We drove to LA and stayed at family's house so we did not tour LA prior to embarkation. The actual embarkation was easy as long as you followed instructions in email beforehand (print out luggage tags, what to take and not to take, etc). We boarded and had snacks and a drink in one of the smaller dining facilities while we waited for our cabin to be available; our room was available within 1 hour. Our luggage arrived to our room within a couple hours and we met our cabin steward who was friendly and efficient for the entire cruise. We upgraded to a balcony room since this was my first cruise and a celebration of my 50th birthday and I'm glad that we spent the extra money. If I cruise again, I will only get a balcony room. It was so peaceful to sit out there and just listen to the ocean, to watch the ports as we docked, to enjoy coffee in the morning, and a glass of wine at night. I also was able to read my book peacefully while husband watched tv inside the cabin.

The cabin itself was a good size for 2 adults and maybe 1 small child but no more than that. There was a small couch that could've slept a child but it was only me and my husband that went. We stayed mid-ship and still felt the waves but it was tolerable (I wore sea bands the entire cruise). Casino was nice and we won in the beginning but later the slots were not paying out well.

The dining hall was ok (usual buffet style food). We upgraded for 3 meals in the fancier restaurants and we enjoyed that food better (Cagney's Steakhouse, the French restaurant and Moderno). We also bought the unlimited spa pass and highly recommend it if you want a private jacuzzi, sauna, sunroom away from kids and crowds. We used it every day and thought it was a great value! Read more