BigEasyCC

Freedom and Valor have been redirected to New Orleans. Should be in by tomorrow sometime.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Check out the Port of Galveston website. They will have the latest info. Last I read this morning, the port was closed and they referred you to your cruiseline for further instructions.

In January it was the same.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Do remember that most times either going out the river or coming back in, you will pass the Triumph about 10:30 - 11:00 pm. Worth staying out on the deck to see!

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Add me to the prepay group. Then in addition, we tip cash to room steward, waiter and anyone else we think went above and beyond.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Thanks for the update! I'll be following this "tour" on our way out to the gulf in September...and wondering which building is the Lebeau Plantation! lol

If you're in N.O. a day or so early, take the Natchez cruise on the river or the Creole Queen (which includes a stop at the Battle of New Orleans site) for a nice tour with commentary on the sights. I learned a few new facts and I have lived here my whole life.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Thank you so much....amazing detail! I've always loved sailing from New Orleans and now will be even more intrigued following your information.

Oh on no. 19 - Lebeau Plantaion burned to the ground several years back after a group of ghost hunter wanna-bes built a campfire inside the building. Brilliant!

The following video was taken several years ago as it's been on line for a long time.

From what I remember (don't feel like researching it now) I believe this woman was not killed, but wasn't in good shape either.

Nonetheless gives anyone who has never been to Maho a very good idea of how dangerous it can be

 

Going there cruise after next. So this is what people do there. I will find a spot far enough away just to watch. Thank you for the link.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

I wasn't sure where to post this so I hope this is ok :) DD and I are booked on Sensation for a 5 day cruise and I am hoping to use just carry on luggage. But then I thought about the liquids like shampoo, conditioner and sunscreens. Does the ship provide basic toiletries in the bathroom? I'm sure the gift shop sells sunscreen, but how expensive is it? If I wanted to bring my own, does anyone have any tips on packing in smaller containers? Thanks for your patience. First time cruiser and we don't fly much either !

As for toiletries, I reuse the travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash I purchased from the drugstore a few cruises ago. I bought a tiny travel blow dryer, but I am not happy with it, so I still bring my big boy I use every day. The blow dryer on the ship is never concentrated enough to help my hair.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

New Orleans to Memphis is a 400 mile drive. Not exactly day trip material.

Drove Memphis to New Orleans many, many times after Katrina. It's about a 5 1/2 hour drive.

We went to Maho beach last year on a stop in St. Maarten when on the Sunshine. While we have flown in and out of there several times, it was the first time we had seen it from that perspective. The beach is nice and the planes coming in and out and being there in front (or behind) them is fairly intense.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Maho Beach is number 1 on DH's list. As retired Air Force he just can't get enough of this type of thing. His home in the N.O. area is in the direct flight path of MSY. After 5 years we moved to my home downriver from New Orleans. He enjoys the fact that now he is in the fight path of the Joint Reserve Base's fight path. Not nearly as busy, but he still waits for them to pass overhead.

Thank you so much for your posts. This is now on my MUST DO cruise list!

Once upon a time, I believe it was the Conquest that was in NOLA, the river level got too high for Conquest to pass under power lines that crossed the river.

 

That was many years ago. The power lines that used to cross over the Mississippi River at Chalmette to Algiers have been relocated under the river before the Dream came to New Orleans. This was a condition of getting the larger ships to dock in New Orleans. You will still notice the two large towers that held the power lines on either side of the river. These are just before the Chalmette Ferry crossing on your way down river when you leave the port of New Orleans on your cruise.

Thank you so much for the links to your blog! DH and I are going on this cruise in January. All of your info is so helpful!

Did out first family suite with 5 adults in January. Sooo glad we had the family suite. We had lots of room and the double sinks came in handy too. Never had motion issues in the suite. The early boarding, private breakfast and lunch areas were great as well. Really enjoyed our afternoon snacks from our Butler and our consierge went above and beyond for our family!

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Thought some of you might like to know that FTTF just became available for the Breeze, 20 May 18 cruise out of Galveston.

Thank you too!! I just check my Dream cruise for January 2018 and FTTF was there finally! Got mine!!

Loving your review and pictures!

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

I realize the ship has to travel out to the ocean and go down the Mississippi River, I heard this takes hours, when does the casino open after the ship leaves the dock/how long?

It takes approximately 8 hours to get to the mouth of the Mississippi. The casino was open after dinner if I remember correctly. Do try to stay up and watch the Dream pass the Triumph near the mouth of the river! When we were on the Dream it was about 10:30pm.

Absolutely! The Bar Hop guy knows to get everyone back on time!

Parking in the Carnival Cruise Terminal is extremely easy, but expensive. $20 per day. You pay by credit card on the way in, drive up to the sea caps who take your luggage then proceed to park in the garage. Don't go too early because the people getting off the cruise need to get out and free up spaces. Fulton Parking is a block or two away and is much cheaper. From what I understand you make reservations at Fulton online beforehand. Then you have a spot and they bring you to the terminal.

DH and I watched the Dream head out down the Mississippi River past our house last night. She left late, around 6:30pm I think. The dream decks were all lit up, but not the whale tail. It just had it's red indicator light on the top. Kind of sad actually. Can't wait until she comes back all freshened up!

Hi Doug..loved your review like always! Can you remember what times breakfast and lunch were served in Cagneys for suite guests? Did you and Sue ever have breakfast brought to your room..and how was that experience?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Breakfast and lunch was served in Moderno. Breakfast began at 7am, lunch at Noon.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

Thank you Paul! Heading out on the Dawn in 13 days.

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

14!! After booking 2 years out it's just 2 weeks until we board the Dawn!

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app

A spin around the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans...

 

bpaa0D_LBr0

Thanks Doug!

Sent from my XT1650 using Forums mobile app