We are going to Ensenada / Elation in Oct. with a group of 10 people. Previously we've flown to Europe and Asia and stayed in 4 and 5 star hotels (Westin, Conrad, Hilton, Sheraton, etc.). This looks like staying in a hotel that we can't leave. Will we feel the ship move - we're on the upper deck in a U80's room. We like to order breakfast in the room, can we get anything? What is the cost for beverages, like bottled water. (If I'm paying $400 a day for a room, $4 a bottle for water is gouging). Does the TV get anything besides PPV movies (CNN or Fox News). Can we eat on the Balcony? Are there lines for the restaurants? Can I tip the hostess to avoid waiting in line? Is $20 the right amount? Is there a European pool area (clothing optional). Do the beds match the Westin? What is there to do besides eat and the Spa? I'm not interested in shows, casino or the clubs, I live in Vegas and nothing matches the Strip for entertainment. Does the ship supply amenities for the bathroom? Do they supply bath salts for the Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom? I see there's no hair dryer, what else would I need to bring? Are there chase lounges on the Balcony? How much do I have to tip to guarantee lounges at the pool?  Are the balconies private (can't see anyone else)?

Oh this is gonna be good..........

What the heck. I'll bite. There's a whole lotta questions here. 

puddinhead:

We are going to Ensenada / Elation in Oct.

What sailing date? We'll be on the Oct. 16 cruise.

This looks like staying in a hotel that we can't leave.

Yes, except for when you get to Ensenada. If you are expecting the cabin to be the size of and include the appointments of those high-level hotels you will be thoroughly disappointed. We stay in a lot of Sheratons and Ws but we know in advance that quarters are tighter on a cruise ship. If you are expecting a 750+ square foot room you may be unhappy (your cabin will be about 220-250).

Will we feel the ship move - we're on the upper deck in a U80's room.

No matter where you are, unless the seas are flat you will feel movement. Generally the higher you go on the ship, the more you will feel the motion.

We like to order breakfast in the room, can we get anything?

Yes, you can order continental breakfast from room service. The food and drinks (coffee, juices, tea) are all included but you should extend a gratuity to the delivery person as they are not included in the automatic gratuities that will be posted to your account.

What is the cost for beverages, like bottled water. (If I'm paying $400 a day for a room, $4 a bottle for water is gouging).

Prepare to be gouged then. The bottle in your room is about $4 including the mandatory service gratuity. The cans of soda in your room are $1.95 plus 15%. Stop at CostCo and pick up a case of Pellegrino to bring on board with you.

Does the TV get anything besides PPV movies (CNN or Fox News).

Unless they have changed recently, there are no PPV movies on the Elation. There are several broadcast channels available, all originating from the Denver area where the satellite uplink is located.

Can we eat on the Balcony?

You can bring food out onto your balcony. There is no meal service available on your balcony. 

Are there lines for the restaurants?

Always. The line for the dining room is waiting for the doors to open. Your table is pre-assigned before you board and you will have the same table and seating time each evening. You should plan to arrive 10 minutes after the scheduled seating time to avoid that wait. If you are more than 20 minutes late they will start the service for the others at your shared table without you.

Can I tip the hostess to avoid waiting in line?

No. You wait like every other passenger.

Is there a European pool area (clothing optional).

No. 

Do the beds match the Westin?

Not remotely close. We find them comfortable but they are not luxury mattresses atop box springs with 1200 thread count Egyptian cotton. 

What is there to do besides eat and the Spa? I'm not interested in shows, casino or the clubs, I live in Vegas and nothing matches the Strip for entertainment.

Pardon me. Bwahahahahahahahaha! I happen to not think that Vegas is the center of the cultural universe.

Ok, you have already limited yourself to very few options if you have prejudiced yourself against any of the onboard offerings. Sure, some of them can be cheesy, but most of the time they are fun. But, if you stick to your guns and avoid the entertainment, your only other option is to relax in the sun, or watch TV in your cabin.

Does the ship supply amenities for the bathroom?

Very limited. Body wash and shampoo. neither are luxury brands. You should plan to bring your entire collection of bath products. 

Do they supply bath salts for the Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom?

No. 

I see there's no hair dryer, what else would I need to bring?

There may be in your suite, but it will be anemic. You should bring everything you normally need.

Are there chase lounges on the Balcony?

There may be chaise lounges if there is room for them. The balconies are very small. Ask your Stateroom steward if one is not present.

How much do I have to tip to guarantee lounges at the pool?

You can't. It's a cruise ship, not a luxury resort. Lounges are first come, first serve. You are just another passenger and you cannot buy your way to the top. Even the people paying $10000 for their Owner's Suites don't get ahead of anyone else, though they do get a lot more in-cabin services.

Are the balconies private (can't see anyone else)?

Mostly. It's possible for people to peek around the dividers, but generally you have privacy.

