LAX2FCO

We just returned from a 3 night cruise to Ensenada for a big family birthday event (25 people) on the Imagination. Three weeks ago, we did the same trip on the Inspiration for another family event.

The Inspiration is a bit nicer than the Imagination, (and had been renovated one year later) but both ships, the workhorses of the Carnival party cruises that sail out of Los Angeles (Long Beach) are in need of serious updates and renovation.

Both trips our groups stayed in the Verandah Suites.

We have another 50 yr birthday coming up this year, and while the cruise ship experience is a great way to celebrate, I don't think I want to spend another 3 nights on one of these ships.

Is there any reliable source where I could find out dry dock information and scheduling? Not just for Carnival, but also Princess?

Thank you all.. questions answered

We were just on a short Carnival cruise out of Los Angeles (Long Beach) and had priority boarding which was wonderful.

Priority disembarkation was even better, getting us off the ship and out of the parking lot before the rest of the ship was clearing out.

I booked 5 verandah suites, and I had VIP status~ this was extended to everyone in my group, and most were first timers on Carnival.

Does Princess offer this option? If so, what do you need to do to get this? Can you get it for the whole group?

And finally, Princess leaves from San Pedro, is there a lot of difference between the two LA ports? Long Beach was great, lots of parking and big terminal.

Are all of your booking numbers linked together. This is what lets Carnival know to seat you all together. We have had groups of 21 and of 12 and they have always but us together. The group of 21 was placed at three long table beside each other.

All you have to do in have everyone's # and pin to link them.

I booked through Carnival and the 5 numbers are linked. A table for 11 and highchair would be perfect. Hoping it works

Thank you so much~

(so my husband wins!)

This is a family cruise too, and includes 4 grandkids from 11 months to 21 years:D

We have a group of 11 and a baby for the Verandah suites and have Priority boarding on our boarding passes.

My husband thinks we can board at 11:30, but the boarding pass says embarkation 1-4:30. Which/who is correct?

Are there tables in the main dining room big enough for our group of 11 and a highchair all at one table?

Do we request that at boarding with the Maitre d'?

On disembarkation day is the main dining room open for breakfast?

Thanks

Thanks for the info and the Fun Times schedules!

Two questions:

Were you able to contact the Maitre d' as soon as you boarded ship? We are a party of 11 and a baby and really would like to have one table for our 8:15 dinners. Carnival rep said I had to contact Maitre d' to arrange this.

and

on Disembarkation morning is the dining room open for breakfast?

Thanks again

12 of us are on the Inspiration out of Los Angeles. It's a short 3 night cruise but it's all family and I am wondering if the second night, which is at the end of a day at sea, has nice photo ops.

I know the longer cruises have a formal night and great group or couples photos, but not sure about this one

Thanks.