Pre Trip/Planning for our summer 2017 Dream cruise!

Also, if you are an hour from tulsa then you are close to me. We drive to new Orleans several times a year and love taking highway 65 through southeast arkansas, it is very interesting.

Also, if you are an hour from tulsa then you are close to me. We drive to new Orleans several times a year and love taking highway 65 through southeast arkansas, it is very interesting.

I grew up (well, 2nd through 7th grade) in NE Arkansas...yes, "interesting"...:D We had a knock off Dairy Queen and a teeny tiny WalMart. One stop light town, for real...I bet the SE isn't much different.

Probably about the same. We breathe a bit of a sigh of relief when we get to I-20.

The first time we drove that route we did not know what to expect, and the 4 lane highway above lake village was not complete. Once they completed that it probably knocked an hour off the drive.

You can see that we cruise out of NOLA regularly, and we've already been down there twice this year without going on a cruise.

I was about to recommend "Take the train!" but that would be a nightmare - almost 2 days, multiple transfers.. just not worth it.

Fly. Seriously. I lived in NOLA for a while; the drivers are like Romans (eg, in Rome) but not as skilled. Crazy driving. NOLA is the only place I've ever lived where I've routinely seen cars burst into flames on the highway. Not kidding. Lack of parking has been mentioned. As well, the whole "super deflating downer" of the long drive after your cruise.

As noted, a very walkable city, streetcars, regulated taxi-cab fares. Seriously, fly, don't drive. The cruise terminal's in a great part of the city (unlike many cities where it's shoved over into some industrial area) and easy to get to.

Have a great trip.

Cheers or no Cheers….hmm…at first, no way. We were driving, we’d get the Bottomless Bubbles and carry on 2 bottles of wine/soda allowance and get what we wanted as we went. Now, flying…no carrying wine and soda cans…$804 for Cheers….but not having to worry about it, getting what we want when we want it…not feeling guilty if that mixed drink taste like bananas (yuck!) and I want to throw it out…pretty appealing…And then the updated version…milkshakes and coffee? Powerade and water…I think it’s a no brainer for us. Not that I’m a HUGE drinker, but I usually don’t due to the high price. A mixed drink with gratuity looks to be $10.30, that’s only 39 drinks over 7 days ($402/adult). And, doesn’t account for milkshakes, specialty coffee, wine, sodas, bottled water, Powerade…Again, we’re in for Cheers. The math makes sense to me. Unless I'm missing something...am I? :cool:

Ok, everything about this post has me all :D:D:D. I love your excitement, there's nothing like that first cruise! I'm also an obsessive planner! And you said you're an hour from Tulsa, we live in a Tulsa suburb. I would definitely encourage you to fly. It makes it more "vacation-y", and less stressful in my opinion. We actually fly out of Dallas because the flights are, more often than not, roughly half the cost of flying out of TUL. Definitely following this thread. :)

Cheers or no Cheers….hmm…at first, no way. We were driving, we’d get the Bottomless Bubbles and carry on 2 bottles of wine/soda allowance and get what we wanted as we went. Now, flying…no carrying wine and soda cans…$804 for Cheers….but not having to worry about it, getting what we want when we want it…not feeling guilty if that mixed drink taste like bananas (yuck!) and I want to throw it out…pretty appealing…And then the updated version…milkshakes and coffee? Powerade and water…I think it’s a no brainer for us. Not that I’m a HUGE drinker, but I usually don’t due to the high price. A mixed drink with gratuity looks to be $10.30, that’s only 39 drinks over 7 days ($402/adult). And, doesn’t account for milkshakes, specialty coffee, wine, sodas, bottled water, Powerade…Again, we’re in for Cheers. The math makes sense to me. Unless I'm missing something...am I? :cool:

I've been asking the same question and reading up on Cheers. If you ask for drinks with top shelf alcohol it apparently reduces that magic break-even number even further. Plus soda, coffee, etc... thinking I might go with Cheers as well.

We always do cheers.

I too live in small ne ark town. Small world...

