Day 1 at Sea: Settling In and Finding Our Rhythm

We woke early to catch the sunrise and started our day with pastries and coffee from Java Blue Café. At 8 a.m., we joined a yoga class on Deck 10. There’s something magical about stretching and breathing in fresh sea air as the Pacific glides by.

Breakfast was at the buffet again. We briefly considered the Sea Day Brunch in the dining room, but the wait was 50 minutes, which was unacceptable when the Lido offered immediate eggs, bacon, pastries, and fruit.

The buffet also has an omelet station where they make your eggs to order—if you are willing to wait in line. I tried it once, and my veggie omelet was delicious.

Morning explorations: After breakfast, we checked out the gym, which boasts panoramic ocean views and modern equipment. We strolled through the long hallways (a good way to get our steps in) and visited the Fun Shops on Deck 3 to ask about meeting places for shore excursions. The staff there were friendly and knowledgeable.

A stop at the buffet for lunch later turned into a lesson: some dishes weren’t as hot as I’d like, and popular stations drew long lines. We learned to eat during off‑peak hours to avoid waiting.

Afternoon relaxation and dinner: 

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the art gallery and casino on Deck 4 and listening to a pianist at Plaza del Domo. We also checked out the adults‑only Serenity Deck on Deck 15. Despite the promise of serenity, it was close to the waterslides and a bit noisy, and the wind made it less comfortable than we expected.

Dinner that evening was again in the main dining room, but the expected attire was Cruise Elegant. We dressed up for the occasion and took a few photos.

Our choices were: cream of mushroom bisque followed by prime rib and, for dessert, melted chocolate cake. Later, we attended a performance at the bar and listened to love songs while sipping a cocktail.

More about Sea Day: Preparing for Cabo and Enjoying Onboard Activities

After a buffet breakfast, we attended a talk about the disembarkation process for tender ports. The speaker emphasized the importance of bringing identification and our Sail & Sign cards, but the instructions were somewhat confusing. We made a mental note to ask the crew for clarification later.

Planning with the Hub app: Throughout the morning, we fiddled with the Carnival Hub app. Signing in proved easier using the folio number printed on our Sail & Sign card.

Once logged in, we could view maps, dining menus, and entertainment schedules. “Hearting” an activity added it to our planner, which helped me map out the day. Sometimes information in the app was incomplete, but it was still invaluable for navigating the ship.

We picked the buffet for breakfast and lunch most days for convenience, but other eateries were included in the cruise price, such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Tomodoro. But they were always crowded, so we avoided them.

Day 2: Cabo San Lucas – Tendering and Beach Bliss

We arrived off the coast of Cabo early in the morning. Because Cabo lacks a cruise pier, the ship anchored and used tenders to transport passengers ashore. The tender ride was only about ten minutes, but getting ashore required patience. Those booked on Carnival excursions and guests in suites or higher loyalty tiers boarded first, while others needed tickets distributed early that morning.

Since we had an early excursion booked, we didn’t need a tender ticket. We simply met in the Medici Dining Room at the assigned time, and staff members guided us to the tender boats.

Good to know: If you’re booked on an early excursion, be sure to report to the Medici Dining Room 30 to 60 minutes before your tour begins. From there, staff will escort your group down to Deck Zero, where you’ll board a tender boat to the pier and meet your tour guide.

As we left the ship, crew members scanned our Sail & Sign cards, just as they would again when we returned, to ensure everyone returned on board.

Interestingly, there was no ID check by Mexican authorities either when we arrived or when we left.

Boat tour and Land’s End: 

We chose Carnival’s The Arch Cruise, Beach, Shopping & Taco Lunch Tour. The small boat cruised past the iconic El Arco, Pelican Rock, and a sea‑lion colony. We marveled at the granite formations and the clear turquoise water. Pelicans dove for fish while our guide told stories about local legends.

We motored through the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, then continued around to Lover’s Beach and Divorce Beach. The tides were high, so we didn’t disembark there, but the view was stunning.

Beach break at Casa Dorada: The second portion of the excursion took us to Casa Dorada resort on Medano Beach. Our group had a reserved area with loungers and umbrellas. A voucher covered two drinks and lunch. We chose a frosty piña colada and chicken taquitos with various salsas.

The sand was hot, but the water was refreshing. Vendors roamed the beach selling hats, jewelry, and souvenirs; a polite “no, gracias” sufficed if we weren’t interested.

