We had a 50% refund coming from NCL because of a delay and problems encountered last year, after the Pride of America was refurbished in San Francisco and headed back to Hawaii. We had a suite on that cruise, and picked a balcony for this one, which was free except for taxes & port charges, and gratuities for the drink package & 3 specialty dinning. We picked New Orleans because it was an 8 hour drive. One small problem, our anniversary happened to fall during the last weekend of Mardi Gras. We stayed in Biloxi for 2 nights before the cruise, and had no trouble getting to the cruise port Sunday morning. NCL kept calling and texting saying to come early.The roads were crowded coming in from the east, but made it with no problem. Checked out of Biloxi hotel at 8;15am, got to port and checked in at 9:30, but had to wait until 11:30 to board. Some cruisers were not so fortunate, though. I heard some didn't make it because of Mardi Gras.

We have been to this area of the Western Caribbean twice before, but had to use our NCL refund, which was expiring after 1 year. After our Hawaiian cruise we were 1 night short of the platinum level. Then the platinum level was raised slightly, but we got into platinum level after this cruise. That will be good on our 10 day NCL cruise this fall out of New York to Quebec City.

The Harvest Caye NCL private island was new to us, and probably to most every one else. We rode the trolley over and walked through the few shops they had there. Swam at the beach, but a lot of sea weed floating in. The pool was nice. Stayed a couple hours then headed back to ship to eat and drink. NCL lets you use your cruise card to charge anything at Harvest Caye. Nothing is free - except swimming in the water. Only NCL tours allowed here - no outside "cheaper tours" to choose from. Read more