World Gallery

I sailed AMA last year and the ship was docked every day with tours in both morning and afternoon. So I was

off the ship every day. I can't answer for the other lines but from what I have read, many of the itineraries have the ship

docked during most days.......

I was able to get off the ship and no bus was needed for any tours except one and that was for an optional tour that I chose

to do.

What river was this for?

We are looking for 2018.

I guess it wouldn't matter then if we choose an affortable option that didn't waive the single supplement. Also, we are mostly focused on the amount of time we can have in the ports. When we are docked, we plan on being off the ship. We have done many ocean cruises and we are the first ones off and the last ones back on so I am thinking the ship doesn't matter as much.

I posted questions last week and the amazing insights made me realize I don't know anything about river cruising (compared to ocean) therefore, I am stuck! I am trying to find a travel agent that specializes in river cruises but I am not having any luck in my area.

If I can get some help using the following criteria, I think I can narrow it down to a few options.

Would like:

1. Ship that can accomodate our family of 5 (bringing daugthers, 16, 18, 20). Cabin for 2 and 3 or "three, 2- person cabins" if we don't have to pay the single supplement for the 3rd cabin.

2. 7 to 13 day cruise but will extend on one end or would even flight into a city that teen girls would enjoy and take a train to departure port

3. Our time frame - We can fly out as early as May 24th. We have to be back home by the end of June.

4. We want to avoid very warm temps in ports

5. Want a lot of time in port (morning til night) and would rather not have long bus rides once we dock.

6. Would like to avoid rivers that will most likely flood during the end of May and June.

We would considered all lines but would probably choose the one that is the most affordable.

Surely this list can narrow down our options (or leave me with none!) but it feels very overwhelming trying to juggle all the options. Thanks!

Planning a river cruise for my husband and I for the spring 2018 and we are now considering bringing our teen daughters (17, 19) and the oldest will be 21. Is there a particular river cruise line that would be better with this age? They have traveled a lot with us and have been on ocean cruises (Baltic and Mediterranean) so they do appreiciate and enjoy history and educational tours. Just wondering if there is a particular cruise line that would be a better fit for teens. I did see some info online about family river cruises but they were mostly in July and August. This trip would have to be in May or June. Thanks.

Thanks for all of these insights! They are very helpful. I had only heard from friends about Grand Circle and Viking so it is nice to know there are many other options.

Notamermaid - The plan of flying into London is great and one I hadn't thought of. We are from New Orleans and now have a direct flight from New Orleans to London in the spring and summer. How long is train ride from London to Amsterdam? Ease of getting to the port is also something we are considering. Would prefer not to have a ton of connections then a long drive to board ship.

If there are any other insights, I would love to hear them!

My husband and I are new to river cruising. We both turn 50 next year and decided to finally book a river cruise for spring 2018. We have done many ocean cruises, three in Europe. On ocean cruises, we rarely take the ship excursions (I book private tours that cover a lot) but from what I am understanding, river cruising is different and some of the tours are included. We do not like sea days and find them boring so that is one reason for the river cruise interest.

My questions:

Which river cruise line gives the longest time in town? Grand Circle Tour was recommended to us but some of the newest reviews stated that the tours were short and very slow paced (we want the opposite).

We are considering the Rhine or Danube but are open to others. What would be the most scenic and/or the "most active" regarding things to see and do along the way? We both love history (I use to teach junior high history).

Things that do not matter to us: Do not need a "floating palace", a pool or onboard services like massages but would like a view and to be comfortable. Thanks.

We are trying to research the best way to communiciate with our group while on the NCL Dawn. We have been on tons of cruises but none in the past 3 years so I am assuming things have changed. I found the Norwegian iConcierge App but it has mixed reviews. There is a small fee but that is fine if it actually works. All we need is to be able to text back and forth basic info about meeting up, etc. Any ideas and has anyone used the NCL app recently? Are there any other apps that can work this same way?

We used the public water taxi to get to Caye Chaulker. Didn't like the walk to get to the water taxi. It was confusing and we were bombarded by vendors. Caye Chaulker was an okay day and a long day (45 minutes each way plus tendering in and back again to the ship). We wouldn't do it again because it wasn't worth the trouble.

Yes, that is why we take bottled water. Our tap water (which we drink) is clear and tasteless. I simply cannot stand the taste of ship water. To me, it tastes like I am drinking a glass of pool water with ice in it. Also, what I think is very gross (saw someone doing it so I reported it immediately so they could clean it), is taking a used water bottle that you have been drinking from and placing it directly on the spout of the drink dispenser. I saw a man doing with complete contact to the spout with his used bottle top, without even thinking.

Wow! Okay, thanks for the info. I had just finished packing a large case of coke, sprite and water in one of the largest suit cases we have (the largest one in a set). I was planning on writing "heavy" on it. Now I am wondering how it will be for this suit case to go through as a carry on. My husband says he can do it but it is BIG. I didn't see a weight limit for suitcases. We are local so do not have flights to worry about.

