Overall We had a great time on this trip. We always take the mindset that we try to make the best out of any vacation we are on - so we really don't let the small stuff get in our way. On the ship, we try to make friends with the crew that we meet. This time was no exception. The cruise is a lot what you make it - and we tried to make it great!

New Orleans We flew from Chicago non-stop on Southwest on Friday, November 13. After non-eventful flight, we collected our bags and got a taxi. There are set rates from the airport to the downtown area. For 1 or 2 passengers, it is $33. For 3 or more passengers, it is $14 per person. We stayed on a comp from Harrah's at the Doubletree Hotel on Canal Street (directly across from the entrance to Harrah's). The location is perfect as it is a quick walk to the French Quarter, close to the river, casino, etc. Saturday spent the whole day walking around French Quarter, Farmers Market, and along the river - weather was absolutely beautiful - mid-70s. We also went to the Riverwalk Mall and saw the Carnival Triumph docked. We also tried to do a "dry run" walking from the hotel to the cruise terminal but after 20 minutes realized that while not impossible, it really was not worth saving the money. Sunday we got a late check from the hotel - and left by taxi - at 1:15pm for the cruise terminal. Taxi is $7 per person to the cruise. After the cruise, we stayed at Harrah's New Orleans Hotel for 1 more night. We saw a little shortcut from the ship (watching lots of crew walking), so we just decided to walk to the hotel. Not too bad - if you don't have too much luggage. Enjoyed relaxing in New Orleans one more day before flying home on Monday.

Embarkation Embarkation was extremely easy. This being our 5th cruise, we have left from Seattle, San Pedro, CA, Honolulu, Baltimore and now New Orleans. This was so smooth and fast. Not sure if we lucked out the time we arrived, if the # of passengers was light, or if it is always this easy. The porter was at the taxi as we got out. Since we already had our luggage tags on our bags, we paid and the taxi and tipped the porter and were already on our way. We had about a 5 minute wait to get through security and then went to the Latitudes line to check-in. There was nobody in line, so we walked right up to counter. After getting checked-in and then taking the welcome aboard picture, we were ready to get on the Spirit! And it was only 1:50pm! Note - there is a bit of a walk up a ramp before you actually get on the ship. Not too physically demanding, but just be aware of it. This will be the same ramp to walk down when you disembark - so think about pulling your luggage down that if you are considering taking it off on your own (it's not difficult - we each had two rolling bags and a backpack and were just fine). Read more