Review-Elation 7/11-7/18

[Layditx]

We arrived in Galveston VERY early, thanks to the men with us. They were too excited to sleep, so we drove down in the middle of the night. On this trip, it was me, my s.o., dd, and her bf. (hope I have those abbreviations correct!) We met my sis and her family for breakfast-they were vacationing there-rode the ferry, went to Wal-Mart ( of course, can't go on vacation without going to wally-world!), and finally it was TIME! Found the E-Z cruise parking lot without problems. The only problem we had then, was they were busy or didn't have enough shuttles, or something, because we had to wait about 45min in the heat and humidity. We finally made it to the ship. Going through security was quick, check-in was another matter. We were not asked about fun pass(they were done!), just pointed to a line to wait in. Of course, this was the slow one.

Anyway, we finally checked in and made our way to our room-R230. In the dungeon at the back! We were very impressed with the size, all 4 of us in an inside room, and it wasn't too bad! The decor could sure use some upgrading though, kinda Motel-6 shabby. The bathroom size was more than adequate, the storage was great. I am glad we brought the over door shoe rack thingy and the power strip. One hint-bring your own pillows! The ones we had were flat and hard.

 

The ship-very pretty. This was our second cruise, the first being on the Rhapsody 2yrs ago. I liked the decor of the Rhapsody better, and getting around was much easier. On the Elation, there didn't seem to be any thoroughfares, you always had to go up, down, or around to get anywhere.

 

The Food-Tiffany's was great, never long lines, but we usually weren't there at peak times. The pizza is the best! Inspiration dining room, second seating-service was outstanding, they have the Rhapsody beat! The food was delicious and well presented. The only thing we weren't thrilled with was the lobster, since when do you need a steak knife to cut lobster? My s.o. and dd's bf ate breakfast once in there, said the food was cold, so they opted to go to Tiffany's for all their other breakfasts. I, on the other hand, opted for room service every morning. Very quick, fair selection, and great coffee!

 

Activities-now here is where there could be room for improvement. The few deck-side games I saw were limited in participation, like 3 couples for the balloon toss, etc. And they were pretty sparse. Survivor at Sea-out of 3000 people on the ship, they chose only 12. Need more activities that more can participate in. However, never had a problem getting a deck chair, didn't see any "saving" of seats, and not too terribly crowded. Were TONS of kids, more on that later. AND-the pool band is not as bad as everyone has been saying! It was so nice to just lay around, have a foo-foo drink and relax.

We only booked one shore tour through the ship, Barrier Reef Snorkle in Belize. Had to wait about 30 min in line on Monday afternoon, was only one person working the excursion desk.

 

Shopping on board-typical cruise ship stuff, but they did have one section of the store that everything was $10, pretty neat.

Did the free facial demonstration, hair demonstration, and galley tour. The galley tour was great, when we got in the Mikado lounge to wait for it, I thought, "how in the world are all these people gonna go through that kitchen?" But it was fine, and very interesting. After that, they had a napkin folding demonstration, and had all the towel critters on display.

 

Ports-Progresso was so much more fun than I anticipated after reading things on these boards. We went on the $2 tram ride through town. Then went exploring. Found the local market, complete with chickens hanging from the rafters, fish being cut up, the smells, the flies, and the occasional dog wandering through! Then...we found the "2 coronas and beer lanyard for a $1"! YEAH! And walked along the beach, it was VERY pretty and clean. Didn't get in the water, kinda like Galveston's. Went shopping, have the best bargains here.The suprise of the day was when we made it back to the pier, there was a party going on! Had the drum band from the beach there, and beer and tequila shots. It was a hoot!

 

Cozumel-Taxied to Chankanaab park for SNUBA and snorkle. SNUBA was $50p/p, I don't know what snorkle was, I had my own mask and snorkle, rented a vest and fins for $8. It would have been perfect, but a storm blew in and the water got choppy and dark. The park is gorgeous. Had Guacomole and chips and beer at the snack bar. Then went to Senor Frogs-kids' idea, not mine-but had a ball. Wish we had time to go to Paradise Beach :(.

