We decided to do a ten day cruise for my 40th birthday as we always feel 7 days is just not enough time. In addtiion, the idea of leaving from New Orleans and experiencing the Mighty Mississippi sounded great! It was just me and my boyfriend and we had a mostly amazing time. I was not a fan of the embarkation at all. There were very little (if any) signs telling us what building to go into or who was the correct porter to drop our luggage off with. In fact, I along with another couple seriously hestitated handing off our luggage to a porter next to a cart because he had zero identification as a porter besides the metal cart he loaded our stuff into. When we walked into the Norwegian building it was absolute chaos as we had to ask a staff member where we go (as there were no signs) only to find a line mashed in the middle of all the guests leaving on tour busses and cabs from the previous cruise. Once we finally were able to go through the doors to start the process (we stood in line for 45 minutes), the embarkation was pretty typical once we got through the doors so it was really the lack of signs or Norwegian staff to help that made it difficult. Once we got on the boat the first day was mostly excellent, until our suitcases arrived. I have a medium sized hard spinner luggage that weighed only 38 lbs (weighed at airport) and by the time it made it to our stateroom it was completely missing a spinner wheel on the back and was very beat up. This piece of luggages was in perfect condition when I handed it to the Porter and was only three years old. Now reality is, I have no clue who destroyed it but lets just say it was a real pain traveling home with a completely missing wheel at the end of the trip.
The ship itself was awesome! I would love to travel on her again. We had a great steward and we LOVED Syd's Pour House. We could spend every night in that place when Guilty Pleasures was playing. I was not as big of a fan of the other band but the house band in there was amazing. We went to Burn the Floor, and it was not something we really liked. I love a story with a show and i just felt bored because it was just dancing and singing but I do know many on the ship loved the show. Rock of Ages was amazing, funny, and was the story I was already familiar with but production value was excellent. I think our love of this show was directly related to our age range as we grew up on this music!. Howl at the moon was enjoyable but i also think Norwegian's desire to keep it PG until 11:00 pm is slowly killing the ususal fun show, but again the crowd traveling on this 10 day trip was an older crowd than I was use to on other norwegian cruisese that may have had something to do with the overall tone of the Howl show.
Food as usual was amazing.
Cabin was perfect for two people. Only complaint is that there were only two outlets (US style) and 2 (European style). in the past i had mini suites and did not realize that we would only have two so make sure and plan ahead and bring outlets. Our steward Ulysses was amazing! From day one he was so great! He remembered our names and did some of the best towel animals I have ever received on a cruise.
We went to Bourbon Street the night before. It was definately and enjoyable evening people watching. We loved the Carousel Bar & Lounge. Definately go back to visit again.
Great Port. I was already pre-aware of the additional costs on island so we were prepared to pay out of pocket. I wish the beers had been cheaper but they were goods. We did the barrier reef snorkel and it was worth the money and an excellent experience.
Shopping and more shopping! This is a nice safe place to walk around and had some good lunch at Sharkeez (spelling?)
This is an ok port. Be prepared for slightly aggressive hair braiders and cab drivers.