MelTed

Anyone know if you can actually walk through the convention center? Looking at the satellite maps it looks like there are some glass skylights running much of the way through it by the entrance at John Churchill Chase Street. We are staying at the Hampton Inn about a block from there, so it would be pretty convenient.

No, you cannot walk through it to access the cruise ship docks. The convention center has no entrances (other than loading docks) on the river side. You have to walk around it.

I park there with a monthly contract because I work in downtown New Orleans.

I think you will be ok without making a reservation for the parking, just make sure you do not park in a reserved space, or on the 4th floor where spots are reserved for Hertz car rentals.

As far as security, I've been parking there nearly two years with no problems. The garage is locked up overnight on weekdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and stays open later in the evenings on weekends. Use common sense when parking, like parking on the lowest level possible as there is more traffic on the lower levels than on the upper levels, remove any valuables, and make sure you lock your car, and you should be OK.

The shuttle runs continuously (about every 10 to 15 minutes or so) when cruise ships are in port.

Hope this helps!