PS The reason for putting all drinks in one big suit case, instead of spreading them out, is in case they leak. I don't want the clothing to get wet.

How does it work if you open your wine in your cabin and drink it there. It states their is a corkage fee, even in the cabin but how does that work? Do they hold on to your bottle of wine until you call for it, then charge at your cabin? Confused because the NCL website doesn't give details. I am assuming I bring it in my carry-on but will they take it then? Thanks

We are leaving from New Orleans. Do you know if we can stick the luggage tag on it there? Thanks!

Its been over 2 years since we last cruised but I knew I could ask here to get the most updated info!

Can we each bring a 6 pack of can soda (stuff we usually can't find on the ship like caffeine-free coke and Dr. Pepper)? Also, what about bottled water? In the past, the only line that didn't allow it was Royal Carribean but NCL always did.

Also, if we can bring it, must be put it in our carry on and "declare it"?

Thanks.

Thanks for these ideas.

Is it necessary to book a driver in advance (I was considering Victor Boddon) but he is $25 per person for the whole day and it doesn't seem we will need that. I know that some ports have a regulated, safe taxi system but others, not so much. How is Roatan and do they have vans since we are party of 5?

Thanks.

We will be in Roatan Dec. 18th with 4 college kids in the Norwegian Dawn. I have used Victor in 2008 and we had a good time. We do not want to spend a lot of money doing things such as ziplining or parasailing. What are some options for this age? We are hoping not be to on a beach with aggressive vendors and don't want a long drive. Thanks.

Nadersmom, I love your explanation of the heat in New Orleans. It is hard to understand how it feels if you have never experience New Orleans heat.

"But the humidity in N.O. in September was crazy! LOL I swear it felt like someone had wrapped a large sopping wet wool blanket around me and told me to walk 10 blocks. It didn't just hit you when you walked outside, it kind of draped itself around and hung on you."

We are local and this description is very accurate. I can't remember a September where we had a cool front come through. September is a hot month, even early October can be hot. If we are lucky, we will have a few cool fronts make it down by the end of October.

Wow, I didn't know that they closed. We are on the Northshore now and we go to "the niece of Bozo's restaurant" (that's what my father calls it), KGee's, that uses some of the same recipes. http://kgeesrestaurant.com/

Not sure if it is worth coming to the Northshore for though.

I don't think there are any parades on March 29 or 30th. The only parades at the end of March and beginning of April would be the Irish/Italian parades, which are held in different parishes around this time. The one in Metairie is the March 15th.

Local online magazines with local events would be:

Gambit - http://www.bestofneworleans.com/

Country Roads (all of Louisiana events, not just New Orleans) - http://www.countryroadsmagazine.com/

For restaurants with gumbo, one that comes to mind is Bozo's, which is in Metairie, not touristy with gumbo and other seafood dishes. - http://www.bozosrestaurant.com/

Here's listings of Parades in the area with date:

Saturday, March 15 & Monday, March 17, 2014

Tracey's St. Paddy's Day Party - 11 a.m. til

Annual celebration in the Irish Channel - 2604 Magazine Street. Lots of green beer, corned beef and cabbage and more fun. They are the party at the end of the Irish Channel Parade.

See party location.

Sautrday, March 15 & Monday, March 17, 2014

Parasol's Block Party Celebration - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

3rd and Constance 10am to 8pm. Music, green beer, food and surprises. The start of the block parties on the 15th, the day of the Irish Channel Parade. The fun runs from 10 am to 8 pm, both days.

See party location.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Molly's at the Market Irish parade - 6:00 p.m.

In the French Quarter, riders in carriages and marching groups. Begins and ends at 1107 Decatur St.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Irish Channel Parade - 1 p.m.

The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club will hold its 66th Annual Mass and Parade celebration on Saturday, March 15th, 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Assumption Church (corner of Constance and Josephine Streets) followed by the parade (corner of Felicity and Magazine) at 1:00 p.m.

See parade route.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Italian-American St. Joseph's Parade in the French Quarter - 6:00 p.m.

The Italian American Club celebrates St. Joseph with a parade through the French Quarter. This year parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Convention Center Blvd. and Girod Street. It includes 16 floats, nine marching bands and a whole lot of guys dressed in tuxuedos.

See parade route.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

St. Patrick's Day Parade on Metairie Road - 12 Noon

The annual Metairie Road St. Patrick's Day parade will take place on Sunday, March 16. The parade begins at noon in front of Rummel High School on Severn Avenue, goes down Severn to Metairie Road, then Metairie Road to the parish line.

See parade route.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Downtown Irish Club Parade - 6:00 p.m.

The annual downtown St. Patrick's Day parade begins on the corner of Burgundy and Piety in the Bywater, proceeds roughly up Royal, across Esplanade to Decatur, up Bienville to Bourbon. The parade makes several "pit stops" on its way to Bourbon St.

