justhappy

Same security line for everyone, but after that you head to a line just for Haven check in.

Pre cruise we had called the shore side concierge to book Ocean Blue for the first night and all they could do was put us on a waitlist. When we boarded the ship we happened to be riding up on the elevator with Omar Salgado, the concierge. I mentioned to him that I was on a waitlist and within a few minutes he had us booked at our preferred time. Some of the Haven waitstaff also work Ocean Blue in the evenings so we had the pleasure of having our server Gladys for lunch and for dinner. We were seated next to a sweet family of three on their first cruise who we ended up chatting with as they had lots of questions. So I forgot to take pics of all the food. We were delighted and surprised that a server we had met on the Encore in 2022 in Ocean Blue was still on the Breakaway, where she was headed after she returned from her vacation. They had all worked with a crew member we are friends with so we all took a group photo to send to her. It was a great meal and such good memories shared. The only two food pics I took. Clam chowder and cheesecake in a jar.

Since Daylight saving time started at 2am, we had over 2 hours of daylight to view the scenery before sunset. Our previous cruises were in December and January so it was dark right after leaving port. We really enjoy the scenery along the way.along the river, even the industrial areas like the refineries. Years ago someone had posted a guide to what you saw as you head downstream along with a short history. It’s really handy to have if you are history buffs like we are. Some scenery along the way-

They never offered an alternative, they just announced at around 11:30 that the Haven restaurant was open for lunch. Thanks for the kind wishes for a great cruise. I don’t mind a zillion questions, bring ‘em on!

Lots of traffic

Anything’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen out there!

Posting photos is proving to be as difficult as boffoboffo said. So just commentary for now. After an hour of soaking in some sunshine and additional Irish mules for DH we headed to the cabin to unpack. After all that was squared away we watched the ship traffic on the river and gloried in the fact that we were on a cruise after our January no go. I was stressed something would go wrong until I was actually on the ship. Shortly before 5 pm the Carnival Glory loudly made her departure. I know they crank up the music and encourage guests to be loud to make us think they are the party ship. And you know, they are! But I toured the Glory once and no way would I enjoy that ship. Guys Burgers would be the only thing😋 5 O’clock on the dot they threw off the lines and we were underway.

To continue day 1, we headed up to the Haven sundeck to enjoy the sunshine. There must have been some military installation nearby as there fighter jets doing fly bys every so often. Looked like F-somethings, to get real technical on you. Last time we cruised out of New Orleans was in Dec of 2021 and I think the whale mural was refreshed and had more added to it. I don’t remember the sky and clouds and additional critters. It looks really nice!

After the lite lunch we stopped by the Haven Bar for the first drinks of the cruise. DH opted for an Irish mule and I had a glass of Shades of Blue Riesling, I love it.

Same security line for everyone, but after that you head to a line just for Haven check in.

The drinks are the important thing!

I really benefited and enjoyed the live from @boffoboffo last week. Hopefully we can make the days till your cruise fly by!

This morning we slept in till 7am SDT then after a light breakfast we packed up head headed to 100 Poydras Street at 9:45am. It was a short 16 minute drive as traffic was very light this morning. I had prepaid for parking and it was an easy process to get parked and down the elevator to wait for the shuttle. Within 10 minutes we were shuttled and dropped off at the baggage porters. A quick walk into the terminal and right through the security screening with no waiting. At 10:15 there were hardly any lines. No waiting at Haven check in as well. I have to say this was the fastest in 34 cruises we have ever gotten inside the building and completed check in. Escorted to the Haven waiting area (with cookies 😁) among other finger foods and beverages.

I know I’m not the only CC member doing a live from this cruise, and it won’t be as exciting as the other live cruise reports this week since we are on the ship to relax after two months of stress and interrupted sleep. No shore excursions planned unless you consider a trip to the Mega Store in Cozumel an “excursion “ After having to cancel our January Escape cruise at the last minute and wanting to get away once things at home improved I decided the way to celebrate my birthday this year was with a cruise. It will be just hubby and I this cruise in an aft balcony Haven suite. We got lucky when one popped up post final payment date at a reduced price. With a full ship during spring break it’s a splurge we couldn’t resist. On Saturday we took the short drive from home, stopping at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi Mississippi to use some free play and food credits. We decided to hit up the snack bar in the casino where I had a muffalata and DH had a Rueben sandwich. They were both very good and huge portions. Then we played our free play and cashed out our winnings, $38 for me and $16 for DH. 🤣 Hey it’s more tip money for the cruise! We drove on another 1&1/2 hours to Metairie where we used a free night voucher at a Residence Inn. Not the newest property but it was clean and comfortable. We met a long time colleague and friend of my DH who lives in the area. He picked us up and took us to a small local Italian restaurant nearby. The food was delicious and the dinner conversation lively. He was telling us stories about post Katrina and ended driving us around showing us some of the areas hard hit and explaining the pumping systems and the politics of the city. This time of year my DH and I have a tradition of watching the movie Captain Ron. It’s a corny screwball comedy but we always watched it to get us through the doldrums of winter and long hours of tax season. So warning: many Captan Ron movie references ahead!

