I don’t say no to a cruise ship, especially a Carnival Cruise ship in New Orleans! Can you blame me? But seriously, I love when New Orleans (or any Carnival departure port) gets a new cruise ship to the area. It’s a good local tourism boost. With Carnival Elation leaving New Orleans for Jacksonville, that means bigger and better for NOLA cruisers.

Carnival Triumph will feature more than 500 staterooms and suites with private balconies and will represent a 34 percent capacity increase on the line’s four- and five-day cruise program from New Orleans. Carnival is now expected to carry 450,000 passengers annually from the renovated Erato Street Terminal to many tropical destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Any event in New Orleans is a blast but when you bring Carnival Cruise Lines, “the fun ship” and NOLA together, you’re in for a special treat. My sister will be boarding Carnival Triumph this September so she tagged along as Carnival Cruise Line and the Port of New Orleans celebrated Carnival Triumph’s arrival by hosting a fun charity event/press event on board befitting local music organizations. Four local music organizations competed for $35,000 in donations to music charities.

Following a traditional maritime plaque exchange to commemorate the ship’s arrival at the port, local Trumpeter/vocalist Shamarr Allen, competing on behalf of the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Jazz Camp; singer Robin Barnes, competing for the Tipitina’s Foundation; saxophonist Derek Douget, representing The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation; and Rebirth Brass Band Drummer and Roots of Music Co-Founder Derrick Tabb participated in a series of hilarious games with Tipitina’s Foundation taking home first prize of $15,000. The remaining groups split $20,000 in runner-up contributions toward the charities each were representing.

Following the event, media and travel agents enjoyed a scrumptious luncheon in the main dining room. If you’re new to cruising like my sister, getting a glimpse of the dining options available is a must! As usual, Carnival did not disappoint and my sister will enjoy her four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico with a full belly.

Carnival Triumph has undergone an extensive enhancement program (Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades/renovation program ) in 2013 which added a number of innovations, including Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, poolside BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, the BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery, cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, and Cherry On Top, a “candy and more” store.

These upgrades are not available on Carnival Dream or Carnival Elation which are the two previous cruise ships we have experienced.

New Orleans is no stranger to cruise ships! For over 20 years Carnival Cruise Lines has continued their commitment to Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans as they grow their business here. By adding another cruise ship like Carnival Triumph, Carnival is offering guests a new and expanded vacation option like desirable accommodation categories which ware not generally available on other short cruises.

You wanted Balconies on 4-5 day cruises and they listened!

Personally, our family has not experienced a cruise ship which has undergone the extensive enhancement program. The BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery is bound to be a cruise favorite aboard Carnival Triumph!

Are you a burger lover? Don’t worry! Guy’s Burger Joint will offer fresh off the grill and feature Guy’s signature burger creations fleet-wide. Guy’s Burger Joint are fresh made to order burgers and fresh cut fries.

As we toured Carnival Triumph, we spotted the SKYBOX Sports Bar! In February we were on Carnival Elation during the Superbowl. We saw the game but the SKYBOX is perfect for the sports lover in your family. You can enjoy a drink and watch the your favorite teams on one of the big screens, or pop in to check out real-time scores and headlines.

When you’re done, head over to Club Monaco which is also on Promenade Deck (Deck 5). Club Monaco Casino features Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Bingo, & Texas Hold’em. Carnival Triumph also has Texas Hold’em tournaments (entry fee required) and operates any time the ship is in international waters.

Our time aboard Carnival Triumph was cut short but my bags are always packed. My sister will be boarding in September and I’m trying to find clear my schedule for a 4 day cruise in October. Until then, the sail away party will have to continue without me.

For additional information on the largest capacity increase by cruise operator or reservations for Carnival Triumph or any other of the line’s “Fun Ships,” contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

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