It sounded so perfect: Mardi Gras in New Orleans on a cruise ship. We were supposed to dock the afternoon before and be right at the start of one of the biggest and best parades. Then all day Feb 24 for Mardi Gras, French Quarter, more parades, etc. And still one more day for touring and relaxing. HOWEVER!!! This cruise began badly and ended worse - though most was not the fault of RCI. The van that was supposed to pick up us and our friends for the airport did not arrive. Then the weather predictions were serious rain and wind.

The ship wanted $62 each for the RT from Houston's International Airport to Galveston BUT you could not book in advance if you did not arrive the day of the cruise. We decided we wanted to have a relaxing flight from the San Francisco area and come in a day early using our own air which was a little over half of what RCI wanted. RCI told us we would have to try to find someone from the ship at the baggage area for United and then pay to get on. Nah. We booked with Galveston Limo for $60 for adults and $55 for seniors. Worked out great as they told us exactly where to meet them. We had a hilarious time in the bus with the Gay Pride group. One crazy guy dropped his pants to show all of us his thong bathing suit he planned to wear for Mardi Gras. We certainly met up with the party crowd.

When we arrived at the dock there was some talk about an accident at the mouth of the Mississippi blocking our access to New Orleans. There also was a note that if you had stomach flu they would give you a full refund and an upgrade for another cruise. Little did we know that we should have jumped on that offer! Read more