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A great way to start cruising by
Julie F. from Milwaukee, WI Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Excellent food Cons: caliber of the ship A group of 11 friends cruised together this November on Carnival Elation. It was a quick 3 day trip with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. We have all traveled before, but not all of us had cruised, so we tried this cheap entre into this kind of vacation.
The boat is older and because the cruise is cheaper, it brought a different crowd. I will always remind myself "you get what you pay for" and that was true to some degree here.
All the things people had told me in the past about cruises were also true: The food was delicious, we had lots of folks serving us from various elements of the cruise and the rooms were insanely tiny. It was also, true, though, that I was in the room only to shower and sleep and it didn't matter. In fact, the bathrooms were perfectly accommodating, so there was plenty of room to comfortably shower and get ready (from other reviews, I was terrified the bathroom would be the size of an airplane bathroom!)
The food was excellent and our dinners were great. The buffets were well stocked. All service staff were pleasant and not annoying (nothing over the top, but they served our needs very well). It was a very international staff, which was also fun.
Sailing was also easy, the boat was quite rocky the night we left, to the point of us stumbling a bit as we walked. Pro-cruisers in our group swore it was quite unusual and we all took Dramamine and were well by evening's end.
Ensenada was beautiful and cruise and city staff there were very accommodating.
We DID NOT book excursions through the boat. Rather, we got off the boat, shuttled to town and booked the same excursion for half the price. Sightseeing, shopping and the Blow Hole event for $15 a piece and a tour guide that took us to his favorite lunch place (and ate with us, by the way!) It wasn't a full day, either, yet filling. We left the boat about 10 a.m. and returned by 4 p.m.
I do wish the cruise was a bit fancier, but you can't control other guests. Our group wanted to dress quite formally for the elegant evening and even on casual nights, we were cocktail dressed. Sadly, other cruisers still wore jeans or inappropriate clothing (overly revealing) but again, you can't control what they do and perhaps a more expensive or longer cruise would bring different people willing to be fancy.
The staff work hard to entertain you, but it's often a bit like summer camp. The comedian was awful, grungy, slimy and inappropriate (And we are FAR FROM a prudish crowd. There's a difference between adult humor and "redneck").
The hypnotist wasn't very good. We chalked it up to "C'mon, if these guys were great entertainers, would they be on a lesser ship of a cruise line doing the same schtick for different tourists four times a week? Probably not..." and that was more of the "you get what you pay for." We were in a large group and made our own fun and found the trip to be pleasant overall.
I would recommend this as a starter cruise--for those unfamiliar with how they work, or nervous to cruise. It was easy and inexpensive, we ate well and found ways to be entertained for three days.
I probably won't do a Carnival cruise or one this short again, however, because the glamour and old-fashionedness of cruising was missing. Now that I've experienced it and my questions and concerns have been covered, I will spend more next time for a grander experience.
