Elation review Part I

Just returned from the Elation 4/18 cruise. We had a great time and I thought I would give our opinion.

Embarkation: We parked in the Galveston lot at 10:45. Since we were Cat 11 our boarding was the easiest we ever had. Went upstairs turned left to the Skippers Club,( no line) and we were personally escorted to the front of the line and on the ship by 11:30. We loved our room and balcony and the location on Verandah deck. This is the highest we have been on any ship and we were worried about motion but it was no different than any other cabin location. One thing we did notice was the view. We were so high we could see forever! Galveston is the easiest Embarkation point. The fact that you are inside in air- conditioning is a big plus.

The Elation is in very good shape. We sailed the Sensation years ago and were familiar with the layout. We liked the ship but some who have been on larger ships only were a bit dissappointed with it. They claimed that the cabins were smaller. They were not!

One thing that I noticed from the time we arrived was the wonderful attitude of the entire crew. The same was true on the Celebration last year. They all seemed very happy and seemed to be real friends with each other.

Cabin: The Cat 11 are the same size as the standard cabins but they have a balcony. They also have dark wood, smoke mirrored wall, refrigerator ( not stocked), wet bar, couch, lots of storage. Due to their location it is very quiet and very easy to get anywhere. We never went down more than 4 decks for anything.

Dining: We had the Imagination 8:30 time. The forward cabins have the Imagination and the aft the inspiration. The dining rooms are similar but we felt more motion in the Inspiration since they alternate open seating for breakfast and dining. We had a window table for eight and loved it. They have quite a few booths for 6 but they were packed very tightly and they each sat across from their spouses. I would not like to sit in them. Many of the nights the dining room was empty but those were mostly port nights. We did see quite a few in jeans and even shorts and of course many dressed appropriately according to the sign that was posted. We found something we liked on every menu and had no food complaints. We ate most of our meals in the dining room. NOte on this ship breakfast and lunch are open seating so you can eat at either the early or late time. The lido deck buffet had 2 sides. One was always an international buffet and the other was traditional. In addition there was a deli, cold salads, and of course the Pizza and outdoor grill by the pool. Each afternoon at 3:30 it was sweets and treats which included ice cream sundaes and assorted deserts and cookies. We had no complaints.

Drinks: We had drink coupons and they were accepted for anything we wanted. They now have different shapes and colors for each drink of the day. The coupons worked for us and were very convenient and of course kept our bill much lower. I have the complete bar list w/prices if you are interested.

Entertainment: There were 2 great production shows and one that seemed to take bits of "Pure Country" and added 30 minutes of the Fiddler. That was not the best night. The late night comedians were good. Most of all the musical talent was fantastic. The Dirt Poets were in the Cole porter Lounge , the pool band was a hit as was the soloist in Duke's and on Elation way. The classical trio played in the Atrium and at the Wine and Cheese and they really were a nice change. By far this ship's musical talent was superior to most we have seen on one ship at the same time. The show band was versatile and the dancers were very professional. The backstage tour was a pleasant surprise.

CC Party: Sorry to say we missed the party. We had late dining and then became engrossed in conversation. By the time we arrived it was 2:40 and we did not see any sign or group. I am sure we probably met some of you on the ship and apologize for missing the party if there was one.

Pictures: For those of you into pictures, you will love the many options for backgrounds. The photographers were not pushy but there to please.

More to Follow

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

Thanks for part one!! Can't wait to read the rest about excursions etc. Were sailing JUne 20th. We also did the Celebration last summer. HOw does it compare?

Thanks for the review. We are looking at this ship for a future cruise. What were the ports like?

Thanks for the review. We're going on the Elation in February.Were any of the lounges, besides main show lounge,non-smoking? Will be eagerly waiting for the rest of your review.

Inspiration 2-4-01

Paradise 2-16-03

Paradise 2-23-03

Elation 2-6-05

see review part 2

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93

Here is part 1 for those that asked for it.

Elation 4/04

Celebration 5/03

Legend 4/03

Victory 4/02

Sensation 7/96

Holiday 7/94

Celebration 6/93