I treated myself to a 30‑minute massage right on the beach for about 700 pesos (roughly US$35). Listening to the waves while getting a massage was blissful. Meanwhile, my wife decided to relax with a drink on the lounge chairs.

Downtown wanderings and shopping: After a couple of hours, we boarded a bus back to Cabo’s marina and had some free time downtown. I’m not a big shopper, but we used the opportunity to browse souvenirs and purchase a few items.

Pharmacies were everywhere, but we made our way to one tucked away from the main tourist strip. Knowing that antibiotics are available over the counter in Mexico, we stocked up on a few types. The prices were reasonable, and it felt like a smart move, especially for those minor infections that don’t always warrant a doctor’s visit back home.

Returning to the ship: Tenders ran continuously, and we returned to the ship well before the all‑aboard time to avoid long lines. Immigration wasn’t an issue; our passports weren’t stamped, and re‑boarding required only a scan of our Sail & Sign card.

Back in our cabin, we showered off the sand and took a nap before dinner. 

Our dinner that evening included spring rolls and leg of lamb, followed by banana cream pie. 

We finished the night with a visit to the main theater for the “Colors of the World” show, and it did not disappoint. The performance was a high-energy celebration of global cultures, with dancers and vocalists taking us on a vibrant journey through music, costumes, and traditions from around the world. Each scene was brought to life with dazzling choreography and stunning visuals, made even more impressive by the LED backdrop that shifted seamlessly from one country to the next. 

It was one of the most visually captivating shows of the trip and had the whole audience cheering by the finale.

Day 3: Sea Day – Brunch, Talks, and Italian‑Style Fun

After the excitement of Cabo, a relaxing sea day was just what we needed. We slept in and made our way to the main dining room for Sea Day Brunch. The key is to check in a few minutes before it opens. We did, and only waited about 10 minutes to be seated.

The menu featured skillet cakes (a fancy take on pancakes), voyage burgers, and indulgent desserts like layered chocolate cake. The voyage burger caught us off guard—described as having bacon and egg, it also came with a full burger patty. Not exactly what we had in mind for breakfast, but we enjoyed the experience nonetheless.

Understanding disembarkation: Mid‑morning, we attended the debarkation talk, an important presentation about leaving the ship. It turned out debarking isn’t as simple as waking up and walking off. Guests must choose whether to carry their luggage off the ship or leave it outside the cabin the night before, then select a numbered disembarkation group with a specific time. Those with airline flights or special needs receive earlier times. We learned that we didn’t have to settle our account if we had a credit card on file, which made leaving simpler.

Afternoon fun: After the talk, we wandered the ship, enjoyed the salad bar on the Serenity Deck, and visited Bonsai Sushi for lunch; the rolls were excellent. We also browsed the shops and art gallery again and attended a spritz‑making demonstration that was part of Carnival’s Festa Italiana. The deck party later that afternoon transformed the Lido into an Italian piazza, complete with gelato‑eating contests and crew in vibrant costumes. We sampled a gelato and took pictures with performers dressed like Venetian courtesans.

In the evening, we dined on enchiladas and minestrone soup and savored an ice cream cake that lived up to its glowing reviews.

Day 4: Ensenada – Food, Culture, and Adventure

Our final port was Ensenada, where the ship docked directly at the pier. We had an excursion scheduled that morning, so we grabbed a quick breakfast at the buffet before heading out.

Getting off the ship: Getting off the ship was much smoother this time around. We made our way down to Deck Zero, scanned our Sail & Sign cards, and were on the pier within minutes.

Our “Strolling and Bites” tour began right outside the ship, where we met our friendly guide. She led us to the lively fish market along the waterfront, where vendors were busy selling the day’s fresh catch.

A fun local tip: you can buy fish at the market and take it to one of the nearby restaurants, where they’ll cook it to your liking.

Next, we visited a local candy shop and sampled a wide selection of spicy and tangy treats. We couldn’t resist buying a variety box to take home.

The tour also included a short stop in downtown Ensenada, which we used as a chance to grab a cold soda and relax in the shade while others browsed the shops.

Downtown Ensenada has familiar American chains like 7‑Eleven and McDonald’s, but also colorful murals and older buildings that hint at its history.

