We chose this cruise because New Orleans is easy for us to reach from our home in Southeast Missouri. We stayed the night before at the Quality Inn and Suites in Gretna on the Westbank. They offered a cruise and park room. We were able to stay for the night and the had a shuttle that took us to the port the next morning. They also offered a shuttle to the ferry that took you from Algiers on the West bank to the River Walk area of the French Quarter. This was free for pedestrians. It was nice to get to enjoy that area without the worry of driving and parking.

In New Orleans we explored the River Walk, and also found a carriage ride that took us through the French Quarter. The driver was very knowledgeable about the many different building and the history behind them. We even saw Brad and Angelina's house :)

Embarkation was easy. We were on board around 12:15 and our room was ready at 12:30. We were on Deck 7 (Empress) room 23. It was a great standard room with a window. It was located close to elevators and the atrium. Read more