I suggest you hurry and book something SOON!!! We have sailed from New Orleans X3, and if you wait too long, you are going to pay top $$ for any hotel! New Orleans is a busy convention area and books out fast!
Have done Pre cruise with Spring Hill Suite, Marriot Courtyard and Hilton Riverside. Best bang for your buck with Spring Hill, huge rooms...nice courtyard, Marriot was expensive but we booked it late, and Hilton was fine, but was quite a bit higher and we had multiple room problems but it was a snafoo, my in laws room was fine. Also it is nice to be attatched to the Riverwalk with the shopping mall, streetcar and Pier all attached!
HAVE FUN!! New Orleans is WONERFUL!