After all the excitement of counting down to my first cruise, I was finally aboard for a fulfilled trip to LA. Traveling with my sister as part of a Zumba fitness group, we decided to leave Victoria on our own by taking the economical transit route, putting the money saved towards our cruise expenses. After almost not setting sale due to a storm overnight, we were lucky the ferries didn't cancel and the ferry itself was packed with cruisers heading to various ships for the repositioning cruises. We boarded packed a transit bus, transferred to the skytrain to Waterfront station then transferred to a bus for all of $2.50. We met another couple on the way and the 4 of us walked 3-4 blks thru a shady part of town and only encountered one panhandler. The path to the port however required us to haul our luggage down 4 flights of stairs. No exception! Next time we will call a taxi from waterfront for the ease as they drop you off right in front of the doors. Worth the $6 IMO

As we arrived at 12:30 we had an hour wait to board the ship and were immediately directed to the stardust theatre for a freestyle dining presentation and chance to win dinner for two in a specialty restaurant. We were told our cabins would be ready by 2 so we headed up to see it and drop off our stuff. Our cabin had a lovely view of the lifeboats but as this was an upgrade from an inside we were pleased. We only planned on sleeping here anyway. We then headed off to the sailaway party and won free drinks. We met the rest of our group at the Summer Palace for dinner. Throughout the cruise we were able to get reservations at Summer Palace and Indigo that accommodated 20+ of our group though not always at one table but 2-3 tables together. We ate as a group at La Cucina ($10) in which we actually found the main dish-risotto-undercooked and starchy but the service was great. Would have sent it back but wanted to get to a show so didn't bother complaining.

We loved the shows- Oh what a night, sharkbait, broadway, the ventriloquist and the finale was wonderful. The games in Spinakers lounge were hilarious and music by Odessy was good but a bit repetitive by the last nights. The white Hot Party was great too. Julie is a great cruise director and all the staff. Read more