My mother (68) and I (49) drove from North Louisiana to New Orleans on Sept. 9, 2011, and spent the night at the Maison St. Charles Quality Inn in the Garden District, which is less than a 5 minute easy drive to the port. The room was about $70, plus $17 for parking and includes breakfast. We have found that it's much cheaper and quieter to stay in the Garden District and there is a trolley stop right outside of the hotel. For $1.25 you can ride to the French Quarter.
We arrived at the port around 9:30 Saturday morning. It's so nice to be a member of the VIP club. We had parked the car ($112 plus tax), checked in, and were waiting to board the ship in less than 45 minutes. We were on board and eating lunch before 11:30. The weather was beautiful and our vacation had officially begun.
We enjoy staying on the Lido Deck in a handicapped room, if possible. Those rooms are a little bit larger than the regular rooms and there is not a step up to get in the shower. We were allowed in the room about 1:30. Of course, we had to go to the safety drill at 3:30, but at least you don't have to take the life vest anymore. We were supposed to depart at 4:00, but for some reason we didn't leave until a little after 6:00.
Loved the location of the room (#9216). The "Menu" button on the TV does not work. Would love to see lounge chairs on Deck 9 at the front of the ship, instead of having to walk up to Deck 10.