One of the very best shows you will ever see on any cruise ship — or anywhere for that matter — is currently onboard the Carnival Freedom. It’s called “The Big Easy” and is, of course, a tribute to the people and the city of New Orleans.
You know, when you mention the name of this incomparable city you obviously think of the terrible devastation and suffering that was caused by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina — and that’s normal of course. However, each cruise “The Big Easy” show is a reminder of New Orleans’ heritage and, in particular, its unique contribution to the world of music and entertainment. The show also shows how through faith and determination the city is on the rise once again. It is therefore an honour (spelt correctly) to introduce to you Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans.
1. Before we talk about the rejuvenation of your Great City can you describe your own personal feelings the morning after the storm when you surveyed the damage to the Port itself?
As Hurricane Katrina set her sights on New Orleans 30 hours before landfall, the view of the Mississippi River outside my office was a sight to behold. The Mississippi was emerald green, dotted with white caps, and flowing upriver. With all her force, Hurricane Katrina was pushing the Mississippi back toward its source with water from the Gulf of Mexico. I knew this storm was the mother lode and we were in for a long ride.
The storm forced my staff to evacuate; some never to return for months or at all. However, with a skeleton crew who remained, we were able to survey damages and begin the task of restarting operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports.
We returned to find that our facilities on the Mississippi River, including the cruise facilities, received minor to moderate wind damage, but did not flood. But we lost a container terminal and most of our facilities on the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal – about 30 percent of our cargo capacity.
Within 10 days after landfall, we worked our first ship, beating the early estimates of federal officials that indicated it would take six months to restart cargo operations in New Orleans.
I am happy to say the Port of New Orleans has returned to normal cargo levels – working 9.4 million tons in 2006 – up 4 percent compared to our five-year average pre-Katrina.
Getting back to normal was a tough task and the many workers that depend on Port operations faced myriad hardships. More than 1.5 million people evacuated from the New Orleans metropolitan area – the most successful evacuation in the nation’s history. The City of New Orleans suffered tremendous damage in the aftermath of the storm caused by levee failures along drainage canals north of the city, flooding 80 percent of the city. Contrary to popular belief, the floodwaters did not come from the Mississippi River, which did not breach or overtop its levees, but from Lake Pontchartrain to the north. Some areas had as much as 20 feet of water. The city was without electricity, potable water, gas and sewage services. Some parts of the city were without services for more than six months. Fortunately, the tourism areas of the city, including the Port’s cruise facilities; the French Quarter and Garden District did not suffer flooding and were spared the brunt of the damages.
2. What were the immediate challenges the port faced in the direct aftermath of Katrina?
Keys to our recovery plan now include back-up communication. Port officials had cell phones, but the entire 504 area code was knocked out of operation, and over 900 cell towers were demolished by the storm. The few satellite phones the staff had did not work either. Without electricity, the Internet was non-existent, so no communication existed. We learned cell phones with out-of-state area codes and text messaging worked for sparse communication. Top managers now have emergency phones with Arkansas area codes that are activated during the hurricane season.
Housing workers in an evacuated city with no infrastructure working also topped our list of challenges.
I realized we needed a place for our people – from administrative staff to stevedores and truck drivers – to live. More than half of the Port’s staff suffered water damage to their homes and about 30 percent lost their homes completely.
For the first time in its history, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) deployed military ready reserve fleet ships to a domestic disaster to provide housing and food for workers and to aid in power generation. The ships provided space for 1,000 workers for months following the storm. Today, the plan is standard operating procedure for MARAD to help restart port operations following a disaster.
In addition to the MARAD ships, cruise lines were requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide bids for cruise ships to house first responders in the City, and Carnival responded by contracting with FEMA to provide the Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation as hotel ships for New Orleans’ police, firefighters and other emergency response personnel whose homes had been destroyed by the wind and water from the hurricane. The ships arrived in New Orleans shortly after the storm and remained for six months. They served as a valuable asset to the recovery of the area.
3. Can you tell us then what work has been carried out to make New Orleans ready to receive cruise liners again?
For starters, the Port opened its new $37 million Erato Street Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage in October of 2006. The reviews of the Erato Street Terminal have been unbelievable, as industry executives have visited numerous times to see how it works and how it was built. It’s been called the easiest embarkation/disembarkation terminal in the industry and it is in downtown New Orleans just minutes from the French Quarter.
In addition, the City’s tourism industry and its infrastructure rebounded remarkably well. More than 100 percent of the gourmet restaurants that attracted visitors from throughout the world are open, renovated and better than ever. Also, more than 30,000 hotel rooms steps from the French Quarter are open. As I said before, the areas tourists frequent were spared from the floodwaters more than two years ago and are alive and thriving.
