This was our 11th cruise on carnival and we really had a nice time. It was a 4-day cruise from 2 - 6 August. Instead of flying to New Orleans, we decided to drive the 12-hours from St. Louis to the port a day prior to the cruise. It wasn't a bad drive at all. Took right at 12-hours and we arrived at 4:00 a.m. We went to have beignets and coffee at Cafe' Du Monde in the French Quarter. We walked the riverfront and watched the ship come into port at 7:00 a.m.
We parked at the Erato Cruise Parking at 9:00 a.m. where there was an attendant who took are our luggage and pointed us where to park and where to go to sign in. After going though security and getting our sail and sign cards, we just waited for the ship to be cleared and ready for boarding. We boarded the ship at 11:30 and headed to the lido deck for lunch.
The ship is in very good shape for its age. Yes, there is wear and tear that are visible, but the ship was clean and the staff were friendly and polite to us. We don't let some nicks, chips, rust or at sometimes a slow elevator take away from having a good time with family.