See parade route.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade (Metairie) - 12 Noon

The 2014 Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade will roll on March 23th, at 12:00 noon, on the traditional Veternas Highway route in Metairie.

See parade route.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade - 11 a.m.

St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Community Parade & Marching Club Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette and Arabi 43 floats, 1,500+ members and 300,000 pounds of produce.

The best located hotels would be those on the end of Canal Street (end meaning where it ends because of the Mississippi River), like the Westin (because you are on the Canal St. street car line so if you decided to go to the Garden District, you could) or in the FQ but on the side closest to Canal St, like Bienville House hotel, W Hotel French Quarter, Hyatt French Quarter and they are a few others. If you look at Google Maps, some of the best located hotels would be from St. Ann Street (which borders Jackson Square) to Canal St, but not going past Dauphine St. The 4th border to this "rectangle" Decatur close to the river. So anything in "the rectangle" with the 4 sides being Dauphine, Canal, St. Ann and Decatur would be my first choice.

This location is close to WWII Museum, Aquarium, French Market, Jackson Square, The Presbytere, St. Louis Cathedral, French Market, restaurants, shopping, and the meeting locations for tours that would be outside of the city, like swamp or plantation tours.

You will still need to take a taxi to the port but it isn't that far.

As for shuttles from the airport, I see this often:

http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/

There is a ton of information about New Orleans hotel in these threads that touch on many topics so looking at some of those theads would be very helpful.

To be the closest to the port, that would be hotels on Convention Center Blvd and the Warehouse District. Hotels on Canal St. are also close enough but not really walking distance

"Most economical" in the port or French Quarter area will average between $200 and $350 a night but does depend on the exact dates you are staying.

Most economical hotels will not be found in the FQ or port area but can be found in suburbs of New Orleans like Metairie. Stay away from New Orleans East. If a rate seems to good to be true, ask here about the area the hotel is located in. The rate of New Orleans area hotels almost always depends on the location of the hotel.

There are no shuttles from the airport. You may be able to book one with your cruise line or take a taxi. Also, I think there are shuttle services but they are not free.

The best option would probably be a hotel that is on both Streetcar lines (Riverfront and Canal St.) so that you can get very close to the places you want to visit. Westin Canal Place hotel has an entrance on Iberville and Canal St. On Iberville, there are taxis lined up in case you need one. On Canal St, you can catch the Streetcar. You are also about a block away from the Riverfront Streetcar.

Harrah's Casino is just off the downtown parade routes.

 

No "puchase" necessary.

Do you know if this is the case during Mardi Gras season? The rules change in New Orleans for all businesses during Mardi Gras. Businesses have extra security stationed at their doors. Bathrooms are treated like gold during Mardi Gras season!

Also, like Nolatravelgirl stated, some do not even allow bathroom use with purchase. You can waste a lot of time just looking for a bathroom and then after finding one (if you can!), the line will be very long.

Just a few thoughts:

Drury - solid choice but I wouldn't base my decision on the free snacks and food. Other may disagree but we find the food horrible. It was the cheapest, oddest combination of food and feel like the breakfast made my husband sick one day. Since you are in New Orleans, you will really want to try out the local food scene. That is a big part of a visit to New Orleans!

Hampton Inn Downtown Convention - ideal location to the port. Very close and out of the FQ so no concern about noise.

Country Inn and Suites French Quarter - Ideal location in regards to being the most central and able to walk to FQ and Street Car line that runs on Canal St, which will bring you to the Garden District if you decide to go there.

It all depends on what is most important to you. For our family, it is ideal location and for us, we would choose Country Inn.

There are lots of the very typical "touristy" type of t-shirt shops all along Decatur Street in the French Quarter.

If you want a bit of better quality t-shirt that are more unique, to to Fleurty Girl - http://www.fleurtygirl.net/new.html

632 St Peter St, New Orleans (504) 304-5529

St Peter runs along side of Jackson Square.

Fleurty Girl has the most unique shirts and other items that are hard to find anywhere else in the FQ. They also have a store in the suburbs of New Orleans because locals like to shop there too. There will be a ton of t-shirts on the wall to pick from. There will be shirts with phrases tourist may not understand at first, but go ask. They will be happy to explain them. For example, there is one that says, "Don't eat da straight ones" That is a saying every native knows and grew up hearing. it means, if there is a crawfish thats tail stayed straight (as opposed to curling up) after being boiled, you don't eat it because it means the crawfish was already dead when put into the pot.

All kind of funny, local saying and nice styles.

Thanks WLHyatt. I didn't even realize the terminals had different names. I have sailed from both but since they are smack next to each other, I didn't realize.

So if you can enter the gates on Julia St., you will take a right and walk for about 2 minutes. There will be lots of people around. I remember when we used the gates, there were porters close by the gates that took our luggage.