4. Now that the city and the port are on the rise again, what are the reasons that New Orleans is in your opinion a great place to take a cruise to and from?
The importance of the return of the cruise industry cannot be overstated. The cruise passengers returning to New Orleans see that the City’s historic beauty and charm are alive and well, and they return home to spread the word that New Orleans is still kicking.
The City realized record-breaking attendance during numerous festivals and events throughout 2007. Mardi Gras welcomed more than 800,000 revelers to area hotels, restaurants and music clubs. The annual French Quarter Festival attracted 425,000 visitors and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival drew 375,000 music fans, the most since 2003. New Orleans successfully hosted the AllState Sugar Bowl, New Orleans Saints NFC Division Championship playoff game, the PGA Zurich Classic, ArenaBowl and a host of other cultural and historic exhibits and events throughout the area.
The City prides itself on showing tourists a good time and there is no better place to be than New Orleans right now.
The Crescent City received numerous accolades, as well. The Los Angeles Times named New Orleans one of the world’s “Don’t Miss Destinations” and Travelocity named the City one of 2007′s top-10 “Favorite Gourmet Destinations in the World.”
New Orleans offers cruise passenger an extended vacation, more so than any other homeport. America’s most interesting city combines just the right mixture of culture, history, food and fun to make it the most memorable port of call on the cruise. Whether it is visiting an antebellum plantation, a St. Charles Avenue mansion, the Aquarium of the Americas, the National World War II Museum, deep-sea fishing or a swamp tour, there is something for everyone in the family. Pick any one of our over 1,000 gourmet restaurants for some southern Creole cooking, stroll through the French Quarter for a look at the historical architecture, or amble down world famous Bourbon Street. Then take the entire family to one of dozens of first class music halls to experience live productions of jazz, blues and other genres of music that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. As we like to say, Caribbean rhythms resonate in New Orleans.
People want to cruise from New Orleans because it adds another interesting port city to their itinerary. They come for a day or two before their cruise or after their cruise. It’s like two vacations in one.
5. How many cruise ships cruise into and out of New Orleans and what are the port’s plans for the future?
The Port actually experienced its busiest cruise month in its history in December of 2006, when more than 95,000 passengers came through New Orleans on 23 cruise ship calls by seven different cruise ships.
Currently, the Carnival Fantasy sails four- and five-day Western Caribbean Cruises year-round from New Orleans and the Norwegian Spirit sails seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries from the Crescent City. In addition, Majestic America sails the Delta Queen and American Queen paddlewheel vessels on journeys from New Orleans throughout the inland river system and RiverBarge Excursions offer a hotel-on-barge cruise on the Mississippi River.
We are actively marketing New Orleans as a top cruise destination and working toward securing additional homeport vessels. We are working with Carnival executives to bring back the cruise line’s year-round seven-day product to New Orleans and hoping to attract new ships with a new facility at our Poland Avenue Wharf. We are in the engineering and design phase of constructing a permanent terminal at the site, which successfully hosted four ship calls by Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess last December. When completed, we will have the ability to host three of the cruise industry’s largest ships simultaneously on choice weekend slots.
6. The people of New Orleans are very special. What is it about the people that have enabled them to rise above all that have happened to them?
The main ingredient that makes New Orleans a top tourist destination is its people. With a majority population born and bred in the Crescent City for generations, New Orleans exudes ambiance and hospitality. Deep-rooted families create eclectic neighborhoods, host unique fairs and festivals and celebrate just about anything. Together, these ingredients create what’s been called “America’s Most Interesting City.” Our resolve cannot be overstated. New Orleans is home and no other city in the world offers what New Orleans has to offer. The music, the food, the culture – from Mardi Gras Indians to corner jazz musicians – there’s no other place like it. Just about every weekend there’s a parade or a festival somewhere in town – celebrating life and living.
7. Finally, I love the food…….your food is some of the best in the world. As someone who lives and breathes New Orleans everyday can you take us through your favourite local restaurants and food specialties?
To begin with, more restaurants are open now than prior to Hurricane Katrina. National chain restaurants don’t necessarily fare well in New Orleans. Neighborhood favorites and corner bars sometimes serve the best cuisine around. But all of the staples of New Orleans’ gourmet experiences are open and are better than ever. Many took a little time to reopen and performed extensive renovations they may have been putting off. Some of my favorites include Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Commander’s Palace, Emeril’s, Peristyle, NOLA, Mr. B’s, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse and Clancy’s. But it’s hard to find a bad meal in this city…
What a fantastic interview and having read this I am sure that everyone wishes continuing best wishes and fortune to the everyone in New Orleans. Personally, I can’t wait to go back……………………..especially to try out all the wonderful food.
