ErickW

Any worry of this garage filling up? Is there overflow parking if so?  We will be sailing out of NOLA in three weeks, and this is the only part of the trip I'm a little unsure of.  We haven't sailed from here in 15 years and the last time we flew in and had a shuttle from the airport. 

I too would like to know the answer to this. Can anyone help?

My family has cruised Elation the last two years for spring break and loved it.  My wife and I have been on bigger conquest class ships in the past, but honestly I would take the Elation any day over those.  The ship is just the right size to give our kids some freedom, but not so big where we felt we needed to monitor their every move.  The staff was great and with the smaller size you tend to see more of the same people consistently, this made for a more personal experience.

You should be fine, we have done it a couple times at spring break.  You have to be willing to be flexible on room style and location, but there is almost always something available. 

Thank You.

Bakersdozen12, I apologize, I may have jumped the gun with my comment.  I just haven't really ever enjoyed stopping in Freeport.  The pictures you show are def. proving there is much better to be had outside of the port area.  I didn't mean to offend you.  Also OP I apologize to you for giving this information.  It looks as though with the right excursion, you could really enjoy yourself.  The biggest challenge I've had is traveling with young children, so that in effect has limited what I'm able to do in port in regards to excursions etc... Anyhow, I hope you enjoy your trip! 

Hello all, I just booked a spring break cruise on the Glory out of New Orleans for my family of five.  We've reserved a room at the Holiday Inn at the convention center for the night before, along with parking for the week while we are gone.  My question comes in regards to getting to port.  When I called and reserved, the receptionist suggested we call an Uber or Lyft to get there.  Has anyone had experience in doing this?  How soon should I call ahead of time to get the vehicle coming? The port is only 1.5 miles away, and I don't want to get turned away too early etc..... Any advice or experiences you have or have had would be greatly appreciated!

Honestly, I would just stay on the ship.  Freeport has nothing to offer, outside of a small shopping area right in the port.  Enjoy the time while the ship is less crowded.

85 days, Just booked the Glory this morning!

We're doing this exact thing this next week. 5 day Bahamas on the Elation,

We are going to be taking our second cruise on the Elation next month. My wife and I have three children ages 10,7,5. Last year we had an absolute blast on this ship. Having cruised larger ones before we were a little skeptical of the smaller scale, but it proved to be a pleasant surprise. It was just big enough to not feel crowded, and we never felt as though our kids were "too far away" even if the oldest wanted to run and grab a drink himself while we stayed at the pool etc... bigger is not always better for sure. The ship did show a little age in some spots, but has since been through a very recent dry dock and we are looking forward to the updated look, and new amenities. Obviously my vote is for Elation!

I would agree with you on all fronts. I think it boils down to being an adult and setting an example on what is the right thing to do, especially if your own children are involved. It also is being respectful of others....society lacks this greatly these days. I would love to see Carnival (and other lines) crack down if need be. Enabling will only lead to more problems until it completely gets out of control (I would argue its at that point). Most people live their lives on the path of least resistance, and exploit that path until they no longer can, at that point they move on to the next thing that "feels good" right now. Sad state.

From the sound of it, you won't go wrong with either decision.

I've never cruised on Liberty, however my family and I took a 5 day on the Elation last year and had an absolute blast. I was a little skeptical as I had not done any research on the ship before booking. Most of what I could find on here was negative in regards to both age and size, and that really concerned me. I was proven wrong. The ship had some age, and it did show in some areas, however the size was perfect and never too crowded. She has since been through dry dock and from what I've read and seen now is like a whole new ship. I actually just ended up booking another 5 day on the same dates in March this year, and couldn't be more excited to sail her again!

OP I went through the same thought process last year after I booked a 5 day on the Elation. I could hardly find any positives on it and was concerned. Turns out we had a great time and booked the exact same cruise for this upcoming March. She has since been updated through dry dock, but honestly that wouldn't have mattered as I wouldn't have hesitated to book again as I did. You said it in your first sentence, the cruise is all about what you make it.

2Wheelin I called Insuremytrip directly. The rep asked me a few questions, and then found policies that best suited our needs as well as the concerns I wanted addressed. I couldn't believe how cheap it was either, but I'm very happy with the outcome, and will not cruise without it from here on out.

I think I'll go back and edit the title to "Make sure you shop around for your travel insurance."

I bought it through Carnival last time, and as bad as it sounds it just kind of nagged at me that it cost me $300. $66 however was a no brainer.

Well as you all were posting, I was on the phone with the wonderful people at insuremytrip.com. Needless to say I just forked over a whopping $66 for total coverage that fits my family needs for this upcoming trip. I feel a little dumb to say the least for not researching 3rd party options before starting this! I was blinded by the fact of what I thought was a somewhat expensive price on the carnival website! Thank you all so much for your input, it has helped tremendously!

Good info here from all parties. Firemanbobswife, I am curious though, you stated you never did until 5 years ago. What changed that? Why didn't you until that point?

Sebleo, you had coverage from your Standard insurance provider?

As stated I haven't ruled it out, I need to check out some outside sources, being as I feel Carnival charging almost $300 is somewhat expensive in my eyes. I think age plays a factor too, understanding anything can happen at any time, would you be more prone to travel without it while younger?

Just as the title states. I'm contemplating not adding the insurance for our 5 day coming up in March. We went at the same time last year and although I did purchase it then, I'm just not sure I want to spend the extra couple hundred dollars on it. We are a family of five with kids ages 10,7, and 5. If that matters anyways. So please give me your input, and let me know what you have or haven't done in the past. Especially frequent cruisers.

I'm going on the Elation on Thursday. Can't wait to see how it looks post-dry dock. Will let you know!

Please take lots of Pictures! Enjoy your trip!

Hello,

 

I saw you booked for Spring Break. Do you mind if I ask what month you booked?

I am trying to determine when college Spring Break is, as we are planning a Bahamas cruise for 2019 with the grandkids and want to avoid the college spring breakers. It seems that most are in March and we are looking at April 27, 2019.

 

Thank you!

Yes, we booked the week of March 24th. My wife is a teacher and this is High School Spring Break. At the same time last year the cruise was very laid back and we didn’t have any problems per se with “Spring Breakers”, or a wild atmosphere. Most colleges are out the first of March, seeing as you’re planning April, you will be fine.