I have read with interest that it is fairly easy to drive up, park, and embark on a cruise at the NOLA terminal. How easy was the reverse?...debarkation, customs, getting your vehicle, loading, and leaving?

Easy.  We have cruised from NOLA twice.  The first time we did self assist and that was simple.  The second time we waited on the lido deck and left when we were called.  Both times it went smoothly and quickly.

Customs is sometimes backed up. The not so secret is to get a porter to help with your luggage. They have an express path to get to customs so there aren't more than a few people ahead of you and will take the luggage to your car or taxi or...

 You pay for parking in advance, so there is no delay for that on the way out.

Hey there,

It was easier to get on and off in N O than it was in Mobile.  It was also easier to find the terminal as it was only one turn, well two, after getting off the Intersate.  I would rather drive the extra hour to N O than Mobile just because of the easiness of it all.

The last time we cruised out of NO was a nightmare.  I am so happy they revamped it.  We are planning a cruise from there in Dec 2010 and I am looking forward to it. Thanks!

Joan

rebric:

It was easier to get on and off in N O than it was in Mobile.  It was also easier to find the terminal as it was only one turn, well two, after getting off the Intersate.  I would rather drive the extra hour to N O than Mobile just because of the easiness of it all.

Easier than Mobile?  Goodness if anywhere is easier than that I will be able to do it with my eyes closed.

Agrees about Mobile!  It was so easy and quick!

It was much better than the cruise we took out of Miami.  I recommend self assist if you've only got one piece of luggage per person and maybe a shoulder bag.  That also assumes it's the roller luggage.   The only minor problem was at the ship elevators.  People didn't seem to understand the concept of a line.  I ended up lugging our bags up a couple decks to outflank the line cutters.  After you get through customs you're right at the parking deck elevator and on your way in 5 or 10 minutes.

Very easy in the BIG EASY!  We took a cruise in Feburary 2009 and it went very well.  We are going again in 27 days on the Carnival Triumph from NOLA.  Can't wait!