Elation Review 5/21-25/15

[GulfCoaster]

Hello All!

 

We are back from our Elation cruise and wanted to write a review while all is still fresh. I must say that we had a great time and really do like this ship (4th time we have sailed with her) and the cruise crew is just super!

 

We arrived at the Port around 10 AM and we parked the car there. Took the elevator down from the parking area and we were met by Carnival reps and directed to Security (we were just a bit "too" early IMHO) as there were only a few passengers waiting and we were also FTTF as well. Oh, well, better early then late. We go through Security. We were carrying 1 - 10 pack of Perrier Water Slim Cans both sealed and 1 bottle of wine each. We were directed to the table were it was all checked to make sure there was no booze (it was ordered and waiting in the cabin) and the water packs were gone through as well. Security was very nice and cool. They taped up the water cartons and off we went. We were then met by another Carnival rep who escorted us to a wait area. There was a nice family already there waiting and we spent the time talking to them until it was time to "check in". We were then escorted to a check in desk and after a few moments got our S & S cards and then directed back to a different area to wait until boarding. I must say that NOLA had their act together and that Miami (during our Breeze cruise last year where we were also FTTF) could take a lesson from them. You were escorted to where you needed to be. You were assured you were in the right place. The Carnival staff on duty wanted you to relax and start your vacation then and there. They took care of you - In Miami - not so much. The ship cleared a bit late and they said that cabins would be ready by 12:30 PM. Diamonds, Platinum, Suites, Weddings (in no particular order that I could figure) went first and then FTTF.

 

Many passengers were trying to join up with the pre-boards but were sent back. Some folks got annoyed but the Carnival reps while being very nice and friendly held their ground and sent them away. Pictures were not being taken before boarding and we were on the ship fast being met by the crew hosts and others singing welcome aboard to us!

 

Got to our cabin - U 33, dropped off the luggage and headed straight up to the Lido and were one of the first guests to arrive there. Got our lunch and took a seat outside. Everything is going super. Omen of things to come?!? Nothing to worry about. It all was grand. We finished, then went down to the Shore Excursion Desk to book the Behind the Fun tour. That done, now over to Guest Services to have them add our Carnival Gift Card to our S & S account. The line was long but as FTTF we were acknowledged fast and all was handled. We did get the "looks" from a few folks in line and was even told by some woman that the "LINE WAS DOWN THERE". Yeah, yeah, yeah...whatever!

 

All business done for now, we went back to the cabin, unpacked (had 2 carry-on bags each) and then headed back up on deck. Call for the Muster Station Drill (Station A). While sitting in our station and waiting it was told to us that it had started to rain a bit and by that we got a "bonus" and did not have to actually appear up on deck but to just sit tight until the drill was over. Yeah! That done, it's back to our cabin where we met our steward. He was just terrific! So friendly and smiling all the time. We told him we were very low maintenance and just to please keep the ice bucket full and that we loved towel animals. He said will do. Every time we saw him from then on he always called us by our first names. Ice was always filled and towel animals were always waiting for us.

 

For dining we decided to try the your time/any time dining option instead of early or late. I must say that we will try to get this type of arrangement from now on. The 1st night we ate at 5:45 at a deuce - table 117 (but the tables are close together). The second night we went later around 7-ish and had to wait about 25 minutes (no big deal) the 3rd night around the same and the 4th night we were at the Chef's Table. We requested the same table or dining area every night. Dejean and his dining team were just terrific. Because the tables are close we got an opportunity to meet different people each night as we decided to go at different times and everyone we met seemed to be having a ball each night which always makes for a great time.

 

More to come...

[GulfCoaster]

The first night my wife and I were both tired but we did find "our bar" earlier in the day and we stuck with it throughout the cruise. The Drama Bar was where we hung out and a big thumbs up to the staff there especially to BuenaVentura (Jo-Jo). He was amazing. We ordered 1 drink each and from then on he knew us by name and knew what we were going to order as soon as he saw us coming towards the bar or as soon as we sat down. If you see him - please tell him that Mike & Christy say hello.

