Carnival Elation 5 Day Caribbean Cruise Review
Day 5 June 12, 2015 Day At Sea
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Day 5 June 12, 2015 Day At Sea
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Lido Deck Main Pool Area With Towel Animals
Early Morning Surprise From The Housekeeping Department:
The Carnival Elation's Lido Deck pool area was lined with towel animals in the morning. Immediately after walking outside of the atrium, guests were greeted with three towel humans and towel animals lining the pool area. While many would conclude this is a waste of towels, many children as well as adults enjoyed walking around looking at the towel animals. I wish I knew how to make towel animals as good as the crew members onboard.
The Carnival Elation's Lido Deck pool area was lined with towel animals in the morning. Immediately after walking outside of the atrium, guests were greeted with three towel humans and towel animals lining the pool area. While many would conclude this is a waste of towels, many children as well as adults enjoyed walking around looking at the towel animals. I wish I knew how to make towel animals as good as the crew members onboard.
Looking Down On the Pool
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Towel Animals Lining The Pool Area
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Looking Towards The Back of the Lido Deck
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For most of our day at sea the weather was alright. There were many clouds in the morning. However, it did not rain outside until later in the evening. The ship was rocking from side to side, but it was not near as bad as the night we departed from Cozumel. The rocking could barely be felt in the front areas of the ship, but while I was eating breakfast at the lido buffet (located aft) the rocking was worse.
After stopping to look at the towel animals by the pool, I walked around the outside decks of the ship. The morning onboard was peaceful as many lounges and places were empty. This is because many people were still sleeping or getting ready for breakfast.
After stopping to look at the towel animals by the pool, I walked around the outside decks of the ship. The morning onboard was peaceful as many lounges and places were empty. This is because many people were still sleeping or getting ready for breakfast.
A Side View of the Lido Pool Area Below
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On the Verandah Deck - Looking Towards Back of the Ship
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AFT Pool
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AFT Pool and Back of the Funnel
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Waves at the Back of the Ship
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AFT Pool
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Verandah Deck - Looking Towards The Ship's Front
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Sun Deck - Jogging Track
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Mini Golf Course
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Mini Golf Course Mural
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View From the Front of the Ship
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Verandah Deck Observation Area
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The Promenade Deck was empty at this time of the day. The Elation's Way Promenade was usually less crowded in the mornings because many activities that take place at the Drama Bar occurred in the afternoon. Also, there was nothing open on the Promenade Deck but the Musical Cafe.
Walking Down the Elation's Way Promenade
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Drama Bar
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Gatsby's Great Bar
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Breakfast at Tiffany's Lido Buffet:
The general breakfast buffet lines opened at 7:30am sharp. I arrived a few minutes early in the buffet to watch for the lines to open. Once the buffet lines opened, I went and got some food from the general breakfast buffet first. The selection was nearly the same as the other days, but french toast was being served today instead of pancakes. For those that may not know, french toast and pancakes alternate days in the buffet.
I got some bacon and sausage from the buffet and then afterwards I got a pastry. The ship's rocking started to bother me and I was already full so I did not eat an omelet. I have eaten an omelet everyday at breakfast for the past five cruises. My record has now been broken! :(
The general breakfast buffet lines opened at 7:30am sharp. I arrived a few minutes early in the buffet to watch for the lines to open. Once the buffet lines opened, I went and got some food from the general breakfast buffet first. The selection was nearly the same as the other days, but french toast was being served today instead of pancakes. For those that may not know, french toast and pancakes alternate days in the buffet.
