Desperate to get away after being locked down, we chose the Lower Mississippi cruise from NOLA and return. We drove and arrived a day early to spend additional time in the Big Easy. I contacted ACL to find out where the garage was at the dock so I could park my car a day early and no one I spoke with could tell me. After several frustrating phone calls, I went to the dock and was able to find out from the port security office that my car was not going to be in a covered garage, but in an outdoor, secured area. The car had less than 4000 miles on it and had I not be told by at least 3 people that it would be in a garage, I would have had a sun shade for the dash.

The next day we had an easy transfer to the ship after a hectic covid testing experience. We had splurged for an Owners Suite and it was lovely and we were okay with minimal room care from housekeeping. However, I had asked for and received in writing a list of amenities that came with the Owners Suite and many did not come through, even after complaining. Champagne and fruit and cheese plate upon arrival - nope! Regular restocking of fridge with wine, juice and water - nope. Evening gourmet snacks in the room - on the third day, after questioning about this. We did get a bottle of champagne on our anniversary, but that was not part of the Owners Suite amenities, and after we got water and juice from the lounge, it was refreshed sporadically.

The menu was appealing and the food was just okay. The service was disappointing. I am more than willing to cut the cruise line some slack because of covid, but I feel they could have been better prepared. Under the circumstances I would have been happy to get my own coffee, water or wine if it had been available in the dining room, but we had to wait until an overworked staffer, or dining room manager, or cruise director grabbed a pot or bottle to pour. The limited staff members worked their butts off and at one point, one server broke down in tears out of frustration for not being able to be in three places at one time. She was comforted by my fellow tablemates and I do hope the management showed her consideration for being unable to do the impossible. It was a different experience from any other cruise I have taken. Read more