Ship QualityAn old, dated ship. Dining/FoodWe ate very well and all food staff service from top to bottom was excellent. Stateroom QualityIt's small, but functional. You're not there much and the bathrooms (a key part) are accommodating. Ship Staff Quality
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  Great cruise! by
A Traveler from Temecula, CA Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: Excellent shows, great service in room and in restaurant. Never had to ask for anything in my room, it was always clean and well-stocked. Very good communication from staff about events on board; info on logistics and safety delivered in clear but entertaining manner. Schedule went like clockwork Cons: No problems of any kind. A lot of official photographers, but never too pushy. Clean, efficient, friendly and professional. Ship Quality
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Ship Staff QualityAneliya, our meal server, gave us the best service I've had on land or sea in quite awhile. Entertainment & ActivitiesOpthttp://www.pricelinecruiseoutlet.com/images/reviews/yellow_smiley.gifional: Add a comment 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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"Bored out of my mind" by
Silke E. from San Diego, CA Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: cleanliness and speed with which they took down and set up meals in the buffet and the Tuesday night show Cons: the temperature was SO cold inside and out, 24/7, other than drink, not much to do, and I don't drink :( The staff were really nice and accommodating, the rooms were clean, the food areas were kept up and clean. If you don't drink alcohol, and you're by yourself, and it's too cold inside and out, they're only so much walking you can do, or so much TV you can watch. For those who like to drink and spend their hard-earned money on alcohol, they will probably enjoy this experience. Although I would recommend this to other people, I'm no longer interested in cruises. I'm glad to know since I've always wanted to go on a cruise. Been there, done that. Don't have the TV shirt, but I did buy a nice pair of capri pants. So glad to be home and warm at last. Kudos to Mr. Miller at Priceline for being the best phone agent I've ever experienced. Hope he had a better time on his cruise than I did. Ship QualityThe decor was fun and lovely, over the top sometimes, but I like that. Dining/FoodI didn't eat at the dining room, only the buffet. The food was varied and plentiful. Sometimes oversalted and cold, the meats were usually overdone and tough, and too salty. The Japanese soup was spot on, really good. The New England Chowder was probably from the midwest :( Stateroom QualityBeautiful room, even without A/C too cold. Love the modern decor in bathroom. Shower good. Ship Staff QualityReally nice people. I'm sure they know they'll be rated. Good job to everyone. Entertainment & ActivitiesI didn't spend money on extras so I don't know if the instructions were OK. Sometimes the instructions were overkill, but I guess with such a large crowd to instruct, you have to do that. The variety show was really good. The hypnosis was lame. Buy art? Please. I don't think so. They pianists and musicians were really good. 1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Great family cruise by
A Traveler from Lehi, UT Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Good food, lots of activities for kids, entertainment Cons: Embarkation process The ship was great. The staff were friendly, courteous, and ran things smoothly. The process for getting on and off the ship during the ports of call was great as well. Our daughter loved Camp Carnival so we managed to be able to go to the major shows and entertainment offerings. Ship QualityFor a 10 year old ship, everything looked fantastic. Dining/FoodBe nice if Tiffany's and the dining rooms had expanded dining times. Stateroom QualityRooms was in great shape. With the closet and cabinets, we were able to fit a lot into a smaller-than-a-hotel room. Ship Staff QualityStaff were fantastic in all areas. Entertainment & ActivitiesBe nice if they had mroe comedies, but the shows and entertainment was great. Children's Programs3 year old daughter loved Camp Carnival, I would recommend it to anyone with young kids. 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Nice Cruise experience by
California traveler from Azusa, California Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: the vessel not to small, not to big, food, crew, staff (friendly) Cons: some workers are a bit snobbish. LIke the one at the fine jwlry and Sandwhich place. love our cruise experience. Friendly workers. Clean ship. Good food. Ship Qualitylove the forward setting of the ship. resembles a bit of titanic. LOL. though it's not that huge. since the elevators go only up to the 12 floor. but the design and all very nice. Dining/Foodlove the food. Fresh. lemonade not the cheap kind. Stateroom Qualitywe never asked our room clean. we always have the PRIVAcy Sign out our door and the cleaning lady never did bother, just wasnt very comfortable people coming in and out the room while we are away having fun most the time. but stateroom was nice, small and cozy Ship Staff Qualityvery friendly environment. Always have their smiley faces. Entertainment & Activitieslove the shows at the MIkado lounge 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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A fairly good deal by
