New Orleans embarkation/debarkation is quick and easy. Porters pick up your luggage at the terminal parking and 45 minutes later we were on board. On return, we did the last time and were off and done with only a short line for the customs.
This cruise features a 4 stop itinerary. The Hotel Manager John O'Hara and CD Kyle were both personable and responsive, and all of the staff follows their lead. I enjoyed the freestyle cruise dining except that you rarely get to know your waiters, nor they you. Despite that, the service was very good.
Food
We had a mid-ship balcony and were surprised/impressed by the size of the balcony. It made the whole cabin seem larger! The only negative was the jerk next door who left his balcony light on all nite and made it difficult to get to sleep.