There’s nothing quite like that first step onto a cruise ship, when the salty air hits your face and the excitement of adventure starts to sink in. In early 2022, my family and I set sail on the Carnival Elation from Port Canaveral, ready for a much-needed escape to Grand Turk and the Dominican Republic. Things weren’t quite back to normal yet, but after so much time away from cruising, I was just happy to be back at sea.

This was my first time visiting the Dominican Republic, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had always heard great things, but there’s something different about experiencing a place firsthand. The landscape was gorgeous, with rolling green mountains in the distance and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The air felt thick with the scent of the ocean and fresh fruit. It was one of those places that instantly felt warm and inviting.

One of the highlights of the trip was our excursion to Monkeyland. Tucked away in the jungle, this place was home to the friendliest little squirrel monkeys I had ever seen. The second we stepped into their habitat, they climbed all over us, hopping from shoulder to shoulder like we were their personal jungle gym. One sat on my mom’s head for what felt like way too long, while another tried to dig through my pockets, probably looking for snacks. They were so full of energy and personality, and I could have stayed there all day.

Grand Turk was a completely different experience. It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. My mom and I walked along the empty beach, the only sounds coming from the waves lapping at the shore and the occasional seagull in the distance. The sand was soft beneath our feet, still cool from the morning shade, and we spent our time collecting seashells, taking in the quiet. It was one of those rare, peaceful moments where everything slows down, and you realize just how beautiful the world can be.

Out of all the Carnival ships I’ve been on, the Elation was probably my least favorite, but I have to be fair. I sailed during a weird time. Things were still opening back up after the pandemic, so a lot of the usual activities weren’t available. The nightclubs were closed, and we had to wear masks in most public areas, which made the cruise feel a little different than what I was used to. Even with the restrictions, the staff did their best to keep things fun. Trivia became a highlight of the trip, and I loved the competitive energy in the lounge. People really take their random knowledge seriously, and it was hilarious to see entire teams groan when they got a question wrong.

The Elation is one of Carnival’s older and smaller ships. It didn’t have the massive, sprawling layout of the newer ships, but the upside was that it was super easy to navigate. I never felt lost, which made getting around way less of a hassle. The ship itself was well-maintained, but you could tell it had been around for a while.

Sailing in January isn’t as common, and I definitely noticed a different vibe on this trip. The crowds were thinner, the energy was more low-key, and overall, the cruise felt more relaxed. It wasn’t the usual high-energy Carnival experience, but in a way, that made it stand out.

Looking back, I don’t think my experience on the Elation was completely fair to what the ship is probably like now. The restrictions played a big role in how the cruise felt, and I imagine things have changed a lot since then. Even though it wasn’t my favorite ship, I still had an amazing time. The destinations were beautiful, the memories were worth it, and at the end of the day, I was just happy to be back at sea. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a calmer experience, this might be the perfect ship for you:)