 

We played trivia (we won the Broadway Show Tunes games) watched the sunrise on Serenity, did Karaoke (where I blew my pipes out on Meatloaf's Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad on the 3rd night) ran around Cozumel. Ate at Pancho's Backyard at Los Cinco Soles where we met a terrific couple from Florida who are animal lovers like we are and just had a great time.

 

On Sunday we did the Behind The Fun Tour. If you have never done it - you should do it at least once. The Executive Chef met us in the galley and was just wonderful with the group. We got to pick up trays, were given a chance to watch them make the chocolate molten cake and the Chef was willing to answer any questions from us. He explained how the entire cooking process takes place and how if the timing is off by as much as a minute it can screw up everything down the line. All orders from the dining room are on a made to order bases and he showed us the procedure. No pun intended but this Chef on the Elation runs a "tight ship" and it shows. A round of applause to the entire, hard working galley and wait staff and thanks for the goodies waiting for us in our cabin after the tour!

 

We saw the laundry room, food storage, "1-95" (take the tour and you'll see what I am talking about), crew galley, training room, engine control room where maybe you'll get to meet "Franchisco" who is just a hoot. You'll go backstage in the theater and you will go to the very front of the ship where the crew can get a little R&R and you will also visit the Bridge where they will take your picture with the Captain (who my wife has fallen in love with).

 

On a previous night when we had dinner we were sitting next to 3 people from Louisiana, one of which was a Captain of a ship as well. Well, he was with the same Behind the Fun group we were on and he and the Captain of the Elation started to talk "shop". That was pretty cool and the Elation Captain seemed to be having a great time with him and the entire group as well. You could see it in his eyes and body language. Any and all questions were answered and he could not have been any more gracious to us and the picture taken of the entire group reflects it all - and my wife is still in love with him!

 

Chef's Table next...

[GulfCoaster]

When we went to dinner the first night we were told that the Chef would like to speak to us and of course we said "YES" and a bit later there he was! He introduced himself, talked with us a bit and asked us if we had any food allergies. He asked if we had ever done the Chef's Table with him and we told him no and he said that we were in for a real treat. He then asked us for our opinion - would we prefer the Chef's Table event to be held the 3rd night (Cozumel) or the last night? We told him that he being the Chef it should be his "call" and he laughed and said that he "liked" that answer. By his whole demeanor we knew this was going to be a special night and it was.

 

The event took place on the last night and what a great way to end the cruise. We checked in and were served sparking wine and then after a glass or two escorted to the galley where we were served some beautiful appetizers and our wine glasses kept full. We were given a tour of the galley and then taken through the Dining Room where everyone was singing "Leavin' On A Jet Plane" and waving napkins. We saw our dining room team and Dejean ran over to us and hugged us both (that was a first and so very cool) and we entered into the library through a side door.

 

Our host turned the evening over the the Executive Chef again and the evening really got under way. Wines were poured, course after course explained and then eaten and more wine poured and then a short intermission featuring some great close-up magic and then some more wine and then finally the last course and dessert served. It is $75.00 a person and worth every penny. Plan on around 3 hours. If there was a 1-10 scale I would give this a 20!!!! The Chef and his team made a spectacular evening for all of us - and we have the pictures to prove it! If you like this type of thing the Chef's Table on the Elation is a must!

 

Anyway, all things must come to an end and so did this cruise. The next morning we got up, showered, saw our steward and thanked him again for everything, went up on deck and had breakfast. I decided to do the relaxed disembark and we made our way down to the lounge where FTTF was to to wait 8:00 AM for self-assist or 9:00 AM for relaxed.