We live near Dallas and are a family of 4 also. We have cruised from NOLA 3 times and have driven every time. We leave around midnight and drive while the kids sleep and arrive in time to eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde and head to the ship. We take our own snorkel gear and like not having to pack for flying.

Always love to see the enthusiasm for a first time cruiser! I'm skipping the fly/drive question, because we always fly. I've never been 10 hours away - but I'd probably still fly.

Now, for Cheers. Many will say get it. I will not. You need to ask yourself - how much will you really drink? How many days will you be in port away from the ship? What are your normal drinking habits? Are both adults drinkers?

We did fine by bringing soda and wine. My husband bought beer by the bucket and ordered a beer or two each night. We would never have spent $800 on drinks.

We did get bottomless bubbles for our teen boys and one adult.

Have fun planning!!

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Always love to see the enthusiasm for a first time cruiser! I'm skipping the fly/drive question, because we always fly. I've never been 10 hours away - but I'd probably still fly.

Now, for Cheers. Many will say get it. I will not. You need to ask yourself - how much will you really drink? How many days will you be in port away from the ship? What are your normal drinking habits? Are both adults drinkers?

We did fine by bringing soda and wine. My husband bought beer by the bucket and ordered a beer or two each night. We would never have spent $800 on drinks.

We did get bottomless bubbles for our teen boys and one adult.

Have fun planning!!

 

 

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On a normal day to day basis, we're not big drinkers. DH drinks beer when watching football games, camping, or after a long hot summer day working in the yard. I drink 3-4 glasses of wine a month and a mixed drink or two when I'm out with my girlfriends. We are HUGE soda/specialty coffee/bottled water drinkers. However, on vacation, all that goes out the window. We stayed 5 days at a resort where everything was covered except drinks and we spent well over $800. We weren't falling down drunk, but sitting around a pool all day, it's easy to consume 5-6 adult beverages plus several other drinks.

This is our first cruise, I think we'll do it this time, and see where we are at the end. I'm not interested in making sure I get my monies worth, we'll just drink what we want and see at the end if it was a good decision.

So, day one….first day of vacation. Think we’ve settled on flying. Still waiting for those flight prices to come out, but looking at this year, I think we’ll go for it.

The day leaving for vacation is so exciting, right? We'll drop off the pup at the vet to board, load up the car, and stop to eat. Cracker Barrel of course, isn't that where every good Southerner eats on vacation? Then we'll head to Tulsa!

We’ll park in long term parking ($6/day). We’ve parked here before and never had a problem. Of course, we don’t leave valuables in sight and our car doesn’t scream “Hey, I’m big and fancy come see what I’m hiding!” at all…A hail storm would be our most likely damage and it’s really the wrong time of year for that. But I digress…

Now, one of my favorite parts….I LOVE airports. Getting through security and weighing bags, of course stress me out, but the hustle and bustle/crazy energy in an airport has always been so exciting for me. We’ll get the bags checked (fingers crossed nothing is too heavy!) and relax a bit before boarding. A short 3 ½ hour flight and we’ll land in NOLA.

Haven’t figured this part out, but I assume I can get a taxi to the hotel? Come to think of it, I think I saw where it’s like $14/pp? And hotel…hmmm, I’ve just started looking, but I think I might take my chances on a Hotwire/Priceline name your price location. Seems that you can get good locations for a great price (depending on Mardi Gras and any other festival going on). Still working on that part. Seems like there are several good threads on that topic on CC that I need to spend some time reading. We will spend 3 nights in NOLA post cruise, so we’ll probably just relax and plan to embark as soon as possible the next morning!

Actually now that I read that paragraph again, since we’re staying in NOLA post cruise, maybe we should just get a cheaper “by the airport” hotel for that first night? I really only want to get off the plane, take a shower (plane germs creep me out a little), eat somewhere (just simple is fine), and sleep. Opinions welcome!

Being from NOLA (but not currently living there) I'd be careful with the name your own price deals on Priceline. I know they give a general area where the hotel is but make sure it's a hotel in a decent area just from a safety perspective.

