We arrived at San Diego and checked in with no problems. We were told to be back at the pier by 4:00 p.m. to be bussed to Ensenada. They even ran free shuttles to and from a nearby shopping area. San Diego was nice and we had a pleasant day, but were anxious to get on the ship by 4:00 p.m.

About 5:00 p.m., we got on the busses with no problem and went down to Ensenada. After arriving in Ensenada there were about 20 other busses and even more coming in behind us. We were made to sit on the bus for a while in no air conditioning and it was getting warm. People started getting "antsy" and wanted to get out. After some time, we were let off the bus, but only to get into a very long line of people with only 2 scanners and one entryway onto the ship. After over 2 hours of sitting/standing in line, we got on the ship around 9:10 p.m. totally exhausted, nerves-frayed, hungry, and needing a bathroom stop badly. Fortunately, they kept the dining room open and we were some of the last seated for dinner about 10:10 p.m. I felt really sorry for the elderly folks made to sit on the hot busses or stand in line for such a long time.

The Spirit is a very pretty ship and cabins are spacious. The staff did aim to please as best they could and it seemed they were trying their best but were simply overwhelmed with all the people. We had a balcony cabin and enjoyed lots of time on our balcony. I loved the Carnival bedding with the fluffy comforter and pillows and all the bathroom samples and Dove Bodywash and Shampoo in dispensers in the shower. Overall decoration of the ship is a little ornate, but very pleasant and appealing. Read more