This was our first cruise ever and we did not know what to expect, altho reading this board was a big help. Our family included my family (husband and three boys aged 8, 14, and 16), my sister's family (husband and son 13, and daughter 9) and our parents (70).

My overriding impression was that every single person who worked on the ship was absolutely wonderful - friendly, professional and really truly wanting us to have a great experience. Despite the fact that our cruise was full, they ship never felt TOO full, or that you couldn't do something because it was sold out. (Unlike say, going to DisneyWorld on a peak day!) The ship was well set up to handle its guests. The crew made our trip.

We drove to NO and stayed at Embassy Suites, since we all fit in one room. Ate dinner at Mulate's two doors down, which was great and had a great breakfast at the hotel. They will let you park your car at the hotel for $8/night plus $30 for the first night, but we ended up parking at the port for $98 for the week. Read more