Carnival Elation 2024: The Shocking Truth This Cruise Line Doesn’t Want You to Know
Are you thinking about booking a cruise on the Carnival Elation for your 2024 vacation? Before you click that “Book Now” button, you need to read this honest Carnival Elation review. We recently spent a week aboard this Fun Ship, and what we discovered might surprise you. From hidden gems to unexpected challenges, we’re spilling all the details that Carnival doesn’t advertise. Buckle up, because this Carnival Elation review 2024 is about to take you on a wild ride!
First Impressions: Not What We Expected
Our Carnival Elation adventure began at the port, where we joined a sea of excited vacationers. The check-in process was smoother than we anticipated, with friendly staff guiding us through each step. However, our first glimpse of the ship left us with mixed feelings.
The Carnival Elation, while well-maintained, showed signs of its age. Built in 1998, it’s one of the older ships in Carnival’s fleet. Don’t get us wrong – it’s not falling apart, but it lacks some of the wow factor you might see on newer cruise ships.
As we stepped onboard, the atrium greeted us with its glitzy decor. It’s clear that Carnival has worked hard to keep the Elation feeling fresh, but there’s only so much that can be done without a complete overhaul. If you’re expecting the latest and greatest in cruise ship technology and design, you might need to adjust your expectations.
Accommodation: Surprises Behind Closed Doors
Our cabin became our home away from home for the week, and it had its fair share of surprises. We booked an ocean view room, hoping for a relaxing space to retreat after busy days of activities.
The good news? The room was clean and well-maintained. The bad news? It was smaller than we expected. If you’re used to spacious hotel rooms, you might find yourself feeling a bit cramped. However, clever storage solutions helped us make the most of the space.
One pleasant surprise was the comfort of the bed. After long days of swimming, eating, and exploring, we slept like babies on the plush mattress. The room steward also deserves a shout-out for keeping our cabin tidy and even treating us to adorable towel animals each evening.
A word of caution: the bathrooms are tiny. If you’re on the taller or larger side, you might find showering a bit of a challenge. Pack some patience along with your shampoo!
Dining Experience: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Food is a big part of any cruise experience, and the Carnival Elation offered a mix of hits and misses. The main dining room, Inspiration, served up some delicious meals. The prime rib was a standout, cooked to perfection and accompanied by mouth-watering sides.
However, the buffet at Tiffany’s Restaurant was hit or miss. Some days, we found a variety of tasty options. Other days, the selection felt limited and uninspired. Pro tip: don’t miss the made-to-order omelet station at breakfast – it was consistently excellent.
One hidden gem we discovered was the BlueIguana Cantina. This casual Mexican eatery served up some of the best tacos and burritos we’ve had at sea. It’s a great alternative when you want to avoid the busy buffet.
The biggest disappointment? The pizza. For a cruise line that prides itself on 24/7 pizza, we found it to be consistently undercooked and lacking in flavor. Late-night munchies might be better satisfied at Guy’s Burger Joint, which lived up to the hype with juicy patties and crispy fries.
Entertainment and Activities: Never a Dull Moment
Carnival bills itself as the “Fun Ship,” and the Elation certainly tries to live up to that name. The entertainment team worked tirelessly to keep passengers engaged throughout the day and night.
The main theater shows were a mixed bag. The production values were impressive for a smaller ship, but some of the performances felt a bit dated. However, the comedy club was a consistent hit, with both family-friendly and adults-only shows that had us in stitches.
During the day, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. The pool area was always lively, with games, contests, and music. The waterslides provided a fun escape from the heat, though lines could get long on sea days.
For those seeking relaxation, we found the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to be a peaceful oasis. Comfortable loungers and a dedicated bar made it the perfect spot to read a book or take a nap.
One activity that surprised us was the trivia sessions. They were unexpectedly competitive and a great way to meet fellow passengers. Don’t miss the “Name That Tune” contests – they’re surprisingly addictive!
Service Quality: The True Stars of the Show
If there’s one area where the Carnival Elation truly shines, it’s in the quality of its crew. From our room steward to the bartenders and dining staff, we encountered friendly faces at every turn.
The crew’s ability to remember names and preferences was impressive. By day two, our favorite bartender knew our drink orders, and our dining room waiter recalled our dietary restrictions without prompting.
When we encountered a minor issue with our cabin’s air conditioning, the maintenance team responded quickly and resolved the problem with a smile. This level of service went a long way in smoothing over some of the ship’s other shortcomings.
Hidden Costs and Value for Money: The Fine Print
Now, let’s talk about something that might shock you – the true cost of your cruise. While the initial price of a Carnival Elation cruise can be temptingly low, be prepared for a barrage of additional expenses.
Drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and gratuities can quickly add up. We found ourselves spending significantly more than we initially budgeted. For example, the Cheers! beverage package, while convenient, comes with a hefty price tag of around $60 per person, per day.
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That being said, if you’re careful with your spending, a Carnival Elation cruise can still offer good value for money. The included food options, while not always spectacular, are plentiful. Many onboard activities are free, and you can enjoy the nightly entertainment without spending an extra dime.
