Just returned on the Elation

[Msddouglas]

Not a review, just a honest bit of advice concerning the new port changes on the Elation. We just returned today, the Elation is a beautiful ship with a great crew, good food and after (14) cruises I was truly surprised with the over all excellent Carnival service. This was our (4th) cruise with Carnival and one of the best, except for the New port changes to Progreso and Veracruz. I strongly suggest excepting the Carnival offer of taking your cruise at a later date when Cancun and Cozumel reopen for cruise traffic. Progreso is not a bad place, just old with not much to do except look at murky water and drink at one of the few clean bars. The tours are way over priced and most are just long bus rides. Veracruz is a total waste, with most shopping a taxi ride away, no one speaks English and has dark mud looking beaches...Nasty!! If you can reschedule you cruise to later date, I would! We had (6) in our group

and had a blast on the Elation. We will sail on her again, but not to one of these ports.

[cruisingator2]

I have yet to read anything positive about Veracruz. Hopefully Cozumel will be able to start taking on more ships very soon and the cruise lines can get back to business as usual with the port call.

 

I may have to try the Elation when she moves to Pt. Canaveral.

[cheshyrkat]

Thanks for your honest assessment of the stand-in ports of call. I have been to Progreso and I had much the same experience. It's a great "jumping off point" which is a euphemism for "there's not much to do here but you can get to some nicer places a little way down the road."

 

It is true that the atmosphere of the cruise I intended to go on will probably be altered significantly because we were kind of going for the beaches and shopping tourist-trap thing (sorry...but we really were!) and Progreso and Veracruz are more historic in nature, or so it seems.

 

I am anxiously waiting for Carnival to announce the Elation itenerary changes following the 11/14 sailing. I find it really strange that all the other ships have been re-scheduled or announced as going to Coz. I really don't know what I will do. I have to take the time off during that week, so I'm a little bit at their mercy! I will try to look at it as an adventure, no matter where we end up! ;)

[mamiamjo]

I am also surprised that the only ship that hasn't had it's ports of call figured out yet is the one I'm on (Nov 19). I reaaly don't want to go to Progresso & Veracruz, but with my kid's vacation schedule and such, I probably won't change cruises (I may not be very happy with the ports though)

 

We'll see what happens I guess,

Mike:confused:

[GoinCruisin]

That is a shame... did you research Veracruz? I have heard such great things, both on this board, and doing reasearch on Veracruz. It is not known for it's beaches, the way WE know beaches.. very unspoiled. But you have to know where to go. Did you go to the volcano? There are so many great places to go in VC, but you have to know where. So many here have loved it, and I can't wait to go someday. We researched it and actually would have loved to have been switched there!!! Such an unspoiled area, with a lot of history. Sorry you didn't enjoy it :(

[joebrandon1977]

Msddouglas,

 

We are going on the Elation 11/14 - not too excited about the port selections, but going to go ahead and go.

 

Knowing these weren't your favorite ports - any suggestions on what to do or see, so we can make the most of it?

 

Thanks!

Joe

[bachstrad]

We too are waiting to find out where we will go. We're on the 11-28 sailing of the Elation. I have read the boards here on C.C., and tried to find out on the internet what I could about Progreso and Veracruz. Try as I might, I simply cannot get excited about the prospect of going to either of these places. I'm another one who has no real interest in riding a tour bus for several hours listening to a guide. I like white sand, clear blue water, snorkeling, and napping in a hammock. After over a year of anticipation, I'm only 17 days away from going. I'm not going to cancel or put it off any longer. Wouldn't dream of it. I fully intend to have a great time wherever we go.

[Smooth Sailing]

One day in Progresso and 1 day in Vera Cruz has to be better than 2 additional at sea days as the NCL Sun has been doing.

[Msddouglas]

Quote:

 

Knowing these weren't your favorite ports - any suggestions on what to do or see, so we can make the most of it?

 

Thanks!

Joe

 

Joe,

We did exactly what a few mentioned above, made the best of it! We did research (as best as we could with short notice) and didn't want to spend (2) hours on a bus and (2) hours on a bus to get back on a (6) hour port call.

PLEASE don't let my message spoil your plans, I was only trying to give some advance notice on the port changes. Canada beach is okay at Progreso, but do not pay the $38.00 tour charge. The pier is (6) miles long where the ship docks and the shuttle bus from the ships drops everyone off in town only a couple of blocks from the beach. They have a double decker open bus you can ride around town in Progreso for a few dollars and get a good tour of what you might want to see & do. No one speaks English, so be careful! The town of Veracruz is a large city, with group walking tours off the ship. You can take one of the bus tours which I would recommend. Since you can not make shore tours before boarding I would make your way to the excursion desk as soon as you board before all are sold out. Have fun and make the best of it! We did, and loved the Elation.

[Msddouglas]

Quote:

 

Knowing these weren't your favorite ports - any suggestions on what to do or see, so we can make the most of it?

 

Thanks!

Joe

 

Joe,

We did exactly what a few mentioned above, made the best of it! We did research (as best as we could with short notice) and didn't want to spend (2) hours on a bus and (2) hours on a bus to get back on a (6) hour port call.

PLEASE don't let my message spoil your plans, I was only trying to give some advance notice on the port changes. Canada beach is okay at Progreso, but do not pay the $38.00 tour charge. The pier is (6) miles long where the ship docks and the shuttle bus from the ships drops everyone off in town only a couple of blocks from the beach. They have a double decker open bus you can ride around town in Progreso for a few dollars and get a good tour of what you might want to see & do. No one speaks English, so be careful! The town of Veracruz is a large city, with group walking tours off the ship. You can take one of the bus tours which I would recommend. Since you can not make shore tours before boarding I would make your way to the excursion desk as soon as you board before all are sold out. Have fun and make the best of it! We did, and loved the Elation.

