Elation Reveiw.... part 1...borrowing From The Pros And Cons Thread.....

Let me preface this with - I would not have traded this week for anything in the world......these are MY OPINIONS.....and hope they will help ...keep in mind things can change from week to week on a cruise..........and the week you are on it....it is all about what you make it

This was a cruise to celebrate my daughters 21st bday

I have cruised many times in my life......this was my 3rd carnival cruise

We - refers to my daughter and I, and a friend of mine that has cruised several times. She and her husband - and my husband and myself have cruised together several times in the last couple of yrs

MY daughter and I shared a cabin, and she had her own. We were on the upper deck. We had a porthole, she had a window.

I choose this cruise for 2 reasons - $$$$ and galveston.We could drive to port-but it maninly had to do w/ $$$-never have I cruised for so little.

Galveston and carnival are having some trouble w/ a new staff for immagration and customs.This is why it is such a mess

We arrived at the peir around 10:30 and were told they were still disembarking and to come back after 12.We did unload,and I went and parked the car at EZ park.Had prepaid - make sure you bring you receipt that you have done this,as sometimes the owners helper does not do a very good job of recording the folks that have made reservations.When you make your reservation and pay the website tells you to print and bring w/ you-it was not a big deal-and they were very nice.I did not wait for the shuttle,since we had unloaded I had no luggage and so I just walked

Once in side the terminal........things went smoothly....however there were 1500 travel agents looking at the ship.....so there were lines and waiting....they finally began boarding at about 12:30-1.....and we were in the 1st group....

We headed straight to cabin.....then to lunch in tifanys....we were very pleased and told my daughter that this is the worst food you will have all week.........wish it had been....

We did sail away on the elations way accross from the casino...AC...big windows....bar waitresses........meet w/ some CC folks and had a nice time

Now for the ports-

Aam not sure of all of the complaints about Progresso.....guess most folks have not been to a border town....cause if they think progresso is bad............as I stated earlier it is all in what you make it..........we had done some research and hired a private driver to give us a sampling of things.....after driving around progresso and stopping at the store recomended by the super shopper....we then went up the coast to see some flamingos..........then turned inland to a mayan site...XCAMBO......then thru 2 small villages.........to Merida.....where we had lunch and did some shopping.....then to a restored Mexican hacienda......and back to the ship w/time to shop at the peir..........the cost for this was $260 for 3 people......that is $87 a peice..........compare it to a shore tour!

Cozumel.........I love cozumel and have not been since they finished the shopping at the peir..........wonderful.....we swam w/ the sealions at chankanaub.....and then shopped in town....we rented a VW convertable at the peir for $71 and really enjoyed the freedom

Belize........ we did the shark ray alley snorkle offered by carnival and had a blast..........here is a hint........they send all of the snorkle and dive folks to the disco to wait to be called to tenders.........we ended up being the last excursion called....and ended up being the last in line....which is a long wait on the stairs to get on the boat....however because we were in the last group.........our boat was not full.....we had a wonderful crew.... and a great time

I thought it would be fun for my daughter and I to share a pedicure on formal night........if you have the same thouht do not bother........they are way over priced and not very good.....the whole point was to be together......they only have one person to do this and you sit in a hair-cut chair....w/ your feet in a foot bath they got at walgreens........so much for a "spa pedicure"......w/ rubs and masks........oh well ......I alwaus use the spa for something on our cruises....and w/ each treatment I learn something.

the steam room was out of order........and they seemed to have an issue w/ the jacuzies in the spa.........one was cold.....one was luke warm

CC has said this is too long.....so will post part 2 next.....

trish