We've known each other since high school. Now we're in our 50's. Her husband and my partner weren't interested in cruising, so we went without 'em! I'd cruised once before (Diamond Princess to Alaska five years ago) so I was designated the planner. I found this cruise on Vacations to Go and booked for both of us.
We drove from Northern California down to Long Beach (I sat down to compute costs and determined it would be cheaper to drive than fly), leaving a day early so we could visit Catalina Island before we set sail (which was WELL worth it). I booked a park-and-cruise package with Comfort Inn of Long Beach - very nice motel, which provided taxi vouchers to get us to and from the port. The day before our cruise we visited Catalina (I booked the ferry ride earlier in the week). The morning of the cruise we had a few hours of spare time so we visited the Long Beach Aquarium. If you're in Long Beach anyway, why not see a few of the sights? Both Catalina and the aquarium were great fun and we'd DEFINITELY go back.
About 2 PM we left the motel for the ship. The taxi to the port took about ten minutes. Once out of the cab, we were just a few feet from porters, who took our baggage (and we each tipped them, well worth it to not have to handle our suitcases!). We got in line to check in. Everyone was given a form to fill out stating we were not showing signs of a cold or flu (not sure what they did if you WERE). Went through security, passport control, etc. smoothly. Within half an hour or so we were cleared.
Plenty of room for our baggage, good storage space (unless your roommate has packed her entire wardrobe, like mine did). Bathroom small but efficient, good water pressure. Loved having a balcony - small but it would have felt claustrophobic without it. Comfortable beds. Quiet deck.