The Elation is a smaller ship in Carnival's fleet but the experience ultimately comes down to those with which you share it. The professional and caring staff (Pande, Hazel & Cryssi) and programming made for a fun and super-easy vacation. Our family of six (ages 14 - 55 y/o) thoroughly enjoyed the week and we'd do it again on the Elation in a heartbeat.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Wonderful. Easy. Simple. We were in V2 & V4 and were treated like VIP's.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Hazel made our dining experience for our family of six every night at 6 PM incredibly special. He encouraged us to dance and attended to us with great care. He was patient while our 14 y/o decided on her meals and was quick to keep my beers coming. He didn't hesitate when our three teenage boys ordered more food. Hazel made dinnertime so easy and fun!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We did everything! We attended an art auction, toured the spa, lots of trivia, went to the gym everyday, rock show, 80's show, Love & Marriage show, military tribute, 80's dance party & lots of ping pong. Our 14 y/o daughter loved the Bon Voyage bracelet and charms!
Not one of the six in our group got in the pool or hot tub, by the way. They were too crowded and the water always looked murky.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
My husband & I enjoyed anything that Cryssi directed. She had us rolling over during the Love & Marriage show on the last night. I was pulled up to help sing Stop in the Name of Love one night and was awarded a medal. So much fun ... The rock & 80's shows were well done, too. Our family favorite was the piano bar, though.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Our 17 y/o made new friends for the week in Club O2. Our 14 y/o daughter liked Circle C but she opted to hang out with her brothers because she's not really into video games. I loved that they had options though and that there was something always going on for them.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Pande (our room steward) was THE best. Our kids ages 14-21 LOVED how he arranged the towel animals every day and took great care in putting our son's Nemo stuffed animal into bed every day. He was beyond understanding when we'd come back from breakfast and need our rooms for five minutes. He was genuinely a kind, hard working man and we enjoyed seeing him every day. As a mom, I also felt that Pande was a very safe and trustworthy man.
Hazel (our server at dinner) could not have been more attentive or funny or encouraging. He made dinnertime for our family special at the end of the day. I especially appreciated how he attended and served me (mom) and our daughter first. So classy and first rate service!
Cryssi (cruise director) was a consummate professional! It takes special skills to navigate the sensitivity of military appreciation, jump over to an 80's glow party and then embrace differing aged couples at the Love and Marriage show without offending anyone but she did it in a first class manner every time.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
There was confusion between Imagination and Inspiration on the first night and we weren't the only family confused. The ship was well maintained; no complaints at all. Employees were always, always cleaning.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was very clean and well maintained by Pande all week. The cabin was comfortable. I wish we could have removed the table and the chair though because they took up so much room in an already small space.
Ship tip
It's a smaller ship but packs the same big adventure as offered on other ships.
We walked to Fort Fincastle and hiked up the Queen's Staircase. Then, we went through the straw market and had non-alcoholic fruity drinks at Lukka Kairi.
Love the smaller ships. Crew members actually have the time to talk with the cruisers. Great size for 1st time cruising kids. Took 2 of my grandchildren on her for their first cruise.
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