My whole family just returned from a cruise on the Elation to Baja, Mexico.  Once again, Carnival did not disappoint.  This was the first time that we have cruised out of San Diego.  It was so quick and painless to board this ship.  From the moment we got to the terminal to the time we sat on the deck for our DOD was less than 30 minutes.  Everyone was friendly and always willing to help!

The ship was really clean and the staff was courteous.  My only problem was getting around the ship.  After 4 days I still was getting confused about which elevator took me where I wanted to go!!

I want to say a big Thank you  to Maha in the Dining Room.  He was the best!  My dad has Parkinson's disease but he doesn't want to let it slow him down.  When he gets tired, the "shakes" increase.  Maha took the time to actually cut all his meat up for him, and really helped to get him in and out of the dining room.  All the while making us feel very comfortable.  We actually also had a waiter that we had met on our last trip to the Mexican Riviera.  Inky remembered my niece and made a point to show her his magic tricks and make her feel special!

Debarking was a breeze!  From the time they called our zone number to the time we were off the ship was about 15 minutes!  The biggest problem we had was that the parking area next to the terminal lost power, and they couldn't get the gates to go up!  But, a nice representative from Carnival came over and got the problem solved.  We spent more time in line to get out parking than we did at both embarking and debarking!  Thanks Carnival!  I can't wait to book my 6th cruise with you!

So glad to hear all these good points. We leave out on the 26th, can't wait.

US TOO, 8 MORE DAYS..........

DeeDee,

Thank you for your report! We are taking our 1st cruise in December and it will be on Elation. Tell us more DeeDee, how was the food, entertainment? What deck was your cabin on? I am afraid of getting turned around on the ship. Does taking a map help or should I just think of it as an adventure??

Thank you again!!
Martha

Martha,

The food wasn't bad.  There were a few things that were just average in the dining room.  I had the turkey one night.  (That was my least favorite.)  If you like chilled soups then the strawberry bisque and the mango soup are to die for!  They are my favorite foods on the ship!

 We were on deck 5.  The cabins were nice.  Kept very clean.  There were 3 of us in the cabin and it seemed roomier than when we have had a balcony cabin!  I think it was because of the way they put the beds.

I don't know why I kept getting turned around on the ship.  The problem was the dining rooms were on deck 8, so the elevators that were by our cabin didn't get us to the right place to go to the dining room!  Once we learned which set to take, we were alright.  Some elevators only went to deck 9 and the Lido is deck 10, so that would get me a little confused.  Once you get those straight, it was pretty easy.

I didn't go to any shows.  (I spent most nights in the Casino or the Piano bar.  Lonnie in the piano bar is awesome!)  I've seen so many of the shows, that I like to take a break sometimes on those.  Plus, we had my parents and my niece with us, so we were busy doing what they wanted!

My only complaints were that during the Mixologist and Hairy Chest contest on the Lido deck, they had the speakers turned up so loud, you couldn't hear a thing anyone around you was saying.  You also aren't able to check your folio through the television.  I've gotten spoiled with that feature.  I like when I can look up how much I've spent.  This is the first time that I've used a cash deposit instead of a credit card.  I actually like that better, but I was always trying to figure out how much money I had left.  I didn't want to hear my name on the loudspeaker asking me to come to the purser's desk!  Overall, I'm sure you will have a great experience!  Be prepared for lines at the buffets on the lido deck.  It seemed like no matter what time we went for breakfast or lunch, we had to wait, but that's alright.  Have a great time!

DeeDee

DeeDee,

Thank you so very much for all the info. I am directional challenged, so I will just think of getting lost as a great adventure. I always look on the brightside no matter what.

Martha

Is there an ATM inside the ship?

What kind of credit card can i use?

Mastercard debt card ok?

Should i bring my check book?

Thanks in advance!

yes there are atms on board - really dont need checkbook - your debit card will work just like at any regualr atm

How are the beds set up for 3 people to a room, My husband and I and my sister will be sharing a room on this ship soon,, I was hoping we could get a room where two beds can be put together for me and my hubby and then still have another bed for my sister. We dont want an upper bed.

Hi Martha,

We too just got back (Sept 26) from our 1st Carnival cruise on the Elation. The Elation is BEAUTIFUL! The food was so good, the staff were awesome every day of our cruise, I don't know how they do it! I was not sure what to expect since we had never sailed on Carnival, but if this tells you anything, I just booked another cruise on the Elation for January! Have fun!!

I can't wait. I have had so much praise regarding service. A couple nights ago I fractured my elbow an wrist and will be in a cast for the cruise. At first I was thinking what am I going to do? But after reading all the posts here I know I have nothing to worry about. :0) I cannot wait for the cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is our first cruise and we hope to do it on a regular basis. Seems we are already hooked.

I was hooked too after my first cruise...I don't think there is a better way to vacation! I'm jealous, I have to wait until Jan 11!

Thanks for the information about the Elation.  We are planning a cruise in July.  I can't wait!!!