we have cruised on NCL, Celebrity & Royal Caribbean so I was hesitant of carnival and lowered my expectations. it exceeded by expectations.
we were able to drive to new Orleans and that was wonderful to not have to fly.
our hotel did not offer good parking rates during cruise to we parked with carnival - $18/day.
quite good - plenty of electric outlets; a/c worked well; shower big and good; lots of closet/storage space; balcony small but adequate
just went to stores by ship - vendors very bothersome
stayed at Hampton inn downtown - ok - parking $35/night