This was our 5th cruise in 32 months and we traveled with another couple, our sons in laws.
Embarkation: We flew into Los Angles from Sacramento and took a taxi to the pier. The taxi cost us $60 (and the return trip with the Long Beach Taxi Company, cost only $49) and we arrived in the late morning. We got into line and then waited about 1 ½ hours before we could embark. Fortunately, the weather was nice. On other Carnival cruises, we have been able to board much quicker.
Our Cabin: Balcony room on Panorama Deck, cabin # 8160. The cabin was very clean and our cabin steward was nice. However, the ice bucket was not filled during the day, so we requested that. Thereafter, she left us with a large bucket of ice each day. Really, all we wanted was to have ice in the ice bucket, not a gallon of it. Our bed was turned down each night, along with a towel animal to greet us. We enjoyed a glass on wine on our balcony each night, while enjoying the spectacular sunsets heading south. Each morning we would order breakfast or bring something back from the Mermaid Grill and eat on our balcony. The only problem with the balcony was the couple next door seemed to smoke all the time, which was really unpleasant for us. I wish Carnival would not allow smoking in its staterooms. Coming from California, where smoking is not permitted in many public places, it was really unpleasant.