Embarkation Day:

We spent the night before the cruise at the Hotel Maya. Fabulous hotel with a wonderful restaurant, Fuego! Delicious food for dinner as well as a breakfast buffet. The hotel was comfortable and very clean. Warm cookies upon check-in and great facilities. The morning of our cruise we hopped on the free red bus and went into downtown Long Beach. Around 1 p.m. we walked from the hotel to the ship. Easy to do if your luggage is on wheels. Checked in our bags and walked right into the building to go through security and the check-in counter. Absolutely no waiting! It was great! I highly suggest arriving at 1 p.m. After all, you're on vacation, so who wants to stand in line! Small hold up just before walking across the walkway to the ship, but that's because they're taking pictures. If you're not interested you can walk around it.

Our room wasn't ready yet, but we were able to drop off our case of water and soda. Then it was off to the Lido deck for drinks and lunch. Our whole party had sandwiches from the Deli. Delicious! Our cocktail waitress was Ni and she took care of us the entire cruise! We were never without something to drink and she knew our names by about 2 p.m. that day! She is by far one of Carnival's best employees!!! Kind, polite, informative....just all around great! Read more