Questions for Cruises out of New Orleans

[cruzluvr2]

I'm considering a cruise on either the Sensation or Conquest out of New Orleans. I'm also considering the Caribbean Princess out of Fort Lauderdale. I can get much better airfare for New Orleans. Can anyone give me an idea of how far it is to the pier from the airport and approximate cost of taxi/shuttle? Would I be safe with a 12:30 p.m. flight on departure date? What is the name of the pier these ships leave from? Are there hotels located near the pier?

 

Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

[BrendaB1]

Julia Street Pier. Hilton-Riverside is close to pier & Riverwalk Mall. This hotel also offers $99 cruise rate. You have to call this hotel directly to get that rate. Not available any other way. Airport is about $25 cab fare or shuttle is cheaper. For more info look at www.nola.com or www.neworleansonline. I have sailed on both ships but Conquest is my favorite. Have fun.

[tjohn159d]

You can sometimes get the Riverside for $39.00 if you book it thorugh Harrahs. You will need to be a Total Rewards member, but I think you

can sign up on line for that, if you are not already a member.

[NancyC]

What about parking? Does any hotel allow guests to leave their car while cruising?

[cruzluvr2]

Thanks for the quick responses. Also for the added info on Conquest vs. Sensation. I've sailed a few times (other cruiselines) but this will be a first for my niece (16 yr). I'd appreciate other responses from any others that have sailed both ships. Price is a consideration as I am hoping to sail to Alaska later this year.

[BrendaB1]

NancyC: Hilton-Riverside offers a parking deal with the $99 rate. You pay $22 for first night with in & out priviledges and then park free for rest of your cruise. This way you can take luggage & others in your party to the pier & go bcak & park car & either walk thru the Riverwalk Mall to the pier or grab a cab. Be sure & call hotel & ask for that rate. Some dates are not available...especially during Mardi Gras season. Other hotels offer parking too so check around.

[luv2kroooz]

I just sailed the Conquest in November 04. I took the airport shuttle transfers for $23 roundtrip. It was the same company that Carnival uses for transfers. The service for the most oart was slow as we had to wait for the entire coach to fill up. We also had people that were sailing on the Norwegian ship so that slowed the process down. But the price was right. I would allow 40 minutes travel time from airport to pier. Post cruise I stayed at the Renaissance Arts hotel - $50 through Priceline. It was a 5 minute walk from the pier and about a 15 minute walk to the French Quarter, but the weather was nice and I don't mind walking. Hope that is helpful.

[sea_u_onboard]

FYI EVERYONE - I called the Hilton about a 2005 date and they quoted the cruiser special for my date as $189.00 + $22.00 for the extra day of parking. I have heard they are only going to offer the $99.00 cruiser special on SUNDAY NIGHTS - like that will do anyone traveling on the Conquest any good.

 

Since the OP doesn't need parking he would do better to use Priceline or check out this link - http://www.nomcvb.com/travelagent/cruisedetails.htm - not sure if these rates will apply in 2005.

 

Also Harrahs promotes last minute specials through their website - http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/nor/deals/ - only shows 2 months at a time and applies to different hotels in the area.

 

I've never used this shuttle service - but hear they are dependable - http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/.

[SLL]

We have called every number for Hilton Riverside to get that $99 and parking rate. They always tell us, " No we don't have a $99 pre- cruise special, but it is $189.

I've heard that the Prytania Park Hotel has a pre- cruise special that includes parking and is reasonable. Good luck. We almost booked a cruise out of Mobile Alabama instead of New Orleans; we may wish we had before it's over! It's been crazy trying to find a cheap/ yet reasonable hotel in NO.

[sea_u_onboard]

I've heard that the Prytania Park Hotel has a pre- cruise special that includes parking and is reasonable.

When I called a couple months back it was $12.50 to park all week - but they don't provide transportation to the pier.