Gary Johnson

Age: 46
Occupation: Marine Electronics Technician
Number of Cruises: 1
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Elation
Sailing Date: June 13th, 2004
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

I cannot say enough good things about this experience! My wife and I and our two teenage sons were first time cruisers. We had booked the Cat 11 suite with the small balcony - WELL worth the price - BUT - the cabins Below V30 on either side have their views blocked by the lifeboats !!! Ours was not and it was wonderful. We had the boys directly across the hall in their own small, inside cabin.

Boarding was a breeze for us - and I don't know why. We were taken to the Skipper Club and all our boarding documents were already there - we were escourted directly to the ship. I don't think it was the cabin class but maybe it was... anyway, it was great.

The food, entertainment and activities that Carnival offers are perfect for the large age group they have aboard. There were kids from 1 - 90 and there seemed to be something for everyone most of the time. The food was great as well. I have eaten in some of the best resturants in the world - Carnival does a spledid job of serving at least 4-star food to hundreds of people in a two hours seating. I don't know how they manage it but we never felt rushed and the selections were varied and very well presented.

I never - ever - met an unfriendly face, voice or person working in the staff or the crew. Everyone and I mean everyone down to the little guys painting over small scratches in the walls were very polite - always.

We liked being up on deck 11. I admit that the water was pretty calm for the whole trip but I don't really think it would have mattered that much if it had not been. Being up high in the ship, I think, made a big difference in the hall traffic.... it was always quiet in our area and we were just one deck up from the Lido deck - a mainstay during the whole trip.

For the money, I don't think you could beat this vacation value. If you want to be pampered at a one - to - one level - then you need to spend 3 times what this cruise costs. The ship was super clean - well managed - and well liked by everyone we came into contact with.

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