Saints fan please help with port ???

[texankhj]

We are sailing out on the Triumph Dec. 31. We have reserved the Embassy Suites, after reading the Triumph review looks like we might be better staying at the Harrah's hotel. Anyone familiar with the area, please let me know where the closest and easiest access to the port area and also the best place for dinner the night before the cruise. We really do not want Bourbon Street. Thanks for your help. Who Dat!:)

[Carol1560]

Harrah's is pretty close to the cruise terminal and is supposed to be pretty nice. You should be able to cab it to terminal or walk if it is a nice day. But I am leary of New Orleans, I would not walk to terminal with a bunch of bags or anything. The Hyatt is connected to Riverwalk. Riverwalk is connected to terminal. That could work

[lady_cruiser]

I agree with Carol. Having spent many weekends in New Orleans, though its been a year or two since we have been there, we find that The Hyatt is our first choice with The Fairmont our second choice. The Hyatt is within walking distance to The Aquarium of Americas, the Casino, RiverWalk and The Shops at Canal Place http://www.theshopsatcanalplace.com/go/dirListing.cfm?fl=all.

 

Even The French Quarter is within walking distance but if it was I, I would pick up the little trolley/railway car that brings you to the French Quarter. I forgot where to pick it up but it was near the hotel.

 

I never stayed at the Hyatt before a cruise but I think that you can park there for a weekly fee.

[vwaller72]

Harrah's is pretty close to the cruise terminal and is supposed to be pretty nice. You should be able to cab it to terminal or walk if it is a nice day. But I am leary of New Orleans, I would not walk to terminal with a bunch of bags or anything. The Hyatt is connected to Riverwalk. Riverwalk is connected to terminal. That could work

 

The walk will be in the morning on a work day plus with it being New Years Eve there will be a lot of people on the street. They city has a serious crime problem and has even before Katrina (worse now) but it's still safe to walk crowded streets in broad daylight.

 

texankhj, when it comes to dinner are you looking for nice or looking for good? The best places to eat in the city aren't always the nicest looking. :D

[infiniti]

Harrah's is pretty close to the cruise terminal and is supposed to be pretty nice. You should be able to cab it to terminal or walk if it is a nice day. But I am leary of New Orleans, I would not walk to terminal with a bunch of bags or anything. The Hyatt is connected to Riverwalk. Riverwalk is connected to terminal. That could work

 

I think you are talking about the Hilton Riverside which is connected to the Riverwalk. The Hyatt hasn't reopened since Katrina. It still might be hard to navigate with luggage through the hotel and riverwalk but much better than taking the street.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Hyatt is next to the Superdome, not the Port.

 

Hilton Riverside is good, Harrah's is good, Embassy Suites is good. There is a Marriott across the street from the Convention Center. Are you walking or driving to the port?

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msymc-new-orleans-marriott-at-the-convention-center/

 

There is no shortage of restaurants in or out of the French Quarter.

 

Very close to Embassy Suites is Emeril's Flagship restaurant

http://www.emerils.com/restaurant/1/Emerils-New-Orleans/

 

Depending on what you are looking for, there's Tommy's Cuisine

http://www.tommysneworleans.com/

 

Mother's (a dive but good)

http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/

 

A fun place is Mulate's

http://www.mulates.com/

 

There are lots of places right around Harrah's casino.

 

The Fairmont hasn't been a Fairmont for a while, it closed, and has reopened under its former name - The Roosevelt. A grand old hotel but not the closest to the Port. Very nice,though.

http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/

 

Most of the crime doesn't target tourists. The locals have more to fear. There is a definite police presence around tourist areas.

 

The Sugar Bowl is January 1st and there will be tons of Florida Gators and Cincinatti Bearcats will in town for New Year's Eve. the French Quarter will be crowded, but interesting if you wanted to just walk around.

 

Personally I'd walk along the street instead of through the Riverwalk unless it was raining or otherwise bad weather. Riverwalk is a couple of levels and luggage usually doesn't work with escalators, so you will need the elevators.

[crewsweeper]

With the bowl game, you might just be better off staying where you are. Might not get a room anywhere else. And do double check directly with the hotel, not the 1-800 number or website, tha tyou have a room. If you expereince any delays along the way, check in with the front desk and let them know you're still on your way so they don't give your room to a "walk-in".

[Sargent_Schultz]

Going ahead and making a reservation *somewhere* (if they take reservations) for dinner might not be so bad either. You can always cancel later.

[texankhj]

Thank you so much for all the great information. Cruise Critics members are always so helpful and with the information I get here make every cruise vacation the best! Thanks again.