 

Belize-the highlight of the trip. Did the Barrier Reef snorkle tour in the afternoon. Thought it was gonna be jammed packed, but it wasn't. The ride out to the reef is supposed to take 45min, but it didn't seem like it. The water was crystal clear, beautiful coral and fish. I never even made it to the island! They had kayaks you could use if you wanted to. The ride back was even better, rum punch with real rum in it, not watered down. That morning, we took a tender to Belize city, beautiful people there. They met us with flowers!

Did some shopping, got handmade baskets and a hand carved shark. I would have liked more time to explore here. TIP-you set your clock BACK 1hr the night before.

 

Shows-didn't go, but dd and bf did. Loved the Vegas show, and the "R" rated comedian afterwards!

 

Casino-2nd highlight of my trip, because I won enough on the last night to pay for my s/s card! Also, placed 3rd in the blackjack tournement!

 

Kids-This ship needs a curfew!!! Rhapsody had one 2yrs ago, my daughter will attest to that! There were kids running wild at all hours. Saw a group literally jumping on and over the furniture in the Cole Porter lounge at 1AM! And another group playing soccer in the lobby where the elevators are on our deck. Also, need someone to ENFORCE the "adults only" hot tub, pool, and shows!

 

Disembarkation-Painless, except it meant we had to leave. All in all, we had a great time, but don't know if we would sail this ship again, especially when school is out! I have all the Capers, and a complete price list of shore excursions, will scan soon, and will be able to email them to any interested.

[NDalfrey]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review...

 

I always learn something new from someones review....

 

Thanks again, and welcome home!!

[mpffls]

we are just 4 1/2 wks away..............

 

can't wait to see the shore tours and the capers........

great reveiw........

know what you mean about the kids.....that is why we ususally cruise on Oct........am hoping most of them will have just started school by the time we sail and their parents are responsible enough to keep them there!!!!!

thanx again.........trish

[emaksb]

Thank you for the info on your trip on the elations we are going on Oct. 24 and can't wait could you please email me a copie of the capers and shore excursion price list emakbs@yahoo.com....Thanks

[txsmiles]

Thanks for your review... we're going in January and can't wait! Our group is "escaping" from our kids, so I am hopeful that we won't have any trouble with other people's kids at that time of year.

 

I'd really love to see the capers & shore excursions, if you wouldn't mind emailing when you've got them scanned! Did you have any trouble with the parking shuttle on your return?

[basketgirl]

We are going at the end of January. When are you going Tex? I would love to see the capers/excursions as there are 6 of us going...one couple who has never cruised before. mysonsmom95@hotmail.com

 

Thank you,

 

Michelle

[bernman]

Great review...DW and I are going in January. I would love an e-mail: bernie.newman@verizon.net

 

Thanks!

[cancan]

Thanks for the review. Was the Barier Reef snorkle the one that is on

the catamaran? Was it easy to get in and out of the water from the bo

[cruisegirl1990]

Thanks for the great review!

[txsmiles]

Basketgirl... we leave on the 16th of January, three couples - no kids. Can't wait! I'm sure it will be a great time for your group as well, when do you go? Saw your email - are you a talk-radio fan? Used to listen to a lot when I was in California...

 

Bernman - what is your sailing date? Checking the countdown timers, looks like we'll board just after your return!

[bernman]

Basketgirl... we leave on the 16th of January, three couples - no kids. Can't wait! I'm sure it will be a great time for your group as well, when do you go? Saw your email - are you a talk-radio fan? Used to listen to a lot when I was in California...

 

Bernman - what is your sailing date? Checking the countdown timers, looks like we'll board just after your return!

We are leaving on 1/9...we actually get into Houston the day before. We Yankees (Pennsylvania) have to factor in the extra day in case there is snow. ;)

 

We are going 4A guaranteed...Awesome deal on ebay through a TA.

[rioranchomama]

Would love to see the capers and the excursions when you get them posted. Please email them to rioranchomama@aol.com. Thank you

[hilltopfamily]

thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're onboard the Elation in just 9 days. Awfully excited here!!! Appreciate all the info and wish I could be as lucky as you in the casino ;) :D

[cruisekimmy]

Hey yall we got on the Elation when yall got off!!well we had a great time..write review later!!

[cruisekimmy]

thanks for taking the time to write a review. We're onboard the Elation in just 9 days. Awfully excited here!!! Appreciate all the info and wish I could be as lucky as you in the casino ;) :D

 

Hey how was yalls cruise??give us a review if can!!