Carnival Elation Cruises | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Carnival Elation Cruises & Sailing Dates

Explore the Caribbean aboard this classic Fantasy-class ship sailing from Jacksonville with over 100 upcoming voyages.

CruiseHuddle Snapshot

116

Upcoming Sailings

3

Members Planning

2

Active Listings

$256

From

Carnival Elation

The Story

The Carnival Elation has been delivering fun Caribbean escapes since 1998, bringing Carnival's signature energy and entertainment to the seas for over two decades. This 71,909-ton Fantasy-class vessel carries 2,626 passengers and offers an approachable cruise experience that's become a favorite for first-timers and returning guests alike.

Sailing primarily from Jacksonville, Florida, the Elation makes Caribbean cruising convenient for guests throughout the Southeast. With 118 upcoming sailings and prices starting at just $308, this ship provides accessible ocean vacation options throughout the year. The Elation features the classic Carnival experience with lively deck parties, comedy shows, casual dining venues, and family-friendly activities that keep everyone entertained from embarkation to disembarkation.

Built as part of Carnival's popular Fantasy class, the Elation strikes a comfortable balance between size and intimacy. She's large enough to offer diverse dining options, entertainment venues, and pools, yet small enough that you won't spend your vacation getting lost or waiting in endless lines. The ship appeals to families looking for value-packed vacations, couples seeking a fun getaway without breaking the bank, and groups of friends ready to enjoy tropical destinations with plenty of onboard entertainment. Whether you're drawn to Caribbean beaches, shipboard activities, or simply relaxing with an ocean view, the Elation delivers a straightforward cruise experience.

Ready to set sail? Browse the available Carnival Elation sailings and connect with other cruisers who've experienced this ship's unique charm.

Onboard Highlights

🍔

Guy's Burger Joint

Grab a free signature burger from celebrity chef Guy Fieri poolside on the Lido Deck.

🌊

WaterWorks Aqua Park

Twisting waterslides and splash zones keep families cool under the Caribbean sun.

🎰

Ocean Plaza Casino & Lounge

Try your luck at slots and table games in a lively central social hub.

🎤

Punchliner Comedy Club

Catch stand-up comedy shows in a relaxed lounge setting most nights at sea.

🍹

RedFrog Rum Bar

Sip Caribbean-inspired cocktails and draft beer at this laid-back poolside bar.

🎭

Elation Show Lounge

Enjoy Vegas-style production shows and live music in the ship's main theater.

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By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

1998

👥 Passengers

2,626

👨‍✈️ Crew

900

🏢 Decks

14

🛏️ Cabins

1,094

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

71909 gt

📏 Length

260 m / 853 ft

↔️ Beam

31 m / 102 ft

⚡ Speed

22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph

🏳️ Flag

Panama

🔧 Builder

Kvaerner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland)

🏷️ Ship Class

CCL FANTASY

🎀 Christened By

Shari Arison

⚓ Sister Ships

Carnival EcstasyCarnival FantasyCarnival FascinationCarnival ImaginationCarnival InspirationCarnival ParadiseCarnival Sensation

Questions

Carnival Elation features multiple dining venues including the main dining room, casual Lido buffet, Guy's Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina. Onboard amenities include pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, spa, casino, comedy club, live entertainment venues, and kids' programs for families.
Carnival Elation primarily sails from Jacksonville, Florida (JAXPORT), making it convenient for cruisers in the Southeast United States. This homeport location offers easy access without the need to fly to larger cruise hubs like Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Carnival Elation focuses on Caribbean itineraries, visiting popular tropical ports throughout the region. These cruises typically range from shorter getaways to week-long voyages, allowing guests to experience beautiful beaches, local culture, and warm-weather destinations.
Yes, Carnival Elation is well-suited for families. The ship offers Camp Ocean youth programs for different age groups, family-friendly entertainment, casual dining options kids enjoy, pools and water features, and activities that keep children engaged throughout the cruise.
As a Fantasy-class ship built in 1998, Carnival Elation is smaller and more intimate than Carnival's newest vessels. While it may lack some cutting-edge features, it offers the core Carnival experience at excellent value with shorter walks and a comfortable, less overwhelming atmosphere.
Beyond the fare

What Carnival Cruise Line actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across Carnival Cruise Line.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$17
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$238
before a single drink
Service charge
20%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $60–$85 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Raised gratuities $1 on Apr 2, 2026 (first since 2023). Quietly moved the service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. Bottomless Bubbles (soda) is $11.99/day, over $14 with service charge. IMPORTANT: fund your Sail & Sign account before boarding or you will queue at Guest Services mid-cruise.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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