2McCormicks

So the hubs and I decided to veer from RCCI and try Carnival. I mean, how can I have an opinion without trying both! We decided to cruise out of NOLA (New Orleans for you newbies:) ) and forgo the airfare and make the 12 hour drive. It was the hubs, my mother and her sister, my aunt all going together (sep. rooms). This time we got a balcony as well which was a first for us. We drove down the night before sailing (which was Sept 16, 2012) and we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn by the Louis Armstrong airport. They had a park and fly package where we could leave the car for a week. Now, we took two cars. My car was left at the hotel and my aunts van went to the cruise port where she parked it for a week. The fee for parking in the parking garage was $112 for the week which you pay for BEFORE you park (cash money). I suggest parking in the parking garage. You will be able to disembark and get to your vehicle SOOO much faster!

For you first timers, this is my opinion, get a balcony! We will NEVER, EVER go back to an inside cabin. The price is so worth it. We did spend a lot of time out on our balcony. The hubs does smoke so it was much easier to head back to our room (7225) for a smoke. Our room had the captains deck obstructing part of our view but that didn't bother us a bit. WORD OF WARNING!! YOU CAN SEE YOUR NEIGHBORS IN THE REFLECTION OF THE GLASS!! So no monkey business unless you want an audience. Yes I saw the neighbor naked. I'm blind in one eye now. :eek:

We went out on the Conquest. I've read that this ship is due for an overhaul. THANK GOD! I was not impressed with this ship in the least. I went into this with a complete open mind and I really wanted to LOVE Carnival. I was hoping for the same food as Royal Caribbean. We ate both in the dining room and the buffet, also the grill and sandwich shop. The buffet....every single day no matter when you ate there the food was at best warm. The eggs are powdered eggs. They did have an omelette station where you could get an omelette or eggs done your way. The lines were crazy long. I did look forward to drinking iced tea on board too. NO WAY!!! The tea is very, very, very strong. The coffee was very strong as well. The dinner buffet rolled up the carpets at 8:30 so you had to search for food if you are late nom, nommers like us. I read where Carnival did listen to their reviews and they have more comedians. They have 2 comedians the first part of the week and then they fly in 2 more which I thought was pretty cool. Until I hit the comedy show on the second leg. There are 6 female comedians and I think we got the worst one. People were actually getting up and walking out. I was so embarrassed FOR her. To add, that is the coldest ship I have ever been on. You could hang meat in there! The casino, the auditoriums, the dining room, everywhere including our room. There were a couple of nights we turned off the air conditioning and left the balcony door open all night.

RCCI is MILES and MILES ahead of Carnival. The entertainment, the food, everything! You definitely get what you pay for. We will not cruise Carnival again. If you like staying at the Motel 6 on your vacation then please, go on Carnival and enjoy your vacation. If you like staying at the Hilton, choose Royal Caribbean.

Again....this is MY opinion and my views. There are people out there that are die hard Carnival fans and the same for Royal Caribbean. I'm glad I did try both so that I could form an honest opinion.

Shameless plug for Soto Cruises at Grand Caymans. $35/pp smaller boat to stingray city with one snorkel stop on the way. I've used these guys 3 times. Much love!

I can't answer your question, but I was wondering if I could ask one of my own, if you don't mind. Where did you find the park and cruise package for $110? The cheapest I've found is $129 and that's booking through the hotel. We are looking at staying here on our upcoming Elation cruise. Thanks!

Stupid me posted it on here and I went back today and they are all sold out! Grrr.... guess I won't be staying there! It was through Expedia. It was $109.99 published price. :(

Cruising out of NOLA on Carnival Conquest, September 16th. Looking to stay one night in NOLA. Found the Quality Inn 100 Westbank Expressway near the NOLA Cruisport. Free full breakfast, free WiFi, free parking up to 14 days and shuttle to the cruiseport and back all for $110/night.

My question: Is this a safe area. I'm traveling with older people and I want to be sure they are safe.

Any advice would be appreciated! :)