This was our first cruise. We sailed out of Long Beach on May 25th. We arrived about 11:30am at the terminal. A porter came up right away and took our luggage and directed us where to go and to make sure we had our travel documents and passport with us. I tipped him $10 which must have helped us because we had our luggage by 7pm in our stateroom. Boarding took about 45minutes. I don't know if this average or not. We were on board by 12:30pm. It helps to ask which way to the elevators because the ship is BIG. Found our stateroom and dropped off our carryon luggage and headed to the Lido deck(9th flr) for lunch. It was buffet style lunch,basic but good. Had a muster drill which shows you where to go in case of an emergency. Left Long Beach at 4:30pm. Stateroom was small but comfortable. Had a balcony which was great. If you decide to get a balcony, make sure it's on the right side or "starboard side" of the ship. When you're coming into port , you get to see everything. Also bring a bungee cord to hold the balcony door open. I read about this on a review. It's nice to have the door open and be able to hear the ocean. Explore the ship as soon as you get there and take your map you get when you board. It will take about a day to be able to get around without getting lost. When you get to your cabin you will the find the ships newsletter called the Carnival Capers. This tells you all the activities for the days, meals, shows,etc. You will be bored ONLY if you want to be bored. There's is LOTS to do on board. Try everything at least once. If you don't like it, at least you tried it. Carry your sign and sail card with you all the time. This is your key and charge for anything you buy on the ship. There are lots of photographers on board. Take all the pictures you want. You only buy what you want. Try the formal dinner at least one time. It's nice to see everyone dressed up for dinner plus you can take some great pictures. Puerto Vallarta was nice. Started sunny but clouded over later in the day. Got off the ship and picked up a 4 hour city tour for $25 a person. Did lots of shopping and headed back to the boat about 7pm. You can book tours online or on the ship but if you are fluent in Spanish or know enough to get by, take a chance and book one yourself. You'll save quite a bit of money. Mazatlan was a much nicer day. They offer you a "free day pass" at el cid hotel. You have to listen to a 60 minute presentation. Not worth the time. You get to use the pool and get a few drinks and snacks but not much else. Avoid it. Only good thing was a free taxi ride to the hotel zone. Parasailing was GREAT......... If you want good seafood and a view of the beach, try "La Costa Marinera". It's near the end of where all the hotels are. We hired a driver who dropped us off and came back to pick us up after we finished eating and then stopped so we could do some shopping. Paid $25 for 2. Cabo was the best stop by far. Beach was great but not enough time to enjoy really good. Get off the ship as early as possible. You only have about 7 hours there. Took a water taxi tour of the arches, saw sea lions and the clearest ocean water ever. We could see about 40 feet straight down through the glass bottom boat. Got dropped off at the beach and got picked up about 3 hours later and taken back to the port. Paid $25 including tip for 2 people. Ate lunch at a local place " Mariscos Mazatlan". Back to the boat by 3pm. Overall great cruise. Room steward was great, crew very friendly, service was great.