Picking the Best Cabins on the Carnival Elation

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Carnival Elation's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Carnival Elation? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Carnival Elation? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Carnival Elation?

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Carnival Elation Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Carnival Elation are staterooms and suites on Decks 5, 6, and 14.

Cabins to be wary of on the Carnival Conquest are staterooms and suites on Decks 4 and 7.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Carnival Elation

Deck 4 -- Riviera Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

Cabins on Deck 4 of the Carnival Elation have cabins above them that buffer noise from public areas. However, Carnival Elation's mechanical systems beneath Riviera Deck. Staying in one of the staterooms in the aft section of Deck 4, for example, could mean noise and vibration issues. In the most forward accommodations on this deck, there could also be noise from the ocean during rough seas.

• Forward on Deck 4 of the Carnival Elation R2- R28 port side and R1- R31 starboard are Porthole Staterooms. Each offer 170 sq. ft. (about 15 square feet smaller than Ocean View Staterooms) and have two portholes for viewing the ocean. These staterooms, because of their forward position, are going to be more vulnerable to noise during rough seas.
• Cabins R154 and R141 are right by elevators, so there may be noise concerns- particularly for light sleepers. Looking for another cabin on Deck 4 of the Paradise to avoid this situation is one suggestion. Otherwise, we recommend you bring earplugs, or consider investing in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• On the Riviera Deck of the Carnival Elation, cabins R199-R248 (in the stern / rear of the ship) may notice a bit of propeller vibration.
• Based on past guest reviews, in cabin R263, there were mechanical noise issues that were loud enough to interrupt restful sleep at night.   

Related: Carnival Elation Riviera Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 5 -- Main Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Deck 5 accommodations have cabins above and beneath them, which is optimal because noise from public venues is buffered. Main Deck on the Carnival Elation is also a good deck for Interior Staterooms!

• Forward on Deck 5 of the Carnival Elation M2- M30 port side and M1- M29 starboard are Porthole Staterooms. Each offer 170 sq. ft. (about 15 square feet smaller than Ocean View Staterooms) and have two portholes for viewing the ocean. These staterooms, because of their forward position, are going to be more vulnerable to noise during rough seas.
• In our opinion, the best located exterior accommodations on Deck 5 of the Carnival Elation are as follows. Port side, we suggest M70- M146, M160- M172, and M206- M256. Starboard, we recommend M69- M147, M161- M181, and M211- M263.
• The majority of exterior cabins on Main Deck of the Carnival Elation are Ocean View Staterooms. However, M106- M126 and M222- M256 port side, and M105- M127 and M229- M263 starboard are Balcony Staterooms. Each will offer 185 sq. ft. with a 35 sq. ft. balcony.
• Interior cabins M148 and M149 abut elevators, so we do suggest looking for another cabin on this deck to avoid noise. Also, each of these cabins has a pole in the central living space that hinders movement.
• Aft, Ocean View Staterooms M258, M260, M262, M269, M267, and M265 will provide stunning ocean vistas!

Related: Carnival Elation Main Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 6 -- Upper Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Upper Deck is without question one of the high-rent districts of the ship. This is where eight of the Carnival Elation's Grand Suites are located. There is also at least one deck of buffer both above and below this deck, so noise tends not to be an issue from common areas for most of the Deck 6 cabins. Given that this is where the high-dollar cabins are, this is also where the best cabin stewards are usually assigned. So, if you are looking for an Interior Stateroom, reserving one right across from a Grand Suite might be a very wise investment! Some of the best cabins on the Carnival Elation are on Upper Deck!

• Forward on Deck 6 of the Carnival Elation U2- U18 port side and U1- U17 starboard are Porthole Staterooms. Each offer 170 sq. ft. (about 15 square feet smaller than Ocean View Staterooms) and have two portholes for viewing the ocean. These staterooms, because of their forward position, are going to be more vulnerable to noise during rough seas.
• In our opinion, the best situated staterooms and suites on Upper Deck of the Carnival Elation are as follows. Port side through aft, we recommend U10- U50, U76- U108, U124- U144, and U174- U230. Starboard through aft, we suggest U7- U53, U73- U107, U125- U145, and U185- U243.
• Port side, Ocean View Stateroom U68 and Grand Suites U70 and U74, and starboard Ocean View Stateroom U67 and Grand Suites U69 and U73, as well as Interior Staterooms U72 and U71 are beneath the Atrium Plaza. This is a busy area, so noise could be a concern in any of these cabins- especially during the day.
• Aft of the most forward elevators, there are 20 Category GS Grand Suites on Deck 6 of the Carnival Elation. These are U70- U88 and U104- U114 port side, and U69- U87 and U103- U115 starboard. Each provides 330 sq. ft. of living space and a 70 sq. ft. balcony.
• Nestled between the Category GS Grand Suites are eight Category ES Extended Balcony Grand Suites. These are U90- U102 and U89- U101. Each offers 330 sq. ft. of living space and a whopping 115 sq. ft. balcony!
• Interior Staterooms U72- U110 port side and U71- U109 starboard are all located across the halls from the Grand Suites.
• Port side, Ocean View Stateroom U152 is across the hall from the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be an issue in this stateroom when the laundry is busy.
• Aft on Deck 6 of the Carnival Elation, there are six Balcony Staterooms (U226, U228, U230, U243, U241, and U239). Each will provide beautiful aft views!

