We are a working couple in our 50's and this is our second cruise, first also with NCL in Hawaii. We chose this cruise for itinerary, warm weather and ports of call being our biggest interest. We are very casual and laid back and for that reason like the "freestyle" concept of NCL but have never tried anything else.
Pre/Post Hotels: We stayed at the Hampton Inn French Quarter pre cruise (booked thru Trip Advisor) and the Whitney Hotel booked thru Hotels.com post cruise--I booked where I could get a good price but still stay close to the Quarter for some pre/post cruise touring of New Orleans. Both where excellent (preferred the Whitney--loved the old bank building since I'm a 20 yr + banker myself) and both where easy cab drives from the port. Pd $20 with tip each way from hotel to port, airport trip to hotel was $36 with tip. We did a 3 hour bus tour through a private company pre cruise, and was able to take in some Mardi Gras parades post cruise. We had limited time in New Orleans so would definitely like to come back again--maybe not at carnival time though as parades limited our ability to get around.
Embarkation: I had signed up for 1:30 to try and miss the "rush" plus allow for tourist time, but was back at hotel by 12:30 so gathered luggage and a cab and went to port. Dropped off our big bags with the porter and crossed to the port building. While the line was fairly long it traveled steadily and well organized without any hitches. We where on the ship prior to 1:30. Room wasn't quite ready but we did drop our bags without a problem and went to lunch..in the Venetian but they definitely try to steer you to the buffet..just ignored them.
Roomy for two good storage. Toilet are in the bathroom tiny, but shower quite roomy. Bed wasn't good for me, but DH was okay with it.
3 hour tour of New Orleans--hit the high spots but left you wanting more--but as Andy said--his goal is to want you to come back and he did that.
Xavier was our driver however he had a fan belt come off mid tour--but he called got us another driver and continued the tour. The lunch was great--fajitas with the best home made tortilla's. Great overview of the island.
Semi Sub was a little "quesy" but good, bus trip was a little warm as it was hot and humid that day and while the buses had air conditioning they weren't really keeping up. Spent an hour in west end village and toured the Cameo Institute which we both loved. Also loved the port shopping area in Roatan--wonderful.
Loved everything about this tour--great guides, interesting history, nice boat ride and bus ride gave good tour on Belize outside the city (which looks a little iffy).
Loved Costa Maya--beautiful port area, nice beach area nearby