Day 0: in New Orleans. Had booked in the French Quarter through Hotwire and got the Wyndam. When we arrived, we were booked in a HUGE suite with wall-to-wall windows facing the Mississippi. What a surprise for $95! Then we went out and partied on Bourbon Street. Stayed out till about 2:30 am, then walked to Cafe Dumond for beignets. Oh so yummy!! First time on a cruise that we were in port a day ahead of time and will always try to do it this way.

Day 1: Embarkation. Took cab to pier about 10:30 am. About 10 parties in line ahead of us. Waited 10-15 minutes to open the check-in desks. (By the way, we had booked through cruisequick and we were booked as seniors, although we're mid 30's, no problem at all- just noting in response to the big previous controversy). We inquired on an upgrade to a balcony from our inside and were told to wait in another very short line. I was expecting to pay about $600 based on some previous posts, and that's what it was. So we went ahead and upgraded. Ship was beautiful on entering. Everyone very friendly and greeting. Not much open as we were very early, but a couple of bars were serving. Cabins not ready yet. So we wandered around and took a tour. In general the ship is in great shape. Lots of glass and aesthetically pleasing both inside and out. About 12 our cabin was ready and we were ready to unpack but no luggage. Got our seating switched from main to late dining, very simple. Went top deck to watch us sail out of New Orleans.

6:30 pm still no luggage. Now we're worried. We realized there might be some confusion because of the cabin switch. Our cabin attendant kept checking down at our old cabin, but no luck. Finally we went to the purser's desk to report our lost luggage. They were quite nice and very surprised to hear NONE of our bags had made it. Most people were missing only one bag. Anyway we went to dinner dressed in jeans, but nice. We were seated with the other couple we were traveling with, Pete and Jen, and also Jamison and Stephanie, who it turns out also posted quite a bit on our roll call. Took a bit of time for us to realize this!! Our waiter Chris was great, but some nights just a bit long in the tooth describing the next day's meals. Alfredo, our assistant waiter was for the most part attentive, but didn't seem all that alert at times and not that cheerful either. We always had a wonderful time at dinner though. Food was anywhere from mediocre to excellent. Only one or two dishes were downright bad, and in those cases there was always something better. The boys seemed to have this thing about only ordering one entree!! It was not unusual to have them order three!! Anyway, our bags were in our room after dinner. (about 12 hours after we had checked in!!) Read more