I didn't know what to expect from a cruise having never been on one. It was completely different than what I thought it would be.

I'd read how difficult the Port of New Orleans terminal is to navigate and what a problem it is to get to from I-10. It is neither of those things. Read and follow the instructions on the Port of New Orleans website and there are no problems getting to the Julia St. terminal.

The NOPD officers there are apparently very accustomed to directing the traffic into the passenger unloading area and across the way to the Whale lot. The baggage porters are very helpful, efficient, in a mild hurry and they know exactly what to do with your bags. Tip them well and don't hold them up any longer than you have to, although they are excellent sources of information, the more bags they handle, the more they make per ship. Tell them if you have a handicapped passenger. There is no early boarding for handicapped but they get head of the line privileges at every turn. Prepare to pay for your parking as you get to the Whale lot, so named for the building-sized mural of a blue whale on the north wall. It is $112.00 up front and do not lose either of your tickets or you will pay $112.00 to get out as well. It is just as easy to get back to I-10 from the Whale lot as it is to get into it from I-10. Ease of entry and exit should be no concern to a reasonably intelligent person. Parking is not covered and it is a short walk back to the passenger boarding area. DO NOT take the overhead walkway from the Whale lot. That leads to the Riverwalk mall and will not get you to the ship. Stay at street level when you leave the Whale lot if you want to board the ship. Any confusion at anytime, ask any of the very polite and very busy NOPD or Port Authority officers. Read more