Tequila tasting and tacos: The highlight of the tour was a tequila tasting. An expert explained the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas, including how aging changes the flavor and color. He suggested pairing tequila with a chaser, even roasted grasshoppers. We declined the insects but enjoyed sampling the tequila with traditional sangrita.

Afterward, we concluded the tour with fish tacos at a small taqueria. Drinks were not included, so we paid cash for a local beer.

Afternoon options: Ensenada offers more than food. Some passengers opted for trips to La Bufadora, a marine geyser that shoots water 30 meters into the air, while others spent the day at Las Cañadas Adventure Park, zip‑lining across suspension bridges. Families could explore the Malecon (a waterfront promenade just a five‑minute walk from the ship) with street performers, craft vendors, and food stalls, or visit the Caracol Science Museum and Museo de Historia for hands‑on exhibits and regional history. If you go with kids, be sure to stick together in busy markets and teach them situational awareness.

Having visited Ensenada before, and already experienced the thrill of La Bufadora, we decided to skip further sightseeing and head back to the ship early.

We spent the afternoon unwinding on our balcony, soaking in the ocean breeze and savoring the final full day of our cruise.

That evening, we enjoyed a comforting dinner in the main dining room: hearty minestrone soup, flavorful enchiladas, and a heavenly slice of ice cream cake to finish.

The evening’s entertainment was a fun and lighthearted show called “What Age Got to Do With It.” It featured parents and their kids going head-to-head, answering questions to see how well they really knew each other. The results were both hilarious and occasionally a little embarrassing—in the best way. The audience loved it, and the winning family walked away with Carnival medallions and plenty of bragging rights.

Day 5: Disembarkation – The Final Hurdle

On our final morning, we sailed back into Long Beach under a golden sunrise. We had chosen the express debarkation option, which meant carrying our own luggage off the ship. After packing up, we headed to the Lido Deck for breakfast and some last peaceful moments overlooking the harbor—one of the best views of Long Beach on board.

When our group was called, we made our way to Deck 3, only to find a large crowd already gathered. Debarkation can be a bit overwhelming, with hundreds of guests funneled toward the gangway at once. It took nearly an hour to reach the exit, and in hindsight, we wished we’d opted for the priority disembarkation that comes with upgraded cabins.

Once ashore, customs and immigration were a breeze thanks to facial recognition technology. Outside the terminal, a line of taxis waited, ready to whisk passengers home. Taxis cost a little more than ride-sharing apps, but this way you can avoid waiting for your ride.

Reflections, Tips, and Lessons Learned

Looking back, our five‑day cruise on Carnival Firenze delivered a memorable blend of Italian flair, Carnival fun, and Baja exploration. The ship’s décor, statues, painted ceilings, and ornate bars made it feel like a floating Italian resort. Although Firenze lacks some attractions found on sister ships (no trampoline park or suspended bike), it compensates with unique venues like Il Viaggio Italian restaurant, Terrazza Moda sun deck, and Bonsai Sushi.

My journey wasn’t without challenges. The buffet and casual eateries were often crowded; we learned to eat early or late and to splurge on specialty dining for a quieter meal. The elevator system was occasionally frustrating, so the stairs became our cardio. Tendering in Cabo required patience, and disembarkation in Long Beach tested everyone’s nerves. Still, the crew was friendly, the food plentiful, and the entertainment varied.

What we would tell future cruisers:

• Check in online as soon as it opens to secure an early boarding time and reduce stress.
• Download and use the Carnival Hub app for schedules, reservations, and your account balance. Sign in with your folio number on the Sail & Sign card.
• Bring a power strip and magnetic hooks to maximize storage in small cabins, and earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise.
• Eat at off‑peak hours or try specialty dining on embarkation day when reservations are easier and sometimes include perks like a free bottle of wine.
• Pack sun protection and stay hydrated, especially in Cabo, where temperatures soar.
• Book ship‑sponsored excursions for peace of mind or arrive early to secure tender tickets for independent adventures.
• Attend the debarkation talk and decide whether to carry your own luggage off the ship. Early groups fill up quickly.

From sipping piña coladas on Medano Beach to zip‑lining over Baja canyons and savoring handmade Italian pizzas on board, this cruise was an escape filled with discovery and delight. Carnival Firenze may not be the most luxurious ship at sea, but her Italian charm, friendly crew, and convenient West Coast sailings make her a wonderful option for anyone looking to trade a few days of routine for la dolce vita on the Pacific.