By Dana Niland

CJ Contributor

Carnival Elation has completed a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes the addition of a new WaterWorks park, 38 new cabins, 98 stateroom balconies and a variety of food and beverage concepts.

Following the renovation, Carnival Elation will resume its year-round schedule of four- to eight-day cruises from Jacksonville, FL.

Carnival Elation is Jacksonville’s only year-round cruise ship offering four- and five-day cruises to The Bahamas featuring stops at Freeport, Nassau and the private destinations of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.

Carnival Elation will also offer a special six-day Bahamas cruise and an eight-day Bermuda voyage in April 2018 as well as a one-time seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise the following month.

The ship will now feature an increased capacity to welcome guests with its new two Grand Vista suites, 22 junior suites, two ocean view cabins and 12 interior accommodations.

Additionally, private verandahs have been added to 98 existing staterooms, creating new 230-square-foot balcony staterooms, all of which offer new island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soft pastels inspired by Carnival Elation’s tropical itineraries.

Located on Verandah Deck, the new WaterWorks park features an enclosed 300-foot-long Twister water slide full of twists and turns, two 82-foot-long racing slides and splash zone for kids.

A nine-hole miniature golf course has been relocated to Deck 14, providing another activity for families to enjoy together.

The ship has also added Camp Ocean, a marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11 that showcases the wonders of the sea through engaging interiors and more than 200 ocean-themed activities, including arts and crafts, science-oriented programming and more.

The ship’s new dining options include Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries; RedFrog Rum Bar, another poolside option offering the Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing rum-based frozen drinks and beers; and BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as a toppings and salsa bar.