Got to Long Beach on 2/13 and stayed at the Best Western Long Beach. Nice hotel. A great drive to the port.
Getting on the ship was a breeze. Was eating on the Lido Deck by 2. Was happy to see we didn't have to put the life jackets on. Instead you stand in the muster area. We left the port right on time (about 5:30).
I liked the ship. It is typical Carnival with a pink color scheme. It is kind of hard to get around, but you can figure that out.