My DW, DD, and I took this short cruise in order to take advantage of $500 credit from Royal Caribbean that would expire next April. Originally I booked an inside stateroom, but when the prices dropped, I upgraded to a balcony, and later a junior suite. It would be our first cruise with more than just a double porthole view.

ARRIVAL We flew in from San Francisco to San Diego on Southwest, arriving early -- 9:15 AM. After locating our bags, we took a taxi for the 5 minute drive to the pier (about $9 plus tip).

The initial embarcation process was not as well organized as it had been in San Pedro. There were two cruise ships docked -- Radiance of the Seas and a Carnival vessel. When we arrived there was a single line of a couple dozen passengers for both ships waiting to enter the pier. There were no signs and no personnel to guide us. After an hour we were allowed into a waiting area, but then told to take our luggage outside for check in. I realize that we were pretty early -- perhaps it was better organized for the later passengers. Read more