Has anyone cruised on the Carnival Elation?

Question

My friend & I are going to Freeport and Nassau in February, on the Elation. I've looked at reviews online, but it always helps to hear more experiences! Any extra charges (besides those for drinks) that I should watch out for? Any beach recommendations (we're planning to do our own thing, instead of booking shore excursions)? Is it pretty cheap to get around? Do the beaches have souvenir stands, or do you have to go to the market? Sorry about all the questions - it's hard being curious, nervous, and excited all at the same time! Thanks for any replies! :)

Answer 1

Great cruise we got off of this one Jan 20, We went to HMC, GT, and Nassau. If you could get that it is great!!!! The boat is the best, crew, service, food best one yet. You will enjoy. Nassau I would say take an Excurisons off Carnival. Freeport hmm it is easy to take a cab from in front of the boat to the beach and shopping like $4-5 each one way. Have fun and enjoy

Answer 2

The Elation is one of 8 - yes 8 - identical ships that Carnival built in the mid 1990s. Her sister ships are the Ecstacy, Fantasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise. They are all in the mid-to-large category at 70,000+ tons and carrying 2000+ passengers. Although they all have absolutely identical deck plans, the interior decor varies from ship to ship. However, if you've been on one of them, you'll feel like you know all of them well and are at home on any of them.

I took my whole family on the Imagination last year - 8 cabins - it was their yearly presents all rolled-up into one. We went out of Tampa for 5 nights and had a great cruise.

The Imagination was very well taken care of - nothing seemed to be wearing out or in need of replacement. She only has about 20 cabins with balconys, and those are only in the suites, but even with her age, we found nothing lacking. The buffet gets crowded, but other than that I had no complaints. The food was OK - not great. The entertainment was the best of any ship I have been on - and we cruise at least twice a year, so that's a big endorsement. The bars and night clubs were a lot of fun - especially those on the Promenade Deck.

Your options for Nassau and Freeport are almost endless - there are about 60 shore excursions that are offered by Carnival - I have copied the links for you, below. In Nassau, many people like to just stroll the main shopping area downtown along the waterfront for some excellent bargans - I like "negotiating" with the shop owner. Lots of fun.

By the way, you may not know that Carnival has the largest standard cabins of any cruise line - 185 sq. ft. compared to 155 - 175 on others.

Carnival delivered what it promised and we enjoyed our cruise, and I hope you do too!

Bon voyage!