Elation - New Orleans

By lashl

• January 18, 2012

This was one of the most enjoyable cruises we have taken and it was our 11th cruise.

We arrived at the airport in New Orleans and took a taxi to our hotel. Timing was not good as our hotel was 8 blocks from the Super Dome and the Saints were playing the Lions in an NFL play-off game. Took about an hour for a 15 minute ride. Next went to Deanies in the French Quarter and had some fantastic shrimp. Sunday a tour of New Orleans and more French Quarter. LSU was playing Alabama in the national championship football game Monday. We were the only ones in town not dressed in purple or red but they were all just having fun.

Monday was embarkation day and it went fairly smooth. The only problem was getting your picture on you Sail & Sign card as you entered the ship. Equipment malfunction caused one secruity person to work the computer and give instructions to another security person to aim the camera.

My thought was: How many people does it take to change a light bulb? One to hold the bulb and another to turn the ladder!

Cruise went to Progeso and Cozumel. Didn't do anything at Progeso but get off the ship and check out the flea market. Cozumel we took our fourth excursion to Isla de Pasion via the Twister. Obvioulsy we love this. If you like speed and getting soaked the twister is for you. Pasion Island is great. All inclusive with open bar, food, and according to Lynda the best guacamolie in the world. Free chairs, tables, hammocks, beach chairs, water toys, etc. This time they have added a beach waiter so you don't even have to get up if you don't want to.

The ship was well maintained but still showing some ware. One the the two atrium elevators did not work for the whole cruise. Other than that the public areas were in good shape.

Our room was E60 just 4 rooms off the main atrium on the Empress (7) deck and very close to the elevators which made our movement about the ship a breeze. It was an ocean view room, the first cruise we have taken without a balcony, but it wasn't a big deal on this short of a cruise. Did not realize how small the room would be. With the beds together the only way to get to the window required gymnastic moves to jump on the bed and roll over to the other side. (Not a pretty sight when I preformed it)

Cabin attendants were very efficient but never introduced themselves. Other than that they did there jobs well and kept the room clean and well supplied.

Dinning Room.....Our waiters were very good. Never left you waiting between courses and always made recommendations about what was good

that evening. The food was very good with a good varity each evening.

The staff was very friendly and helpfull many going out of there way to learn your name and greet you when they saw you.

Debarkation was excellent. From the time we left the ship till we were out of the terminal could not have taken more than 10 minutes.

I think the main reason I enjoyed this cruise som much besides the ship, and crew were the passengers. There were far more first time cruisers than I had ever seen on a cruise. Of course, wtih the cruise leaving from New Orleans most were southerners and there is much to be said for southern hospitality. This was a very friendly crowd who wanted to have fun and didn't have time to complain. My kind of people and we made some new friends.

I would not hesitate to take another cruise from New Orleans