Going on a 7 day cruise Mardi Gras Week, what should I expect,

I think some folks who cruise mainly on Carny might be more helpful..All I can say is we cruise out of NO twice a year, and have for a long time. Ive seen it at its best, and at its worst, and theres not much difference between the two. We put up with it, because its convenient, and we stay over the night b4, and park at the motel, for "free" ...we arrive about an hour to an hour and a half before you folks plan to arrive, we do it by cab, takes mebbe 15 min max, and that's from downtown..you can see the cruise ship from our motel.. I feel better waiting in the zoo that passes for a waiting area than worrying about getting there and parking. "People watching" for us starts early..some folks advise arriving LATER, to avoid the crowds...claim you can march right onto the ship...mebbe you can...but...getting there is 1/2 the fun. NOT! ..speaking of which, if you haven't looked into the "FASTER TO THE FUN" plan, I suggest you do so, its well worth it. The number of spaces is limited, but its done by cabin, so if its still available, do it. I still remember that from our two Carny cruises. the website explains it bettern me. If I was to book a Carny cruise, I'd get it in a heartbeat. GOOD LUCK!!!

You are a wealth spring of knowledge..... keep it coming..THANKS AGAIN MATE!

Then you'll have the good fortune to be parking indoors in the building...NCL used to have it years ago, now Carnival has the building and NCL uses the outdoor lot. If its the same rate as outside, its $20 per cruise day..c/c only, in advance..the redcaps will take your luggage right out of your car...tip em...its bad luck not to...make sure you keep ALL your paperwork...and remember where you parked...THATS IMPORTANT///from experience hehehehe

Thanks Yankee47, It's a lively assortment from ages 72, 68, 50, 40 and 13, sounds like there is something for everyone. We plan to arrive in New Orleans near 10:30am, the streets shouldn't be too congested at that time. Usually take the Erato cruise exit for the parking. Not really drinkers but big on family fun. Will keep an eye out for the baby and enroll in Camp Carnival to avoid some of the shenanigins. Thanks again, the not remembering was a good thing too....lol!

Overlooked your original question...no...the food is of such a variety your friend wont have any problems, Years ago we did one out of NO that "overlapped" Mardi Gras...if you're a party hearty type, its a blast...I think the entire undergrad population of LSU was onboard....if you're a silver fox, mebbe not so much....all I can say is after we returned, we needed a vacation...so I guess we got our $$ worth....some of it was a bit hazy....

Thanks for the heads up!

Allow some extra time to actually get to the port, and the parking building, if you're driving. Poydras and Tchoupoulis Sts (or however its spelled) are often closed for events. or construction..or both.

I wish I could help as I have always thought that would be a fun time to set sail from NOLA. I look forward to your review when you return. Enjoy!

Beads and booze