This was our second 3-night Ensenada cruise within two months. We drove to Long Beach the day before embarkation and stayed at Super 8 in Long Beach (E Pacific Coast Hwy). Prices were very good and only about 20 minutes away from World Cruise Center at San Pedro.
Arrived in San Pedro and checked in by 11:30 am. Plenty of parking and no long lines for check in. We waited in the waiting area and our group #3 boarded about 12:30 pm. Dropped off luggage in our cabin and went to lunch in the International Dining Room on Deck 6 AFT. (Most of the passengers went to the Horizon Court Buffet for lunch.) It was nice to sit down and start our cruise with an enjoyable meal with friends and family. After lunch we went by the International Cafe to check out what was being offered for snacks. They have very good desserts, sandwiches, and soup.
Art auction is now be directed by PARK WEST. I have seen a lot of the art before on previous cruises. The free champagne given out at the first auction was flat and didn't give me a buzz. Both auctions on this cruise started LATE. The second auction started almost 30 minutes late. You had to register and turn in your bid card at the end of the auction in order to receive a free print.
Our cabin was D512 MID-AFT near the stairs and elevators. Brand new 40" Samsung Smart TV's were being installed throughout this cruise (Jan 13-16). Bed was very comfortable and good bedding. Balcony was large with no overhang. Everyone above us could see right down upon us. Plush towels and a tube of lotus spa lotion in the bathroom. Body gel and shampoo/conditioner in pump bottles on the shower/tub wall.While docked in Ensenada I stood on our balcony waving at friends getting off the ship and walking into town. I also saw the security dog sniffing for meat and fruit in the bags and backpacks that people were carrying off the ship.