Now, fellow Blissfits, let’s be clear:
We are not in The Haven. You know… the penthouse wonderland where people have butlers fanning them with golden towels and endless champagne waterfalls. Nope. That’s not us.

We also don’t have diamond-encrusted loyalty cards that unlock secret red carpets and whispered greetings of, “Right this way, royalty.”

But… brace yourselves…
We. Are. Club Level.

What does that mean? Well, it’s like the Goldilocks of cruise boarding. We’re not first, we’re not last—we’re deliciously medium. Think: economy plus. Enough to feel special, not enough to actually be special. Basically, we get to board before the people knitting friendship bracelets in the terminal, but after the Havenites who are already on their second lobster roll.

So, pack your patience, flash your best “I totally belong here” smile at the crew (they’ll still point you to the same line, but hey, it’s the thought that counts), and prepare to board… in style… eventually. 

3 hours later…

And yes, my friends, “embarkation” is just a fancy way of saying:
We’re getting on a boat and getting the BEEEEP out of Long Beach!

The Bag Situation:

You may carry your own bags onboard like a pack mule, OR you may toss them to a porter who magically delivers them to your room hours later. We usually choose porter delivery, while clutching our valuables and passports in a death grip until they’re locked away in the room safe.

The Cruise Card, a.k.a. The Magic Rectangle:

At the terminal, they’ll photograph you in all your jet-lagged glory, then hand you your new best friend: the cruise card. This little piece of plastic is your entire identity onboard. It buys your drinks. It buys your food. It opens your door. Basically, it’s like a credit card, except the “it wasn’t covered by the all inclusive bill”, comes later, with much more regret, and hurts way more.

Can it be replaced? Yes. Should you lose it? NO. Luckily, the Blissfits travel team is prepared—with handy dandy lanyards for quick access to drinks, doors, and dignity.

Priority Access Perks (aka: The Fancy Stuff We DO Get):

• Priority Check-In and Boarding (translation: we cut just some of the line).
  
• Tender Priority (aka we get off the ship a bit faster to go explore tourist traps).
  
• Priority Debarkation (translation: we’re shoved off the boat slightly before everyone else).
  
• Standard Room Service Breakfast (nothing says luxury like lukewarm eggs at 7 a.m.).
  
• $50 Spa Credit per person… but only on port days. Because clearly, sea days are for full-price massages.

Insider Tip:
Checked luggage takes its sweet time arriving at your room. If you need swimsuits, meds, or that embarrassing blow-up flamingo before sail-away (4:30 p.m.), keep it in your carry-on. Otherwise, you’ll be poolside in jeans while others are already cannonballing.

Where Are We Going Again?
World Cruise Center
Berth SP-92
San Pedro, CA 90731
portsamerica.com/cruise/los-angeles-terminal.html

<- Back to Part 3

Stay Tuned for Part 5 ->