Embarkation –

We chose to arrive the day before and stay at the Marriott Long Beach downtown, across from VON's grocery store. I like that hotel as I've stayed there before for business. I knew the Crown was having issues with NORO, so went to grocery bought Lysol with Hydrogen Peroxide spray and wipes. We then explored and went to a little cafe for dinner. I wanted to go to Roscoe Chicken and Waffles but no one wanted anything that heavy. On the embarkation day, it was a smooth start, we arrived at the terminal at 1330 all four of us as I brought my parents who are first time cruisers. It was overwhelming for them but they were troopers. We gave our luggage to the porter 8 pieces total 5 bags 2 cases of water and 1 case of sodas. With a $20 tip all items made it to our two rooms with not a problem. Actually, by the time we got through the check-in process and security, a few of our bags were in the room already. We went through the check-in process, lots of people and lots having trouble with English as a first language. There was some trouble with folks understanding the health questionnaire so that was a little confusing. Once past that check in was a breeze. We showed my parents the room, how the phone worked (dialing floor number and then room number), how the showers worked, etc. We also wiped down the room with the Lysol wipes and sprayed all the horizontal surfaces with the spray just to make sure we were good. They did lift the noro code red by the second day of the cruise and there were no problems with that. We then proceeded to horizon court for light lunch,and a little dessert. Then off to explore and show my parents the ship. After Exploring we went to our rooms to unpack a bit and prepare for muster drill, which was promptly held at 1600. once that was complete, we went to Sail away party, then headed to dinner, which was not great, the lines to the dining rooms were long, so instead headed to wheel house for a quick drink and to theater for the early show. That seemed to work for my parents each night. We'd head to a bar, grab a drink then head to theater for early show. They had an abbreviated show with Carlos Oscar, the Princess Dancers and introduction of the cruise directors and his staff. We finished the night out with a long walk to work off a big dinner. Overall first night was Good.

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