Lynda59

I have never waited more than 5-10 minutes in TSA precheck at the NOLA (MSY) airport, but if there is a special event (Final Four, Super or Sugar Bowl, Jazz Fest, etc).  in town there can be long waits at the regular TSA line.  When are you disembarking?

I would recommend a taxi over an Uber or Lyft.  Taxis will be readily available.  I remember waiting for an Uber in 2020 when I returned on the Getaway.  My only big concern would be if there were a major event - like a parade.  The big concern for April would be the Crescent City Classic - a major 10K race that goes right by the port.  It is Saturday, 4/8/23 (always the day before Easter), but you are on the Breakaway and that disembarks on a Sunday.   

On 10/6/2022 at 9:49 AM, RocketMan275 said:

I've decided to use my Chase points to stay at the Hyatt Regency for my March cruise on Breakaway.  Any comments on that hotel?

I have never stayed there, but I have been to many meetings, luncheons and events there.  It is a beautiful hotel in the common areas - very big.  

It will be tight, but the ships usually get in before 7am.  Let the NCL staff know that you have a very early departure time.  Sunday mornings are usually an easy time to get to the airport.   

The Breakaway is a great ship.  

There is a cardiology convention that weekend in addition to the Rock & Roll half marathon (with the health expo that comes with the race).  

The NCL Escape is currently sailing out of San Juan - not New Orleans.  We currently have the NCL Getaway out of New Orleans to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Honudras & Belize.  

What airport?  New Orleans (MSY) has a non-stop on JetBlue to Boston that usually has good fares.  

There are lots of parking lots, but prices vary a lot.  So are per hour, some are flat fee.   Most meters are $3/hour - usually limit 2 hours.  There is an app for the meters, too.  The meter maids are usually out so be careful.  I usually park by the Riverwalk Mall - whale wall lot.  The Riverwalk will give you a discount if you spend $20 or more at Mall or food court.  This mall is adjacent to the Port.  Some Quarter restaurants offer validated parking, too.

Public transportation is not impossible, but it is different transit lines, so it would not be fast.  

You can also drive to City Park and then catch the streetcar (please do not call them trolleys) into the city.  Bring exact change - streetcar conductors do not give change.  Most rides are $1.25.  Also routes can change during Mardi Gras parades.  www.norta.com

You may want to consider Uber/Lyft. 

Look in the Gulf Coast departure section or New Orleans under Ports.  There should be some info on it.  

I like Cafe Maspero's on Decatur.  

I heard the cruises for Mardi Gras week sold out prior to the sale for the general public. It was offered to past Disney cruises and I guess Vacation Club members first.

Wonderful news!!!

I really like Bayona in the Quarter. It is on the western edge though and I would not walk there late at night. It is great and not as pricey as the others.

Commander's is definitely worth the trip.

On the Canal St. streetcar line (and I agree - do NOT call them trolleys) is Mandina's - they have great seafood and lots of options. It is casual and more moderate in price. It will be crowded during Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday and the first Friday in Lent though (Catholics do not eat meet on Fridays during Lent). It is open for lunch - so you may want to try a late lunch.

Try a local food critic's website - www.nomenu.com for more info on local restaurants.

Try calling the Hotel Intercontinental. In the past, they have had stands with food and you can probably get a package deal.

You did not post when you are sailing back to N.O. - what day of the week and what time of year? Sundays are easy - but not if there is a race, a parade, or an event in town. The port is right next to the Convention Center - even the Helen Brett jewelry show can cause a traffic jam. Most weekend days if you can get off by 8:00am and catch a taxi right away, you will be fine. But other days - who knows??? And what about the airport? If there is a big convention in town, you may have lines at TSA. Of course, pre-check is wonderful, but not always fool proof.

I hate to burst your bubble but expecting to "wander down" to Tchoupitoulas is going to likely lead to disappointment and a very limited view. The parade route from Lee Circle onward is barricaded. All along St. Charles Avenue is pretty narrow with lots of people camped out since early morning. We stand on the Uptown side of Lee Circle and rent a room at the Hotel Indigo just so we can get up and put our chairs and ladders out by 7am. The crowds only build from that point on. If you look at the prices you will see that the more popular a parade is the more expensive the tickets. If it were me I would buy tickets for Bacchus and chance it for a free spot for Orpheus.

 

 

 

https://www.mardigrasparadetickets.com/pages/zones

 

 

 

http://www.nola.com/neighborhoods/2015/07/pronounce_tchoupitoulas_in_new.html

 

 

 

I have never sat in the bleachers but I did go and look at the map. If it were me I would actually pick the Poydras A, but they may be more of a challenge since you are docking on the other side.

