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Cruise from New Orleans

kitty52

By kitty52,
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kitty52

kitty52

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We are thinking about taking a cruise next year from New Orleans. I have looked at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. We have cruised before with RC but not Norwegian. Does anyone have any advice as to the pros and cons of a cruise from New Orleans. Thanks

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BillB48

BillB48

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Just on the preference side of things I would go with RCI... I used to cruise with NCL and liked them when I did, but I now prefer Royal. This winter season will be the last for RCI as their schedule for next winter does not include any NOLA departures. As far as pros and cons of sailing out of NOLA, I really don't know of any particular cons... What I do love is the sail down the Mississippi to the Gulf, I really enjoy it.

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Cuizer2

Cuizer2

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We are thinking about taking a cruise next year from New Orleans. I have looked at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. We have cruised before with RC but not Norwegian. Does anyone have any advice as to the pros and cons of a cruise from New Orleans. Thanks

 

I cruised from New Orleans in March 2013. I enjoyed the city and would like to cruise from New Orleans again in the future. Just make sure you don't book your cruise during Mardi Gras.

 

If you spend a night there (I spent two nights), go to Bourbon Street. It really is an interesting place ...

 

aaNOB_zpsdcd01ca1.jpg

 

aaNOC_zps3564fbb3.jpg

 

If you have the time, visit the river front. Next time I am in New Orleans I am going to spend at least a half a day there.

 

aaNON_zpsf840f0c0.jpg

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kitty52

kitty52

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Just on the preference side of things I would go with RCI... I used to cruise with NCL and liked them when I did, but I now prefer Royal. This winter season will be the last for RCI as their schedule for next winter does not include any NOLA departures. As far as pros and cons of sailing out of NOLA, I really don't know of any particular cons... What I do love is the sail down the Mississippi to the Gulf, I really enjoy it.

 

 

Yes I noticed that there was only about one cruise with RCL. Don't know anything about NCL. Would you still cruise with NCL if that was the only option and what would you say are the differences between the two.

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kitty52

kitty52

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I cruised from New Orleans in March 2013. I enjoyed the city and would like to cruise from New Orleans again in the future. Just make sure you don't book your cruise during Mardi Gras.

 

If you spend a night there (I spent two nights), go to Bourbon Street. It really is an interesting place ...

 

 

 

 

aaNOB_zpsdcd01ca1.jpg

 

aaNOC_zps3564fbb3.jpg

 

If you have the time, visit the river front. Next time I am in New Orleans I am going to spend at least a half a day there.

 

aaNON_zpsf840f0c0.jpg

 

Thanks for the pics. Yes we intended to do a few nights in New Orleans and yes we would avoid Mardi Gras. Which cruise line did you sail with as that really was my questions - although it was a bit vague!! Can only see cruises from NCL and RCL - also Carnival but I don't fancy them somehow.

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Cuizer2

Cuizer2

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Thanks for the pics. Yes we intended to do a few nights in New Orleans and yes we would avoid Mardi Gras. Which cruise line did you sail with as that really was my questions - although it was a bit vague!! Can only see cruises from NCL and RCL - also Carnival but I don't fancy them somehow.

 

I was on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. Here is a link to my review, complete with pictures (it is fairly long) ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1810031

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xxoocruiser

xxoocruiser

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We are thinking about taking a cruise next year from New Orleans. I have looked at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. We have cruised before with RC but not Norwegian. Does anyone have any advice as to the pros and cons of a cruise from New Orleans. Thanks

 

I've cruised from New Orleans once already and am going out New Orleans again in 2015. Both times with RCCL. The port drop off area is a little congested but other than that I really going out of New Orleans.

 

If cruising RCCL the luggage drop off is on Julia Street. There are several hotels within walking distance to the port so you'll see many walking instead of taking cabs. The first time I took a cab due to not knowing the port layout and having a mobility scooter but in 2015 will just scooter over. I travel very light with only on 18" roll-on suit case so it's very doable.

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BillB48

BillB48

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Yes I noticed that there was only about one cruise with RCL. Don't know anything about NCL. Would you still cruise with NCL if that was the only option and what would you say are the differences between the two.

 

Being honest it has been awhile since I've cruised NCL so no current experiences, but if it were an itinerary that interested me I certainly would consider it.

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Sixtytwo

Sixtytwo

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New Orleans is a great, fun city with something for just about everyone. The cruise terminals there do get rather crowded on port days, but that should not be a reason to avoid cruising from there. We have done one NCL cruise and it was a Med cruise so don't have firsthand experience with any NCL options in the US. But, we have friends who were pretty loyal to CCL that have now started cruising NCL, primarily out of NOLA, and they really love it. My only dig on NOLA is that itineraries are limited and we do like to switch ports from time to time.

