Prior to Cruise: My husband, sister and I (all in our early 50's) flew into New Orleans a day early & checked into Harrah's Hotel & Casino. My husband gambles in their casinos in Atl. City so we had previously arranged for a comped room. Harrah's came thru big time with a suite, which was beautiful. Thanks Harrah's! We spent our first afternoon walking around the French Quarter, checking out the bars, almost all had live great music coming from them, & shops on Bourbon Street/general area. Found it fun for a day & I am sure there is more to NOLA than that but one day there was enough for us. Very short ride to the pier - could have walked if not for the luggage. Cabs pre-priced (forget exactly how much but twenty-something $ for 2 people and around $8 per person for 3 or more).

Embarkation: Unbelievably fast & easy. Arrived at the pier shortly after 11:00 a.m. Both my husband & I are Carnival Platinum cruisers (10+ cruises); my sister, who also came with us, is not but they let her stay with us throughout check-in. No lines for security for any guests, then on to a private room for those with VIP boarding passes (Platinum & Suite guests). After a minimal wait, we were checked in, escorted to a seating area & by 11:30 a.m. we were on the ship & finding our way around. Rooms were not ready this early & doors to the cabin areas were closed but I only carried on a tote bag containing my purse & a few items so no problem there.

Cabin: We had booked a 1A guarantee with hopes of being upgraded to an inside room with 2 lower beds. Really didn't care if we were on lowest desk. This was just a little get-a-way for us. The Carnival PVP had stated we would probably be upgraded, especially since we were frequent Carnival travelers. Documents arrived and we were assigned the 1A (upper & lower bunks). Although I do understand that is what we paid for so always a chance that's what you get, the ship was not sold out so very surprised not even a minimal upgrade. What's the purpose of booking a guarantee if there are open rooms (that are interior, we certainly weren't expecting OV) but they aren't upgrading people? Prior to sailing, we paid to upgrade ourselves to a 4A and I believe we were charged a higher rate than if we had done so at the time of booking our original discounted rate. Live & learn. My sister did keep the 1A since she was traveling solo and it actually was a nice somewhat roomy cabin, located in a nice quiet corridor between the corridors on the port and starboard sides. The 4A was fine, though the bathroom was smaller on this older ship than on we have found on the newer ones we usually sail on. Our cabin steward, Sunshine, was so sweet and so efficient...beyond belief. Best we've ever had. Read more