Windsor Court Hotel/Museums in NO?

[chiquita55]

Hi,

 

I looked through here and didn't see a thread that covered this recently, sorry if I overlooked one! We're going on the Fantasy 1/12/08, and the Windsor Hotel had a museum package deal for a good rate. I was just wondering, has anyone stayed at this hotel recently? Was it really as nice as it's made out to be? Also, is there parking there? (We plan to park at the port for the duration of our cruise, but the night we're there pre-cruise we need to be able to park at our hotel)

 

Also, it gives us an option between three museums, the Ogden museum, the DDay museum, or the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art. We really only have time to see one anyway, does anyone have suggestions on which to choose?

 

This is our first cruise, and first time in New Orleans. We're very excited - and thankful for this board, the tips have been invaluable.

[shunga]

W/C and the Ritz-Carlton are the very best hotels in New Orleans. Top-notch quality. As for the museums, I guess it depends on what you think you would like. The WWII museum is fairly new and has gotten excellent reviews. It started as the D-Day museum, but has expanded to cover both the European and Pacific campaigns. The Ogden is a museum of southern regional art. It includes paintings, sculpture, etc. from modern to early American. NOMA has a good collection including a number of Faberge eggs, and is very good for a city of NOLA's size, but I don't think it on most people's "don't miss" list. Take a look @ nola.com for links to the websites. Hope you enjoy your visit.

[mariemorgan]

I personally would choose the DDay museum! Only because I really really want to see it!

[spleenstomper]

The Windsor-Court hotel is absolutely gorgeous with a fabulous high tea in the afternoons in the lobby parlor (the tea costs like 40.00 a person I think). They have valet parking.

 

I'd choose the DDay museum. It's supposedly very moving. It's been on my list of things to do. DH has been twice.

[luv2snorkel]

the d-day museum is absolutely amazing!!!! it is a must see if you like history.... in fact, even if you don't. it is really moving....

 

unless you are a huge fan of art, the other two pale in comparison to d-day.

 

luv2

[UPCrawfish]

Another vote for the WWII museum....

This is a review I wrote for another forum while in New Orleans, pre-Fantasy 9/27 .....

 

945 Magazine St. @ Andrew Higgins Dr.

504-527-6012

www.NationalWW2Museum.org

 

(From the brochure)

 

"Founded in 2000 as the National D-D Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's official World War II Museum, this remarkable institution illuminates the American experience during the World War II years with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays.. from the Normandy invasion to the Pacific Islands and the Home Front, the Museum brings to life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war and changed the world. The museum is an incomparable experience for the entire family and now to be missed on any visit to New Orleans, Louisiana."

 

My wife and I, along with 4 other couples are now in New Orleans and have been for a few days.

 

Today our group went to the WWII museum and spent almost 5 hours slowly going thru every exhibit, stopping and listening to the personal oral histories of those who were there at the time and may not be with us now. Looking at the photos which you will most likely never see in a book and TV story. Some were quite intense and there are disclaimers before you enter the museum display areas that parents with small children should be aware of the images they may see.

 

There are 2 films that run about 50 minutes each and alternate back and forth. One is of the European Theater, the other the Pacific Theater. The docents in the museum recommend you watch these films before you enter either segment of the museum to get a general view of what you will be seeing in greater detail. The films are NOT "hollywood". These are actual combat photography with oral interviews of the people who were taking part in the actions being shown.

 

Two members of our group were in tears before they left. One father was in Europe and was know to have fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The other father had been in the Pacific. Neither of these friends of mine ever were told by their parents what they has seen, what they had experienced, what they had endured to come home to Louisiana and raise a family. They had gone to their graves with their stories untold..

 

I cannot recommend strongly enough that you make this a part of your visit to New Orleans if you ever get here.

[chiquita55]

Thanks so much for the help! We will definitely be doing the WWII museum :) . And that's a real relief about the Windsor court, now I'm excited to get there (as if we weren't excited enough for the cruise already, LOL).