Sailed on 11/11/12 to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Despite confirming with me that we were celebrating our anniversary prior to the cruise there was no mention of it at all on our cruise. It wasn't much but Princess put balloons in our room on our 20th.

Embarkation was fine. We flew into Long Beach from Phoenix and purchased the Carnival shuttle service. It was convenient and prompt. There was a rep waiting for us as we left the terminal. We arrived at the ship around 10:00 AM, checked our bags with the porter, checked in at the cruise line. We were given our cabin keys, and a boarding group number. We were told where to assemble for boarding and to be there by 11:20. Since we had some time we went next door to the Queen Mary for coffee. We got into our position at 11:20 and finally boarded about 12:15. Not too bad.

We went to the Lido for lunch. More about the food later. Read more