Our first cruise and we loved it. You've just got to go for the experience if nothing else. We can't wait to go again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Within minutes after I parked the car there was someone there with a dolly to collect my checkin luggage. I didn't have to carry anything except my carryon. A short walk to the terminal where we were greeted by customs personnel. With the correct documents in hand, the customs process was easy. Considering the amount of people checking in everything went as smooth as you can expet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
So much food...it was hard to decide what to eat on any given day. We tried everything! The main dining room was elegant with great service. Guy's Burgers was awsom. The buffet had a great selection at every meal. Don't miss the made to order deli sandwiches. Everything was good. The only disappointment was the pizza. But with all the other great choices who wants pizza!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Remember that the Elation is a smaller ship with one relatively small swimming pool. Too small for the amount of people. But it was nice and everyone enjoyed it. Four hot tubs. The waterslide is great. They also have a smaller one for the kids. Plenty of deck chairs to go around.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Non stop entertainment. From a single musician/vocalist to a full band. And at night the full production shows in the theater were very entertaining. And if you want to do your own entertaining there was karaoke.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
I didn't have any kids with me, however Carnival really caters to the kids. From the pool to the water slide, a huge playroom and arcade. And there were shows just for kids. Take your kids....they will love it.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Great staff. Super friendly and very professional. Don't be afraid to ask, they will do anything for you.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was layed out so that you can find you way around. And there were maps to let you know where you were and how to get to where you wanted to be. And I have never seen any facility as clean as this ship. Not Walmart, a movie theater, or the Holiday Inn. This ship has them all beat on cleanliness!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was my first cruise and there were three of us (all adults). I was really worried that we were going to be cramped for space. I was really surprised and delighted with our room. Not as big as a motel room, but plenty big enough. But in all honesty you just don't use the room very much. You as always up on deck doing something. But to sleep and take a shower is was above my expectations. Very clean and comfortable.
Ship tip
We brought a ton of stuff with us (soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, etc) and just didn't need it. Everything you need is already in you room. Photos: Carnival takes alot of photos...I mean alot. And they are professional photographers. Very nice backdrops. Take some nice clothes with you and get youself an elegant photo at a quarter of the price from your local photographer.
If you like water activities you will love it. If you like to walk and sight-see, you will like it. If you're not into water activities or sightseeing...you'll still enjoy the island. Very good cookout (burgers and dogs), great view of the beautiful ocean and white sandy beach, and even some souvenir shops. The ride on the tender boat to and from the ship was exciting in itself.
Most (not all) of the excursions are water activities...not for us. We simply walked around downtown Nassau. We visited the souvenir shops and made our purchases. Being our first time there it was exciting and we enjoyed ourselves. When we go back and excursion to Atlantis is in our plans.
SLOW. Be patient. Trying to get that many people off the boat at one time is time consuming and customs doesn't help. Considering the process it was as smooth as can be expected. Just be patient. We actually stayed on the ship and had our last great meal before being one of the last to leave.
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