Not sure of sailing from NOLA

[Mikel1733]

For the past few days I have been contemplating a cruise from NOLA this coming October. Then I see this:

 

http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/man_fatally_shot_in_lower_gard.html

[doctordi]

Big city, big crimes. That article could have been written describing any major city including the big port cities on either coast. I sailed out of NOLA last summer and didn't feel unsafe.

[kelz66]

Come live in Philly....you'll feel much safer sailing out of NOLA. :p

 

I'm doing it twice this year.:cool:

[floatingaway2525]

I agree, do not hesitate with NOLA it is my FAVE port!!! Just use the same common sense as you need in any city (and I mean any city, they just jump on NOLA in the press more) and you will be so fine!

By all means, stick to the populated French Q, Riverwalk/Casino area, avoid late night side street walking, like any other place you go really.

You will have a ball in a great place for pre and post cruise!!!

[GoinCruisin]

Don't start looking at Miami murders either...

 

You have to look at the big picture... any large city is going to experience random, senseless murders :(

[MississippiMom]

I didn't even bother to read the link, because I didn't think it would be worth my time. We sailed out of New Orleans, with absolutely no problems, last year, and I would do it again, in a heartbeat, if they had more ship options in the Summer.

 

Try sailing out of Buenos Aires, Argentina during the time frame that all the banks had closed down and the machine-gun-carrying military was everywhere! That has been my only experience with riding from an airport to a cruise port (on the transfer bus) with tanks driving next to the bus. :eek:

[CMK1970]

We have not cruised out of New Orleans but we have been there 4 times since Katrina. We have never had a problem..just use common sense that you would in any city that you are not familiar with.

Almost all of the deaths were drug related..these areas are not located in the French Quarter.

So unless you go cruisin for some drugs I dont think you will have anything to worry about;) :p :) LOL!

[garptsmqt]

As someone who has cruised out of NOLA and visits regularly, I feel comfortable saying that the city is a good place to embark for the most part. The boats depart out of Riverwalk, which is in the safest area of the entire city. You can easily walk from there to some of the more famous and touristy sections if you have time before or after your cruise to spend. Mardi Gras is, to me, an awful time to visit as it does bring in a bad element that goes with a large influx of drunken tourists. Most of the crime is drug related normally and outside the Quarter, and as long as you practice common sense you can see the city, enjoy the food and drink and it's people safely.

[mariemorgan]

It was Mardi Gras.. Mardi Gras = Drunk / Half Naked ppl IMO.....

 

If you are going on a cruise I'm sure you'll be fine.. I was there during the Mardi Gras shootings and I didn't notice any voilence what so ever and felt safe the whole time, Walked around French Quarter, Riverwalk, Burbon, and surrounding areas and was fine.

[BrendaB1]

I'm also a regular visitor & cruiser out of Nola. My favorite port too. Been there many times before & after Katrina....never a problem.

 

Murder rate is up in Dallas too & I actually feel safer in the French Quarter.

[map70065]

If you are buying or selling drugs or a male teenager trying to show machismo then you do need to worry. If you're not then you shouldn't be any more worried about traveling to New Orleans (and cruising from here) than most other ports.

[Cotton]

My hometown of N.O. is no different than any other major city. Just stay off the dark sidestreets and alleyways. I'm there at least once every two weeks. My DD lives in the Quarter, and has no problem. Just use common sense. Enjoy our great city!:)

[funnthesun]

NOLA is the same ole place. The tourist areas are fine. NOLA's crime rate was ten times the national average before Katrina, it just did not make the national news. Now anything that happens down there is news. Be careful and have fun.

[firefly333]

I was expecting to see some link to the port or reason why the OP said he was worried. Im near Dallas and we have some violent bad crimes here, the OP must be in a small city maybe that is safer.

[vijoge]

We love NOLA. We were down for Mardi Gras last year and had a blast. Returning Mar 1 for two days before our Fantasy cruise. This will be DS's first visit and we're looking forward to showing him this wonderful historical city. We also geocache, and there are some incredible caches in New Orleans.

[3boysvus]

Mike,

N.O. is like most other major cities, and a bit more fun than most. Just be smart and remember that it has just under-gone a MAJOR upheval, economically, in residentcy, in jobs...it's a great city, my 87 year old lives in the Quarter and roams her haunts freely. Be smart, be careful, and have fun, just think of it like a foreign port and you won't have any problems (maybe like Mo' Bay or Ocho Rios).

Kim

[BrendaB1]

We love NOLA. We were down for Mardi Gras last year and had a blast. Returning Mar 1 for two days before our Fantasy cruise. This will be DS's first visit and we're looking forward to showing him this wonderful historical city. We also geocache, and there are some incredible caches in New Orleans.

 

I'll be there the same time to visit some other CC members. Can't wait to get back to Nola for the fun, music & food.

[rodder1971]

For the past few days I have been contemplating a cruise from NOLA this coming October. Then I see this:

 

http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/man_fatally_shot_in_lower_gard.html

 

 

Lovely, I will be there for 5 days for St. Patricks day. Guess I won't venture out of the quarter.

 

Robin

[Mikel1733]

Mike,

N.O. is like most other major cities, and a bit more fun than most. Just be smart and remember that it has just under-gone a MAJOR upheval, economically, in residentcy, in jobs...it's a great city, my 87 year old lives in the Quarter and roams her haunts freely. Be smart, be careful, and have fun, just think of it like a foreign port and you won't have any problems (maybe like Mo' Bay or Ocho Rios).

Kim

 

Thanks Kim........I realize most big cities have problems. I was just surprised at the tone of the article I linked. I've seen the postings and threads about Jamaica and I have been there with my family and had a great time.

 

Fireflye I've traveled extensively and even though you are correct I am from a small town I'm not a hick. But then thats my opinion.

[Mikel1733]

Lovely, I will be there for 5 days for St. Patricks day. Guess I won't venture out of the quarter.

 

Robin

 

Thats a good question. If you fly in the night before a cruise to those who know NOLA what a limitations that you should consider on areas to go and things to do.

[garptsmqt]

If you're leaving on a Sunday and fly in on Saturday, I would recommend checking out Preservation Hall if you like Jazz. There are all kinds of tours put on by Grayline, just do a search. The Katrina tours are really eye opening. Even though you're taking a cruise, the Natchez riverboat is fun also. The National D-Day Museum is really incredible, and humbling. The French Market is down the street from Riverwalk, and so is Cafe Du Monde, for you cafe au lait and beignet fix... So much to do. So little time...

[LHP]

The growing crime rate in New Orleans are in areas that you will never see unless you rent a car and drive specifically there.

 

As with all major cities, just stay in the tourist area and on well traveled streets and you will be fine.

 

New Orleans realizes the treasure they have in the French Quarter and value of the tourist dollar and do everything thing they can to protect it.

 

Now would I walk alone (as a lady) at midnight through the Quarter, no.

But then I would not do that in Memphis either!!!

 

Just use your common sense and your precruise stay will be excellent.