carnival firenze embarkation

We just boarded the Carnival Firenze in Long Beach and settled into our balcony cabin on deck 8. From our cozy room, we noticed all the little details that help make the trip comfortable—from the power outlets to the bathroom setup. We’re eager to explore the ship, especially the Lido deck, and share what we discover along the way.

Our balcony offers great views with two reclining chairs and a small table, perfect for relaxing and spotting sea life. As we get ready to set sail, we’ll continue to explore the ship’s spaces, activities, and dining options, making sure to capture every step of our journey.

First Impressions and Boarding Experience

Getting to Long Beach and Starting Off

We arrived at Long Beach and stepped aboard the Carnival Firenze feeling excited. Our balcony cabin is on deck 8, and we wasted no time filming the room setup to share it with you. From there, we headed straight up to the Lido Deck, eager to explore and find something good for lunch.

Exploring the Ship and Our First Thoughts

Our first tour included checking out the cabin’s amenities, like the balcony with comfy chairs and a clear glass view perfect for spotting sea life. Inside, the cabin has several closets, drawers, and handy outlets, although some spots lacked power outlets. The bathroom is compact with a practical shower and a combined shampoo and shower gel dispenser. We also made a quick stop at the must-see spots like the arcade and outdoor areas, all while enjoying the warm weather and the lively atmosphere on board.

Balcony Cabin Experience

Cabin Design and Amenities

Our balcony cabin on deck 8 offers a cozy layout with a comfortable bed flanked by USB ports on both sides. The room features a flat-screen TV, a small fridge that functions more like a cooler, and a desk area with shelves for organizing small items. The bathroom is compact but functional, with a standup shower that has plexiglass doors and a combined shampoo and shower gel dispenser.

Organizing and Storage Tips

We found three floor-to-ceiling closets ideal for hanging clothes and storing bags, plus three pull-out drawers for extra storage. The cabin includes a safe where you can set your own code and plenty of hangers — though we recommend spacing them out or removing some on rough seas to prevent rattling. An extra card to keep the lights and air conditioning running when you’re out is a handy trick we use.

Customizing Your Space

To make the cabin feel more personal, we placed essentials like vitamins, crochet supplies, and electronics neatly on the desk shelves. Magnetic hooks stayed unused, but they could be helpful for hanging small items. On the balcony, two reclining chairs and a small table make it easy to relax and enjoy the sea views while keeping drinks or books close by.

Tech Comforts and Power Options

Ports and Power Access Points

Our cabin has a mix of power options to keep devices charged. There are two standard US outlets, a European 220-volt outlet, plus two USB-A ports and another 230-volt outlet near the desk. The hairdryer plugs into the desk outlet but doesn’t detach.

By the bed, each side has two USB-A ports for easy charging. The caveat: there is no traditional outlet by the bed, so extra portable batteries come in handy for overnight charging needs.

Strategies to Keep Devices Running

We uncovered a neat trick to keep the air conditioning and lights on without interruption. Usually, you have to insert your room key card to power the room systems. By bringing an extra card and leaving it inside the slot, you can maintain a stable room temperature and lighting even when stepping out briefly.

Having portable power banks is helpful because outlets near the bed are limited. They also let us charge devices comfortably without needing to rearrange our setup.

Managing Cabin Temperature

The thermostat in the cabin never gets extremely cold, so we recommend setting it to the lowest temperature you’re comfortable with to keep cool. Using the extra power card hack helps maintain constant air conditioning.

Keeping the room temperature steady is a small comfort that really improves the overall cabin experience, especially on warmer days at sea.

Bathroom Details and Organization

Facilities and Room Layout

Our bathroom is compact but functional, typical of cruise ship cabins. It has a standup shower with a wand showerhead, which is easier to use than a fixed one. The shower is enclosed by plastic doors instead of a curtain, which helps contain water better.

The sink area has limited counter space but includes open shelves beside the lit vanity mirror for essential items. There’s also a small rotating mirror to help with grooming. On the back of the door, emergency instructions and our muster station info are displayed clearly.

Shower Setup and Features

Inside the shower, there’s a combined dispenser for shampoo and shower gel, which replaces the old separate bottles. This keeps things neat but limits product choices.

We found it convenient to hang our shower bag nearby, keeping all our essentials together and easy to dry after use. The setup makes the most of the small space without clutter.

Smart Storage Solutions

Our cabin has three tall closets and several drawers for organizing clothes and shoes. We keep luggage and bags in the closets to free up floor space.

The cabin provides plenty of hangers, but we recommend spacing them out or removing some to avoid noise from rattling during rough seas. There’s also a small safe where we set our own code.

For daily items, open shelves and the desk area hold things like vitamins, electronics, and small personal items. We use a pop-up hamper for laundry to keep dirty clothes neatly contained.

Balcony Benefits and Outlook

Seating and Comfort

On our balcony cabin located on deck 8, we found two reclining chairs that, while not padded, offer decent comfort for relaxing. A small table sits between them, perfect for holding drinks or a book while we enjoy the fresh air. The clear glass barrier lets us see out without obstruction.

