Getting to the Port & Boarding Day Expectations
- Everyone has an 11:30 AM–12:30 PM boarding window
- Plan is to leave the hotel around 11:00 AM
- We’ll use Uber or Lyft to get to the cruise terminal — it’s a short ride
- If timing works, we can coordinate a couple of XL rides for the group
At the Port of New Orleans, rideshare drop-off is straightforward and close to the terminal entrance. Once dropped off:
- Porters are available to take your larger bags
- We’ve found this very convenient
- Plan to tip around $5 total for a couple of bags
- Keep a carry-on with you containing:
- Travel documents, medications, and anything else critical
- Anything you’ll want access to before staterooms are ready
After bag drop, you’ll proceed through security and check-in:
- Security screening is similar to an airport but usually moves quickly
- Have your passport and boarding documents easily accessible
- Norwegian staff will guide you step-by-step, including directing you to your muster station immediately after boarding
Once we clear security and board the ship, crew members will direct us straight to our muster station. This happens immediately and usually takes just a few minutes. Once that’s complete, we’re free to enjoy the ship.
Our first planned stops after muster:
- Grab or review the entertainment schedule for the week
- Dining reservations
- One person from each group should go to the Teppanyaki area / dining reservations desk to align our dining reservations for the week
- Supper Club reservations
- One person from each group should go to the box office to reserve Supper Club shows (Beatles or ABBA)
- District Brewhouse to get signed up for the leaderboard
Staterooms & Luggage
Staterooms are not ready right away, but we’ve never waited too long. When rooms are ready, the ship will make an announcement by deck.
- Luggage typically arrives around the same time and may be waiting in the hallway near your room
- Once inside, note that room lights only work when a card is inserted into the slot near the door
- You do not need to use your room key
- Bring an extra plastic card (old gift card, ID-sized card, etc.)
Settle In & Get Organized
Once in your room, we recommend unpacking and getting organized right away.
- Suitcases fit neatly under the bed
- Unpacking early makes the rest of the week much easier
- After this, you can review the full entertainment schedule for the day and decide what else you’d like to do
Sail Away
There will be a Sail Away Party on the pool deck at 4:00 pm, which is usually a lot of fun (watching Melanie dance) and a great way to officially kick off the cruise.