This was the third cruise for my husband and I. We have previously been on Carnival Pride and Celebrity Infinity. While I recognize the differences in the cruise lines, we really enjoyed both previous cruises. I am sorry I cannot say the same for much of the 8 night Carnival Spirit cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

Our trip began nicely. We drove from Arizona the day before and spent the night at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in San Diego. It was a little expensive ($225 approx.), but well worth it. Our room faced the cruise ship terminal, literally just across the street, and we watched the Spirit come into port the morning of our cruise. Our friends flew in to the airport the morning of the cruise, dropped their bags off in our room and we walked across to get breakfast on the pier.

We returned for our bags and were at the cruise ship terminal by 11:30. Although both couples were booked in category 11 staterooms, and had VIP boarding documented on our tickets, we were met by Carnival employees who seemed suspicious about the validity of our request for VIP boarding passes. Our names had not made it onto their list, apparently, and they treated us as if we were trying to get away with something. After showing them our tickets, we were allowed the VIP passes. It was worth it. We were the first group called, after about a 45 minute wait in the terminal, and we were on the ship in no time. Read more