Carnival Elation is a Fantasy-class cruise ship that’s been delivering up Carnival-style fun for more than 20 years. Yes, two decades ago, Carnival floated out Carnival Elation in Helsinki, as a 71,909-ton ship, 855 feet long, with a guest capacity of 2,130 people and a crew of 920 people.
Similarly to how Carnival Elation’s Fantasy-class sister ships made headlines for some “firsts,” (most notably, Carnival Paradise was the first non-smoking cruise ship in the entire world when it debuted), Carnival Elation was the first cruise ship to be outfitted with an Azipod propulsion system.
While that may not mean much to the average cruise-goer, it basically means that Carnival Elation had an overall better maneuverability when it came to steering her, giving guests a smoother ride, when compared to other ships in Carnival’s Fantasy class.
Carnival Elation’s last refurbishment took place during October 2017 (though other dry docks took place in 2014, 2011, 2009 and 2006), when the ship was dry docked for an entire month to have not only an extra deck added to her, but many public facility updates as well.
Carnival added loads of the brand’s best “new” facilities, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Camp Ocean, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and more. The new deck added 36 staterooms, two grand vista suites, two scenic ocean view staterooms, 22 junior suites and 10 interior staterooms.
As a result of that month of work, Carnival Elation was called the Best Refurbished Cruise Ship by TravelAgeWest in 2018, receiving an award for the new features.
Historically, Carnival Elation has cruised the West Coast of the United States, taking travelers from California to Mexico, as well as the Caribbean, embarking out of Alabama, Louisiana and Florida.
As of 2019, Carnival Elation was cruising out of Port Canaveral, replacing Carnival Sunshine on its route to the Bahamas. Another dry dock is scheduled to take place in March 2020, March 2–25.
Thinking of taking a Carnival cruise and wondering if Carnival Elation will be able to meet all your needs? Here are 10 things to know about Carnival Elation and all it offers.
1. You’ll be overwhelmed with the stateroom options.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Carnival Elation has a huge amount of staterooms and they’re across a huge variety of types and options.
Just starting with your interior staterooms, you have basic interior, porthole and interior upper or lower options. All of them offer a pretty decent amount of space for an interior room and they don’t feel boxy or closed in.
The porthole rooms, with their ample lighting, corner set televisions and desk space seem particularly roomy. The interior upper and lower staterooms are a good pick for individual, solo travelers, as they offer a single bed, but plenty of floor space.
Oceanview rooms come in both the scenic and standard varieties. The scenic ocean view rooms provide amazing, floor-to-ceiling windows and space for up to two guests. If you don’t want to upgrade to the scenic ocean view, the standard ocean view still offers great views from the window, as well as a cheery atmosphere and decor.
You can get tips on choosing the right Carnival cabin right here.
Standard balcony staterooms provide seating for two, to enjoy the sound of the waves and the wind on your skin as you relax in the sunshine, with unobstructed views of the horizon. The aft-view extended balcony stateroom enriches the experience a bit with an even larger balcony.
2. Upgrading to a suite is well worth it.
And if you’re considering upgrading to a suite during your cruise aboard Carnival Elation, then we’d encourage you to go right ahead. The splurge is well worth it, when you look at everything you’re getting.
The Grand Vista Suite is certainly the creme de la creme, with the most room of any accommodation option, including room for up to four guests, a spacious balcony, views at every angle, ample seating and work space, a huge closet and even a bath tub — a cruise ship accommodation rarity.
The Grand Suite Extended Balcony option is similar, but with more space outside than in, though the interior does still feature a cozy couch in a modern style. The Grand Suite is very similar in terms of interior.
Junior suites come in both standard and obstructed view options, both with big balconies, big bathrooms and lots of seating area.
3. Families will fully enjoy the Carnival Elation experience.
Families cruising aboard Carnival Elation are sure to have a great time. While, yes, the ship isn’t as decked out as some of Carnival’s newer offerings with the massive waterparks (though there is a small-ish aqua park) and fancy tech amenities, it does still provide plenty for the family to enjoy.
The Seuss at Sea program is a favorite for families with small children, as kids can dine alongside favorited Seuss characters, participate in a Seuss parade and participate in other fun activities.
Kids who want to enjoy a little “me” time away from their parents can definitely do so at the Club 02 lounge that’s outfitted for teenagers 15 and up, with movies, music, video games, karaoke and events catered just to them.
For those a little bit younger, 12 to 14 years old, the Circle C club provides much of the same programming, only for a younger crowd. Then for those under that age group, all the way down to toddlers aged 2, there’s the Camp Ocean children’s club, with crafts, games, educational activities and toys geared toward specific age groups.
And, of course, when the entire family comes together, there are more than enough options for ways to entertain everyone, without any worries of anyone succumbing to boredom.
4. You can find all your favorite “new” Carnival brands aboard Carnival Elation.
Yes, we did mention that Carnival Elation, being a bit of an older ship, doesn’t have some of the fancier amenities that some of Carnival’s newer ships offer, but that doesn’t mean that the ship is outdated in the slightest.
