Dave

This is a report on my family's experience on the Carnival ship Elation (Mexican Riviera)for the week of 10/10/99. <BR> <BR>This was our first cruise ever. We had 2 cabins, one inside and one outside). Our 3 boys (10, 12 & 15) were in one, and my wife and I in the other. <BR> <BR>I tried to keep my expectations low due to the many negative reports I have read on this site, and on others. To my pleasant surprise the experience was delightful and without any disappointment. I would gladly go again with this ship and crew. <BR> <BR>Our cabins were larger than I had expected(E168 and E232) and the toilet and shower area was much larger than I had expected. Our steward was never seen but always present and offered many nice touches and suprises. The boy's steward was excellent and picked up after them far more often than I thought he should. The boys delighted in the free room service, ordering a minimum of 6 times a day (their personal record was 12 room service orders in a day!). Always this was cheerfully provided. <BR> <BR>Food in the formal dining room was good. The steaks, prime rib and lobster tail were best; sea food was good, not great. Sauces were for the most part non-existent, but this is preferable than a poor sauce in my book. <BR> <BR>The Elation has a sushi bar that was very good, 24 hour pizza bar that the boys declared "the best", and an alternative restaurant (Tiffany's)that provided buffet style meals that also included a cook to order pasta station, and cook to order Thai food station. Breakfast at this site also provided 6 omlete or eggs to order stations. In all, this restaurant was excellent. <BR> <BR>Staff was attentive and caring. <BR> <BR>We did NOT choose to use any ship-based port activities and instead planned and booked our own tours using the internet. This was a GREAT choice as we got better value at a much better price. For example, the suggested taxi rate from the ship into Mazatlan was $8 - $10 per person. We bargained a taxi tour, including town, shopping area, stops at the cathedral and tour along the diving cliffs for a party of 8 persons for a TOTAL of $5. <BR> <BR>Anyone who wants to take a Mazatlan horseback tour (2 hours, great anmimals) with an English speaking former Californian should contact Randa Garrison on the internet at the following weg site: [email protected] She was a real find. Tell her Dave from Monterey says "hi".

Debi

<BR>My familyi going on the Elation in June. Thanks for the horsebackriding tip! Any others for p.v.or cabo? I have 4 yr, old twin boys and a 13 yr old girl. I need something that we all can do together. Snorkling is risky with my sons. Hope you still have the info, its been awhile since you went. Thanks!

Carly

We too sailed the Elation in May of 99 and had a great time. Weve been on 9 other cruises, this being our first Carnival cruise. Great Ship!!! I do have to comment on your sons ordering room service 12 times in one day is a tad bit glutenous and uncalled for. If it were my children, I would encourage them to think of the extra work they were imposing on the room stewards who are probably overworked as it is. Are you raising them to be obnoxious, finger snapping, selfish future world travelers?????

Kelli

I could not agree more. Our children always cruise with us and have a great time. They think room service is truly special but we'd never let them abuse it in such a manner. Actually, they would never try to. I can rest assured that they will know how to behave when away from us in such a way that people will be glad to have them around. Extravagance can be wonderful but to be just plain wasteful is piggish!

dave

Several responses. First, I too was taken aback as to the number of room-service requests, spoke to the boys AND the room steward. The orders were for cookies and chocolate milk... and the steward both enjoyed and abetted this effort. (We were part of a group of 68 people from a very small town, and the boys had prolonged Monopoly sessions). Nonetheless, when we found out, we put a stop to it. I referenced the event to indicate the "can do" spirit of staff, not to approve of the action of the boys. <BR> <BR>Second, as to shore activities on P.V. and Cabo, each time we made arrangements through local hotels to enjoy the pool and grounds for a parft of the day. We did this at the Westin at P.V. and I cannot recall the name at Cabo. This allowed most of the adults and older children to enjoy the town, and gave the younger children an opportunity to play. We then all joined up in town later in the day. <BR> <BR>Finally, a great web site on cruise lines is at http://www2.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/vspmain.asp <BR>This site shows actual ship-by-ship inspection reports completed by the U.S. government for all ships which make a U.S. port of call. Check it out. <BR>

Debi

Dave, Thanks for horseback riding tip! I have been in contact with Randa and she is wonderful! Very accomadating for our family! We will be seeing her end of June, I'll tell her hello! She was also happy to know you had posted address!