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Final updated just came in for departures today:

Carnival Fantasy is expected to arrive later this afternoon. Once the ship arrives, we will need to disembark guests before we can proceed with your embarkation. 

Please disregard your pre-selected Arrival Appointment and make plans to arrive at the cruise terminal between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM (CST). Due to terminal capacity limitations, please do not arrive earlier than 7:30 PM.  

Given our later departure, we will need to cancel our visit to Progreso. So you can enjoy additional time ashore in Cozumel, we will arrive on February 25, at 1:30 PM.  We will remain overnight and depart at 5:00 PM on February 26, as scheduled.

All guests who pre-purchased our beverage packages will receive a one-day pro-rated adjustment. This refund will be processed to the original form of payment in approximately three weeks. Pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions for Progreso, as well as any taxes, fees and port expenses will be refunded to your onboard Sail & Sign account. We have added some exciting tour opportunities in Cozumel.  For more details, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk, located on Empress, deck 7 - forward.  

In preparation for departure, all guests must be on board by 10:30 PM (CST). Weather permitting, we expect to depart shortly after the completion of embarkation.

2pm text - arrive at terminal between 7:30-10p everyone onboard by 10:30p awaiting next update at 3p this is for todays departure

You have to board a bus to take you into town as the pier is one of the longest at 4miles long. Once you get to the drop off area there is a market or you can head towards the beach. The beach is nothing special. With limited mobility you can spend some time in town along with the area around the pier and call it a day.

We were on NCL during Thanksgiving and there wasn't any separation of US/Non-US; we entered the terminal, directed to the Immigration line when documents were checked and finger prints taken. My wife has a green card and I'm US. The officer told me that anyone Non US gets finger printed. Time was minimal compare and easy. Personally I would take a later flight because you have to transfer to the airport and deal with TSA.

In Progreso take a ruins/cenote combo tour and snorkel/shop in Cozumel. Going to Xcaret/Xel Ha requires a ferry to the mainland then travel time which will limit time to do stuff. This way everything on your list is taken care of.

There are uneven grounds at both Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. There is not climbing at Chichen anymore and the only big structure at Uxmal is in the back. Personally I would opt for Uxmal as you can see more in a manageable area. Chichen is vast and wouldn't justify the drive just to see the grand pyramid and surrounding structures. I've been the Chichen once and Uxmal several times as this is my favorite. Other options are combo of both Merida/Dzibilchaltun.

We were on the Breakaway over Thanksgiving (2nd sailing out of NOLA) Got to the terminal around 10a Group 2 on the ship by 11ish; departure was delayed by an hour. Didn't do self assist and our time was suppose to be 930a but we go called at 845a, got our luggage, through customs then onto the shuttle to Fulton Street and on the road before 11a. No issues or problems, much easier than planned.

Road construction in the area is a pain. We pulled up on Diamond St and dropped off the luggage then parked the car. You can navigate the area around the construction to enter the garage. Down the elevators then on the shuttle, very simple. On return its different, dropped off on the opposite side with luggage, head up to get the car, on exit make 3 rights to the drop off area and they'll load your luggage then you're on the way. Simple and no issues. Still a good bargain. There are many employees to guide and advise around the construction as its going to go one for a couple of years.

I just had one that was set to expire at the end of this month and NCL was able to extend it and apply it to my Dec19 booking. The other option is to gift it or sell it.

Vendors are not aware that NCL has returned to Belize City, sent a snapshot of the itinerary and they said oopps !!

Last visit had 3 ships in port with no shuttle; there were cement barriers to guide people off the ships to the Tourist Village and those returning back. This was a change from our previous visit; our last trip was Nov2017

No tram on our last visit plus they blocked off the side exits which was an easy way to bypass the Tourist Village. You now have to walk through to the end where you pick up transportation into town. Just take your time; like previously suggested get a cab at the port then tip well for the shorter journey.

Our cruise destination is Cozumel, so Jamaica and Belize aren't really feasible options.

 

We're going to give it a try, even if it's boring I'm sure it will be a nice view.

 

We do live near one of the best zip lines in the world in Hocking Hills, OH, but haven't made it there yet. We did the one over Freemont Street in Las Vegas a few years ago. It was short, but really fun. They've lengthened it recently and we look forward to going back sometime.

This should help: http://www.xtremap.com/home.html

You can pick up a taxi at the stand without exiting the shopping complex. The dispatcher will ask where you want to go as they try to cram as many people in vehicles if going to common areas. They can pick up a car for an island tour which should be $70. Make sure to firm up the prices before leaving. Many of the drivers speak English and are trust worthy. I would be a nice way to see the town and wild side of the island at their leisure. Also there are pedi cabs (bicycles) that run from the ship to the end of the pier. They operate for tips. This will help out if walking is an issue.

Thank you, I'm going to shop for a cane/seat.

you should be able to find one for around $25 plus you can use it in the future. Well worth the investment as we have seen other use them on their excursions.

There are some nice plantation homes 30min outside of NOLA. Destrehan Plantation, Oak Alley, Laura Plantation are the ones we have visited. You do not have to book tours in advance, look for discount coupons or ask for a discount when you arrive. As for air boat tours they are available from companies like Jean Lafitte Swamp and Airboat Tours (expensive at $54pp) or Airboat Adventures. You do not have to be with a tour group, you can call any of them companies and they will be able to help you. Some offer transportation from NOLA to their location for an extra cost.

Zip is not worth it and very boring. Best option is Roatan or Belize.

Take every opportunity to do what you can. If you do not plan on coming back to these areas consider them one-in-a-lifetime adventure.

There is a lot of walking involved with not many places to sit. We have seen people with limited mobility on tours and they had walking aids that had a seat on them. The tour guides are great in controlling the pace because there are people of all different ages. It would hurt to carry a collapsible seat with you.

Thanks everyone. I definately will try a Po-Boy.

Will trade a PoBoy for a Primanti Brothers sandwich or a couple of "O's" and an Iron City. hehe

Native Choice is a very good company. We have used them on three different trips and I highly recommend them. Many go to Chacchoben and only a few will take Mayan Experience or the Blue Lagoon. If you take just the Chaccoben tour you will have time to go into town or have time to shop at the port. All depends on when your ship leaves.

Quality tour with a well respected company. Plus the cost is more than reasonable. We have use them on three different trips and both David and Ivan were great. Highly recommend.

This place was on Bar Rescue but since the show its no different than any of the other bars in the FQ.

A po' boy (also po-boy, po boy, or poor boy) is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana. It almost always consists of meat, usually roast beef, or fried seafood (shrimp, oysters, crawfish or fish). Served on baguette-like New Orleans French bread, known for its crisp crust and fluffy center. Po-boys come dressed with mayo, lettuce, tomato & pickle.

A submarine sandwich, also known as a sub, wedge, hoagie, hero, grinder, baguette, or one of many regional naming variations, is a sandwich that consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split widthwise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces.

Fulton Street parking offers free shuttle to/from the parking garage to the port for much less. Roof top is $8 and under cover is $10. http://www.neworleansparking.com/parking.asp?item=FGP