Elation Review--November 14--Galveston

Elation November 14-19, 2005 One disappointment--Great Cruise

This was a spontaneous cruise. Booked on Friday for Monday departure. Wanted to go to Veracruz which was one of the scheduled two ports of call on 5-day cruise. Second time on Elation, 1st time last Xmas with DW & DD This cruise booked as a single. Very pleased with price which included single supplement and upgraded cabin. I was assigned cabin E-8. Two port holes and large.

Monday

Arrived at EZCruiseParking in Galveston about 11:30 a.m. and was taken to terminal. Embarkation was very smooth. They began boarding while I was in the line for check in so my timing was pretty good. I was on board by 12:30. Dropped carryon at cabin and went to Lido deck for lunch. Several Fun ship specials while rediscovering ship. Yes, I found the secret door. I didn’t know what to expect with dinner assignment having- very late seating, being solo, and late booking. I had a great table with 7 people all cruising solo. Two others had also booked on Friday. We had a good group. Imagination dinning room late seating. Waiter was Michael Hill. Very good service.

Tuesday

Fun day at sea. It was. Only disappointment was the announcement that we would not be going to Veracruz because of weather (a cold front). Very disappointed because that was the ONLY reason for the cruise for me personally. But how upset can you be when your on a cruise? Formal night: attended Captains welcome party. Used the CC tip of seating near waiters door and tipping well on 1st time the waiter comes by. He did not disappoint, he came by several times. We had 8:30 seating and most people left because of the 8:00 seating-we were just letting the room thin out and here come our waiter with a double round of drinks!!!--(post party) Thanks Captain Antonio Marchetti. Lobster night--’nuf said. Production show was Rhythm, a very good show.

Wednesday

Progreso, Mexico. This was my 3rd visit to Progreso so I had been to the area Mayan ruins, seen the flamingos, and was in Merida just a few weeks ago. Living on a ranch in a rural area I thought I would just treat it as a “day in town”. I went to the bank, the pharmacy, the barber shop (great haircut), the internet business ($1 for 1 hour), a few shops, and finally lunch. Having checked the email-there was one from J.Todd in Veracruz and he did mention bad weather coming, so I guess that confirmed what I had heard on the ship the day before. At the restaurant they remembered me as it was my 3rd visit. When I mentioned my disappointment about Veracruz, they brought me a shrimp cocktail ala Veracruz. It was very nice-for those who haven’t seen one it’s a very large shrimp cocktail-almost a meal in itself. Back to the ship for dinner. Tiramisu for desert tonight, don’t miss it, It’s great.

Thursday

Calica, Mexico. You could see the hurricane damage from the ship. Xcaret was within view and there was lots of noticeable damage. Taxi into town. More damage, but more than half the shops open. Senior Frogs along the beach--mostly gone. Most places on the beach were very heavily damaged. The further away from beach the more shops, bars, etc. were open. I wanted to take ferry just to see if San Migel was just as bad, but was convinced it was actually worse. I know they have worked very hard and it was fairly clean of debris, but there was construction and repairs everywhere. The only highlight I saw as I walked the beach was the beautiful topless sunbather. Highlight of the day actually. Watch out for the ‘pity sale’ . “Senior, senior, I have not sold anything since the hurricane. See the photo of my three daughters, please please you must buy something”. (yes I did buy something). Returned to ship early after purchasing some gifts. Pulled out of Calica into rough seas. Got rougher as we went. Either that cold front or TS Gamma. Not many at dinner tonight. Desert was Baked Alaska. Smaller production show, dancing cut short due to roll of ship. Did the piano bar. First time for that, but too smoky for me.

Friday

Fun day at Sea. Somewhat overcast and cooler today. Rough seas during morning and early afternoon. Most used this day to rest or read, as did I. One new thing for me was the Sushi Bar. One of my new friends encouraged me to try. I liked it. Especially with the wasabi. I can’t tell my friends back home about this though--it’s bait to them. Dinner was good. Best desert of the cruise was tonight--Grand Manier soufflé. (I think that’s what it’s called) Big production show called SPIN. Very good. The Elation dancers and the two feature singers are excellent. Better than the shows on the Conquest IMHO.