I'm not trying to assault your character because I appreciate the experience that comes with staying in premium resorts having done so myself. Based on what you have written, with your expectations, if you have booked your cruise already you may have made a very poor choice. Only the highest-end cruise lines that cater to the luxury crowd will be able to accommodate your desires. Carnival is a family-oriented line that offers near-full service at a value price point. You really should have asked these questions before you booked, because you might come back here in November to tell us how miserable you were and how it is all Carnival's fault (though you failed to do your research first).

If you have not yet booked you definitely need to stay as far away as you can from Carnival. Try Seabourn or perhaps Cunard (at 6 to 20 times the price - you receive that for which you compensate).

By the way, you'll probably hate Ensenada as well as it is an industrialized port town and does not have a single resort in the area. There is nothing to do there for those whose idea of a proper vacation is to be pampered in the manner which they believe they deserve.

~ MattInSoCal

A detailed answer is coming your way, but due to the length it has been flagged for moderation. You should see it here in the next day or so.

The gist is, you are going to be very miserable on this cruise and should have looked at other options for your vacation. Carnival is a family-oriented cruise line at a value price point and as such doesn't come close to measuring up to they luxury resort experience to which you seem to be so accustomed.

My experience with these forums is that you should now expect some very emotional, defensive, and possibly rude responses to your questions. I'd urge those contemplating such responses to reconsider expending the energy.

~ MattInSoCal

Do they have an iron?

I don't want to put on a winkles clothes ,while i'm cruising.

As far as i remember they have a laundry room and had an iron in there. I guess you can't have an iron in the room. I will have to remember to bring some dewrinkle spray.

Well to sum it up you should expect to have a good time... Carnival provides the fun ship and you gotta make the best of it and have a good time yourself.

puddinhead:

We are going to Ensenada / Elation in Oct. with a group of 10 people. Previously we've flown to Europe and Asia and stayed in 4 and 5 star hotels (Westin, Conrad, Hilton, Sheraton, etc.). This looks like staying in a hotel that we can't leave. Will we feel the ship move - we're on the upper deck in a U80's room. We like to order breakfast in the room, can we get anything? What is the cost for beverages, like bottled water. (If I'm paying $400 a day for a room, $4 a bottle for water is gouging). Does the TV get anything besides PPV movies (CNN or Fox News). Can we eat on the Balcony? Are there lines for the restaurants? Can I tip the hostess to avoid waiting in line? Is $20 the right amount? Is there a European pool area (clothing optional). Do the beds match the Westin? What is there to do besides eat and the Spa? I'm not interested in shows, casino or the clubs, I live in Vegas and nothing matches the Strip for entertainment. Does the ship supply amenities for the bathroom? Do they supply bath salts for the Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom? I see there's no hair dryer, what else would I need to bring? Are there chase lounges on the Balcony? How much do I have to tip to guarantee lounges at the pool?  Are the balconies private (can't see anyone else)?

hahaha i had not been entertained this much until today, was that post for real?

puddinhead:

(If I'm paying $400 a day for a room, $4 a bottle for water is gouging)

exactly!

This is the same guy that I said I was going to pop corn when I read his review .  Buttered pop corn.

I just adore MattInSoCal's detailed response.  So complete and honest.  Especially the part about the ensuing disappointment in the cruise if it is already booked. 

I have been to Vegas (more than once) paid premium prices for "suites"  at 600 plus sq ft., and not had all the "extras" that is being alluded to here, water, etc.  Although I will admit the bathrooms are larger!

And I can't recall any Vegas shows being included in the price of the room (well at least not a decent show)!   And if I am not mistaken, Vegas is KING of  buffet lines, wait your turn!

Carnival is the "FUN SHIP" because it offers so much to so many at a great value. If you require more, there are certainly cruise lines more suited to your taste. 

Sorry Matt, I did not take your advise and responded to this thread anyway!  Couldn't help it!

pbr-girl101:

puddinhead:

(If I'm paying $400 a day for a room, $4 a bottle for water is gouging)

How 'bout a little cheese.......If you are paying $400 a day for a room, I'm surprised you would even drink $4 water.  That's pocket change for you.  Get a grip!!

$4 for water? It’s all a question of value, and taking advantage of others. Like an energy charge when the room rate varies from $80 to $150 for the same hotel room but the $3 charge is added to everyone's room. Vending machines that automatically raise the price as the temperature rises. Airlines making you buy a ticket for full fare if you are 5 minutes late checking in (and the flight is 2 hours late already) but making you wait for hours in a terminal (or on the tarmac) and refusing to compensate you for your time. And the airlines are generous in comparison to CCL's contract of carriage; they are responsible for a max of $50 per bag and $100 per cabin. If they loose your luggage, you can expect $50 (1 bag) to $100 (all of them). Many of the other conditions are onerous at best. THis seems to be continuing erosion of common courtesy, civility and manners on a corporate level. Many companies (airlines, hotels, retail, etc.) have migrated from the customer service mantra to the stripper's mantra (how much money do you have and how fast can I get all of it).

