Carnival Cruise Lines
Elation Cruise Review
Eastern Caribbean

Sam Maraldo
Age: 57
Occupation: Consultant
Number of Cruises: 2
May 28th, 2006

This was a 7 day cruise and there were 5 of us. I loved it overall. There were 2 excursions I would avoid and that was the bus tour of Puerto Rico and bus tour of Grand Turk, BWI (horrible, never got off the bus!)

The ship Elation was fabulous. We loved the staff, especially are waiter, Rolando, and his assistant, Rosemary. We shared a table with 5 fabulous young women which made dinner time fabulous and full of laughter (Hi Mel, Eli, Liza, Jen, Chris - you were great!)

Our cabin staff was also fantastic and we looked forward nightly to the towel animals. Our beds and pillows were SO comfortable - thanks Lucky and Annak. Every person, except a very, very few, were friendly and extremely accommodating. The food was very good, with some dishes being outstanding. The ship was impeccable.

Now my favorite places were Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island. We rented a cabana - and it was worth the price. The island was great, water was spectacular, and we thought it was a great way to start our cruise. Next was St. Thomas with an excursion to St. John. Great shopping in St. Thomas. We snorkeled at Trunk Bay and it was fun but nothing like when we snorkeled at Caneel Bay. Caneel Bay is a far superior place to visit and snorkel. Then we were off to Puerto Rico. Too rushed, not very impressed with the tour, shopping was pretty good but way too rushed. Then we were off the Grand Turk, BWI. This was expensive place to shop, but what a place to have fun!!! Margaritaville had a wonderful shop, an incredible pool, swim up bar, great music, and yummy drinks. Like I said, it was expensive but worth every cent. To be in my early 20's again!! Note - buy your shirts as soon as you get on the island since they run out of sizes quickly. DO NOT TAKE THE ISLAND BUS TOUR - A WASTE OF MONEY AND THERE IS NOTHING NICE TO SEE OR PLACE TO SHOP!

I would definitely take this cruise again. Suggestions - Spend the extra money and get an outside cabin with a balcony. It is wonderful sitting out there and relaxing. In Puerto Rico, take a taxi to the shopping area - it is a lot cheaper and you will have more time. Grand Turk - stay at the beach, you will have a blast!

Thanks, Carnival, for a wonderful time I got to spend with my sister, her husband, her daughter, and my daughter - these memories will last a life time!
 

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