[bachstrad]

Can you tell me if they have started decorating the Elation for the holidays? I've been told that the Elation is a beautiful ship and really is something to see when decorated for the holidays. Thanks!

[Msddouglas]

We just returned yesterday and the decorating was not present. The ship is beautiful and I can imagine the crew will do something for the holidays. You will love the cruise director, Jorge Solano is fantastic and gives his all to make your cruise one to remember.

[RockandRobin]

Msddouglas,

 

We are going on the Elation 11/14 - not too excited about the port selections, but going to go ahead and go.

 

Knowing these weren't your favorite ports - any suggestions on what to do or see, so we can make the most of it?

 

Thanks!

Joe

 

Joe-

 

We are going to be on the Elation 11/14 also! This will be my 1st cruise and my BF 4th. We aren't all that excited about the ports either, but plan on making the best of it! Beats working anyday, I am sure!! :D We have read about an all-inclusive resort a little ways from Progreso called the Reef Yucatan that we thought we might check out. Not sure on the cost or what all it includes. Anyone know?:confused:

 

Thanks,

RockandRobin

[corina27]

We just returned yesterday and the decorating was not present. The ship is beautiful and I can imagine the crew will do something for the holidays. You will love the cruise director, Jorge Solano is fantastic and gives his all to make your cruise one to remember.

Oh that Jorge is a funny man he does such a great job!:)

[RockandRobin]

Oh that Jorge is a funny man he does such a great job!:)

 

Hey Corina is there anyway I could get in touch with you about the cruise. I noticed you are from OK. I live in Springfield, Mo but am from Sapulpa, OK. We fly out of Tulsa monday morn.

[imsulin2]

One great thing about Veracruz is: Salma Hayak!

[slabeaume]

My daughter and I did the Elation cruise back in June of 2004. As everyone says, the ship is beautiful. When we went, there were 3 Ports: Progresso, Cozumel, and Belize. We enjoyed all 3.

 

I admit Progresso is nothing to look at, but we did that long 7 hour Chitzen Itza tour and thought it was very worth while. The ride may be long, but they have a comfortable bus with air conditioning and the bus driver and guide were so excited with the trip. It was refreshing to see their excitement. They even gave us bag lunches with a good assortment of stuff in it. The tour of the Mayan ruins was really neat. I also enjoyed seeing the countryside from the bus ride. I'd recommend that to anyone having the Progresso port of call.

[LoriLBerry]

We leave on the Elation 11/24 and were told today that we would visit Calica.

[In the Pink]

Our stop in Progresso was the highlight of our Elation cruise. But, we didn't stay in Progresso. I don't think that's what the cruise line ever intended the pax to do. We did take a 30 minute bus trip to Merida, the capital city of Yucatan. We very much enjoyed touring this very clean city which has a great mix of history and modern culture. The downtown square was very nice and my husband and I said it is a city we would like to go back to on our own sometime.

[joegeneli]

I was on the same cruise as Msddouglas (Nov 5-10). I understand what he is saying about the ports- they are certainly not my top pick. I do agree that if you have the opportunity to change cruises, do it. On the other hand, you CAN have a great time if you don't mind not doing the beach scene. As Msddouglas said, the beaches are awful!!

At Progreso, we took the trip to Chitchen Itza. Sure, it was long, but definitely worth it! We had kids aged 6, 9, and 10 and they all loved it. The 2 hour ride there went by quickly with the guides on the bus giving lots of interesting info. If you're bored, just look out the window! It sure makes you appreciate how we Americans live.

As for Veracruz, I did my research ahead of time and knew it would not be a place to visit a beach. Anyway, the day we were there it rained non stop! We all just put on our rain ponchos, hailed a cab, and visited the Fort as San Juan Ulua. It was a really cool place to see and, again, the kids loved it- even in the rain!! I can't comment on other excursions there. Carnival did offer a few- mostly just tours around town which didn't interest us. On the way back to the ship, our cab driver took us through the historic part of town- very beautiful!

So, if you are "stuck" on the Elation going to Progreso and Veracruz, just try to make the best of it. What's that old saying....If you're given lemons, just make lemonade!!

[Philly Steve]

Can you tell me if they have started decorating the Elation for the holidays? I've been told that the Elation is a beautiful ship and really is something to see when decorated for the holidays. Thanks!

 

We sailed Elation last New Year's and the holiday decs were great. You won't be disappointed. :)

[sbombay]

I was hoping someone could tell me how much the damage from the hurricanes hampered their trip. We are planning on cruising in February, but it will be my dad's first cruise. He is leary of visiting towns which were heavily damaged and are still recovering from the hurricanes. Any thoughts will help us with our decision. Thanks, Nancy

[charyoung]

Rent a car and drive to Chitzen Itza! Car rental-$45. Experience-Priceless!

[4yanx]

Our 12/26 cruise is going to Progreso and Coz. Frankly, I'd rather have Progreso than Calica (which was original) cause we can go to Uxmal. Normally, I'd go the rental car route but the time in port is only 7-3 so we will go the Carnival tour route. I don't fancy the idea of missing the ship and being left in Progreso. ;)

[KSU Golfer]

Not sure if this excursion is still available, but last Nov. 10 of us went to the Yucatan Reef Club. This was offered on the bus ride off the pier. We were a little reluctant at first, but in the end it was a great day and had no problems getting back to the boat in time. For one price everything was included from the beach, to pools, and beach and water activities. Unlimited drinks were also included. Food was not included, but available. The water is not clear, so snorkeling is not an option. It is a very nice resort area and was a very fun day.