We decided to take a Cruise out of New Orleans. Discovered we could also go to the Jazz Fest, which was great. We went to the Jazz Fest on the first Friday, and then on the last Sunday when the ship returned to New Orleans. Overall, it really turned into a great trip. We stayed at the Best Western St Christopher before and after the Cruise. Nice place, good location near the French Quarter, but not in the middle of it. This was my 5th cruise,3rd with NCL. I like the Freestyling program. Here's my review:BOARDING - We got to the terminal about 11:30. Had to be out of the hotel by 11. Took a taxi. Fares are set at $7.00 per passenger, which is nice. We were on the shop and eating lunch about 12:10. They did not start boarding until about 12. It was very smooth and efficient.ROOM: We had a Balcony room on the Ninth level. It was find. Not a lot of extra room, but that's cruising.FOOD: Most of our meals were in the Garden for Dinner, and in Windows or the Buffet for Bkfst. For lunch, we either did the Pool BBQ or Buffet. Overall, the meals were great. The Garden is really nice for dinner, and they are happy to give you as much as you want. 2 or 3 starters. Plus, the have a fixed menu for the trip, and then daily items as well. It worked our great. The staff in all the restaurants were super. EXCURSIONS: We did 3 excursions:Costa Maya - We booked with Native Choice fot the ride to the Mayan ruins, and they did a nice job. Very new Toyota or Honda Vans. Good host. Roatan - We stayed near the ship, which was probably a mistake. Not much to doaround the Cruise port.Belize - GREAT tour. We booke with NCL, since we had to be tendered. We did the River cruise, and then the Mayan Ruins. We saw Manatees, monkeys, alligators, bats, iguanas. It was fun, and really hot.Tulum - Tulum was great to see. I had not been there in 15 years, and how thing have changed. We booked this with NCL as well. We were very disappointed the the Tour guide and the trip. They were more interested in getting us to spend our money, than enjoying the area. DO NOT take the NCL tour.ENTERTAINMENT: Nothing special. But it was okay. Not why I take a cruise.DE-BOARDING: We carried our luggage off the boat. We were in the taxi before 8:00AM. It was really smooth.OVERALL: 5 STAR. NCL just works for me.