ELATION Review from 2/13 sailing

[Cowgirl_Cruiser]

Sunday, Embarkation

 

We live in Houston so the drive to Galveston only took us about an hour and a half. We used EZ Cruise parking and prepaid online it was easy and close to the terminal. When we arrived they were still unloading passengers so we ran down to the Starbucks and grabbed a cup of joe and by the time we were back Captain Mike the shuttle bus driver said he would take us on to the terminal. This was my first time cruising out of Galveston and the terminal is very small and there was still A LOT of people leaving. We didn’t use a porter, I don’t think you really need to unless you have a big party going. We dropped our luggage off and it seemed safe, I wasn’t worried about leaving it there. We were early so we checked in and had to wait to board. But we did get an upgrade from a 4A to a 6A cabin R240. Here’s a tip if you have to wait to board, they seat you in three groups of chairs and the all the groups start boarding from the rear of the room. It was pouring down rain most of the morning I was glad we were getting on and not off. We were able to board around 11:30-12:00 and were ask not to go to our cabins until 1:00 so we headed for the buffet. We had a nice lunch before it got to crowded and dropped off our carry on luggage in the cabin around 1:00 and headed to find the dining room to change our dinner assignment, we really wanted to be alone for dinner and ask for a table for two, he had one left and changed it no questions ask. Then it’s up to the lido deck where we started the endless week of buckets of beer and drinks of the day and today it just happened to be the Funship Special:D . A few beverages and hours later we went up top to watch us sail away, it was raining and there wasn’t a big crowd yet. Well 4:00 came and went then 4:30 by this time everyone waiting is wet and wondering what the heck is going on. Finally around 5:00 a SUV drove up and dropped off a family that boarded the ship and with in 15 minutes we were sailing. Jennie our CD made the Muster announcements, she is funny and reminded me of a British Rosie O’Donnell.

 

After Dinner we watched Karaoke, it was fun but I had no idea that so many people were so serious about their Karaoke. It had been a long day so we crashed after that.

 

 

Monday, Relaxing day at Sea and Valentines day

 

Today’s drink of the day was the Yellow Bird, I’m usually not a big fan of Yellow Birds but today the seemed to go down nice. We tried to go to open seating breakfast in the dining room but its NOT open seating. They sat us with a couple that waiting on another couple to arrive the lady got very upset so we left and went to the buffet no big deal, well to us anyway it was a VERY big deal to her. I left a few dollars in the casino today (and tomorrow and so on and so forth). I never did win but there were those that did, on the last day I over heard someone saying he lost $1,000 I didn’t feel so sorry for myself then. We picked a good spot on the Lido deck and stayed there most of the day, watched one of my favorites the Hairy Chest contest. Tonight was formal night but we didn’t make it to dinner a few too many birds for me to dress formal had some pizza and guess what BEER! I love vacation!!

 

 

Tuesday, Progreso, Mexico

 

We were lucky and had nice weather all week sunny and in the 80’s. I wasn’t sure what to think about Progreso some had loved it and others wish they had never gotten off the ship. We loved it, and were one of the first people to disembark. If you had booked an excursion everyone was waiting on you as soon as you stepped off, if not you could take a free shuttle into town. The pier is 6 or 7 miles long so don’t try and walk. The shuttle drops you off at small straw market in Progreso this is the best prices of the trip. We didn’t find anyone to be too pushy they were all having a good time. After shopping we took the $2.00 tour that leaves from the market and drops you back at the same place. Well worth $2.00 you get to see parts of the town and the guide is funny he does push for a tip but the trip was only 2 bucks so how can you say no. After the tour we were able to find our way down to the beach, there are police everywhere to keep you safe crossing the street. Here is where all the dollar Corona beer is!!! This is where we stayed the rest of the day. I wish I could tell you about the rest of the day, hell I wish somebody could tell me about the rest of the day!

 

 

Wednesday, Cozumel

 

We booked the Power Snorkel trip it was fun but I wouldn’t do it again the power part only means it’s over faster not that it’s more fun. Everyone was nice and we had more fun back on the beach than we did in the water. We spent the rest of the day at Fridays or what ever that little bar is right by the duty free shopping. Lets just say a good time was had by all.

 

 

Thursday, Belize

 

Is it Thursday already!! Belize is beautiful!!! We took the Barrier Reef and Beach Break at Rendezvous Cay excursion. This is a must do and do again and again. Belize is a tendering port so they pick you up from the ship and take you out 14 miles to Rendezvous Cay a small Cay made from shell with about 5 palm trees on it. It’s a little slice of heaven. The Reef is beautiful but the island it’s self is just as amazing. On the trip back they load you up with rum punch and crank up the music. By far the best excursion of the trip.

 

 

Friday and Saturday, Sea Days

 

Another formal night I didn’t make it too. When we did go the dining room it was wonderful the buffet was just easier some nights. I love those burgers from the Lido grill! Both days were sunny and warm. We went to the art auction LOTS of beautiful pieces to chose from. Friday morning we had to stop again in Cozumel to let a lady off who was ill. I don’t think most people ever knew we stopped. Thursday night there was a midnight party on the Lido deck so most were still a sleep.

 

 

Sunday, debarkation

 

If you can do the self assist debarking and you will be off the ship in 20 minutes, if not get ready to stand in the longest line I have ever seen. It was crazy but I was so tired I didn’t care too much just waiting around. The only rude crew member all week was a little dancer girl who got stuck with the customs line. Who can blame her for not having her best foot forward all the time with 2400 people in line to get off the ship.

 

 

 

Let me know if you have questions and I will try to answer them, It’s been two days and I still don’t have my land legs!! I am so dizzy!!

 

 

That is one thing I didn’t cover, the seas were a little choppy you could feel movement most nights but it is a ship.

[czechgal]

Sounds like our trip...too many beers and too much fun!

We got back 1/27 and I wanted to turn around and do it again!

Jennie, the CD is awesome, she had me giggling all the time.

It sounds like you have a great attitude and just take things as they come, so your trip was great!

Glad to see other people had as much fun as my husband and I.

 

Lisa:D

[dsgtwife]

Is anyone scheduled for the Carnival Cruise "Elation" out of Galveston, TX on March 6, 2005. Trying to find someone that has knowledge on excursions and who to book with. My husband dives I snorkel. Could use any help, this is our first cruise and we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary!

[coloradoan]

Thanks for the review!

 

you mentioned you got an upgrade? How did you swing that, or did you book a guarantee?