Back from the Elation 8-14

[jwmimi]

We returned the 14th from the Elation after an absolutely perfect week! We could not have had better weather! We boarded by noon, and that went just fine. The busy Galveston pier didn't seem as congested as when we were there last summer. They now have more vans taking passengers, so it seems that that must make a difference. Of course, it hurts the taxi business. We also were able to get a taxi right away when we came back Sunday. Last summer some of our friends had to wait a long time for a taxi.

 

We loved the new bedding, and we experienced 3 in a cabin for the first time since we took our 10 year old granddarling. She liked her bed that pulled down from the wall! The cabin seemed spacious, and even the shower was great! As most of us know, we have experienced smaller showers:) I left my hairdryer at home to save a small amount of space, and our steward brought one to me.

 

Our waiters were so sweet to our granddaughter! Even though she didn't like most of the menu, she enjoyed the diningroom. She ordered a peanut butter sandwich from the kids' menu, and I had to have a picture of that! Never thought I'd see that at a cruise diningroom table! She could order some from each menu if she wanted, but she mainly selected the sandwich or pizza. There was also chicken nuggets and hamburgers. There was an chicken appetizer one night with peanut butter sauce (on the adult menu) that she really liked.

 

We did go to the beach at Progresso and had a nice time even though it's not the best. I got a henna tatoo, and it's about gone now after a week. It was fun anyway! Allison got an airbrush tatoo on the ship. It surely doesn't last long though! We endulged her and spent more money than we normally would just because she wanted to do it. For instance, we rode on the horse drawn carriage in Cozumel for $45!!! DH didn't try to bargain with the driver. Allison thought it was neat, so that was ok for that one time. Ok, we've done that and don't need to do it again! She also got her hair braided in Cozumel.

 

We went to Chankanaab soon after noon and snorkeled a bit before our dolphin swim. Allison stepped on a sea urchin, and that was quite painful! One of the employees put vinegar on it and said the quills will dissolve. She had several in her foot. Fortunately, she got over it in time for the dolphin swim, and that was alot of fun. We did buy the DVD that was SO good! I saw the girl test it to make sure it was ok, but we have been unable to play it at home:( I plan to contact Dolphin Discoveries and surely hope we can get that taken care of!

 

We did the Goff Caye Snorkeling excursion in Belize and had a wonderful time. They take everyone to a small island, and those who want to go out on the boat to snorkel may do so for about an hour. One of the men guided us, and it was gorgeous. I normally would have to remind Allison to stay with us, but she followed the guide like a pro!

 

Allison did attend Camp Carnival some, and she sang in the kids' talent show. She went to one of the shows with them one night while we went to dinner. She could have eaten with them other nights, but she chose to come to the diningroom with us. Of course, we wouldn't have let her eat with the kids every night. FYI they eat at the casual dining restaurant Tiffany's.

 

We loved the Elation, so all of you who have a cruise booked HAVE FUN!!!

[justcruzinbye]

Good review!

 

Glad you had a great time on my favorite ship!

[excitedcruiser]

Can't wait! Only 12 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!

[Maggie01]

Great Reveiw...we also enjoyed Elations!

[Grizz.Bear]

I was on same cruise (8/7 - 8/14) Great time. It is a lot more casual than the "BIG X" but the kids with us and all had a blast! Cave Tubing was the best and I got to say that Yhonni at Cave-tubing.com (obvious plug) was a great guide and half price vs the cruise ship. He and his buddies Junior and Junior were funny and very informative. Look them up if you get to Belize. Progresso has a long way to go. Cozumel is great and the shopping is fantastic. We snorkled as well.

 

Great weather and great value... Josh the social director (Big Sexy) as he calls himself was a RIOT! Yo Josh... your buddie from Indy giving you props!

 

Grizz

[momof4boys]

Thanks for the review! Glad you had fun! We loved the Elation and hope to book her for early next July and hopefully get to go to Mexico and Belize!

[DavidO]

Good review. Two weeks until the Elation for us.

 

On the DVD, if you have an older DVD player you might have trouble playing a burned DVD. My older Toshiba DVD player plays DVD-R media fine but not DVD+R. DVD-R seems to play more often in older players. So, that could be the problem. Often the media will say in tiny print in the center ring in faint letters if it is DVD-R or DVD+R. So maybe try it in a newer or different DVD player. If you know someone that has a DVD burner in their computer have them see if they can read it and if so have them burn it to a DVD-R media for you.

Hope this helps.

 

David

[CaptainR]

Great review. Have a couple of questions if you don't mind answering:

1. Were there any evening deck parties and if so, what nights were they?

2. For formal nights, were there many tuxes being worn? Last Carnival cruise I took on the Pride there were only a couple of us men wearing a tux.

3. Was your Goff Caye Snorkeling excursion booked through the Carnival?

 

Thanks in advance for your response.

 

CaptainR

[jwmimi]

I think the deck party was Thursday. A friend has some of my Carnival Capers.

 

There were not many tuxes worn. To tell you the truth, I don't even pay much attention to whether the men have a suit or a tux on as long as everyone looks nice. I know that DH certainly feels quite comfortable in his suit. He wore a tux a few times but doesn't feel the need to anymore.

 

We did book the Goff's Caye through Carnival. When you do, you'll be off the ship earlier than others and will not have to have a tender ticket.