It's better than "poor" but less than "good"

Item: Carnival Elation
Rating: 2
Author: dstark23

Carnival Elation Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

dstark23

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 16

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

Sail date: August 04, 2016

Ship: Carnival Elation

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: R49

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

It was a disappointing ship. The pool was not large enough for the number of passengers. The salt level in the pool was extremely high, leaving a coating on your skin. There was also nothing exciting going on around the pool.There were not enough for the children to do. No ice skating, rock climbing, bungee jumping, a really small arcade. The shower in the cabin was nasty. It was larger than most but there was heavy mold in the grout. It needs a heavy bleaching. The shows were outstanding and above average. The food was also pretty good. I probably won't sail on Carnival again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

Cabin was ok. Beds were really comfortable. Bathroom grout was horrible.

Ship tip

The memorable part of the trip was swimming in the beautiful ocean in ports. Everything else was unmemorable.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Jacksonville, Florida

5 out of 5

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

3 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5

23 Comments

Dutch3901 8 years ago

We are going in a couple of weeks (5 Sept). We will give you a review when we get back but I can tell you how it will be: "The ship has earned its signs of age by accommodating thousands of passengers each week/ for a couple of decades The ship is proud, as well as the staff... We had a blast!" (The reason is because that's the way we see cruises... )

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mlb23 8 years ago

I am going on the elation next month and I hate seeing these bad reviews but that will not get me down. I can not wait to sail I'm so excited!!! It's what you make of it when you go if you look for problems the whole time your there then you will be unsatisfied!! Quit looking for everything to be wrong and enjoy your vacation. I love that the elation is and older ship I can't wait to see it and sail on this beauty ! ⚓⚓⚓

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stephanie0320 8 years ago

Go on Royal Carribean if you want ice skating or rock climbing.😒

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shannabug 8 years ago

I have to agree. Researching for my cruise 10/13 has been my favorite nightly activity. Deciding on excursions, looking into what's on the ship, Pinterest is awesome... It's worth the extra effort. I don't think I could be disappointed anyway because it still beats being on the couch at home!

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Dutch3901 8 years ago

Very impressive. I hear so many good things about the Vista... I think we are kindred spirits concerning researching details on the cruises, flights getting to port, hotels, etc...

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Ready2go 8 years ago

Thank you Dutch3901 and yes it is so addictive! To the point we are booked on the Vista June 2017!

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Dutch3901 8 years ago

Well done, Ready2go. You are ahead of the pack, Researching cruises is a fun (and addicting) activity, isn't it? I love it...Have a great cruise!

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Ready2go 8 years ago

I'll be cruising for the first time EVER in October and I can tell you off the top of my head that you're right, the elation has none of what you mentioned. Guess how I know? I did research BEFORE booking.

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Rosebud 8 years ago

We set sail October 3-8 on the Elation and we can't wait. We've sailed on Sunshine and Valor, this will be our first time on this ship.

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campergolf 8 years ago

We love carnival this makes our 4th no problems yet and if we do it happens sometimes you gonna get that anywhere

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Dutch3901 8 years ago

This will be the first time in the Elation but I've cruised on 3 other Fantasy class ships. I have two upcoming cruises on FC ships and look forward to them. They have the wear and tear from thousands of passengers per week for decades, and I think they are proud ships. Not the most modern but they are clean- for me, there is a romance to them because of their age...

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blkisheaven 8 years ago

I I guess it's all in people's own opinions but I loved that ship!

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Patricia3522 8 years ago

I agree.

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gmbaker1958 8 years ago

I have been on the Elation twice. First time was outstanding. Service was wonderful. Second time, same thing. It's all in what YOU bring to the table.

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punkinpie 8 years ago

Been on 3 different carnivals no problems 3 different types room no issues. Went to cruise and enjoy .wow🚢🚢🚢

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tammymhicks7 8 years ago

Someone is looking for a refund. Really? Did you not do any research? We love carnival.

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Lokie666 8 years ago

The water in the pool is sea water. It is filtered then pumped into the pool.

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jmutt24 8 years ago

Older ship, now you know why it was much less than the Vista or other newer ships. All about setting the right expectations and a little research so you are not disappointed.

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m3layne 8 years ago

We had a great time especially my son. You would probably like the Breeze or Vista. Larger ships offer more activities. I prefer the smaller ones.

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brandy1222 8 years ago

NONE of the Carnival ships have ice skating OR rock climbing OR bungee jumping. Doing adequate research before cruising is ESSENTIAL to a positive experience. Not all cruise lines are created equal, and not all ships are created equal as well.

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Dutch3901 8 years ago

The ship is a Fantasy class ship. The different class ships have different features A little research will be beneficial to ensure you have the size vessel that's right for you. I had an issue with my cabin and on day 2, I notified my steward who did a thorough cleaning while we were out of the cabin. (If he didn't, I would have talked to the hotel manager). Better to get it fixed than be unhappy.

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rich0219 8 years ago

I'm always shocked when people say there was nothing for kids to do. Did your kids not go in to Camp Carnival or do any of the kid specific activities? We've been on the Elation twice and my kids absolutely loved it.

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rshaw674 8 years ago

It's not carnival. It's that ship. Went on it in april and did not like it. Very boring. But I have been on valor and freedom and they are great.

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