Overall it was a really good, fun cruise! We traveled with our daughter and grandson (in a different cabin) and everyone had a great time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We arrived just a bit early, and borded on time. It was very organized and painless.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We used anytime dining and enjoyed the Lincoln for the most part. Some nights the menu was disappointing, though. The Lido for supper was...well, just don't. For lunch we enjoyed it. Breakfast was spotty in the Lido, sometimes great, and sometimes, eh. Guy's Burgers was great, but sometimes my bun was tiny, sometimes it was fine. Blue Iguana Cantina consistently serves great food for both breakfast and lunch.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The Prometheus Pool (aft) is reserved for 18+ and we enjoyed that. The Jacuzzi tubes were heated and clean. We were very disappointed with the Piano Bar this time around.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The stage shows were great, the Atrium featured New Age (string trio) and the Valor Rock Band and both were very good. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because of the Piano Bar. Carnival went to sleep at the wheel. "Martin" is a fine pianist but HE CAN'T SING. It was painful, so much so we left during the first song. That bar stayed empty for the most part the whole cruise!
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Our grandson is very 13 years old...and only went long enough to meet new friends. Together, they found the stairwell between the Promenade and 4th decks is mostly empty and spent the cruise making music.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Top Notch. Period.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
It's a typical Carnival design, and as long as you remember to take a short detour to get to the Washington Dining room from the bow of the ship it's just fine
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
As always, roomy, plenty of storage, bright when you opened the curtains, a great view. Being on the Lido was really convenient!! The mattress was higher on one end...my wife didn't notice but I did.
Ship tip
On disembarkation day, just wait until the majority of passengers have left to disembark.
The port itself is a major reason we book out of New Orleans. We love being able to park in the port garage (hint: if you are a disabled Vet with over 50% disability, parking is FREE!) Being inside the building already means you aren't exposed to the weather, and embarkation is organized and quick. DO keep your appointment. Being early means you wait longer.
As for New Orleans, if you want shiny and new you're going to be let down. New Orleans is the most European of American Cities. It's very OLD...and that history and culture and architecture is wonderful for us. It has so very much to offer from the French Quarter to the Aquarium of the Americas to the PHENOMENAL WWII Museum!
If there was a better docking facility it would be far better. The Carnival area is close, but the free bus ride to the shore (about 15 minutes, and I'm not kidding.) runs people off. The city is building at a furious rate, but strangely the new shops sometime have better prices. We love the smaller shops, but the citizens REALLY ENJOY HAGGLING OVER THE PRICE. Go ahead, insult them with a very low offer.
We opted to have our luggage picked up. People who kept their luggage were disembarked first in an orderly fashion, but when our turn came Carnival called for ALL BOARDING ZONES to leave! Next time, we're just waiting until they make last call!
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