My wife and I just returned from a week aboard the Elation. We were on the ship from Jan 9th - Jan 16th. After having read many of these reviews I have come to the conclusion that a cruise is always what you choose to make of it. We had an awesome time. I will try to help those who read this get a feel for the cruise they will receive if they take the Elation.

Boarding the ship was fairly easy. We chose to stay at a new hotel on Galveston called "Best Value Inns and Suites". May I strongly recommend this hotel. We had a suite about a block off the water and they offered free cruise parking all for 59.95. Taking a Taxi to the port cost 9.00 and they took us right up to port. We got to the port at 12:30 and were on the ship by 12:55. Very easy. Once on board we went to our room changed clothes and then went to the Lido Deck for food. The weather was cool but not cold. We then took a walk around the ship to see the different rooms and colors. It really is a very nice ship clean and always being worked on. During the week on each Atrium floor is large pictures that they changed while there. Pretty neat to watch.

We had an inside room on Upper deck. Very basic, very Carnival. Our cabin worked and was in great shape. Each night the steward would clean and set up our room. Chocolates on the pillow and of course the towel animals. What fun to see something new every night!

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Life on this ship was easy going. Eat when you want except at dinner time. The food everywhere was the best I have ever had on a cruise. I honestly did not have a bad meal. I am also always amazed at how so often we have great tablemates to eat with. This cruise was no exception. If I were you when you go on the ship eat at least your dinners in the dining room it's a great experience.

Entertainment: Here is the area where the ship failed to impress. I was on another cruise with Carnival 4 years ago and they were the same acts! Same jokes! There really needs to be a shake up in the way they do entertainment. It lacked. Oh well you can't have everything.

Ports of Call were very good. Progresso is not a great place but if you want to take a tour of Mayan ruins then this place for you. We took a tour off the ship and enjoyed the day. We heard there really was noting in the town at all but if you want cheap souvenirs this is a good port. Hint if you want something local they make GREAT hot pepper sauces in the area.
Cozemel as always was awesome! I love going to this port. If you can't find something to do at this port you never will. They have lots of shopping and also easy access to great beaches. We went on our own to Choconob Park. It costs 12.00 to get in and you can snorkel or walk their many trails. Don't and I repeat don't at this stop take the ship tours. You can do it so much cheaper and at your pace on your own.

Belize is a great place except you have to tender. We again went on our own and went cave tubing with a company called X-Stream. They are very well known and do a great job for about 50% less then the ship. So if you want to do these kinds of thing do it on your own. Just be aware you will have to get a tender ticket and won't get on the shore until 9:30am earliest.

Days at sea are whatever you want to make of it read, swim, get involved in one of the many games. Just have fun. This is a great cruise at a fairly great price. My wife and I agreed we may just take this cruise again in the next year or so.

One last note, I loved the port of Galveston. Neat shops and great restaurants down right by the port. Of the 3 ports I've started off from this was the best.