I got some bacon and sausage from the buffet and then afterwards I got a pastry. The ship's rocking started to bother me and I was already full so I did not eat an omelet. I have eaten an omelet everyday at breakfast for the past five cruises. My record has now been broken! :(
French Toast, Bacon, Sausage, Egg, and Potatoes
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Bacon and Sausage
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Bacon, French Toast, and Syrup Bowl
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Breakfast Pastry Station - Assorted Foods
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Breakfast Pastry Station - Assorted Foods
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Breakfast Pastry Station - Assorted Foods
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Honeydew, Muffin, and Cinnamon Roll
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Omelet Making Toppings
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Breakfast Buffet Line - Variety of Foods
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Breakfast Buffet Line - Variety of Foods
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Breakfast Buffet Line - Variety of Foods
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Breakfast Buffet Line - Variety of Foods
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To get away from the bad rocking at the back of the ship, I got up to walk around. I went back by the main pool area to see if the towel animals were still out. I was surprised that someone did not come and destroy some towel animals. The waterslide was turned on and ready for business, but it was still closed because it was not time for it to open.
Towel Animals Lined Up By the Pool
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Waterslide With Water Running, But Closed
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Last Look at the Pool Before Heading Inside
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I walked into the Mikado Lounge to see if any progress was made on the stage construction. The back area of the stage had some construction supplies, but there was not much activity going on in the lounge. Crew members were using the bottom floor to set up for the towel animal demonstration that would occur later in the morning.
Construction In Mikado Lounge
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Zoomed In View of the Work Backstage
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Band Pit Is 100% Gone
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Photo Gallery on the Promenade Deck
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Atrium on the Atlantic Deck
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Lido Deck AFT Tables & Chairs
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Mid-Morning Walk Outside:
The weather was still great in the middle of the morning and I wanted to walk outside to enjoy it while I could. Thankfully, the ship was now rocking less and a sea breeze was blowing. Here are some pictures:
The weather was still great in the middle of the morning and I wanted to walk outside to enjoy it while I could. Thankfully, the ship was now rocking less and a sea breeze was blowing. Here are some pictures:
Waves at the Back of the Ship
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Life Preserver Ring
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Looking At the Water Outside The Ship
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Verandah Deck Under The Funnel
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A View Of the Front of the Ship
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Jogging Track and Funnel In Background
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On the Sun Deck - Looking Down
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Atrium Glass Ceiling
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Front of the Ship
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Sideview of the Ship
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Lido Deck Lifeboat Embarkation Area
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Another View of the Lido Deck Lifeboat Area
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The towel demonstration was something I did not attend, but I did walk into the Mikado Lounge during the event to see what was happening. Many years ago I tried the towel animal demonstration and quickly learned my towel animal skills were dismally terrible. I would not last as a stateroom steward on a cruise ship. The back of the lounge had a table set up with towel animals. The crew members were trying to sell towels as well as a towel animal demonstration book.
Towel Animals On Display
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Towel Animals On Display
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Towel Animals On Display
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Barf Bag Distributor On The Stairwell
Barf Bag Distributors On the Stairwell:
One thing I noticed was barf bag distributors hanging on many of the ship's stairwells. Each of these were stocked with about 10 - 15 bags for people to puke in. The ship's crew probably put these out for those that were sick from all of the rocking. I did not see anyone take a bag or use it during my cruise.
One thing I noticed was barf bag distributors hanging on many of the ship's stairwells. Each of these were stocked with about 10 - 15 bags for people to puke in. The ship's crew probably put these out for those that were sick from all of the rocking. I did not see anyone take a bag or use it during my cruise.
Lunch At Tiffany's Lido Buffet:
Today's Chef's Choice buffet line was serving "American" food. The buffet line contained popcorn shrimp, pork chops, fish, soups, and some different vegetables. The Deli, Pizzeria, Mongolian Wok, Grill, and Rotisserie were also open.
The dessert station was open, but for today's lunch was transformed into a special line called the Chocolate Extravaganza. The Chocolate Extravaganza serves a variety of different sweets, but (of course) the focus of the buffet line is chocolate related foods.
Today's Chef's Choice buffet line was serving "American" food. The buffet line contained popcorn shrimp, pork chops, fish, soups, and some different vegetables. The Deli, Pizzeria, Mongolian Wok, Grill, and Rotisserie were also open.
