This is my first cruise review, as this was only my second cruise. The first one was on the Dawn Princess in 2008 to Alaska.

We drove to L.A. the day before the cruise and stayed at the Double Tree Hotel close to the San Pedro Pier. This is a very nice place to stay and they allow you to leave your car there for the duration of your cruise at no extra charge. They also shuttle you down the next day with your luggage to board the ship and pick you up when you get back. This was very nice and much less stressful than flying for me.

Check in for us was at noon and we were on the ship by 12:15. Check in was very oranized and easy. We went to our room on the Baja Deck, Cabin 334 and it was ready for us. Our cabin was very roomy and our balcony was great. It was covered and private as the ones below you could look down into. We dropped off our carry on and went to have lunch in the Horizon Court and explore the Golden Princess. This ship is large and very beautiful and is kept in good condition. Then it was back to the cabin to find our luggage waiting and put it away in time for the muster drill and dinner. Read more