 

A few minutes before 9 we were escorted down a different hallway that was blocked to other passengers and we were off the ship in no time. Picked up our 2 little carry-on's (zone 1) went through Customs (our Customs agent was great and had the best sense of humor. He had just had a issue with the people in front of us and took them off somewhere. He says to us" Let's see it says to itemize what you bought while away. I know I can read let's see if it says the same thing on your customs form! Why it does and look at that - you itemized stuff - a t-shirt - hot sauce - vodka - amazing!" Now he is looking at my Passport and he askes me where in New York I was from and I told him Manhattan and he asks me " so what's your favorite pizza?" I say 'John's on Bleecker Street in the Village" and he says "No...NO Way!! "So I guess your favorite Hot Dog is not Nathan's huh?' and I say - "Right! It's Sabretts! With the Red Onion Sauce! He says "well you can't get that here! and I say "Oh, yes you can - Restaurant Depot has them or you can order them on the internet. And he freaks out and goes "No...NO Way! And I say "WAY!" And he says "OMG - How do I get into Restaurant Depot? Where is it?!?!" I say "It's by the Superdome and you need a membership to get in" and he says "well....HOW DO I GET A MEMBERSHIP SO I CAN GET IN?!?! and I say - "well....YOU'RE CUSTOMS - I THINK YOU COULD GET IN ANYTIME YOU PLEASE!!" We both look at each other and bust out laughing (by now the people behind us are not to happy with either one of us) and he continues on..."really...the red onion sauce from the hot dog carts...?!?! And I am like "yes sir.." He taps me on the shoulder and says Restaurant Depot, huh??! You just made an old New Yorker very happy! Welcome home!" And with that we clear and we are guided to the elevator to the parking area, we get on, pushed floor 4, get off, walk to the car, open the trunk, throw the luggage in, close the trunk, get into the car, start the engine, wave to the ship and began the drive home. A great cruise comes to an end!

 

Tomorrow I will write bullet points for the entire cruise mostly very, very, good and one or two things that were not so good. In the meantime, if you have ANY questions I will be happy to answer them the best I can. I can only hope that our Customs Agent can get his hot dogs...What a hoot!! How nice to be home.....

 

Mike

[Mommy2three]

Love this review. Hubby and I will be on Elation for our first cruise at the end of August. I got a little nervous about this ship after we already booked because this is a smaller ship and I started reading things about how much better the bigger ships are. We only live an hour from New Orleans and don't want to fly anywhere so the ship options are a bit limited. Regardless, this is a much needed vacation for us so I am sure we will enjoy the ship.....better than being at work, right? We have no other ship to compare it to since this will be our first so I am sure this one will amaze us.

 

Do you have to wait until you are on board to get the Behind the Fun Tour set up? I went under excursions and couldn't find anything on it. I would like to look into it.

 

We already have FTTF booked. Major point for us is having the room ready when we get there because we most likely will be carrying on all of our belongings. We aren't really heavy packers.

 

Can't wait to read the rest of your review!!!!

[GulfCoaster]

So glad you have FTTF!

 

Regarding your question about the Behind The Fun Tour:

You will have to wait until you get on the ship to book the Behind The Scenes Tour. It does fill up so IMHO I would go and get it reserved asap once on board. Just go to the Shore Excursion desk to secure it. All parties on this tour MUST wear closed toe shoes (no flip flops, sandals, etc.) and no cell phones or cameras are allowed. Also please know that the tour is around 3 hours and involves a lot of walking and going up and down stairs - some of which are very steep. The tour goes out on the last day of the cruise.

 

Hope that helps...!

[Mommy2three]

How much did the Behind the Fun tour cost?

[GulfCoaster]

To wrap this all up I thought I would give my thoughts and views of our cruise as well as the good the bad and the ugly - so here goes:

 

The Ship:

I really like the Fantasy Class ships. Easy to get around and easy to find your way. As many have posted here - yes the ship is showing it's age. The Elation is what I call a "grind" cruise. 4 & 5 day cruises, one on top of the other. Over and over. Yes, you will see some rust and other wear and tear around the superstructure and other places. Ok. So you will see it. The interior of the ship and the public spaces are still pretty, especially the Atrium and there is cleaning going on all the time. The crew has pride in what they do and it shows - Ok, so you have some rust and the lady is showing her age...it did not deter our enjoyment of the cruise. I am getting old myself!