The dessert station was open, but for today's lunch was transformed into a special line called the Chocolate Extravaganza. The Chocolate Extravaganza serves a variety of different sweets, but (of course) the focus of the buffet line is chocolate related foods.
Pork Chop, Fish, and Popcorn Shrimp
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Pastrami on Rye Sandwich
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Turkey Wrap
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Assorted Foods From the Chef's Choice Buffet Line
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Salad
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Bread, Fish, Broccoli, Pork Chop, & Popcorn Shrimp
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The following six photos are of the Chocolate Extravaganza. Unlike other days, I was unable to photograph the full buffet line because there were too many people.
Dessert Plate
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Assorted Foods At the Chocolate Extravaganza
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Assorted Foods At the Chocolate Extravaganza
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Assorted Foods At the Chocolate Extravaganza
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Dessert
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Dessert
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An Afternoon Of Laziness:
This may sound uneventful, but my last afternoon onboard pretty much consisted of sitting around and watching others walk by. There were no activities scheduled that I was interested in attending. Normally, sea days are filled with trivia, scavenger hunts, and a variety of other games. However, this cruise was not like that.
This may sound uneventful, but my last afternoon onboard pretty much consisted of sitting around and watching others walk by. There were no activities scheduled that I was interested in attending. Normally, sea days are filled with trivia, scavenger hunts, and a variety of other games. However, this cruise was not like that.
Funnel
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Jogging Track Area Looking Towards the Back
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Looking Over the Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
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Past Guest Appreciation Drink Coupon:
After cutting the VIFP Club party for Gold members a few months ago, Carnival replaced the party with a Past Guest Appreciation Coupon for Gold members. Platinum and Diamond members still get to have the VIFP Club Party on 5 day cruises and longer. This Appreciation Coupon was designated for use at any bar after 5:00pm on the last sea day for any one drink up to $9.00 in value. At 2:00pm, on the last sea day I was able to use my coupon at the Drama Bar. The crew member working allowed us to use our coupons early because she did not want to have a rush in the evening. I used my coupon on a Strawberry Smoothie. It was delicious!
After cutting the VIFP Club party for Gold members a few months ago, Carnival replaced the party with a Past Guest Appreciation Coupon for Gold members. Platinum and Diamond members still get to have the VIFP Club Party on 5 day cruises and longer. This Appreciation Coupon was designated for use at any bar after 5:00pm on the last sea day for any one drink up to $9.00 in value. At 2:00pm, on the last sea day I was able to use my coupon at the Drama Bar. The crew member working allowed us to use our coupons early because she did not want to have a rush in the evening. I used my coupon on a Strawberry Smoothie. It was delicious!
Looking Down At the Atrium's Lobby
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Atrium Area on the Verandah Deck
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Verandah Deck Front Elevator Area
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Starting The Process of Packing To Go Home:
In the middle of the afternoon before dinner we started the process of packing. Within 30 minutes all non-essential items and clothes were packed in the suitcase. We overpacked coming to the cruise and had trouble fitting everything back into our suitcase.
Last Dinner In the Imagination Dining Room:
For our last dinner on the cruise ship, we had the same waitstaff from the past three nights. Alfred, Oswin, and Juan Roly went above and beyond to make sure the service at their tables was exceptional. As always, the food tasted great. One of the last night's traditions is the farewell song, but the dining room staff were unable to perform due to sound system technical difficulties.
In the middle of the afternoon before dinner we started the process of packing. Within 30 minutes all non-essential items and clothes were packed in the suitcase. We overpacked coming to the cruise and had trouble fitting everything back into our suitcase.
Last Dinner In the Imagination Dining Room:
For our last dinner on the cruise ship, we had the same waitstaff from the past three nights. Alfred, Oswin, and Juan Roly went above and beyond to make sure the service at their tables was exceptional. As always, the food tasted great. One of the last night's traditions is the farewell song, but the dining room staff were unable to perform due to sound system technical difficulties.
