Carnival Cruise Lines
Elation Cruise Review
Eastern Caribbean

Cridappers
May 7th, 2006

My wife, 19 month year old and I ventured onto our our very first cruise, the Elation. We departed from Miami on 5/7 and returned yesterday. Not knowing what to except from the new itinerary, this ship was clean but like Gerhardtm said the linens were upgraded to down pillows and comforter. The new ports are beautiful.

Half Moon Cay in my rating a 10! Carnival made it easy for the sail and sign card to be used. BBQ Food was served for lunch right on the island. The beach has the clearest water I ever seen. We went on the Glass Bottom Goat Tour and the wife got seasick but was okay because we recieved a refund for her, which was cool. Overall, Beautiful Small Island-rated a 10!.

St. Thomas was most enjoyable for us. With shopping right off the boat. Easy offered tours all around. We book a tour to Megan's Bay and Paradise Point. Receive a fee drink after the tour. Expect the small drink! Magen's Bay is over rated. This beach has a nice view with very little coral and a food stand with a bar. Rating a 8 for Megan's Bay but a 9 for St. Thomas! Next time St. John, Trunk Bay.

San Juan was an okay 7. We arrived 7:00 early raining and no shops opened till 9.00am,. We book a tour to the Bacardi Factory and City Tour @8:45am for 3-4 hrs. Same to expect with the 2 fee drinks after the tour. After the Bacardi factory, we took a ferry across the bay back to the ship. Need to stay longer and try the beaches and forts.

Grand Turk was a pricey 9! Sunny when arrived! The Prime Minister for Turks was awarding Carnival with food for lunch. Jimmy Buffets Margarita Bar was cool but with a nice pool. The beach you arrive on to, the port is full with destroyed coral everywhere. Snorkeling is good on left side of pier. Beautiful turquoise water! The small shops are pricey and need more development. Maybe try the Trolley Train and Governor's Beach.