Here is what I do:
http://www.clarkvision.com/photoinfo/digitalworkflow/index.html

Roger

Generally, yes, reduce noise first.  This is what is recommended in
Noise Ninja, the one I'm most familiar with.

3, 4, and 5 I do in one step, with a curves adjustment layer.  Or if
the photo is "dificult" (i.e. I exposed badly) or if I'm going for
"exhibition grade" printing, perhaps with multiple curves adjustment
layers with layer masks.

I actually do cropping *last*, or skip it entirely.  Deciding how the
picture looks good depends on how the various regions work out during
processing, it seems to me.  Or, for commercial work, leave as much
room for the client/editor to work with as possible (Do they need room
for type somewhere?  What size space are they filling?).

I start with colour corrections and levels - in 16 bits, then reduce to 8
bits for further work. When I am satisfied with the way the entire image
looks I archive it and then crop for printing - this way if I later decide I
like a different crop I don't have to re-do any of the work I put into the
image.
  The "print crop" version is then archived before I do any sharpening -
again, so I can go back if I do too much.

I get the color right first, usually when developing the RAW file if shot in
RAW. It's easier to see the right contrast and changing the color balance
can make the contrast appear different.  I usually do any NR if needed near
the end of the edit and do it as a layer mask so it only is applied where
it's needed rather than globally. The crop is always one of the last things
and usually save the file uncropped in case I change my mind about the crop
later. The very last step is sharpening.

My "average" workflow is:

RAW process to 16-bit, adjust color balance, exposure, sharpenening=0, any
other adjustments needed - all via Adobe RAW Converter in PS-CS2. Save_As PSD
in Job_Title\Work folder.

All compositing work in 16-bit, all further adjustments via Adjustment Layer
w/ Layer Mask. If Highlight&Shadow used, apply to a Dupe Layer and adjust
Opacity, and/or Layer Mask. Save_As PSD with _01 suffix.

Mode to 8-bit for final Filters, etc. if they do not support 16-bit. Save_As
PSD with 8-bit in suffix.

Flatten, Noise Reduction, Sharpen, Save_As PSD with Final RGB in Suffix.

Convert to CMYK (MAC or PC), any touchup (usually a few tiny areas with Blur
Tool, if necessary), then Crop to client's specs. Save_As TIFF (LZW) with
CMYK-cropped in suffix.

Hunt

You might try posting your question in a newsgroup that discusses the
image editing software you use. That being said, I do the same thing as
you and I am happy with the results, although I try to compose my photos
such that cropping is not necessary.