 

You can't go wrong with NOLA or your choice of cruise lines to pick! Definitely plan an overnight stay so you can experience some of the local color and food options. A visit to Cafe du Monde for a lite breakfast prior to boarding is a true experience!

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mammajamma2013

mammajamma2013

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We sailed NCL out of New Orleans about 3 years ago and loved every minute of it. We got in late Friday evening for a Sunday sailing and had a great time in the city on Saturday and Sunday morning. If you are interested in Dixie Land jazz, check out Preservation Hall. We didn't know about it at the time and missed out. I loved the journey down the Mississippi to the gulf.

 

I'd definitely do a New Orleans departure in the future.

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skandls

skandls

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We booked a Royal cruise that left New Orleans the Sat before Mardi Gras. I would do that again. There are a lot of parades that occur before the real Mardi Gras. That was our second cruise from NO. Our first was booked during the Jazz Fest. Another great event to attend. Have a great time no matter what you decide to do.

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Algebralovr

Algebralovr

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NOLA is a bit of a tertiary port for the cruise lines. As a result, pick the largest and newest ship, sailing the longest cruise and pick the highest category room within your budget.

 

Friends have sailed NCL from NOLA, and were happy in a suite. Carnival Elation for a 4 night cruise pretty much poisoned me against the line.

Edited by Algebralovr
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mckalesmom

mckalesmom

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NOLA is a bit of a tertiary port for the cruise lines. As a result, pick the largest and newest ship, sailing the longest cruise and pick the highest category room within your budget.

 

Friends have sailed NCL from NOLA, and were happy in a suite. Carnival Elation for a 4 night cruise pretty much poisoned me against the line.

 

Hi Barb.

Curious what you didn't like about your Elation cruise?

We are headed out on the Elation Saturday.

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Bankshot

Bankshot

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The Pros;

There is no better port for food and music than N/O. Stay a few days before or after your cruise to absorb some of the culture and lifestyle of this special city. Try Mother's, Deanies, Bon Ton and ACME for food and enjoy the music wherever you find it. It's all good.

 

The six hour trip down the Mississippi at night is beautiful. All the refineries and the river's navigation lights combine to form a real nighttime spectacle.

 

The Cons;

Most cruises are limited to the Western Caribbean.

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Cuizer2

Cuizer2

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The Pros;

There is no better port for food and music than N/O. Stay a few days before or after your cruise to absorb some of the culture and lifestyle of this special city. Try Mother's, Deanies, Bon Ton and ACME for food and enjoy the music wherever you find it. It's all good.

 

The six hour trip down the Mississippi at night is beautiful. All the refineries and the river's navigation lights combine to form a real nighttime spectacle.

 

The Cons;

Most cruises are limited to the Western Caribbean.

 

And if you depart on a Saturday, you can catch the Sunday cruise ship as they pass you on the river ...

 

aabMRIV_zps12ce2ca7.jpg

 

aabMRV_zps8df30dd6.jpg

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CapeCodCruiser

CapeCodCruiser

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We have cruised NCL twice - our most recent was a TA on the Epic. We really enjoy NCL's laid back cruising style. There are many food options and the entertainment is wonderful. If a suite is in your budget - splurge - NCL has great suite perks.

 

In NOLA - walk down Bourbon St...and KEEP walking! Leave the touristy crap behind and head to Frenchman St - that is where you will find some really nice music & old style bars.

 

Definitely get beignets & cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde.

 

If you have time visit the National WWII Museum there - it is EXCEPTIONAL!

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Algebralovr

Algebralovr

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Hi Barb.

Curious what you didn't like about your Elation cruise?

We are headed out on the Elation Saturday.

 

I don't want to prejudice you against the cruise, so I don't want to be specific. The waiters in the MDR were good, the cabin steward was good. However, the staff refused to enforce the smoking rules, and there were way too many announcements and people hogging lounge chairs in the sun, making it difficult for us to find a place to hang out.

 

It has been a while. I hope you have a great time.

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lady_cruiser

lady_cruiser

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Royal Caribbean is pulling out of New Orleans. I think their final sail date is April of 2015. This is one reason why we booked a cruise on the Serenade of the Seas the week of January 10, 2015. And we celebrate my sisters 68th :eek: birthday.

 

We usually stay at Embassy Suites on Julia Street. A couple of blocks off Convention Blvd, within walking distance of Mulates, Harrah's Casino, the French Quarter and the port parking. BUT parking in New Orleans at the hotels are expensive so we usually park at the cruise parking lot.

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jeph

jeph

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The biggest "pro" of cruising from New Orleans...is NEW ORLEANS!

 

I'm including a link to my review from Feb 2012. Although the NCL ship in question has since decamped to Europe, I hope the description of my activities ashore at the ports of call may prove helpful, including lots of details about "The Crescent City"...

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=99763

 

Laissez les bon temps roullez...;)

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