4 day cruise from San Diego
 

We are considering booking a cruise to catalina, ensenada on Carnival's elation, is this a good idea? we have limited time are there other options

I have no idea. If you want a response you need to provide a few details. My benchmark for cruises is $100/day/person.

The cost is about $100 a day/person. The trip is by carnival on the ship elation. I saw it on Direct Line Cruise.

Do you mean you have limited time, as far as vacation days? or time in San Diego? This cruise is "fine". Not really upscale, just middle of the road. The ports are okay. The ship is fine. I guess if you have a limited budget and limited days, it would be a good option. What other kinds of options are you looking for?
Tina

Been on that cruise a couple of times with Carnival...not my cup of tea for cruises, but family duties called. Food and service are average at best. Extra charges for lots of stuff.
Not a lot to do right in Ensanada or in Avalon on Catalina Island. Shore excusions though Carnival or arrange your own (cheaper usally) to get the most out of the trip.

I was on this cruise from LA and loved it - go! I was with a different cruise line, but they are almost the same.

In Ensenada, you can take a tour or lounge on the ship by the pool.

In Catalina you can rent one of those golf carts and ride around the island. I took a bus tour up to the airport, the views are wonderful! Or shop for souvenirs.

You can get a lot more info from cruisecritic.com regarding this ship. Most people there liked Elation, older ship but well kept. You should go to cruisecompete.com to register and to get cruise quotes, you will have many agents bidding for you cruise. I compared prices I got for Elation leaving SD on 3/29 and prices were at least $200 cheaper compared to Direct Line Cruise in my case.