Carnival Elation vs Carnival Spirit

Carnival Elation

The Carnival Elation, a Fantasy-class ship launched in 1998 and last refurbished in 2017, offers a classic, comfortable cruise experience. Despite its blend of 1970s color schemes and Vegas-style accents, it maintains a charming, uncrowded feel. This vessel is designed for those who appreciate traditional cruising without the scale of newer mega-ships, focusing on good value and a relaxed pace. It's a ship that invites guests to enjoy a straightforward, fun-filled holiday where the emphasis is on the journey and the foundational Carnival experience.

Carnival Spirit

The Carnival Spirit, a Spirit-class ship built in 2001 and refurbished in 2015, presents a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere, resonating particularly well with Australian cruisers. While its decor is described as a “hodgepodge of styles,” the ship successfully blends diverse themes to create an engaging environment. It's positioned as a top-value holiday choice for all ages, offering a balance of action-packed activities and ample opportunities for relaxation. The Spirit provides a comprehensive cruise experience that prioritizes fun and friendly interaction across its many venues.

Carnival Elation

With a capacity for 2,130 passengers and a dedicated crew of 920, Carnival Elation fosters a distinctly family-friendly, lively, and casual ambiance. It appeals to those seeking a classic cruise experience with a touch of retro charm, where fun is at the forefront. The ship is well-suited for value-savvy families and nostalgic cruisers who appreciate an unpretentious environment. Adults can find peaceful moments at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, while children are kept engaged by the attentive crew and a host of activities, ensuring a balanced, cheerful atmosphere for all.

Carnival Spirit

Carrying 2,124 passengers and supported by a crew of 930, Carnival Spirit cultivates a notably laid-back, fun, and friendly atmosphere. It draws a diverse crowd, including families, couples, and singles, all united by a “let's have fun” mentality. The ship excels at balancing vibrant social spaces with tranquil retreats, like the Serenity adults-only area which features its own pool and bar. Its exceedingly friendly and attentive crew contribute significantly to the relaxed, engaging vibe, making it a welcoming environment for social explorers and family fun-seekers alike.

Carnival Elation

Dining on Carnival Elation offers a range of complimentary and for-fee options. Guests can enjoy three-course meals in the main Dining Room (Inspiration or Imagination), which also hosts the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast for an extra charge and features lively waiter entertainment. Casual bites are plentiful at the Lido Marketplace, with its various food stations, 24-hour Pizza Pirate, and Swirls ice cream. Poolside favorites like Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are included. For a more exclusive experience, The Chef's Table offers a multi-course gourmet dinner for an additional fee.

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit boasts a diverse culinary landscape. The grand Empire Restaurant provides complimentary three-course dining, including a Sea Day Brunch and Afternoon Tea, alongside singing and dancing waiters. Casual options abound at La Playa Grille on the Lido Deck, featuring 10 food stations, 24-hour pizza, and ice cream. Poolside, guests can savor Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, all included. For specialty dining, the Nouveau Restaurant offers aged prime beef, while the Chef's Table presents a unique molecular gastronomy experience for an extra charge.

Carnival Elation

The Elation's entertainment centers around classic cruise fun. Guests can enjoy musical productions by Playlist Productions and laugh-out-loud shows at The Punchliner Comedy Club, offering both family-friendly and adult-only performances in the Limelight Lounge. Live music fills venues like the Atrium, Drama Bar, Romeo & Juliet Lounge, and Duke's Piano Bar. For those feeling lucky, the Casablanca Casino provides table games and slots. Daytime fun includes the WaterWorks water park with its Twister Waterslide and racing slides, plus mini-golf for all ages.

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit offers a robust lineup of entertainment and nightlife. The Pharaoh's Palace hosts Vegas-style revues and Playlist Productions. The Punchliner Comedy Club features two comedians with progressively adult-oriented shows. Live music, karaoke in the Shanghai Piano Bar, and themed pub quizzes at RedFrog Pub keep evenings lively. The Louis XIV Casino offers extensive gaming options and tournaments. For those seeking unique cocktails, the Alchemy Bar provides a sophisticated experience, while the Dancin' Nightclub keeps the party going late. Outdoor movies are shown nightly on the big screen by the Dome Pool.

Carnival Elation

Carnival Elation provides 1,026 cabins, including Interior, Porthole, and Ocean View staterooms, each around 185 sq ft and capable of sleeping up to five guests. Balcony staterooms offer 220 total sq ft, with a 35 sq ft private outdoor space. Suites, such as the Junior, Grand, and Grand Vista Suites, are notably more spacious, featuring amenities like priority check-in, immediate suite access, two large bottles of water, pillow-top mattresses, ELEMIS bath products, and bathrobes. Grand Vista Suites, the largest, boast floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies, ensuring a comfortable retreat.

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit features 1,062 cabins, with approximately 75% being outside cabins, and 80% of those offering balconies. Standard cabins are well-appointed with earth-toned decor, twin beds convertible to a king, and Australian power points. Suites, including Junior, Ocean, Vista, and Grand Suites, elevate the experience with enhanced space, separate dressing areas, double sinks, and bathtubs (some with whirlpools). Vista Suites provide unique wraparound balconies and panoramic views, while Grand Suites offer direct wake views. Suite guests also enjoy priority check-in, dining assignments, and complimentary laundry service.

Carnival Elation

The service on Carnival Elation is characterized by its friendly and attentive crew of 920, who contribute significantly to the ship's fun and casual atmosphere. The overall onboard style reflects its classic Fantasy-class heritage, with a decor that blends 1970s aesthetics with lively Vegas touches. While not modern, this established style creates a comfortable and unpretentious environment. Suite guests receive enhanced service perks such as priority check-in and boarding, along with dedicated stateroom attendants ensuring a Personalized experience for all guests.

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit is renowned for its exceedingly friendly and attentive crew of 930, often described as “five-star,” which underpins its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The ship's onboard style, while an eclectic “hodgepodge of styles” from Egyptian to English manor, creates a distinctive and engaging environment. This unique aesthetic is secondary to the high level of service and the ship’s focus on providing a top-value, fun-filled holiday. Suite guests benefit from various priority services, including check-in and dining, further enhancing the Personalized attention on board.

Carnival Elation

While specific itineraries are not detailed in the provided information, the Carnival Elation, as a classic Fantasy-class vessel focused on value and family fun, is typically well-suited for shorter, more casual cruises. Its comfortable size and array of included activities make it an excellent choice for regional sailings where the ship itself is a significant part of the destination. Guests seeking straightforward, enjoyable getaways with a lively atmosphere and plenty of onboard entertainment for all ages will find its offerings align well with these types of voyages.

Carnival Spirit

Specific itineraries for Carnival Spirit are not provided, but its reputation as a “top-value holiday” and mentions of “Australian cruisers” and “Sydney's fish markets” suggest it is particularly popular for cruises departing from Australian homeports. These itineraries often include longer, more diverse voyages to destinations like the South Pacific or New Zealand. Its extensive dining options, thrilling water slides, and robust entertainment cater to families and social explorers looking for an immersive and fun-focused journey on varied routes.