Saturday.

Debarkation went smooth. I did early self and was on the sidewalk by 7:33 a.m. and off the island by 8:00 a.m.

Elation

Very clean ship!! Just as I remembered from last year, the unique feature of the Elation is the great showers. Larger than normal and the best water pressure of any ship I have sailed. There seemed to be more nonsmoking areas than in the past. Especially noticeable along Elation Way--much better. Larger casino than most. I love the lobby bar. It was on my deck and stocked my favorite imported beer. I will hate to lose the Elation, I wish It would stay and do the 4-5 day cruises and the Conquest the 7-day cruises from Galveston, but the Conquest and Ecstasy are fine.

Thanks for reading. Any questions, feel free to ask. I’m in a cruise mood, leaving again in two weeks.

Hi, My Mom and myself will be going on the Elation Sept. 28th. My 11th on Carnival and my Mothers first.

I have a question. Is their a hair dryer in the room? and Are there bathrobes in the rooms? Thanks, Debbie from Missouri

Debbie

Sorry there are no hair dryers on the Elation. There were robes in my cabin. You may have to ask your room stewart for them if you don't have them.

Enjoy your cruise--I like the Elation.

Great review! You are the first I have read that actually wanted to go to Veracruz! But you are right, a cruise is what you make of it!

I will be going on the Elation on 12/12. I have been reading a few reviews where some are saying the ship rocks constantly. Did you experience this?

Is it also true that during embarkation the chairs in the back get on first?

Elation November 14-19, 2005 One disappointment--Great Cruise

 

Thanks for reading. Any questions, feel free to ask. I’m in a cruise mood, leaving again in two weeks.

Snoozeman- thanks for your review. I was wondering, who was the cruise director on the Elation?

Thanks for a great review !

Great review! You are the first I have read that actually wanted to go to Veracruz! But you are right, a cruise is what you make of it!

 

I will be going on the Elation on 12/12. I have been reading a few reviews where some are saying the ship rocks constantly. Did you experience this?

 

Is it also true that during embarkation the chairs in the back get on first?

Thanks Colette

Actually there were a lot that wanted to go to Veracruz. It was probably 50-50 when they announced it, but after Calica many who favored it wished we had gone to Veracruz as well.

As to rocking, The Elation has a unique propulsion system using azi-pods. Not a shaft driven system. So there may be a bit more rocking than on say the Conquest. Both time I've been on the Elation we ran into storms. Last year it was the storm that caused snow in Galveston for the first time in 80 years. We had to fight that on the way in. Last week we hit weather following Calica. I would say it's going to be up to the weather. Smooth seas smooth sailing.

As to the chairs--yes that's right. After I got through security and approached the CCL counter, a big cheer came up from the folks who were setting in the chairs. They were told they were boarding. By the time I got there they were all up and in the line for the photographers. I just had a brief wait in that line before boarding. If someone had come after me they probably wouldn't have had a line anywhere in the system. It wasn't that smooth in September, we had hours to wait. I think CCL has brought in executive help--It is much improved.

Thanks for your questions, happy to answer.

...and Are there bathrobes in the rooms? Thanks, Debbie from Missouri

If I'm not mistaken, the bathrobes are in oceanview cabins.

Thanks Colette

 

Actually there were a lot that wanted to go to Veracruz. It was probably 50-50 when they announced it, but after Calica many who favored it wished we had gone to Veracruz as well.

 

As to rocking, The Elation has a unique propulsion system using azi-pods. Not a shaft driven system. So there may be a bit more rocking than on say the Conquest. Both time I've been on the Elation we ran into storms. Last year it was the storm that caused snow in Galveston for the first time in 80 years. We had to fight that on the way in. Last week we hit weather following Calica. I would say it's going to be up to the weather. Smooth seas smooth sailing.

 

As to the chairs--yes that's right. After I got through security and approached the CCL counter, a big cheer came up from the folks who were setting in the chairs. They were told they were boarding. By the time I got there they were all up and in the line for the photographers. I just had a brief wait in that line before boarding. If someone had come after me they probably wouldn't have had a line anywhere in the system. It wasn't that smooth in September, we had hours to wait. I think CCL has brought in executive help--It is much improved.

