This was our first cruise but certainly not our last. We were hooked just hours into the cruise!! What a great first experience.

EMBARKATION: The port and Carnival facilities in New Orleans are in bad need of upgrading. Although the process was quick and easy, the building housing Carnival seemed like a cavernous, rundown warehouse. Also, the "ground" crew that corralled everybody into seats prior to boarding were quite rude to most passengers. Having said that, we were onboard the ship by 11:30 a.m. and everything changed after that.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The ship is vast and overwhelming for a first timer. As you enter on the Empress deck, the seven story atrium is breathtaking. The ship is beautiful, spacious, and alive. I was concerned about all the talk concerning the neon and bright colors of Carnival but we found it to be tasteful. Read more