Port of New Orleans

C'mon it's NOLA, love that there's a mall right by the port. We flew in and stay a couple of nights at Hyatt Place prior to our cruise with ncl just so we can take advantage of dining the local cuisines. Port was very close, within 5mins walk with our carryons. Boarding was quick but getting off the boat was a nightmare, we waited for 2 hours just to get off the boat.

I've been on a few cruises with most of them leaving from Miami and one from Copenhagen, but we went on a walking dead themed cruise from NOLA and I have to say that they were very well organised, even when the celebrities boarded and they put a bit of effort in to the terminal to make it appropriate to the cruise. There wasn't a huge amount there but it is in a mall so you have time on the way to the terminal to pick up some last minute supplies. All in all its a well organised and easy port to navigate.

In the chaos I was told to check my luggage and where to take it. I hesitated but was told that it is inconsiderate of other passengers. So I took it where I was told. No reminder from people who do this all day to be sure that I have my passport/birth certificate on me. No signs either. After weaving through cattle aisles, we reached the first place it was asked for. I had called and was told that my military ID and DL would work. NOPE!! I even heard one lady say that military thing is worthless. We were stuck. Everyone loaded we still sat. We were left with no water access AT ALL! NO one stayed to check on us. I ended up doing my best to sanitize the sink in the restroom and used my hands to get water to drink. Then we find out that our luggage was lost. This will be the entrance to Hell.

I was threatned by security staff - specifially the female employee told me "Im going to kick you" as I walked by her. She wanted my small children in a separate line than me. Security staff ("Allied Universal") welcome you back stateside with some sour, rude attitudes. The process of maneuving through after debarking is chaotic. I had several some children and they kept trying to separate us. Parking is pricey for 7 days = $187ish, but secure. On-boarding was great and take your luggage for tips.

We took a cruise from this Port at the end of July. The staff was absolutely AMAZING from beginning to end. I thought we technically missed the final boarding but they got us through quickly. The security check guys went above and beyond and brought our luggage on board the ship. Thanks for saving our vacation!

We disembarked quickly, but got separated from our group who happened to be the ones driving us. We ended up having to wait outside for close to 1.5 hrs with a 14 month old baby in the 90 degree heat. We asked twice if we could wait inside since our baby was sweating and crying profusely and they denied us both times and met with no kindness. I understand policies but i would have appreciated some leniency. Two chairs would have affected no one. Please do better my baby didn’t deserve that.

Disney cruise parking lot H. You can drop your luggage off and passengers and park. A shuttle will bring you back. You are charged when you arrive back to pick up your vehicle. We were charged $80 but some said they were charged $90. Embarkation was not bad for Disney, but we did have Concierge status so there was no wait for us. The staff was friendly and the terminal was very clean.

This is my least favorite port to embark a cruise line thus far here in the United States. The parking and traffic flow is a nightmare. It is super congested and they have different people directing traffic that gives you total opposite advice on where to go and where to park. We ended up having to drive around multiple times before we were given solid direction. Then after you finally get on the ship you have hours of cruising dark disgusting smelly waters of the Mississippi before you get to sea. I would recommend not utilizing this port as there are several ports around the south east that have a much more desirable experience than this port. This was a one and done visit for us ever using this port again. Do yourself a favor and choose a different location to port out of. I only have my own experiences and if you feel otherwise to each their own.