Views and Wildlife

From the balcony, we get great vantage points to spot various sea creatures. We’ve watched turtles, sharks, whales, dolphins, and flying fish right from here. Plus, the cityscape of Long Beach unfolds in front of us, providing a nice urban backdrop as we set sail toward Catalina and beyond.

Ship Exploration and Activities

Strolling Spaces and Scenic Walks

We enjoyed walking around the ship, especially on the outdoor decks. The upper decks offer nice paths where we can stroll and take in views of the ocean or docked ports. There’s plenty of room to stretch our legs and enjoy fresh air without being crowded.

Running and Open-Air Areas

For a bit more activity, we found a jogging track on deck 11. Four laps equal about a mile. The area also has some seating spots, though it’s near the basketball court, which can get a little noisy. It’s a good option if you want a quick run or an outdoor break while onboard.

Play Zones and Entertainment Games

We checked out the fun zones that include mini golf with a few holes, cornhole, and the ropes course near the funnel. Inside, the warehouse arcade has air hockey, racing games, and some favorite classics like duck catcher. There’s also a kiosk where we can buy arcade tokens and keep track of credits on our Sail and Sign cards. The VR games looked tempting, too, with options like Godzilla virtual reality and Halo.

Food and Flavor Experiences

Midday Meals and Unique Eateries

We found some great lunch spots on the ship, including specialty restaurants that offer a variety of dishes. One standout was Guy’s Burger Joint, where the line was surprisingly short, making it convenient to grab a quick bite. The pizza we tried was notably greasy but tasty, so we’re curious to see how it holds up throughout the cruise.

Dining Delivered to Your Cabin

Room service provides another option when we want to relax in our balcony cabin. Though we didn’t detail specific menu items, having food brought to the room adds flexibility to our dining schedule. It’s an easy way to enjoy meals without missing any relaxing time on the balcony.

Indulgent Sweets and Dessert Choices

We indulged in some delicious desserts like vanilla elderflower cake and peanut butter s’mores cake. These sweet treats were a nice finish to our meals and definitely worth trying while onboard. The variety adds a sweet touch to the overall dining experience.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Fun and Games Galore

We found the warehouse arcade on deck 11, and it has a great mix of games for all ages. There’s air hockey, racing games, and those classic claw machines like the duck catcher, which our kid loved. You can grab tokens at a kiosk and even check your balance on your Sail & Sign card.

Other highlights include virtual reality Godzilla and Halo games, which look like a blast to try out as a family. It’s a perfect spot to challenge each other and enjoy some friendly competition indoors.

Water Fun and Splash Spots

The water attractions on board really add to the excitement for families. There are multiple slides where everyone can race or just splash around. The splash zones are designed to be safe and engaging for younger kids, offering plenty of fun without the deep water.

These areas are great for cooling off and letting the kids burn off some energy. We found them perfect for a mix of adventure and relaxation during the day.

Relaxing Moments and Grown-Up Getaways

Calm Deck Ambiance

We love spending time on the Lido deck, where the vibe is just perfect for kicking back. The balcony cabins on deck 8 offer a peaceful spot with comfy reclining chairs and a glass railing to watch the ocean. It’s a great place to spot dolphins, turtles, or even whales while enjoying some fresh air.

Tips for Comfortable Lounging

When you’re settling in, bringing an extra room key card helps keep the cabin cool since the room lights and AC shut off when you remove the card. Also, spacing out hangers in the closet prevents noisy rattling in rough seas. We find these small hacks make our relaxation time much smoother.

Events and Evening Highlights

Sunset Celebration Gathering

We kicked off the evening with a lively gathering as the ship set sail. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, music, and great company to welcome the adventure ahead. It’s the perfect chance to mingle and soak in the views as the coastline fades away.

Movie Screenings Under the Stars

Each night, we settled in for movie screenings on board. The selection was cozy, and watching favorites on the flat-screen TVs made for a relaxing end to our days. It’s a great way to unwind after exploring the ship and enjoying daytime activities.

Live Tunes and Friendly Competitions

The nights were alive with live music and games that brought everyone together. Whether it was jamming to energetic tunes or joining in a fun game, these events kept the spirits high and the laughs flowing. It’s easy to find something to enjoy as the day ends.

Cruise Hacks and Insider Tips

Managing Noisy Hangers

If you’re expecting rough seas, spacing out hangers or removing some can help stop them from rattling all night long. Empty hangers tend to clink against each other, so make sure to fill or rearrange them to reduce noise.

Must-Have Items for Packing

Bringing an extra key card for your cabin can keep your air conditioning and lights on while you’re out. Also, magnetic hooks and pop-up hampers are great space-savers. Don’t forget a battery pack for bedside devices since some cabins lack outlets near the bed.

Skipping the Waiting Lines

Keep an eye on quieter spots for popular food spots, like Guy’s Burger Joint. If one line is long, try checking the opposite side where it’s often less crowded. This tip works well for food and activity queues throughout the ship.