The following review was from a family of four. This was our third of four Carnival cruises. We drove from Northern California to Long Beach to avoid flying with two small children. We enjoyed our stay at the Coast Long Beach Hotel. This was our second time staying at the Coast Hotel pre-cruise and we have found it to be very convenient each time. We requested a crib and it was all set up in the room upon arrival. It's a nice hotel right on the marina and you can watch the Pride sail in to port. They offer an ample breakfast buffet and we enjoyed walking along the marina on the grounds of the hotel. It also has a nice pool and small workout room. The hotel offers parking during your cruise, a view of the Queen Mary, and a free shuttle to and from the Carnival terminal. We enjoyed talking with the pleasant shuttle driver who was very prompt on our pick up and drop off to the nearby cruise terminal.

Embarkation - We booked a category 11 suite on the Pride so we were offered the VIP check in. In our case, that meant passing the crowds outside the terminal to wait in a VIP line inside the terminal. There was some confusion within the terminal and they briefly lost our sign and sail cards, but everyone was cordial. After some ID photos we found ourselves walking the gangway plank to board the Pride. Note: Don't make the mistake of arriving too early to the terminal. You will be much more comfortable enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel than you would be sitting on your luggage and waiting in the cruise terminal.

This was our 3rd cruise with Carnival but the first time cruising with both of our young children ages 2 and 5. We chose Carnival for the great kids club. Carnival gets huge kudos for offering a fun, safe and controlled environment for the kids. Parents can relax and have a wonderful vacation too. Carnival knows how to keep the kids busy and happy. Our 5 year old was asking to go to the kids club after breakfast each day. He participated in the kids talent show (this was his second cruise) and enjoyed all of the crafts and games. Our kids were good and ready to get a good night sleep at the end of each day. Carnival offers a vibrating pager to parents for the duration of the cruise. This gave us a tremendous peace of mind while we enjoyed some quiet time and romantic fine dining. We took advantage of the late night baby sitting which was $10 per hour for 2 kids. This allowed us the opportunity to see several shows and go dancing with some friends. Read more