 

The Cabins:

Again, as posted before on this board, the cabins are also showing their age. Yes, they are outdated and worn (analog TV's, the tile in the bathroom, facing coming off the closet doors, entire cabin in need of a paint job, etc.) Our cabin (U 33) looked like a late 70's version of a Holiday Inn room (with no offense meant to Holiday Inn) The stewards (at least ours) did the best that they could with what they had to work with. We always had ice, fresh towels, hot water and strong pressure in the shower, the cabin was always cleaned, and the bed made then turned down. It wasn't a cheap looking motel room, but it wasn't the Ritz Carlton either. For what it was - it was fine. They could saved a lot of space if they just ripped out the box where the life preservers are stored. They could also tear out the housing for the old analog television and simply mount a digital television on the wall which would gain a ton of space. I just don't think that will happen anytime soon and as someone said on this board before - what did they do to this ship do on it's last dry dock? It looks the same as it was the last time we sailed her.

 

Cruise Crew:

Amazing!!! Caring, friendly, helpful! This was our experience - no complaints at all - just a round of applause to everyone we came in contact with!

 

Karaoke:

Yes, they are still using the old CD-G system (which is great for those who prefer to sing back to their own disc - plus I am old school when it comes to this being a former KJ myself) The Karaoke hostess was terrific (can't remember her name, but she remembered mine each night). She was more then happy to take my disc and play it for you. I sang Elvis's version of My Way to really good response and then Two Out of Three Ain't Bad to good response as well. The last night I wanted to sing "This Is The Moment" from the musical Jekyll & Hyde and I was in the rotation but it was getting pretty crazy and sloppy on stage and watching it all happen I figured this was not the right song for the crowd and with what was going on at the time. So as I start to get up and pull out of rotation here comes the KJ and she say's something to the effect of "Mike - I Tried..." and I told her that yes she did but this was not the time or place for a Broadway "belt" song. She just smiled from ear to ear gave me back my disc, grabbed my hand and thanked me - thanked me for understanding I am so sorry...etc. I told her no worries and she again thanked me and ran back to the stage left area where her set up was. She did not want me to get slaughtered out there by the crowd and we both knew that would have happened so we both had to pull the song and it was the right thing to do. She was just wonderful!

 

If you do Karaoke, she might remember me. Please say Hi! Even if she does not, she will help make you shine on stage. Just know that the sound is a bit flat with no real re-verb and if you can sing, really sing, the music will be turned up to assist you as well.

 

More to come....

[GulfCoaster]

How much did the Behind the Fun tour cost?

 

I think it was 55 bucks a person.

[GulfCoaster]

Faster To The Fun:

We have had FTTF twice now. Once on our Breeze Cruise last December and again on the Elation last week. For us it works and I will try to score it anytime I sale on Carnival. To be able to go to the cabin and drop all the carry bags off and then go grab lunch and do any start of cruise business that needs to be done then to be able to head back to the cabin and unpack was simply worth it. Along with the special disembark times and dedicated line for guest services (again for us), it all works. If you are traveling with kids - so much the better. Sure, I am paying to become semi-elite for a cruise. I am "Gold" and until I am able to go higher, FTTF will do.

 

Food:

Ahhh, the food. Some of it was good, some of it was great (Chef's Table) and some of it was really bad. They are using the old menu in the dining room. To use the line that Rodney Dangerfield say's in "Caddyshack" - "This steak still has the heel marks from where the Jockey kicked it!" Yeah, some of it wasn't good. I just didn't want to spend the $20.00 supplement for the Steakhouse meal. So that being the case, you deal with it. There is always something to eat. There is always Pizza. IMHO you don't carry on and on and gripe (like some did) you make do. It's a cruise - go have fun. If you want a gourmet meal and gourmet experience and want to be pampered then you must book the Chef's Table - it's that spectacular!

