Living only 15 minutes from the cruise port in Jacksonville has its benefits, because I’m going to be sailing on the Carnival Elation soon!
When the Carnival Fascination was homeported in Jacksonville, my wife and I took advantage of sailing on her quite a bit. That’s how I earned Platinum VIFP status!
If you do a YouTube search of “Scott Lara Fascination”, you will see a large number of my videos (and a few including my wife) talking about many aspects of cruising.
Several years ago, the Carnival Fascination relocated to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Jacksonville welcomed the Carnival Elation.
In September of 2017, the Carnival Elation came out of an extensive dry-dock renovation and was significantly improved, however, she did come to the rescue of a seaman in distress.
Cruise Radio reported on September 12, 2017, “When Hurricane Irma hit, the Carnival Elation was in the middle of a scheduled dry dock in Freeport, the main city on the island of Grand Bahama. In order to safely navigate the storm, the ship had to be floated out of dry dock until it was safe for her to return. When finally the weather had subsided to the point that Elation could return to dry dock on Sunday, September 10, she picked up on a distress signal.
It turned out that a United States citizen had been forced to abandon his vessel during the storm. His ship sank, leaving him stranded in a lifeboat. Despite strong winds, heavy swells and almost total darkness, the Elation responded to the distress call. The stranded sailor was brought safely on board and immediately provided with food, water and medical attention.”
Click on the link below for the full story from Cruise Radio:
https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-cruise-rescues-stranded-sailor/
The Carnival Elation now features an increased capacity to welcome guests with its new two Grand Vista suites, 22 junior suites, two ocean view cabins and 12 interior accommodations.
Additionally, private verandahs have been added to 98 existing staterooms, creating new 230-square-foot balcony staterooms, all of which offer new island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soft pastels inspired by Carnival Elation’s tropical itineraries.
Located on Verandah Deck, the new WaterWorks park features an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide full of twists and turns, two 82-foot-long racing slides and splash zone for kids.
A nine-hole miniature golf course has been relocated to Deck 14, providing another activity for families to enjoy together.
The ship has also added Camp Ocean, a marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that showcases the wonders of the sea through engaging interiors and more than 200 ocean-themed activities, including arts and crafts, science-oriented programming and more.
Stay tuned to my blog and @scottlara1961 on Twitter for updates during my Carnival Elation cruise!
It should be fun!
