We live in New Orleans- so it was a perfect opportunity to go on a cheap cruise sailing out of our native port. Our group includes one young adult and two seniors.
Embarking had a few hiccups for my family- we forgot a form of identification, so we were pulled aside and asked to wait in a side area while we asked one of our family members to retrieve the document for us at home. After we got the proper verification, everything went smoothly.
The ship's decor is classic Americana culture- the floor tile complete with the American flag. The design is not as flashy as other ships, but it doesn't feel too boring. The atrium was elegant, the theater was large and accommodating, and the dining rooms felt both large and intimate at the same time. The layout was a tiny bit confusing, but eventually when we got to know our way around, we could find things with ease. There are maps/deck plans on pretty much every wall near the elevators and stairwells.
The cabin was small and felt a bit tight with three people, but we managed. There was surpisingly plenty of storage space, including drawers, closets, and shelves. The picture of George Washington in the bathroom gave us a good chuckle as well.
Progreso is a small port with long walks- they do have a variety of shops near the dock but we found most items to be pricey. We did not go into town.