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I live in NOLA. The crimes you read about take place in parts of the city that no tourist will ever see. My wife and I spend lots of time in the French Quarter, and always feel safe. There are trouble spots. Bourbon and Canal, for one. Things on Bourbon get a bit dicey after midnight, but there is very little on Bourbon that we find attractive. Lots of music clubs, most with no cover, in the Marigny area. Avoid areas where there are no other people.

Cafe du Monde on Decatur. No comparison.

A little close, but probably OK. Not much traffic from terminal to MSY on a Saturday.

Our first trip on the Martha was pretty nice. Very relaxing, informative guide, $1 Red Stripes from vendors along the way. The second was much worse. Long lines, dud guide, $3 Red Stripes (no sale), and expensive taxi. There are better and less expensive ways to spend your day.

One of my kids works at the airport. He told me that as long as there are flights arriving, cabs and Ubers are available.

Not sure what the hotel charges, but there is a parking lot connected to the casino. Play slots for 30 minutes or so and parking is free.

Harrah's. Closer to the port, French Quarter, lots of great restaurants nearby.

Fulton is not just for cruise parking. It is open to the public, with 24/7 security.

Lessons learned living in the suburbs of New Orleans: break-ins are often done by juveniles because they are rarely prosecuted. I never lock my car at night. I leave the glove compartment and center console open so that would-be thieves can see that there is nothing worth taking. My car has been rummaged through on at least two occasions. They left a mess, but did not break a window to get in. The Whale Lot is privately owned. Many signs posted saying they are not responsible for thefts (and legally they are not). Pay a few extra bucks and park at Fulton.

My wife and I were in the French Quarter yesterday and took a walk along the river. There is about a 20' "beach" between the river and the levee, not too unusual for this time of year. One cruise ship in port and lots of freighters going up and down, with no problems.

Monday is a fairly ordinary day until late evening, when the parades start. Most French Quarter restaurants open, but check with those along the parade route. Most also have gluten-free dishes.

Ash Wednesday is like any other day.

Yes. The problems seem to be north of New Orleans, where the river is not dredged, and mainly effects river cruises. Cargo ships seldom travel more than about 20 miles above NO, and they have not been effected. The river is always lowest in fall/winter, but drought in northern states has made it even more so this year. 

There was a story about this in this morning's paper. The near record low levels of the Mississippi have had some effect on river cruises up-river from New Orleans, but not the cruises leaving from the Port. The stretch from New Orleans to the Gulf is dredged.

Not a bad choice. Hotels near the port tend to be expensive, with no free parking. About a thirty minute drive to the port on I-10.

Delays, weather or otherwise, are rare. Pilots with many years of experience guide the ships from the mouth of the Mississippi to the port of New Orleans, around many turns clear of other ships. 

Staying in Kenner would work. Lots of places to choose from. A cab or Uber to the port should run about $25. Lots of cabs/Ubers at the port when you return.

You might try a hotel in the suburbs: Metairie, Kenner area. About 30 minutes from the port via cab or UBER. Most will let you leave your car there for the cruise. If you are coming in from the east, try Slidell.

Downtown hotel parking is expensive. No parking is free.

My wife and I have been on several cruises over the years and after a 14 year hiatus we have booked a cruise on the Valor leaving from New Orleans on August 8, 2022 to Cozumel & Progresso. The cruise will include our 50th anniversary. We have some catching-up to do.

1. We are vaccinated x 2 with one booster, and have the cards to prove it. Do we need anything else?

2.  On our last cruise I bought an internet package that was expensive and the reception was slow and spotty. Has this improved?

3. Are there any plans available that would allow us to use our cell phones.

4. I am an occasional smoker. I know the cabins and balconies are out, but are there smoking areas on the Valor?

5. We have passports. Will they be needed?

6. We like to mix a drink in our cabin while dressing for dinner. We have a Rum Runner. Will it be found?

7. Should we but the trip insurance offered by Carnival? We live about 20 minutes from the port so no concerns with cancelled or delayed fights. I'm not sure what it covers.

Any other tips/advice would be welcome.

Thanks, all. $5 games are a thing of the past at Louisiana and Mississippi casinos.

My wife and I like to play blackjack/craps. What are the minimum bets on these games?

No hassles. Cab/UBER just drops you off at the terminal. They will know where, and the best routes to the port. Hotel staff can recommend restaurants nearby.

Depending on downtown hotel prices, you might consider a hotel in the Kenner/Metairie area, just a few miles to the north. They will usually let you leave your car parked there until you return. About a $25 cab or UBER ride from there to the port.

My wife thinks I'm nuts, but I really enjoy reading about stuff like this. I try to explain to her what I have learned. She just rolls her eyes.

Driving or flying?

It is a big garage. We have sailed mid-week after weekend sailings and never had a problem. Lots of people park off-site to save a few bucks.