4 Nights Mexico from Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA Cruise

Cruisin Italian Style

My wife and I went on our 2nd cruise on the Firenze this last December. We booked a last-minute cruise to get away. The ship is the sister to the Panorama that is also sails out of Long Beach. There are a couple of differences between the two of them. Panorama has a larger Lido deck and pool area. It also has the skyride bike that goes around the top deck and over the side of the ship. The Firenze has a covered pool area during acclimate weather. I will give you my highlights of our experience of the ship. Embarkation was hassle free same with Debarkation. Our cabin was a cove balcony due to last minute booking. The balcony has some obstructions due to the lifeboats hanging above our cabin. But the view was fine. The cove aspect is due to the cabin being closer to the water. The balcony is not all the way opened up, it is more like a large opening. On the second night of the cruise there is a Captains toast and introduction to the crew. I am not sure if the is only for the inaugural season for the ship, but it is a must see. First of all, you will see people in opera masks. This was very confusing to us the first time. The Talented Firenze performers come out in costume and sing Opera in Italian. I was moved to tears it was beautiful. If you ever go on a cruise during any holiday, be sure to keep that in mind. Every ship we have been on will have something going on, Halloween costume contest, Ugly Christmas sweater contest etc. We ate dinner at the steak house, and it was very disappointing to say the least. Both of our steak was burned, and my wife's Cheesecake was also burnt. I would say that it was most likely a bad night and we will go back again. Overall we loved our time on the ship and port. I find it very hard to find much to complain about. A bad day on a cruise vacation is still way better than a good day slaving at work.

Any day on any cruise ship is a great day!!!!

While this ship is certainly different from the older three—and four-day Long Beach cruise ships, the overall experience is comfortable and fun. For those who enjoy the casino, Firenzi has one of the largest I have ever seen. I didn't understand the idea that there is a separate non-smoking casino, yet they still limited half of the main casino to non-smoking. Even with this, the casino is huge. Service: Romeo, the room steward, was always on top of everything and made sure the cruise was problem-free. Cabin: The beds were hard, but I had no problem sleeping on them. My wife would have preferred a softer bed. The balcony room had plenty of storage and was overall a relaxing experience. Food: We mainly ate in the buffet or had Guys burgers. I have zero complaints about food on the ship. All cruise food requires a splash of Tobasco and a sprinkle of salt... When you are cooking for the masses, they have to try and make food acceptable to everyone. Complaint: I only have one complaint concerning the cruise: the breakfast buffet doesn't open until 7:30. I am one of those people who get up at 6 every day whether I am on vacation or not. For all previous cruises, Carnival or others, I go get my wife and I coffee and then bring back some pastries for us to eat on the balcony before we go and eat a full breakfast. I was joined by many others who seemed to be my age (59), who were sitting around waiting for the buffet. They don't need to open all of it, but they could have something besides dry cereal for us to eat before 7:30. I had great interactions with all the staff on board. I never waited long for a drink and never wanted anything that wasn't available. My wife and I have been cruising for 15+ years. Any day on any cruise ship is a great day!!!! Fun tip: As soon as you meet your room steward and they ask you if you need anything, ask for bathrobes. They used to be in all cabins but you have to ask for them today. Romeo brought them to us within ten minutes of asking. It is always fun to go get your first cup of coffee in the morning wearing a Carnival bathrobe. I dont use one at home, but for me, they are part of the full cruise experience. Last thought: After 20+ cruises my wife and I are over formal nights. In the early days I actually wore a tux and wife would get all fancied up to go to dinner. After dinner we would go back to our room and get comfortable. We both agree, it just isnt worth it. Saves a lot of room in your suitcase. Being on a cruise ship, for me, is a get away from stress and enjoying the peace of being at sea with a cocktail in your hand. There just isnt the need in dressing fancy. Hope anyone reading this is about to board the Firenzi and has as much fun as we did. Next cruise is 169 days away, heading to Alaska on Carnival.

A Wonderful, Enjoyable Cruise

This was my first ever cruise. Everything was Excellent & Amazing. The ship was gorgeous. I liked the Italian theme and big wall murals of Italy. It was all like brand new. The food was of such variety and so tasty. Our room was super nice. Vhanroy our Stateroom Attendant was super friendly and did a great job. The entire onboard staff was always smiling and friendly and answered all our questions. Romaleen met us early on and came to our table in "The Marketplace" on the last day to say Hello again and see how everything had gone. She is a super nice person. I especially liked the frozen yogurt machine and the little cones. I am 83 years old. The dining staff were so efficient picking up our plates. The guests also were always pleasant and smiling and having a great time. I liked walking throughout the entire ship to explore it all over. I took tons of photos of on the ship and views from the ship.