My 3rd cruise. (previously with Costa cruises and RCL). our group, 2 adults, our two 18 year old sons and our 13 year old son.
Embarkation. Very easy. We arrived in New Orleans the day before and stayed at the Hampton Inn across the docks. (hotels offers free shuttle to cruise ship). We decided to board the ship around 2:00 p.m. hoping the lines were gone...and they were. We carried most of our bags ourselves but the other bags arrived by our cabins within 3 hrs.
The cabins are fine. No fridge but we didn't miss it. I asked for ice in the room and the stewards made sure it was available every day.