Pre Cruise: We arrived in New Orleans Saturday afternoon before our Sunday departure. We stayed at the Marriott Convention Center under their Bon Voyage package. It was $149.00 for one night (plus parking for that night), however they let us keep our car in their underground secure parking lot for the 8 days without charge and it included full breakfast of anything we wanted the morning of the cruise. Since it would have cost $98.00 to park at the Port and at least $30.00 for breakfast, we felt this was a great deal. DH dropped me and luggage at the port, then drove the car back to the hotel and walked the short distance to the Port.

Embarkation: Embarkation was easy, once we went through the scanners and paid the corkage for our wine, they asked us if we were 'latitudes' members, when we said yes they gave us a card with a #1 so we could be the first to board the ship. Our room wasn't quite ready but we met our Room Stewards (Jeffrey and Iris), they were fantastic. I commented that there was not a fridge, but said oh well we really don't need one. There was a mini-fridge in our room when we returned after lunch, if fit nicely under the desk. We dropped off our carry on baggage, explored the ship and then had lunch at Windows.

Room: Upon return from lunch our luggage had been delivered so we quickly unpacked and stowed our suitcases, etc under the bed. The room was small but very effective. We had a balcony room, and enjoyed watching them load all of the food and luggage on the ship, now that is a sight to see the amounts of provisions needed just for a week. The bathroom was actually comfortable. The shower was a little larger than past showers we've had. Our room was clean when we got there, and was kept very clean all week, Jeffry and Iris turned down our bed and left us towel animals most nights, and the ice bucket was always filled. They were both such a delight I hope others get to enjoy them too. Read more