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Carnival Elation

Elation heads the big parade

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,040-passenger Elation took safely to the seas in March 1998 having been handed over by Finland's Kvaerner Masa-Yards during ceremonies in Helsinki.

The 70,000-ton, 300 million-dollar vessel is pictured by Marvin Jensen arriving in San Fransisco having left Miami on March 20 for a 15-day maiden Panama Canal voyage to Los Angeles.

Following pre-inaugural activities on the West Coast, she began her year-round, seven-day cruises from California to the Mexican Riviera, becoming the first new cruise ship ever to offer regular service from Los Angeles. She switched to shorter cruises from San Diego and in May 2010 she is moving toMobile, Alabama, to operate four and five-day western Caribbean cruises , replacing Carnival Fantasy.

Elation, completed almost two weeks ahead of schedule, was the first cruise ship to feature the innovative electric Azipod propulsion which, unlike conventional systems, pulls a ship through the water instead of pushing it.

The system did away with traditional propeller shafts, rudders and stern thrusters, making the ship easier to steer and manoeuver and reducing noise and vibration.

Vital statistics

Operated by Carnival Cruise Lines
Built at Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland
Entered service: March, 1998
Cost: $275 million
Registered: Panama
Gross tonnage: 70,367 tons
Passengers: 2,044
Decks: 10
Lifts: 14
Crew: 920
Officers: Italian
Cabins: 1,022 including

• 620 outside
• 402 inside
• 54 with balconies
• 20 for wheelchairs

Length: 855 ft
Width: 104ft
Draught: 26 feet
Engines: Diesel-electric
Speed: 22 knots

Facilities

Two dining rooms (two sittings), casino, library, three outside swimming pools, gymnasium, self-service launderette.