This was my 1st time on a cruise. I usually go to the all-inclusives in Mexico. I traveled solo on this trip so here are my thoughts. Just got back yesterday. I chose this trip because of the price. The single supplement was waived, therefore 5 nights cost $326, with a room with a window. It would have cost over double to get a inside room. My room was R88, fourth deck at the bottom of the ship, slightly towards the front. From the beginning. I paid $50 extra for the "Faster to fun" package where you get to go to the front of the line both getting on and off the ship. You also get to bypass everyone at the guest services counter. Was it worth $50? Single wise no, except I have a temp injury so I didn't want to wait in lines. But it's $50 per cabin so for others it may be $50 well spent.

The ship sailed from New Orleans, shuttles from the airport cost $20 one way or $38 round trip. No need to reserve in advance. Just walk up to the counter and pay. Very easy. Cabs cost $33 for up to 2 people, or $14 per person if more than 2. At the cruise terminal they were already boarding. A porter meets you outside and take your bags and delivers them outside your room. Check in was fast, but I also got to by-pass the lines, but they were not long. The cruise line allows you to bring up to 12 20 oz. bottles of drinks on (except alcohol) and 1 bottle of wine. There is no corkage fee for the wine if you consume it in your cabin. Other people sneak alcohol on but that is for another forum. For the 1st time cruiser I was lost, once you actually get on the ship, you are on your own. No info, nada. I asked one of the help people what to do. He suggested I go to my cabin on the fourth deck. Then I had to ask someone else how to get there. You are totally on your own. My cabin was small, but not bad. Very dated and beat up but I paid $326 for 5 nights, what can I expect.

My main complaint was the old tube t.v. with the bad picture. How old is this? For them to replace this they would have to send someone down to Goodwill. The first night was cold leaving port, no heat on the ship, so to warm my cabin up I turned the shower on scalding hot and let the steam warm the cabin up. Sorry didn't bring sweats with me. My cabin steward was Adi. He was great, I had a small cooler with me and he refreshed it everyday. He took care of any concern in my cabin right away. Five stars for him. Leaving New Orleans is a experience. For those who don't realize it, the ship is 8 hours from open water. We were suppose to leave at 4. At midnight you are still in the bayou. Read more