This was our 8th cruise - third with NCL. Out of the cruises we have taken this was our second favorite cruise and one of only two cruises that we would do the exact itinerary and ship again.

New Orleans was a blast. We flew in Thursday night just in time for a weekend of Carnival and Super Bowl excitement. We didn't get far out of the French Quarter but loved the architecture, food, and people we encountered over the weekend. We took the free Jean Lafitte riverfront history walk given every morning by a park ranger. We also took the Friends of the Cabildo walking tour. While they cover some of the same information, the Cabildo tour goes further into the French Quarter and the $15 fee includes entrance to the 1850 House Museum. Everyone we met from the area was very friendly and helpful with information. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal Street and while it is a bit worn and has a lot of street noise (even on 46th floor) it was conveniently located only a block from the French Quarter and two blocks to the riverfront. They have a nice bar in the lobby which was always busy. They also have a Starbuck's in the lobby but we walked into the French Quarter to the Community Coffee Company where we enjoyed very good coffee drinks. Our favorite dinner was at Muriel's Restaurant. It is right on Jackson Square. They have a three course dinner for $29. The food and service were excellent!

While we had the longest lines we have had for a NCL sailing we were still on the ship within about 30 minutes. We went directly to Windows and had a wonderful lunch. Read more