Look at this from my perspective, I've never done this (cruising), but I've traveled extensively since I was 21 (both business and pleasure). A positive experience and I may become a regular. Or not... This kinda looks like Circus Circus on pontoons (kids water park, pools, spa, buffets, casino, lots of neon, restaurants, entertainment and decor that looks like it was done by Stevie Wonder and a ***), and that's from the web site. That's OK, but I've never trusted advertising and marketing (tobacco companies are one example). That’s why I look to people with experience for insight. For many posters, this seems to be an intrinsic part of their life placing great value on each excursion and anticipating the future ones. I made the decision in 10 minutes (based on a common weekend availability for 5 couples) and the advise of others of which 3 day trip to take. So I leave in 4 weeks and just want to know what to expect.

While some of the responders haven’t posted anything of even pedestrian value, their attitude speaks volumes as to what type of passengers to expect. But that’s some, not all.

Sage56:

I just adore MattInSoCal's detailed response.  So complete and honest.  Especially the part about the ensuing disappointment in the cruise if it is already booked. 

I have been to Vegas (more than once) paid premium prices for "suites"  at 600 plus sq ft., and not had all the "extras" that is being alluded to here, water, etc.  Although I will admit the bathrooms are larger!

And I can't recall any Vegas shows being included in the price of the room (well at least not a decent show)!   And if I am not mistaken, Vegas is KING of  buffet lines, wait your turn!

Carnival is the "FUN SHIP" because it offers so much to so many at a great value. If you require more, there are certainly cruise lines more suited to your taste. 

Sorry Matt, I did not take your advise and responded to this thread anyway!  Couldn't help it!

MattInSoCal was very helpful. I know I need to bring toiletries and a hair dryer but not a bathrobe, plus other advice so I don't have unreal expectations.

Vegas - Buffets haven''t changed, most are OK, but I can tell you where to go to get gray Jello. Vegas has changed (along with the rest of corporate America) from the old days (the early 1990's). Instead of making a place people want to come because it was a great destination, they have tried to maximize profits at the expense of everything else. Your "suite" may have cost you $400 on a Saturday but 2 days later on a Tuesday it is only $79. Is that right? No, but some MBA has developed a program to maximize profitability using a future occupancy projection algorithm. Cruise lines and airlines do the same thing, airlines started it and now they are only focused on profit. And the $4 water is totally unjustified. I buy a case for $4 and carry it in, even in 5 star hotels. Add in the $1 phone calls (until cell phones ruined that) and the added 18% gratuity with an extra gratuity line (in case I don't pay attention). Like I'm going to reward someone that doesn't realize breakfast should come with forks.

 If this is a 'value' ship, what are the most 'valueable' things you do?

Life is an adventure, but I really want to pack accordingly.

puddinhead:

And the airlines are generous in comparison to CCL's contract of carriage; they are responsible for a max of $50 per bag and $100 per cabin.

It's not just Carnival but the cruise industry in general. Mind you, they are not too likely to lose your bags since they are not going through a complex routing system from the terminal to a bunch of different ships like at the airport. You drop your bags off in front of the screening building, they pass through it, and on the back side of the building is your ship. Still, some people have complained that they've lost a bag or two.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to carry your valuables on with you, not in your checked bag. Yes, for most it is common sense, but some people get too excited and don't think it through. It's also forbidden in the contract of carriage if you can figure out what they mean in their poorly-written legalese. 

This blog is interesting but cruisecritic.com (not monitored by CCL) has very interesting things to say both positive and negative. This site seems to be mostly positive.

Though Carnival owns this site, they do not censor content other than naughty words or spam. You can find literally hundreds of posts talking about horrible experiences by various (now former) cruisers. My belief is that this site tends to be overall friendlier because it is focused on just one cruise line, and they have a lot of loyal followers. Baaa.

A positive experience and I may become a regular. Or not... This kinda looks like Circus Circus on pontoons (kids water park, pools, spa, buffets, casino, lots of neon, restaurants, entertainment and decor that looks like it was done by Stevie Wonder and a ***), and that's from the web site.

I'll sure catch some flak for this one: When I read your Circus Circus analogy, I thought, "wow, he or she nailed it!" It is a fairly valid comparison, except the ships aren't as run down, they are not quite as noisy, and on the Elation the decor is not as gaudy (the Splendor however is; lots of pink!). When I go to Circus Circus, which I try not to, I do at least know what to expect and am not disappointed to not find lobster at the buffet or four poster beds in the rooms. But to be fair in comparison the quality level for the food and furnishings is far superior on the cruise ships. Also, there are a lot of quiet spots on the ship where you can have a drink and relax. Fortunately you are not crowded into a small room that revolves around whatever is happening in the casino.

As far as whether you will enjoy it, as others have stated it is going to depend a lot on your attitude when you come onboard. If you expect to be disappointed you most certainly will be. If you come with a sense of adventure you might just take to cruising. Again, there are other lines that are Bellagios compared to Carnival's Circus Circus.