Carnival Elation was built in 1998. She is in terrific shape. Our 7 day cruise departed Galveston on October 26, 2003. Our scheduled ports of call were Progresso, Mexico, Cozumel, and Belize. We had to miss Belize due to problems with the ships propulsion system. There was some disappointment, but we got an extra day in Cozumel to finish our shopping or explore the wonderful snorkeling and beaches available.

Progresso is a very small fishing village. The shopping there consists of a flea market run by locals with t-shirts and hand crafts. They love to barter and are very friendly. The town of Merida is the capital of the Yucatan and about 30 miles away. The ship offered a shopping trip there. Progresso is also the gateway to several Mayan Ruins sites including Chichen Itza and Uxmal.

The Elation is one of the middle size ships of Carnival...not the smallest and not the largest. She has several bars and lounges with various music, a gourmet coffee bar with wonderful pastries, a three piece 'orchestra' in the atrium bar, three pools, a water slide, spa and gym facilities and spacious staterooms. This ship only has interior (no window) and ocean view (window) rooms available. No balconies (even in the suites).

The food and service were superior. The staff and crew were the friendliest I have encountered, even on other Carnival ships.

Since it was Halloween, the ship had a huge parade for those in costumes with a prize for the best dressed. The Camp Carnival group had a trick or treat time for the kids with candy stations throughout the ship.

Feel free to email me for more details. And be sure to check out the special Halloween cruise for next year.