About us: Sailing were DH (44), me (45), and sons (14, 9 and 5). This was our second cruise, and we're already thinking about another next year.

I can start out by saying that, pre-plan as we did, our trip turned out somewhat differently than we planned; however, we made the most out of what we were given and had a great vacation! By now, you probably know that due to Hurricane Dennis the 7/3 Conquest sailing skipped Grand Cayman and was extended an additional day because the port authorities closed the Mississippi. Captain Queirolo did a great job keeping us informed about the hurricane and letting us know what we would be doing. We did get extra time in Cozumel as a result of skipping Grand Cayman; we docked at 8 pm Thursday and stayed until 6 pm Friday. We were advised before arrival in Cozumel that there was a possibility that Conquest would not dock in New Orleans until Monday and that folks who really needed to return Sunday might want to consider alternate travel arrangements from Cozumel. The seas were rough Sunday as we cruised the Gulf and felt the effects of Dennis; a number of fellow pax suffered from mal de mer, but others weathered the waves well. Once we confirmed that we would be delayed, there were lines at the Internet cafe to send e-mails, as well as folks up on Deck 14 leaning over the rail trying to get cell phone signals.

Pre-Cruise: You know the saying about the best-laid plans of mice and men? We were scheduled to fly to New Orleans from Albany NY via O'Hare the morning of Friday 7/1. Our flight left Albany on schedule, but when we arrived in Chicago learned that our connecting flight to New Orleans was cancelled. The earliest they could re-book us was Saturday at 3:00 (although we did receive a free hotel room near the airport). That ended our plans of touring New Orleans and sailing on the Steamboat Natchez and left us with an unplanned day in Chicago. We decided to take the El downtown, went to the Navy Pier, took a boat excursion on the Chicago River, and had dinner at Riva Cafe on the Navy Pier. Not what we planned, but we had a great time anyway. When we arrived in New Orleans the next day (around 6:30), we stayed at the Royal St. Charles and walked over to Bourbon Street to have dinner at Mike Anderson's (really good - our thanks to those on the New Orleans board who recommended it). Read more