Nice cruise but lacking Wow! factor

Carnival Elation Cruise Review

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5
Carnival Elation

4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 05, 2019

Ship: Carnival Elation

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: U158

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Nice cruise because I didn't expect too much. I booked using and they were pretty bad throughout the process. I still haven't gotten my onboard credits and I disembarked over three weeks ago. Carnival and that third party should communicate better to keep guests happy.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Easy peasy. Just make sure that all of your boarding passes have a bar code on them. Two of the five of our passes did not have them for some reason. That caused a delay because we had to wait for someone outside of the terminal to print those again for us.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Very good. Liked Guy's burger joint and the taco salads were more than on point (forgot the name of the place that had them). Loved the a la carte brunches too.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Standard I guess. It's an older ship so didn't have a basketball court or anything besides shuffleboard and mini golf outside. Only had one pool also.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Cruise director was ok. I've seen better and I've seen worse. Theater shows were very good.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
I have a 3 year old so camp carneval was used. It was nice overall. The telephones that they give the parents to stay in touch with them are waaaayyyy outdated though. They wouldn't stay charged and cane out circa 2004.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Great as usual. Only had one waitress at dinner that seemed to have an attitude and couldn't hide it. Had her on our table twice during the trip. It's a tough job though so I'm surprised that I don't see that more.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5
About that time to dry dock. Paint and designs are peeling. It was clean for the most part though. Needs TLC.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5
Beds were not very comfortable. I had them put together for my wife and I but I seemed to always fall in between. That has never happened before. Thos cabin is below the kitchen so noisy at times during the night.

Ship tip

Enjoy your vacation. This is a smaller ship so don't expect too much. It can be relaxing and fun. There's nothing wrong with the small and intimate feel.

Ports of call

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

3 out of 5
Beautiful beaches that seem more untouched. Still recovering from Dorian so they need the tourist support. I got to drive around the island some and it was a blast.

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5
Many parking options and easy to get around. Not far from Orlando for those that want to come a day or two early. It's cool to cruise on a day when a spaceship is launching.

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
Busy. Nice excursions. Venture out some.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
I usually get off pretty early but decided to be one of the last ones to get off this time. It worked great. I had nowhere to be so I enjoyed my breakfast and took my time getting off the boat (left at about 9:30). Seemed much less stressful than usual. The shuttle to my parking area was quick also.
Was this review helpful? 52

8 Comments

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

Sorry about the OBC hope you get it all worked out.

Cruiserike0322    4 years ago

Thanks for your review, hope you get your credit

terriesanchez    4 years ago

With CruisesOnly, there is a form you have to complete at least 21 days before your cruise in order to get your OBC. We have used them 3 times so far and have always gotten what we were entitled to.

Summerholiday    4 years ago

Anyone can tell you anything when you book you need to have whatever was offered on your paperwork before you board it's not up to any cruise company to follow up what you say you have.... as many companies offer different on board credits and deals but you do need to have it in writing and it's up to you !!! This can happen with any cruise company not just its carnival !!

dragz    4 years ago

Carnival has a low wow factor

Dadm    4 years ago

I also did not receive my credit from cruises only (years ago) which is why I have never used them again. I usually book my own ships but I occasionally use Vacationstogo.com. They are true to their word.

DerekMire    4 years ago

I only use cruises only and love them and yr own on board credit is there

GospelCruiser    4 years ago

By your low review- you obviously did expect to much!

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