 

 

 

Commander's is definitely awesome, but if you want to stick closer to town without having to deal with transportation and have just as good of food then you can head to Cafe Adelaide which is also a Brennan's restaurant that does 25 cent martinis. They have the most amazing shrimp and tasso corndogs appetizer. I know it sounds weird, but OMG it is good! They are served at both brunch and lunch.

 

 

 

Like the other grandstands I have never stood there. If you can get tickets there I would say it is worth it. The queen of the Rex Parade stands and stays at the Intercontinental Hotel so it is a great place for Mardi Gras day.

 

 

 

Be sure to go early and just take in the atmosphere. The streets are closed and you are allowed to walk up and down the streets prior to the parades. It is a great walk to take in all the music and merriment.

 

 

 

just remember to go with the flow and don't be afraid to change your plans if you happen upon other things. There are plenty of great music and dining venues that don't live on Bourbon Street!

Cafe Adelaide closed two weeks ago.

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There should be lots of options - I would recommend checking the menus on restaurant's website and then calling the restaurant. There should be lots of seafood and beef choices.

A good overall restaurant website is www.nomenu.com which is a local food critic. It has links to the websites.

There are two Marriotts on Canal ST - the big one is at 555 Canal St and the JW Marriott is at 614 Canal St. Both are very convenient and walkable to all of the major attractions. You are on the Canal St. streetcar line and right next to the St. Charles streetcar line (please do not call them trolleys). The French Quarter is right behind the big Marriott, but Jackson Square will be about 5 blocks down (towards the River) and 6 blocks to the left (as you look at the River. You are also walking distance to the Insectarium and the Aquarium. Close to shopping - fancy at Canal Place or outlet at the Riverwalk which is adjacent to the port. You are three blocks from Acme Oyster House. There will be lots of excellent restaurants nearby. I suggest http://www.nomenu.com for ideas.

I would think so - you usually get into New Orleans around 6am and can probably get off around 8:00 - 8:30am or so. Taxis will be readily available after Customs. On a Saturday, if nothing is going on in the city, you should be able to get to the airport in 20-30 minutes. The Sugar Bowl is 1/1/19, so that won't interfere.

I loved this ship when I was on it from NYC to Bermuda.

Please also look in the New Orleans section under Ports of Call. There is a lot on hotels and things to do while in New Orleans.

The airport website is www.flymsy.com. The current cab fare is $36 for one or two people and $15 each for three or more. There is the Riverwalk Outlet Mall adjacent to the port, but the French Quarter is also within walking distance after you drop off your luggage.

Enjoy your time.

Please see the New Orleans section under Ports of Call. There is a lot of information there.

Just saw Hello Dolly with Bernadette Peters in May - fantastic! Hubby enjoyed it and he is not a fan of the show. Bought on TKTS for $91 each - center orchestra. Come From Away was also great. Highly recommend.

Did not enjoy Carousel - and those seats were so tight (orchestra right) that I could not cross my legs and I am only 5'5".

Please go to the New Orleans section under Ports of Call for more information about things to do in New Orleans. Almost all cruise ships dock next to the Riverwalk Outlet Mall which is next to the New Orleans Convention Center.

A difficult time finding places to eat??? In New Orleans?? I have never heard that.

It all depends on what you want and how much you want to spend. Near Harrah's I would stay away from any chain except Ruth's Chris. Right across the street at the Loewe's Hotel is Cafe Adelaide which is a sister restaurant to Commander's Palace. I love Madina's on the Canal St. streetcar line. You can try Maspero's in the Quarter on Decatur. There is Drago's in the Hilton Hotel - famous for its charbroiled oysters. There is Acme Oyster House in the Quarter and if you want something a little fancier, try Bayona on Dauphine (but you will probably need a reservation). If you need very causal & cheap, there is a food court in the Riverwalk Outlets. It will be busier on days when there are ships in town (usually Saturday, Sunday and then every other Monday & Thursday), but it is always manageable.

You do not list the ages of the people in your party. The French Quarter is walk-able from your hotel. The Aquarium is closer and then you can go along the River to get to Jackson Square. The World War II Museum is amazing for ages 10 & up (especially the planes) and it is fairly close, too. If you have little ones, there is a great Children's Museum. The Audubon Zoo is also excellent.

Since I am from here, I have never been on a tour, but there should be reviews. Also check on sites like Groupon for deals.