Everyday Dining Menu
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Last Day's Dinner Menu
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Last Night's Dessert Menu
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Assorted Basket of Bread
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Appetizer - Crab Cake
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Appetizer - Shrimp Cocktail
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Appetizer - Mushroom Cream Soup
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Appetizer - Caesar Salad
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Appetizer - Beefsteak Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella
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Main Course - Mahi Mahi
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Main Course -
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Main Course - Veal Parmigiana
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Dessert - Fresh Tropical Fruit
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Dessert - Baked Alaska
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Towel Animal
Stateroom Nightly Turndown:
Our stateroom steward came while we were eating dinner to turndown our beds and clean up the room. We had a new towel animal left, but no new papers. This was because our disembarkation information sheet and luggage tags were delivered in the morning. The stateroom steward no longer had any paper flyers to give us for this cruise.
Our stateroom steward came while we were eating dinner to turndown our beds and clean up the room. We had a new towel animal left, but no new papers. This was because our disembarkation information sheet and luggage tags were delivered in the morning. The stateroom steward no longer had any paper flyers to give us for this cruise.
Production Show - "Just Rock":
Tonight's show was "Just Rock" in the Mikado Lounge. There were two showings, which were 8:15pm and 10:15pm. This show was still going to be performed on a few more cruises. I attended both showings of "Just Rock" because the show was very good. There was a variety of 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s music performed during the show. For those that have cruised on the Carnival Miracle, this show was very similar to "Generations". However, the Carnival Miracle is now rid of this show because the ship has already received the upgrades the Carnival Elation is in the process of getting.
During the second showing, a medical emergency occurred in the lounge. I do not know the specifics of what happened, but something happened to a lady during the middle of the show. I was watching the show when a bunch of people stood up and this got the attention of the assistant cruise director. He went over to investigate and it looked like he pulled out his shipboard phone to call for help. Some guests found the cruise director's seat and got his attention as well. The cruise director managed to get the technical staff to close the curtain and turn on the overhead lights. Within minutes staff from the onboard infirmary came to get the lady. She walked out with some help from them and others. Overall, it appeared the crew members handled this situation well. We were told before the show continued the lady was alright.
Tonight's show was "Just Rock" in the Mikado Lounge. There were two showings, which were 8:15pm and 10:15pm. This show was still going to be performed on a few more cruises. I attended both showings of "Just Rock" because the show was very good. There was a variety of 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s music performed during the show. For those that have cruised on the Carnival Miracle, this show was very similar to "Generations". However, the Carnival Miracle is now rid of this show because the ship has already received the upgrades the Carnival Elation is in the process of getting.
During the second showing, a medical emergency occurred in the lounge. I do not know the specifics of what happened, but something happened to a lady during the middle of the show. I was watching the show when a bunch of people stood up and this got the attention of the assistant cruise director. He went over to investigate and it looked like he pulled out his shipboard phone to call for help. Some guests found the cruise director's seat and got his attention as well. The cruise director managed to get the technical staff to close the curtain and turn on the overhead lights. Within minutes staff from the onboard infirmary came to get the lady. She walked out with some help from them and others. Overall, it appeared the crew members handled this situation well. We were told before the show continued the lady was alright.
Looking Down at the Lido At Night
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Funnel Area At Night
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Carnival Elation At Night
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A Quick Visit To the Lido Buffet For "Good Eats"
Good Eats was taking place in Tiffany's Lido Buffet. There were a variety of foods and desserts being served. I ate a piece of lemon cake from the dessert station and it tasted great. I went to the deli for a pastrami on rye sandwich and the staff remembered my preference before I got a chance to order.
Good Eats was taking place in Tiffany's Lido Buffet. There were a variety of foods and desserts being served. I ate a piece of lemon cake from the dessert station and it tasted great. I went to the deli for a pastrami on rye sandwich and the staff remembered my preference before I got a chance to order.
Assorted Foods Served During Good Eats
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Assorted Foods Served During Good Eats
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Dessert Station For Good Eats
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Dessert Station For Good Eats
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Dessert Station For Good Eats
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Last Pastrami on Rye Sandwich For The Cruise
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