To save money, consider bringing your own refillable water bottle, limiting specialty dining, and being selective about shore excursions. Some ports are easy to explore on your own, saving you the cost of organized tours.
The Shocking Truth Revealed: What Carnival Doesn’t Advertise
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for – the shocking truth about the Carnival Elation that the cruise line doesn’t want you to know. Are you ready? Here it is:
The Carnival Elation operates on a “fleet rotation” system for its crew.
Why is this shocking? Because it means that the exceptional service you experience on your cruise might be dramatically different from what other passengers experience on the very next sailing.
Here’s how it works: Carnival rotates crew members between different ships in their fleet every few months. This practice, while common in the cruise industry, has a significant impact on the consistency of service and overall guest experience.
During our cruise, we were lucky enough to have a crew that had been working together for several months. They were like a well-oiled machine, anticipating guests’ needs and providing top-notch service. However, we learned from chatting with some crew members that they were about to rotate to different ships.
This means that if you book a cruise on the Carnival Elation, you’re essentially rolling the dice on the crew dynamics. You might get a team that’s just starting to work together, potentially leading to service hiccups or a less seamless experience.
But here’s the silver lining – this system also means that even on an older ship like the Elation, you might suddenly find yourself with a crew that usually works on newer, more premium ships in the Carnival fleet. Their experience and skills could elevate your cruise experience beyond what you’d expect from this particular vessel.
How This Affects Your Cruise Experience
This crew rotation system has several implications for your Carnival Elation cruise in 2024:
- Inconsistent reviews: You might read wildly different reviews from people who sailed on the same ship just weeks apart. This could explain why some passengers rave about the service while others complain.
- Potential for surprises: Your cruise could exceed expectations if you get a particularly experienced or cohesive crew.
- Importance of flexibility: You’ll need to be adaptable and patient, especially if you’re sailing with a newly formed crew.
- Value proposition: This system means that on the Elation, an older and typically less expensive ship, you might occasionally get service that rivals Carnival’s newest vessels.
While Carnival likely sees this rotation as a way to maintain consistent standards across their fleet, it does introduce an element of unpredictability for passengers. It’s not something they advertise, but it’s crucial information for anyone considering a cruise on the Carnival Elation in 2024.
Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Let’s update our breakdown of the highs and lows of the Carnival Elation experience, considering this new information:
Pros:
- Potential for exceptional service if you get a well-seasoned crew
- Good value for money if you budget carefully
- Fun atmosphere with plenty of activities
- Tasty food options at select venues (BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Burger Joint)
- Comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep
- Possibility of experiencing premium service on a budget-friendly ship
Cons:
- Inconsistent service quality due to crew rotations
- Older ship showing signs of wear in some areas
- Inconsistent food quality, especially at the buffet
- Small cabins and bathrooms
- Hidden costs can quickly add up
- Some entertainment feels dated
Who is the Carnival Elation ideal for? Budget-conscious travelers, first-time cruisers, and those who prioritize a fun atmosphere over luxury amenities will likely enjoy this ship. It’s also great for flexible travelers who can adapt to potential service variations.
Who should avoid it? Luxury seekers, those who prefer a quieter, more refined cruise experience, and travelers who want guaranteed consistency in service might want to look elsewhere.
Final Verdict: Is the Carnival Elation Worth It in 2024?
After a week aboard the Carnival Elation and learning about its crew rotation system, we can say that it offers a unique, potentially high-value cruise experience – if you’re willing to embrace a bit of uncertainty.
The crew rotation adds an element of surprise to your vacation. While it might seem risky, it also opens up the possibility of getting premium service at a budget-friendly price. It’s like a game of cruise roulette – you might hit the jackpot with an incredibly experienced and cohesive crew, or you might need to be a bit more patient with a team that’s still finding its rhythm.
Would we sail on the Carnival Elation again? If the price was right and we were in the mood for a fun, potentially surprising getaway, absolutely. But we’d go in with flexible expectations and a spirit of adventure.
Remember, the perfect cruise is the one that matches your expectations and budget. If you’re looking for a laid-back, entertaining vacation with a dash of unpredictability, the Carnival Elation might just be your ticket to an unforgettable experience in 2024.
Have you sailed on the Carnival Elation? Did you notice any differences in service quality between cruises? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And if you found this Carnival Elation review helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow cruise enthusiasts!lation review helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow cruise enthusiasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Carnival Elation suitable for families with young children? Yes, the ship offers various activities for kids, including Camp Ocean for different age groups.
- How much should I budget for additional expenses on the Carnival Elation? Plan for at least $50-100 per person, per day for drinks, specialty dining, and onboard activities.
- Are there any adults-only areas on the Carnival Elation? Yes, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat offers a peaceful escape for guests 21 and over.
- What’s included in the base fare for a Carnival Elation cruise? Your fare includes accommodation, main dining room and buffet meals, basic beverages (water, tea, coffee), and most onboard entertainment.
- How does the Carnival Elation compare to newer ships in the fleet? While it lacks some modern amenities, it offers a more intimate cruising experience and often at a lower price point.