 

I feel that your team in the dining room are the ones that make your overall experience good or bad - and when they are in sync it all works. They WILL take care of you and a nice "thank you" and a smile from you will go a very long way with these hard working folks trying to please you.

 

Room Service: Older menu without the upgrades. All still free. If you order something, please tip when it arrives.

 

The Lido was - The Lido. Some good - some not so good. I really do not care for buffets but it worked for us on this cruise. Late, late at night you could get Pizza and they were also serving hot dogs and cheeseburgers and cookies.

 

You will never go hunger and you will always find something somewhere that you will enjoy eating. Some guest we spoke to thought the food was the greatest they have ever eaten and others thought it was the worst ever. It was a 4-day cruise, the ship was packed and almost at capacity. Go and enjoy. You're on a cruise. You're on vacation. Relax.

 

Ships Services /Fun Shops:

We ordered a cheese platter (to be delivered upon request for freshness) a bottle of vodka, an Anniversary cake and some water. All was waiting for us upon arrival except for the cheese. We called for it and they apologized and said that the earliest they could get it to us was 6 PM on embarkation day. I wanted it earlier and since they were sorry that they could not accommodate they said how about the next day? I said that would be fine and no worries and how about 5 PM? They said "Great! It will be there! They thanked me. I thanked them. At 5 PM sharp the next day - there was a knock on the cabin door and there it was. However, I had ordered a medium tray and they delivered a large to apologize! That was pretty cool in my book. Cheese, anyone..?!?!

 

Fellow Passengers:

There were a wide variety of passengers of all ages. There were always people you could meet, talk to, even hang out with. On Casual Elegant night many were dressed very nice (a surprise from what we saw on the Breeze). Most of the people we saw were having a great time and that is what it is all about.There were a lot of new cruisers on this sailing and some of them were a bit confused on things or what to do. They were not afraid to ask you "what to do" and if they did you simply offered any info you might know. We did not meet or see any totally out of control passengers and that made the cruise relaxing and more enjoying then ever.

 

The only comment I have is (and there are signs posted asking for this) when you come inside the Lido dining area - wear a cover-up! Yes, I know you are hot (yes, many of the men and women were, but really?!?) but Carnival asks you to wear a cover up so why not? Strut your stuff outside not inside. It's hard to eat sometimes when you are staring! However, again...on vacation...enjoy! Stare! (and so we did).

 

Activities:

There is something going on from 7 AM until late, late, late. You can find something to do that will toot your tooter anytime or just grab a lounger and hang out. We did both. We loved and always will love Serenity - there were people there as early as 6:45 AM (as we were) to watch the sunrise. I did not see any kids in this area while we camped out. Anyway, there are shopping events to attend, Bingo games to spend money at, gambling to do and drinks to try. You should not be bored at all. They have a very nice fitness center and great steambath. Free weights, treadmills, machines, everything up to date. They have it all which makes for a good session. Got one workout in this trip.

 

So there you have it. I cannot think of anything else. If you have any questions I will answer them as best I can. We enjoyed the cruise - as I said before - it "ain't" the Ritz but knowing that - it all works. If you book the Elation just know that you will not have the upgrades or the alternative venues like the Dream or Breeze. Know that the ship does show wear and tear. However, the Fantasy Class ships are easy to get around on, you will know your way in no time and most important - the crew of this ship is just great and that's what helps make up for what you might find on a newer and bigger ship!

 

This crew simply rocks it!! Thank you Elation for 4 super days!

 

Oh, and I almost forgot...Captain....My wife wanted you to know that she STILL is in love with you! When can she come back for a visit?!?!

 

Mike

[Mommy2three]

Was this a cruise to Cozumel and Progreso? I don't remember seeing you mention the ship going to any port. Maybe I just missed it....

[GulfCoaster]

It was the 4 day - May 21-25. Memorial Day Weekend cruise.