You can still find all the relatively “new” Carnival brands of eateries and bars and more, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and Punchliner Comedy Club.
5. If your idea of fun is relaxation, Carnival Elation has you covered.
If you’re traveling as a couple, old or young, and not as a family, and you’re more so worried about having enough of your own private time to relax while on your cruise, and you don’t necessarily want to be surrounded by (other people’s) screaming children, then rest assured. There are plenty of places where you can retreat to relax in peace and tranquility.
The Serenity Adults-Only Area is an 18-and-up hideaway with loungers, drinks and more, so you can sip your favorite cocktail in silence. The spa is also a good place to go to relax, with the many, many treatments and amenities available.
And if you want to just work up a sweat before you allow the relaxation to begin, you can do that, too, with the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness center, which also offers classes, a jogging track, volleyball and more ways to get active, however you prefer.
6. You’ll never go hungry.
No matter what you crave, you’ll find some outlet or another that can cater to your fancies with ease. Carnival has a huge variety of cuisine available on Carnival Elation, whether you want Italian or Asian, American or Mexican, wine or beer, cocktails or appetizers, pizza or sandwiches, sushi or ice cream. It’s all right at your fingertips and — better yet — most of it is, in fact, included in the general price of your dining.
The Dining Room offers classic cruise line dining experiences, with multiple food options over three courses. Guy’s Burger Joint provides build-your-own burgers with loads of topping — everything you could imagine. BlueIguana Cantina is all about the tacos.
Lido Marketplace is a super-casual buffet-style eatery with all kinds of options to tempt your tastebuds. Pizza Pirate serves up slices all day, everyday, 24 hours. The Carnival Deli piles your favorite deli cuts high and serves it all up with a pickle spear, of course.
7. Entertainment is plentiful.
The entertainment selection board Carnival Elation truly is abundant. You can play Hasbro, The Game Show, and take on your fellow cruisers in fun games that bring your childhood Hasbro favorites to life. You can check out a show presented by Playlist Productions.
There are workshops and classes that allow you to get hands-on with your entertainment, whether you want to make some fun towel animals or get crafty with an activity presented by Michael’s.
Enjoy some stand-up comedy at The Punchliner Comedy Club. And definitely don’t miss all the various watering holes scattered around the ship, serving up a range of cocktails, beers and other libations.
8. Finding your spot in the sun is easy.
Whether or not you decide to disembark for the days you’re in a sunny locale, you can find a place to snooze in the sun or splash around in the water, just the way you want when you’re cruising through the Caribbean.
The main pool on the Lido Deck provides endless loungers and spot to sit or swim. The Lido Deck is also the location of the Waterworks aqua park, the small-ish space that includes a few water slides and then some water play areas for the smaller kids who want to have some fun, but who aren’t quite ready to take on anything adrenaline-pumping.
Of course, anyone 18-and-up can’t miss out on the Serenity Deck, with its loungers and spots to enjoy the sun.
And even if you want to stay dry while enjoying the sunshine, you can do that, too, with plenty of outdoor activities across the ship, ranging from mini golf to sports courts, with activities appropriate for all ages and travel types, whether you want to challenge your kids to a game or try your best to beat your date in a little friendly competition.
9. There’s really no excuse not to have fun.
Whatever your version of “fun” might be (and we know there are quite a few), you can experience it aboard Carnival Elation. There’s always something to do and enjoy, whether you want something very low-key or you’re thinking you want to party hard all cruise long.
If you want the former, then you can find some quiet retreats, such as the library or atrium during off hours, where you can sit with a book and a drink in hand. If you want the latter, though, you’ll easily find that, too, with live music and club-like atmospheres at many of the bars across the ship.
10. The little things are not overlooked.
When you’re cruising with the largest cruise line in the world, it can be easy to just assume that you’ll be yet another number for them. You’re one of the thousands of cruisers on just one of their many ships. However, don’t make this mistake when it comes to Carnival.
The staff at Carnival and on Carnival Elation are very concerned with making sure you and your family have the best experience possible. As such, whatever you need, they have it covered. Special dietary restrictions? It’s taken care of. Had a spill and need something cleaned, stat? You got it. Just need to print something? Also taken care of. Whatever you want or need, Carnival has you covered.
Also Read: 21 Reasons You Should Take a Carnival Panorama Cruise
Carnival Elation FAQ:
Carnival Elation is very kid-friendly! There are tons of things for children and families to enjoy, from toddlers, all the way up to teens. Activities range from things the entire family can enjoy, to kid-specific activities that they can enjoy on their own at one of the three on-board kids’ clubs.
Carnival Elation was last refurbished in 2017. At that time, it received a huge overhaul and many of Carnival’s newest types of restaurants and bars, as well as entertainment spaces, were added.
Yes, Carnival Elation does feature the WaterWorks aqua park, with several basic water slides and small splash areas for young children.
