Carnival Elation

I recently went on a 3-day cruise to Ensenada on Carnival's Elation and wanted to share pictures of some of the yummy food we ate...  and there was a lot of it!  All of these pictures are of food from the main dining room Imagination.

Even though there's a different menu each night, there are some "Classics" that are available every night, but it's been my experience that what the Chef recommends is better.  The SPA choices seem to be healthier because of their smaller portions...

DAY 1

We started with Beef and Barley Soup and Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail served with American cocktail sauce.  The shrimp cocktail was not what I expected.  To me, black tiger shrimp implies larger, meatier shrimp.  This "Classic" was just ok.

I think there are different side dishes for each night, but everyone gets them no matter which main course you order.  My Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia was delicious!  Very moist and soft.  It was served with sweet Vichy carrots and a yummy mac 'n cheese.

For dessert, the Diet Orange Cake definitely tasted like an orange cake, but it's not something I'd get on a regular basis.  The Warm Chocolate Melting Cake served with vanilla ice cream on the other hand is definitely something I wouldn't mind eating every other day (if calories weren't an issue, of course).  It's quite rich.  Almost like a warm brownie that's a little underbaked.  My only complaint is that it didn't come with enough vanilla ice cream.  Order an extra scoop or two to balance out the chocolate.

DAY 2

Many years ago, I was on the Carnival Ecstasy, where I first had some strawberry bisque.  It was so good!  Like cold melted strawberry ice cream.  I couldn't wait for it on this trip.  Unfortunately, the Strawberry Bisque wasn't as good as I remembered.  I think it could have been strained to eliminate the seeds and other little tidbits.  Picture #9 is of a plate with mushrooms that seem to have been drowned in cheese.

This was the one elegant night where everyone is supposed to dress up (as compared to wearing cruise casual clothes the other nights).  This was also lobster night!  Woohoo!  We both ordered the Lobster Tail with Shrimp.  But I must say, these shrimp were cooked perfectly!  Even better than the lobster tail.  My boyfriend disagrees with me and says the lobster tail was the best he's ever had.  So overall, a pretty fine meal.  The sides were mashed potatoes and broccoli.

The Black Forest Cake was fine, but I really enjoyed the Grand Marnier Souffle served with orange vanilla sauce.  It was warm and delicious, unlike the scoop of Butter Pecan Ice Cream I ordered with it.  I couldn't remember if I liked butter pecan and now I know I don't.  I only liked three of the cheeses on the Cheese Plate, but I'm not sure which ones they were.  The menu listed them as follows: Port Salut, Brie, Gouda, Imported Swiss, and Danish Bleu.

DAY 3

On the last night of the cruise, we arrived to dinner still kind of full from lunch, so I started with a Fresh Fruit Cocktail from their "Classics."  I wanted to try to be healthy, but I later regretted not trying the crabcake.  The SPA Fruit Salad looked quite meager.

The Honey and Bourbon Chicken was so delicious!  Too bad the sauce was slathered on the chicken skin.  I tried to eat just the chicken, but it wasn't as flavorful.  It would have been awesome if it had been skinless chicken.  I read on CarnivalConnections.com that past cruisers recommended the Flat Iron Steak, so my boyfriend tried it and said it was good.

His Apple Pie a la mode was ok.  I preferred my Baked Alaska.  The meringue and all three flavors of ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry) were good.  I think I like the novelty of something "baked" with the ice cream still maintaining its shape and form.  They sprinkled chopped pieces of fruit on it, which I didn't care for.

Throughout the three meals, we also managed to try all three sherbets: lime, orange, and pineapple.

If you've never been on a cruise, it's all about eating!

Please let me know of any great cruises you've been on!