Mardi Gras will be long over by summer, but there are usually other events/festivals. You'll also be past Jazz Fest most likely, so the big ones shouldn't be in your way.

Hotels by the airport are nothing special, but just for a place to sleep shouldn't be bad. It's about 30 minutes from the airport to the terminal without traffic so plan for that. The Doubletree at the corner of Williams and Veterans in Kenner (the suburb where the airport is located) isn't bad.

I would weigh it out, you can get a really nice hotel near the port for competitive prices. There will be a taxi from the airport to the hotel, but on the morning of the cruise the taxi fare from a hotel in the Quarter, CBD or Garden District is $7pp. The port is essentially in the CBD. Then if you do get in at a decent time you could go check out some things like the Riverwalk mall, the really nice Riverfront park, or take a ride on the Natchez.

Congratulations on booking your first cruise, I can certainly understand your excitement! My husband and I took our first cruise back in 2001 on the Disney Magic to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, and we were immediately hooked and love, love, love cruising! Just wish we could afford to do it more often!

We have cruised (on the Carnival Conquest) out of New Orleans, in January 2013. We spent 3 nights in New Orleans before the cruise, at the La Richlieu hotel in the French Quarter (in the Paul McCartney, from the Beatles, suite - he had stayed a month there while doing a movie) and they have on-site parking (it was $20/night then). We enjoyed Jackson Square, the farmer's market, several local restaurants, Bourbon Street, etc. And we had an aft stateroom on the Conquest so really enjoyed being able to see side-to-side from our balcony while cruising down the river several hours to get out to sea.

Our last cruise was on the Paradise, with our son/daughter-in-law and granddaughter to celebrate her college graduation. Had an awesome time!

Now, we have the Dream booked for next January, again with our son and daughter-in-law. So, I'm on these boards all the time again now. Don't get on much when we don't have a cruise booked, but when we do I love coming here and I read every review on the Dream I can get my eyes on. Love that you can ask any question here and get so many answers. And just by reading you can learn so much too.

Now we prefer to drive. We have flown many times and we're just "over it", ha ha! Too many restrictions, they charge for everything extra, going through security, cramped seats, screaming kids, just doesn't appeal to us anymore. We prefer to drive so we can take our time (husband is a farmer so winter he has all the time off he wants) and stop whenever we want to. And I can pack as much as I want and not have to worry about the weight restrictions, and I can bring home all the souvenirs I want (and alcohol too!).

Just this morning I booked our pre-cruise night hotel in N.O., Embassy Suites/Convention Center. Booked it on my husband's Hilton Honors points. Not sure if our son/daughter-in-law will stay there or not as it's over $300/night, so they may choose a less expensive place and we'll just meet up with them. Not sure if we'll stay another night before the cruise, or maybe stay 1-2 nights after. We'll have to discuss it with them and decide.

I'm a planner too (I keep a folder with all our cruise information, reservations, etc.) and to me half the fun of any trip is in the planning! :) Have fun planning YOUR cruise!!! :)

First planning post….fly or drive? I refuse to fly anything but Southwest because I am NOT paying for my bags to fly. Tulsa is a little over an hour away……it would cost about $600 more…that’s probably worth it, right? …thoughts? :confused:

Is Tulsa the closest airport to you? How about any other airports?

Look into other low-cost airlines as well; Southwest is no longer the cheapest option. Even with paying bag fees, other airlines work out cheaper sometimes.

Look into booking one-way tickets. That way you are not locked into a particular airline and can get the best price for each way.

For eg.: Allegiant Air flies from Tulsa to NO for $33 on Sunday, May 29. You do have to pay for baggage but it could still save you a lot of money.

$600 is a lot of money; personally speaking of course.

It would buy me a better room or excursions or drinks package or many other possibilities for that matter.

Today, I booked our first cruise, so very excited. I’ve spent hours and hours pouring over these forums and can’t wait…just 404 days!

