I realize this is a smaller and older ship but I also know that updates have been made. Will I be back on the Elation? That's a tough question. There were parts I loved and parts not so much. I did not like the Hub app and how it totals. It only shows total charges and even though it shows the credits they are not reflected. I also wish that it would show a start time and end time on the activities so we could plan them better. Also, we were charged 15% for gratuities automatically. We did not eat at the dining room all 5 nights but we have to pay gratuities for all 5? And what if I wanted to tip more in another area? That wasn't an option. As far as dining, on previous cruises that I have been on they have not had the additional fees if you want lobster or steak in the dining room. Kevin was funny. We loved BK. We hope that he gets his own ship to be the cruise director on.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
It was ok. A little confusing. This was our first trip (as adults) and didn't really know what to expect. The second line where we got our sail and sign cards had much nicer people that helped explain a lot of what we had questions about the check in process.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Mixed drinks were over priced and didn't contain hardly any alcohol. My favorite drink was called kiss on the lips. I found out about mid way that I could get it as zero proof and did that the rest of the trip. I also wish that the juice that is available in the mornings was available all day. Favorite side in the dining room was the Mac and Cheese with Bacon. Favorite appetizer was the scallops. Favorite Entree was the Prime Rib. Favorite Dessert was the apple pie. Nothing else that I had was note worthy. Guys was ok. Breakfast was decent. The fruit in the drinks was WAY better than ANY fruit that was on the buffet. (which was one of the main reasons that I would buy a drink or smoothie)
Tiffany's Lido Restaurant
3 out of 5
Nothing spectacular to write about here. For breakfast they had sausage one morning and I asked what kind and no one could tell me whether it was chicken or pork.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Trivia was fun and when we could get in the hot tub (which was once) it too was nice. Putt putt needs some attention. Plenty of pencils and putters but no score cards and not enough balls.
The Fun Shops
2 out of 5
Finally found this about mid trip. Why is it not with the other shops? It's located in the back of the smoke filled casino!
Casablanca Casino
2 out of 5
It was so full of smoke we could not get near it. Smoke was in the drama bar and made me hate having to walk through to get to the cole porter club.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
All of the shows were amazing!!! We loved epic rock, heart of soul, and divas. The comedian John was hilarious!! Cavair was awesome and so was Brian!
Children's Programs
Did not have any children on the trip
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
I liked that Erfan knew our names and greeted us by name when we crossed paths. Our waiters in the dining room were great. My only complaint about this is when I called prior to the cruise I was told that our room steward would be able to open our wine for us and when I called for this service he said he didn't have a way to open it and I would have to go to one of the bars to have it done.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
I feel like it was clean but the layout needs some work. Repeatedly at lunch there were no tables or we had to sit at one that had dirty dishes still at it. I wish there was a way that we could clean our own table when we are done. The only way the tables get cleaned is if one of the staff happens to be in the area.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was very clean and I really like the shower gel that you have in there. Water pressure was great. TV was terrible. Of the channels that weren't for the cruise the quality was terrible. Some of them had a block at the bottom that wouldn't go away.
Booked an excursion and an hour later it was cancelled. We would have still gotten off and wondered around but were told that unless you have a excursion there is nothing to do where the port is.
Walked to Junkanoo Beach and down Bay street and to the straw market. Bay street is nothing but name brand shops. I was hoping for more and handmade stuff and more Bahamas related shopping.
Once we were called we got off in a timely manner. I wish we could have gotten off when we were ready at 7:00 am instead of having to wait till we were called.
Prepaid or not the standard $13/$14 daily charge exclude the 15% tip added to drinks purchased.
I like your comments about the sausages. I had something similar on the C Magic where I got Huevos(eggs) Rancheros without eggs at the mexican place.
On the next to last day go to the guest services and tell them you want to pay gratuity’s yourself and they will deduct prepaid gratuities from your account
There are prepared gratuities but on the drink packages, the is an additional 15% charge at the end of the cruise. If you feel someone deserves more tip, give them cash.
Thank you for your input, I like to read all the different experiences . I’m wondering ... were you charged for gratuities on top of the total gratuities you pay when you purchase your cruise? That hardly seems right!
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