As veteran cruisers that sail two or three times per year you would think that we have seen more than our share of itinerary changes. Surprisingly enough we have not. On this cruise we were joining good friends from Texas and their family for our first sailing from the West Coast to the Mexican Rivera. This was payback for them having surprised us on a New York sailing a couple years back. Seemed fitting as we had met on a cruise back in 1988 onboard the Carnival Celebration. We have been friends and cruise mates ever since. Joining in with us were our usual cruise partners now from NC again whom were met originally onboard a ship back in 1992 onboard the Celebrity Zenith. On that occasion they were onboard to be married in St. Thomas and after meeting it was decided we would stand up for them as they did so. We were quite sure that our showing up would be a surprise since I have always made it known I sail for the ships not the destination and see no reason to fly across the country to sail. Yes we always just go to the Caribbean for most part but hey we are warm. Something that would prove to be correct thinking after this sailing!

We flew into Long Beach Airport rather than LAX basically just because JetBlue flew into there from NY and we like JetBlue. Their new terminal at JFK is fantastic by the way as new things often are. Now LGB is a local airport, more so than I realized as I noted the stairs to exit being pushed up to the aircraft after we landed. Still I have no complaint almost step off plane short walk to baggage carousel outside the doors and covered by a canopy. Step across the street for shuttles and taxi's. We had booked Super Shuttle, next time I will take a cab. Driver was haphazard both in driving and paying attention. He tried to drop us off at wrong hotel and almost got us T-boned getting from their to correct hotel. Was only $33 but cab at around $50 would be better option. Despite our driver we arrived alive and well at the DoubleTree hotel in San Pedro.

We were very happy with hotel where we met up with our fellow cruisers from NC Tom and Laurie. Hotel was clean, best bed other than my own that I have slept in ever. Great restaurant on site which we thought reasonably priced. Lovely outside area for drinks, food, or just sitting overlooking large Marina. We were very happy with rooms, warm cookies on arrival, and staff were excellent. The ONLY con was that internet in room, ethernet connect, was charged for service, something like $12 for 24 hours. They do offer FREE wireless service in the lobby. This I don't get in today's age when even flop houses often offer free internet in room. Especially considering that a nights stay is not inexpensive. We paid, advanced non refundable rate in area of $172. I would definately stay there again no matter. Hotel is but a few minutes from the San Pedro cruise port ( bare in mind there are TWO cruise ports in LA the other being Long Beach ) and the DoubleTree provides a complimentary shuttle for that and for local areas. Read more