We are a family of five, including husband, myself, 2 sons and future daughter in law. We have cruised on Carnival's Elation out of LA and Inspiration out of New Orleans, twice on RCCL's Monarch of the Seas and three times on Princess, Grand, Diamond and Sapphire. We were looking forward to this winter getaway. We booked a Penthouse suite in September so we could all stay in the same cabin.
We left Seattle on a 7:00 a.m flight and got to LAX around 9:30, we caught a taxi van ($60 for all five of us) to take us to the Long Beach Pier. Because we had a suite we were able to take advantage of the Skippers Club. We got to the pier around 11:00 and found a Carnival representative to show us where to go. They hadn't opened the doors yet so there was a short line of about 100 people and one other couple ahead of us in the "Skipper" line. We were taken into the little office and waited about 10 minutes while the staff got set up so they could process our sign and sail accounts. We walked through security and up the escalator (after a quick picture) and were on the ship by 11:30.
Off to our cabin. The suite really is huge, with a rather large sectional sofa that opens to a queen size bed. We had a king size bed and they brought in a fold away for our 16 year old. Large closet with a door that closes so you can use it as a dressing room. Large bathroom with a whirlpool bath (and shower). Had to ask for a fifth life jacket but other than that everything was well stocked. There is a mini bar and a nice selection of barware - we didn't use the minibar. From the balcony (covered) the Queen Mary was a lovely sight to see.