Related: Carnival Elation Upper Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7 -- Empress Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

Cabins on the Empress deck are likely going to be less quiet than any others to be found on the Carnival Elation. While we are not suggesting this deck should be avoided, some of the worst cabins on the Carnival Elation are on the Empress Deck! This is due to the stage, galley, and dining rooms on Atlantic Deck (one deck above), and the Atrium Bar, and Guest Services & Shore Excursions which are also located just aft of cabins E66 and E67. 

• Forward, Porthole Staterooms E2, E3, E1, and E2, and Interior Stateroom 298 are near an area for staff. Noise could be a problem in any of these cabins.
• Forward on the Empress Deck of the Carnival Elation, E298 is a larger than standard Interior Stateroom. However, this stateroom shares a wall with the Self Service Laundry. Consequently, noise and heat could be issues in this cabin when the laundry is busy.
• Starboard, Porthole Stateroom E1 is very near the Self Service Laundry. Noise ad heat could affect this cabin.
• Porthole and Ocean View Staterooms E2- E42 port side and E1- E43 starboard, and Interior Staterooms E298- E44 and E5- E45 are beneath the Mikado Main Lounge. Noise could be a concern in any of these cabins during rehearsals and performances, and when staff are cleaning.
• E46- E58 port side and E47- E59 starboard are beneath the Fun Shops, which places these cabins in a relatively quiet area on Empress Deck of the Carnival Elation.
• Interior Staterooms E56, E57, and E299 are near a crew area. Noise could be an issue in any of these staterooms.
• On Deck 7 of the Carnival Elation, cabins E66 and E68 port side and E67 and E69 starboard are closest to the action in the Paradise Atrium Plaza, so we suggest that you reserve a cabin further away from these areas if you prefer a more quiet atmosphere on this deck.
• Inside Cabins E124 and E127 are right next to elevators, which could be a noise concern when the elevators are busy.
• Moving aft from E60 port side and E61 starboard, the rest of the staterooms on Deck 7 of the Carnival Elation are beneath noise producing venues. We do suggest that light sleepers seek a cabin on another deck.
• Deck 7 of the Carnival Elation does feature Balcony Staterooms. These are E82- E102 and E202- E238 port side, and E83- E103 and E217- E253 starboard, and aft staterooms E240- E255.

Related: Carnival Elation Empress Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 11 -- Verandah Deck

While Verandah Deck has Spa Carnival directly above and Lido Deck beneath, this is where you will find some of the best cabins to be reserved on the Carnival Elation! All outside cabins on Verandah Deck are Junior Suites that feature balconies, and it is our understanding VIP check-in service is available for guests staying in these accommodations.

• Forward, Junior Suites V1 and V2 are next to stairs that go to the Observation Deck. Privacy on the balconies of either of these suites could be compromised as a result.
• Junior Suites V2- V10 port side and V1- V9 starboard, and Interior Staterooms V8 and V12 are beneath the fitness area. Noise could be a problem in any of these cabins when the fitness center is open.
• On Deck 11 of the Carnival Elation, V21, V23, V25, V27, V30, V34, V38, and V42 are Junior Suites with Balconies, but do have obstructed views.
• Once again, frugal cruisers may want to book an interior cabin on this deck. Some of the best cabin stewards will be right across the hall!

Related: Carnival Elation Verandah Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 14 -- Grand Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The two largest suites on the Carnival Elation are on Deck 14! With Scenic Ocean View Staterooms, Grand Suites, Junior Suites, and Interior Suites, Grand Deck does indeed live up to its name!

• Forward on Deck 14 of the Carnival Elation, Scenic Ocean View Staterooms G2 and G1 each offer 230 sq. ft. of living space and superb forward ocean views.
• G4 and G3 are Category GV Grand Vista Suites. These are the largest suites to be found on the Carnival Elation. Each provides 348 sq. ft. with a 62 sq. ft. balcony.
• G8- G44 port side and G5- G29 starboard are Junior Suites on Deck 14. Each offers 202 sq. ft. of living space with a 53 sq. ft. balcony.
• If you are seeking an Interior Stateroom in a great neighborhood, we suggest G6- G42.