Looking forward to your review! I’ll be on the ship with you, hoping for sunny skies and warm clear waters🍀

I’ve sailed with NCL since 2015, since that time I’ve not seen a big reduction in quality, but have seen a marked difference in value for my money, even accounting for inflation. At this time I’m giving NCL the benefit of the doubt that some reductions in services and product offerings are to help with debt reduction efforts. What remains to be seen is if these items and services are reinstated after the debts are reduced to pre covid levels. At that time I’ll decide whether to continue cruising with NCL or not.

Thank you so much for posting these!

Thank you, I’m still going to be worried about Daisy, but we need this break so badly. I’m still trying to decide if I’m going to do a live trip report. We do have the unlimited internet package so that’s not a concern, although from what @boffoboffo reports, Starlink is not much of an improvement.

My husband and I will be aboard as well. And yes, it’s going to be packed.

Looking forward to your semi live report. Hoping for smooth travels for you guys. You said you had dinner plans in mind but if you’re going to the Cirque show tonight, might I suggest you consider City Works. It’s nearby and has a great menu and food is very good. It’s a brewpub type of place so if that’s not your thing then ignore my suggestion.

I am one who finds value in the vibe when I’m not sailing in the Haven. I like to spend time in a quieter environment and usually spend my days reading books and staring at the ocean. Having a good comfortable lounger always available and bartenders keeping us hydrated is worth it to me. pluses are less crowded hot tubs and bathrooms. When are Vibe passes being sold now? As soon as a cruise is open for bookings? A few years ago it was a free for all to be able to get onboard and buy passes first. my last few cruises we booked after final payment date and the passes were all sold out. Now we are booked for an October 20 cruise and the app says not for sale till June 22. 🤷🏼‍♀️ This is a cruise that was just added as the Getaway has been repositioned to New Orleans. The one negative about the Vibe is the chances of not getting your monies worth due to weather related closures .

I did call the pre cruise concierge and that’s who put me in the waitlist. I’m just wanting a good cruise after having to cancel last months on short notice because of Miss Daisy. Fingers crossed she will continue to do better and this cruise will be worry free. I will be on a mission looking for hash brown rounds, mozzarella sticks, cookies and I just might be getting some of those beef tostada appies from the main dining room😋 Because like you I think they are the best appetizer from the main dining rooms. Maybe I’ll ask my butler for a plate of 8🤔 I’d better put a note for day 5 down now! Here is Daisy with a get well card and treats from the neighbors two dogs two days ago. Her eye looks like she’s been on a week long bender with red blood vessels growing everywhere and IOP causing swelling, but the Vet Specialist says she’s doing great!

Thanks Gary, I do think my odds are good, and having dinner in the Haven restaurant the first night was my back up plan, if I felt that what I was asking was too much. Finding another night at Ocean Blue may be a problem though since we have to switch other specialty dinner reservations around. Between Amex, Sapphire status and FAS we have 4 specialty dinners already booked. It’s a spring break cruise so the ship is probably sailing 100+ %. So first world problems I know, I’m not going to starve for sure.

I have an upcoming cruise in early March on the Breakaway. I forgot to make dinner reservations for Ocean Blue and when I called the pre Concierge line all they could do was add me to the waitlist. And its for the first night of the cruise. If they can’t get us in, would it be too much to ask that the butler serve us a meal from Ocean Blue in our stateroom? Knowing it’s a long and busy turnaround day I don’t want to ask too much. I’d hope I would know upon boarding if they were able to get us a reservation, and if no be able to make the request early enough to give our butler a heads up. I would definitely just ask for all the courses at once and not expect them to serve course by course. Do you think that’s asking too much?

Thanks! I’ll definitely try that.