I'm looking to take a 4 day Baja Cruise

[Cryan71]

I've never been cruising before. I live in Los Angeles.

 

The 4 day cruise prices seem to be in my budget. Also, I'm bringing some straight friends -- so I have to think about their needs too. 2 are active duty marines coming back from Iraq and one is a girl that one of the marines like.

 

I've been leaning toward Carnival Paradise, but wanted to get the board opinion. There's also RC Monarch of the Seas (though the San Diego port stop doesn't interest me). And I'm willing to go down to San Diego and do the cruise from there.

 

I heard the 4 day cruises weren't as much as a drunken fest as the 3 day cruises on Carnival. But I hear that a food on Carnival, especially in the dining room is pretty bad. So many different opinions also on the RC, and the gay bashing incident kind of makes me not want to give them my money.

 

Thoughts?