 

Thanks for your questions, happy to answer.

Thanks for the response! On our first cruise, the ship vibrated so hard that it made me sick. I used the patch and the side effects made the vibration much worse. So now I will stick to Bonine. I will be bringing along a first time cruiser with me so I will make sure she is stocked up as well.

I just worry about this but now that I refuse to use the patch, I'm sure I will feel much better!:p

Snoozeman- thanks for your review. I was wondering, who was the cruise director on the Elation?

Hey David

I didn't mention his name as I was using the "mama said" rule. It is Jorge Solano.

His staff is excellent. Great at the Lido deck games, bingo, etc. Also spoke to me in the passageways. I lucked out and got a chance to hear Jason (an assistant CD) join the band one night in one of the rock venues. He could really belt out "Sweet Home Alabama" It was great!!

Thanks for the question, I should have mentioned the CD staff.

The Elation was really rolling on our cruise in late October. Assumed it was rough seas. The patch wasn't enough. The engine also made an unusual sound that my dh said sounded like something was wrong, but then he's no expert on ship's engines. However, one day I was resting in our cabin when the noise started and it sure seemed like the ship smoothed out. Haven't a clue what any of that meant;)

The Elation was really rolling on our cruise in late October. Assumed it was rough seas. The patch wasn't enough. The engine also made an unusual sound that my dh said sounded like something was wrong, but then he's no expert on ship's engines. However, one day I was resting in our cabin when the noise started and it sure seemed like the ship smoothed out. Haven't a clue what any of that meant;)

I dont know what it is about the Inspiration Dining room but you can really feel the ship rock while you are in there.:eek: :)

Yes, that was our dining room and by the last night there was only one other couple at our table. One night, one couple had to get up and leave after the first course due to seasickness.

I am so glad to hear that the Elation is CLEAN!!! And also good to hear that it has good showers and entertaining shows, too.

The Elation was in very good condition. My only complaint was how dark the colors were. Lots of dark brown.

Thanks Greatful, I'll see you in two weeks!!

I failed to mention the Elation orchestra. They were very good as well. Perhaps the best I have heard on a ship in many years. Overall the entertainment is excellent.

I am very glad to hear of your postive review of the on-board experience regarding Elation. Our pre-cruise experience with Carnival has been nothing but ridiculous and insulting in terms of customer service, price gouging, and indifference.

Because we cannot change our sailing date (12/26), we are very much hoping to have a similar experience that you have had during the cruise, itself. With our 90 yo matriarch along, it is probably her last fling, as it were. Now, if they'd only announce the ports on which we will call........

Thanks for all the good info and what seems a really balanced and thoughtful review.

Thanks for the review. Will be sailing Elation December 3rd;)

I was trying to upload a photo of the shrimp cocktail mentioned in my review--got it uploaded, but couldn't get it done, sorry.

Nice pic. These remind me of the SC's we used to get when I went to the DF on buisness. Two-fisted! :)

4yanx

I couldn't see it--didn't see it on my computer, but it may be my firefox. Hope I didn't mess it up by editing text.

I think you'll like the Elation. We were on at Christmas last year so you'll get to see it decorated. Your mom should be fine, try to go to Lido deck, etc. at off peak times. Shorter lines and less rush

Enjoyed the very same souffle the last night on the Conquest -- excellent dessert choice!

What restaurant did you get that shrimp cocktail at? That looks so good!

It was my third visit to La Saint Bonnet which located right on the Malecon in Progreso. I have always used the bar side of the restaurant where the bar & small pool is located. They have a nicer formal side as well. They do specialize in fresh sea food and I have always enjoyed my food there. My first time for the shrimp cocktail myself and it came up in coversation about my disappointment of not getting to Veracruz for seafood. In the photo you notice the nice bowl of pico de gallo and chips as well. The bill was only $10 for all including the beer. (I had already had a few beers with Meaghan, the bartender, at the bar on a seperate tab) I'll post more on the Progreso port forum.

Yes, it was very, very good!!!

Thanks for the info! I'll have to check that place out if I go back to Progreso.