When you're planning a cruise, one of the first things that often comes to mind is where you'll be resting your head after a day of adventure. On the Carnival Elation, the size and type of your stateroom can really shape your experience. It's not just about having a place to sleep; it's about finding your personal oasis at sea.
Let's break down the options, starting from the top. The most expansive accommodations are the Grand Vista Suites. These are truly impressive, offering a generous 350 square feet of space, which includes a 60-square-foot balcony. Imagine waking up to panoramic views from these forward-facing suites on Deck 14. They're designed for up to five guests, so there's plenty of room to spread out.
Close behind are the Grand Suites. You'll find these midship on Deck 6, and they're also quite spacious at 330 square feet. What's interesting here is that some of these, designated as 'Extended Balcony' cabins, boast a larger veranda of 70 square feet, giving you even more outdoor living space. These can accommodate up to four people.
Stepping down a bit, but still offering a good amount of comfort, are the Junior Suites. These come in at 220 square feet, with balconies around 20 square feet. They're available on several decks, including Verandah (Deck 11), Grand (Deck 14), and Promenade (Deck 9). Some of these, marked as 'Obstructed' (OB), might have a slightly less clear view, but they still provide that suite experience for up to three guests.
For those who love the idea of an outdoor space but perhaps don't need the full suite amenities, the Aft Extended Balcony Cabins are a fantastic choice. These are located at the rear of the ship on Decks 6 and 7, offering 185 square feet of interior space and a substantial 55-square-foot balcony. It's a great spot to enjoy the wake and the sea breeze, suitable for up to four people.
Then we have the popular Balcony Cabins, also measuring 185 square feet with a 35-square-foot balcony. These are spread across several decks, including Main (Deck 5), Upper (Deck 6), Empress (Deck 7), and Promenade (Deck 9). They're a solid choice for up to four guests looking for that private outdoor space.
If a balcony isn't a must-have, but you still want a view, the Scenic Oceanview Cabins are quite unique. With 230 square feet, they're actually a bit larger than the standard balcony cabins, and they offer those lovely ocean views without a balcony. You'll find these forward on Deck 14.
Standard Oceanview Cabins offer 185 square feet of space and, as the name suggests, a window to the outside world. These are the most numerous of the non-interior cabins, found on decks 4 through 9, and can accommodate up to four people.
For those who appreciate a classic touch, the Porthole Cabins offer a charming, albeit smaller, 170 square feet of space. They feature that distinctive round window, providing a glimpse of the sea. These are available on decks 4 through 7.
Finally, we arrive at the Interior Cabins. These are the most compact, starting at 160 square feet for the Small Interior Single cabins and going up to 170 square feet for the standard interior rooms. They can accommodate between two and five guests, depending on the specific category. While they lack windows, they are often the most budget-friendly and are perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and the destinations.
It's worth noting that the ship also has 33 wheelchair-accessible cabins spread across various categories, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all passengers. And after a refurbishment in 2017, the Elation actually gained a few more cabins, including some of those desirable Grand Vista Suites and Junior Suites, and even added balconies to nearly 100 existing cabins, subtly increasing the ship's overall capacity and appeal.
