Our fun-filled awesome evenings were nearly overshadowed by the amount of squalling, balling infants and toddlers during the day, and the long waiting lines for everything. And there were quite a few rude and unruly tweens left to run wild. I never had trouble with the Cheers package previously, but question if I'll purchase again or even cruise Carnival again.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Our group of 4 couples were seperated during embarkation. Two couples made it through security and were escorted to the Faster to Fun waiting area and were able to board as scheduled. But the other two couples were detained in security because the waiting room had been filled up to capacity with others that showed up before their scheduled boarding time. Carnival allowed those travelers to board before all the other priority, VIP and Faster to the Fun could even make it through security. We were detained almost another 45 minutes. I was displeased that the first come, first serve rule trumped the additional expense I paid for Faster to the Fun. However, our state room was ready once we boarded, and our luggage was delivered shortly after.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We had early dining at 6:00 pm and were more than pleased with our service, the menu options, and the food was always good to excellent. All the members of our eight person group purchased the Cheers package, and a few of us had an unexpected problem. After the second person got "cut off" after the 15 drink limit, we questioned the count. We used our Carnival Hub app to track our charges, and upon investigation, drinks we did not order were be being charged to our account. While guest services were helpful, they can only work so fast to reverse disputed charges. In the meantime, you're still cut off and can't even buy drinks with cash or credit. Food on Princess Cay was good and included, but the drinks were not and were very expensive. So because we had issues with the Cheers package, I'm giving this ship 3 stars.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The adult area did not have a pool, only a hot tub that was too cold to sit in very long. I was the only one from our group to book a spa experience and it was AMAZING!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We attended both comedy shows, one was ok, and the other was a blast! An unexpected great time was the Adult Quest - would definitely recommend it. We saw one production and were not impressed. Piano bar was fun the first night, and the band staged near the casino was good.
Children's Programs
No children with our party.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Waiters - were all excellent!! Room stewards - all 5 star! Other ship personnel seemed overworked and tired. The bar tenders were not very friendly.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Elation is a smaller boat, so the layout was a bit cramped for the number of people aboard. Dinnerware and trash on Lido deck was not picked up quite as quickly as I remembered from previous cruises. Pool side women's bathroom was always untidy, and men's was always occupied.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was clean and comfortable, and we didn't have any issues with it. The rest of our party was pleased as well. There was only one night when our side of the ship ran out of hot water and pressure.
Ship tip
Pack plenty of patience - the wait to get on and off this ship can take up to two hours.
We did not purchase an excursion and perhaps if we would have we would have better enjoyed our stay. We confined our visit to the shops at port, and didn't get see any beauty of the island. After a drink, appetizer at Senor Frogs, and visiting the shops - mostly filled with the run of mill tourist items - we headed back to the boat.
We did not do an excursion based on recommendations of others. We had a nice stay on the beach. Our Faster to the Fun finally paid off as we were some of the first to get off the ship, but only after a ridiculously long crowded wait. Our ship was unable to enjoy the full day because the ship had engine trouble cutting our port of call short by more than half a day. I wondered if some people even got off the boat in time for anything. The beaches were clean and we were lucky to have favorable weather.
Because of the disembarkation experience I would not recommend cruising Elation. The late arrival due to heavy fog was not Carnival's fault, but keeping us corralled in the auditorium for over two hours was all on Carnival's shoulder. We checked our bags, and then we were told we couldn't get off the ship until customs had cleared our bags. I'm guessing most carried their bags off and were able to disembark sooner and were some even able to enjoy the outdoor upper decks while waiting.
So in addition to avoiding the spring break and summer months, I will add the week between Christmas and New Year's if I don't want to be overrun by those under 21. Good tip. Thanks.
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