Pre-Cruise planning - Carnival Miracle to Riviera

[islacruzer]

Several Questions:

 

1. We will be driving up to Long Beach for this cruise. Parking is free correct? If not, how much?
   
2. When is formal night on this 7 day cruise? I heard it was always the 3rd day.
   
3. Has anyone tried the spa?
   
4. Do we have to reserve a seat for the steakhouse? Or rather, it is imperative to make reservations?
   
5. Any shore excursions you absolutely recommend for a family of 4 (parents and two kids). We were looking at the dolphins or the tour.
   

[SadieN]

Parking is $19/day. No alternative parking near port.

2 CE nights- second and fifth night.

 

Don't have to make a reservation for the steakhouse, but it is recommended.

 

Mexican Riviera board has lots of info.

Edited October 5, 2016 by SadieN

[Tropicgal1]

We are driving for this one as well. We found a couple of places that have a snooze and cruise package so we are going down the night before, staying and parking at hotel which has a late check out as well as a free hot breakfast and getting their free shuttle to the port. Cost is relatively the same as parking for a week at the park but will eliminate the stress of California freeways on the day of the cruise.

[riffatsea]

Hi,

Why would you assume parking would be free??

It is not free at airports so why would it be free at a cruise port???

Long Beach has many hotels with stay and cruise pkgs although some of their contracts with Carnival run out at the end of Oct or Dec so depending on when your cruise is you may want to wait and see prices.

There are 2 elegant nights on the 7 day cruises.

The first one is the night of your first full day on board the ship. IF you leave on a Saturday then Sunday night would be your first elegant night. Carnival only requires that men wear long pants and a shirt with a collar. You can get as dressy or undressy as you want after that.

I'd not make steakhouse reservations until you are on board the ship. IF you happen to want them for the first night of the cruise they give you a free bottle of wine that night. IF you have never cruised before you may want to get your "sea legs" before dinner in the steakhouse.

Lots of folks have tried the spa(massage etc) What exactly is your question about it????

The excursions you choose are up to you as all famiies are different.

You can find more info about the ports on the port of call boards . This one is for general Carnival questions.