Mr. T from Santa Clarita, CA. Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Price was very reasonable Cons: Food was marginal The ship was very clean and the staff very friendly. Housekeeping did a great job of keeping our room orderly and ready for use every night. The food was acceptable for the most part but needs improving. Ship Quality
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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first time cruiser by
Megan from colorado Sailing date: Jun 2009Pros: food- love the varities at buffet. Cons: wish had a infant daycare free This was our first cruise traveling with the family having little kids. one must try or experience the cruise trip if you can afford one. we are certainly looking to travel in future . Ship Qualitythe ship is large, the area was clean and elevators are everywhere. Dining/FoodI love the food at the buffet and could highly recommend to attend the formal dinning night only at the restaurant. Buffet is excellent choice if you love variety. there is pizza open 24hours. lemonade,coffee are free, so why waste money on soda if you are not a frequent drinker. They charge 15% gratuity on every drink at the bar. Stateroom Qualitywe had asked for a infant crib before arriving the ship, it was not there, we never asked after looking at the size of the room. Ship Staff Qualitythe dinning area staff are not so friendly. our room cleaner was good, i had given him a huge tip, he used to make a towel animal and kept mint chocolates every night for the kids. Entertainment & ActivitiesThey have magic show, comedy show and late night pool party which we did not attend but could view it on t.v the next day. Children's Programsi wish they had a infant less than 2 year a daycare as well. my 5 year old love the camp carnival and did not want to come back to the stateroom every night, so roamed late night the lounges. 4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Excellent experience by
Jonedwin from Tucson, Az Sailing date: Jun 2009Pros: Food Cons: nothing Beautifull. This was our fourth cruse and very enjoyable. We hope to do this every summer. Ship Quality
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Children's Programsthe 13 year old dance was to late (11:00 pm) 
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Ensenada, Mexicogoood place to party and buy Viagra!
Catalina Island, CaliforniaThe golf cart ride around the island was the best.
Don't Miss: above. 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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It was a great cruise. by
Patricia P. from Indio, CA Sailing date: May 2009I thought the cruise was great. The staff were friendly and professional. I have recommended this cruise to many friends and family members. Ship Quality
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Great Cruise! by
Suzanne C. from Devore, CA Sailing date: May 2009Pros: The ship, the food, the overall experience Cons: Smoking everywhere!! We had a wonderful time on our 3 day cruise. The boat was lovely, the activities plentiful, the food delicious!! We did have poor service at dinner the first day, but it improved greatly after that. The only problem we had was that smoking was everywhere on the boat. There wasn't any place on the boat to escape to except our room where we weren't surrounded by smoke. There were supposed to be smoke-free areas (but it wasn't enforced) however, those areas very few, so on our day out to sea, we wound up getting alot of second-hand smoke and headaches. Ship QualityIt was beautiful, very easy layout to figure out and not get lost, lots to do, very clean. Dining/FoodThe food was really good, enjoyed the main dinners, the buffet, the pizza was awesome! Tried it all and loved it! Service in the dining room the first day was very very poor, no drink refills, had to ask 3 times to get coffee, whole dinner took over 2 hours, most of it waiting for service. But after the first day it was greatly improved and we had no problems. Stateroom QualityWe went with the cheapest available room, and got what we paid for. Our room was plenty big enough for the two of us, clean and always serviced. Ship Staff QualityOur stateroom steward was totally awesome, always greeted us by name, helped us out when we locked ourselves out! Some of the other people on board weren't very helpful, but most of the people were friendly and helpful. None of them as awesome as our stateroom steward though! Entertainment & ActivitiesI was worried we'd be bored, but we weren't. There were alot of things to do on the boat, that was nice. Quality wasn't that great, but it kept us busy and that's all we were asking for. Children's ProgramsWe didn't bring our children with us, but there were alot of kids on the boat. We thought from what we saw with the waterslide, choices at the buffet, and the different kids clubs that our kids would definitely have a blast had we taken them, so it'll definitely be an option next time.... if we can resolve the smoking issue.
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Catalina Island, CaliforniaWe love Catalina, we've been there before. This time we walked around the Botancial Gardens, that was a nice experience. Loved the golf cart rentals, got to tour around Avalon and walk about the little bit that they allow there. If you've never been, there are alot of little tours to take that are fun, but the best Catalina has to offer is in the interior: hiking, biking, camping. You can't really do that though when passing through on a cruise ship for a few hours. The semi-submersible is a good first time experience, better than the Glass Bottom Boat, that's not as good.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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