I travel with a group every January and our coordinator chose this cruise.

We traveled to New Orleans a few days early to enjoy the city. Parking is so expensive we flew this time. That was a great decision. New Orleans is a very walkable city and their trolley system is very easy and inexpensive. It's also thick with Uber drivers. We stayed at the Best Western on Rampart. Fine hotel with the friendliest most accommodating staff I've ever encountered off a cruise ship. They know their city and are eager to refer you to their favorite places.

Embarkation onto the ship was very smooth. We stayed in a cove balcony cabin (#2290) on this cruise, our first time. It was fine; same amount of room as a regular balcony cabin. Very convenient to Crimson dining room and Encore lounge. Also note that you barely feel the ship move at all. The only reason I probably won't book one again is that it was always in the shade of the lifeboats overhead. I like a sunny balcony. There were some ongoing issues with the toilet; each time we called they came right away and after the fourth call they just replaced the thing...no more problems. Read more