This was a first time cruise for me and my daughter. We were with another mother and daughter, it was their birthdays the week prior and this was a vacation we had all planned in advance to celebrate. We booked directly with Carnival cruise lines and it was an extremely pleasant process.
Upon arrival in Long Beach for embarkation we enjoyed the local area, beaches and restaurants. Embarkation went very quickly and the staff were all extremely pleasant and welcoming. If you are camera shy, you'll have to avoid all the photographers as they are taking pictures constantly. Our cabin was ready and our luggage was outside the door when we arrived.
The buffet was ready upon our arrival and the music was playing, it was vacation time! All meals were great and room service if ordered was always there at the time requested.
Cabin was cozy, clean and well stocked.