 

We are a family of four…hubby work in public service and gives all day long to everyone. He works hard and has serious decisions to deal with on a daily basis. When he’s home, he’s the best dad. He loves his kids and to be outdoors. He’s a fly fisherman and would love to retire to Colorado and fish all day, every day. I’m a RN and work administratively overseeing our population health product lines. No more “heads in beds”, it’s all about the quality of care. I love what I do, seriously love what I do-but a break from the politics is much needed (thus this vacation!). We have two kiddos, 15 year old son who wrestles for his state winning high school team and is currently a purple belt MMA fighter. He loves sports and video games. Typical teen boy. Last, but certainly not least is our 7 year old daughter…our total surprise in many ways. She’s an opinionated fireball and we love it. She’s never still, currently in gymnastics and swimming. I think we’re moving from swimming to dance…NEVER sits still!

 

I plan to use this thread for all things planning our upcoming trip. I find it helps pass the time and is half the fun of the trip.

 

Next post...fly or drive? :eek:

We drive to New Orleans but are much closer than you. There are hotels in the area that will provide transportation to the ship if you spend a night with them. That will allow you to leave your car at their hotel at no cost and will save $100.00+/- Just check out the choices. Just my suggestion: Leave the kids in the pool or wherever...You and your husband should book the steakhouse for one romantic evening aboard the ship! The cost is about $35.00 per person but you are getting a $100.00 meal. Really....do not eat anything all day and be very hungry! Can you eat an 18 oz ribeye cooked to perfection? Along with soup, salad, side dishes, deserts? I sit here wishing I had the other half of that steak I had to leave! LOL....Treat yourself...go for it!

I too live in small ne ark town. Small world...

Yeah, but it is not like there are in LARGE Northwast AR. towns/cities. LOL

:D:D:D

I would fly because of what you said about the drive back. ugh!

I like the idea of doing one night before and 2 nights after in NOLA. Not sure the kids will be entertained in NOLA though? We have always just done bars, restaurants, Harrah's casino and the jazz clubs on Frenchmen when we go so I don't know what teens would do there.

In July, I would stay around the river and as far away from Bourbon as possible but still be able to walk everywhere. The heat makes Bourbon stink more than normal...lol

Have a fun trip!!

I would totally fly. Like another poster said, Astor Crown Plaza is a prime hotel for after the cruise. No rental car needed, only comfy shoes for walking. You can also utilize the trolley/streetcar passes that are offered if you really want to get around town. I love to plan as well!

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Congrats on booking your first cruise!! WE booked our first cruise in February even though we are't going to February of 2018. We are under 670 days now i believe... lol. I would drive to save the money. We are a family of 6 and are going to drive from Ontario Canada to Galveston for our cruise, about 25 hours....

It's not a bad drive. We drove from New Orleans to about 40 min North of Toronto. About the same amount of time. Enjoy your cruise!

For eg.: Allegiant Air flies from Tulsa to NO for $33 on Sunday, May 29. You do have to pay for baggage but it could still save you a lot of money.

You just changed my mind about a trip we're taking in a month and a half!

We do drive to new orleans, but this makes this particular trip much easier!

Is Tulsa the closest airport to you? How about any other airports?

Look into other low-cost airlines as well; Southwest is no longer the cheapest option. Even with paying bag fees, other airlines work out cheaper sometimes.

Look into booking one-way tickets. That way you are not locked into a particular airline and can get the best price for each way.

For eg.: Allegiant Air flies from Tulsa to NO for $33 on Sunday, May 29. You do have to pay for baggage but it could still save you a lot of money.

 

$600 is a lot of money; personally speaking of course.

It would buy me a better room or excursions or drinks package or many other possibilities for that matter.

Tulsa is the closest airport (almost) there is one in NWA, but very limited. Allegiant doesn't fly to NOLA from here, but I will check into it. The main reason for flying is the drive back. $600 is a lot of money to me, too. Planning out (402 days to be exact) allows me to be able to budget for it, but I do get what you're saying. I'm definitely about getting the best bang for my buck! Thanks for the ideas..will for sure look into other options!

Yeah, but it is not like there are in LARGE Northwast AR. towns/cities. LOL

 

:D:D:D

Hey now, we surpassed 500K a year ago! :D