I think it was $35 each. Nothing fancy, but it was also not crowded! I would recommend this option if you want a relaxing day. Our only negative was that most of the people who REALLY liked the open bar option stayed in the pool and kind of monopolized that area. But, we were happy with the beach and quiet!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

CruiselineQ 11 years ago

Which excursion did you go on in Progreso? would you recommend it?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

budgetcruiser 11 years ago

We parked at the recommended Carnival parking garage attached to the dock. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name of it. It was $80 for the week...Maybe $16/night? The price was in that region. It is payable in cash or with debit at the time of parking.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

LovinShiplife 11 years ago

Where did u guys end up parking? How expensive was it, if u don't mind me asking?

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Sonya27 11 years ago

I like the smaller ships. There is nothing wrong with laid back excursions. Keep Cruising!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag