My husband and I finaly got to cruise on the Splendor after waiting since January when our cruise had been resecheduled due to the Splendor fire. It was well worth the wait!! We realized now that it was probably best we waited to do this iteniary in the heat of the summer as it would've been way to cold sailing out of Long Beach in the winter. We flew into LAX and took the Prime time shuttle from LAX to our hotel in Long Beach - Best Western of Long Beach. The shuttle cost for one way with tip included for both of us was $37.00. They were punctual and service as promised. Once arriving at the hotel which was very early from normal checkin (11:00 am) I was a bit apprehensive as to the location I had booked. The area of the hotel is not the best, but very convenient to the Metro Line (train to take you into Long Beach or all the way to the sites of LA if you want)...the line is right across the street. The hotel itself is a bit rundown but no problem for a one night stay before cruising. The staff was very nice and helpful and they provide free Port shuttle the morning of the cruise. Just be sure to sign up for this service when you check in. We took the Metro down to harbor to get some lunch and do a little sight seeing since we had all day. Very easy to get around and very cheap...around 1.30 per person. On way back stopped at the Albertson's to get our 2 bottle of wine to take on board the ship the next morning, then back on the metro and back to hotel to get a good nights rest.

Up the next morning and on the first shuttle to the Port from the hotel at 10:30. Got to the Port and quickly found the first Porter to relieve us from our luggage. Tipped him and prayed our luggage would make it on the ship...which by the way....no problems! Be sure and pack your wine in your carry on or it will not pass security. Carnival allows 1 bottle of wine per person for embarkation day, however in case you cant drink 2 bottles of wine in one day, just save it in your room for another day. Put in the refrigerator in your room till you are ready to pop the cork! Embarkation was a breeze. We were the 3rd zone to actually board the ship and after about an hour wait the boarding process began and we had our picture taken and was having lunch on the Lido deck by 12:15 pm. Smooth!! Cabins are not ready until 2:00pm so plan accordingly. You will have to tote around your carryon luggage with you until your room is ready. Exactly at 2:00 our room was ready and low and behold...there was our luggage outside the door too! We got unpacked and set out to learn the lay of the land of the ship.

We were assigned to "Anytime dining" and it was great! Thanks again to Arthur, Hernan and Aries for such a great dining experience each nite. After nite one, we quickly knew we would like to request the same wait staff each nite, so we would ask for "arthur's area" each nite. We arrived for dinner about 7:00 pm and were seated immediately. Really enjoyed having the option of going to dinner when we wanted and not having a set dining time. Dining rooms ARE FREEZING COLD!!! Be sure to bring a sweater...socks for my feet would've come in handy too, however knew the "warm chocolate melting cake" would soon get me warmed up! YUM!!!! Read more