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
How wonderful to hear good news about New Orleans. I sailed on both the Inspiration and the Conquest from New Orleans and loved the experience.
There’s been quite a bit of speculation that one of the Spirit Class ships may be homeporting in New Orleans… true?
C’mon, my friend! Open up with some of that insider info!!!
Take care and offer my ‘howdies’ to both Heidi and Roberto!
Regards,
Greg
Hi John,
Great interview. I’ve always loved the history and food of that area. (I make a much-requested version of Jambalaya throwing in chicken, keilbasa, shrimp, ham and any other leftovers I have at the time) Hopefully I’ll get there one day – Carnival cruise perhaps?
I got a voice mail last night and e-mail this morning from my PVP wishing me Bon Voyage. Can’t believe it’s almost time to go.
Last night in the City was fantastic (but I’m so tired). There is something magical about NY at Holiday time – I wish everyone could come here and experience it.
Catch you later,
Hugs,
Carol
WOW fantastic interview!! I loved New Orleans-went there on our first cruise in 2001, would definitely love to go again.
All the interviews featured on this blog are good, but this one was great, and very interesting! Keep up the good work John.
John, Never been to New Orleans. Might make a good Bloggers Cruise port.
“BIG” ED
51 days to PARTY TIME
Thanks for a wonderful update. I am a wee bit disappointed that Broussard’s (in the Quarter) was not on his “favorites” list of places to eat. But I am prejudice, since it used to be in the family.
Love the new Erato terminal. We used it 3 times this year and can’t wait to use it some more.
We, too, would love to hear if the Spirit is headed our way….New Orleans is our closest port.
(I predicted it would come to NO when the Splendor goes to the West coast.)
So much talk about cruising makes me want to go on one….oh that’s right, we have one in 9 days on the Holiday. (yea) This will be our first trip out of the Mobile terminal, but folks say it is very nice as well.
You are certainly good “spy” material…you are keeping those “goodie details” you tempted us with … close to the vest!!
Sending thoughts of healing and good wishes to Alan. And thanks to Heidi for sharing you with us while on her holiday.
Happy Cruising!!
Linda
yummy
that makes me want a big bowl of GUMBO,,,
and some french bread to sop it up with,,,,
Good day John,
This was a great interview with Gary LaGrange. It was an interesting perspective on the the recovery from Katrina. I’m glad the tourist areas have recovered, but I hope those eclectic neighborhoods he referred to can recover from such devastation.
I love New Orleans. I was there the year before Katrina. We literally ate our way around the city. Pecan waffles at the Camellia Grill, beignets at Cafe Du Monde, dinner at Commander’s Palace. I have to say I thought Commander’s was pretty over rated. The absolute best meal we had down there was at Irene’s Cuisine in the French Quarter. Even with an hour and a half wait for a table on a Saturday night, and in spite of the creepy vaguely European piano player who took a bit too much of a shine to me, it was the best dining experience. The waitstaff was fabulous and friendly and the food was incredible. All I can say is “pecan bread pudding topped with bananas foster.” Anyone who goes down to New Orleans has to dine here at least once.
The last couple of comments I tried to post (including a long loving paean to British candy bars and the Curly Wurly) seemed to have gotten lost in cyberspace. So I hope this one goes through.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your time off (or at least as off as you can be with that darn raspberry thing around.
I’m getting more and more excited for the Blogger’s Cruise. 2007 was kind of a difficult year so I’ve resolved to start 2008 off with a good attitude and lots of fun and the Blogger’s Cruise will certainly help with that. I’m dying to know what you have planned.
Take care, best to Heidi, Alan and Roberto.
Cheers mate,
Laura
A Great Jazz Destination!
I would love to visit New Orleans. I have been to well over 30 US cities, but never to NO !!
I grew up listening to my grandfathers stories about the Big Easy from the early 1920′s. He was a musician who lived to be 100 and grew up in NewYork. He traveled many times to New Orleans to play although he was a violinist, so I don’t think it was jazz. Glad the City is on the “come back ”
Kathy and Paul
To Linda:
Hi Linda!! I think I saw you, were you dressed in purple? I was there. read my blog(click on my name) and read the blog You may get wet, There are some pictures of that day also.
To all my bloggers friends .Thanks for all you thoughts and prayers.Im happy to report that my father is home and unless you see the scar you cant tell that a week ago he had heart surgery. He is doing great!
Nani
i concur, that show is AMAZING!!! the (only) problem were the rude guests leaving the theater as the cast was trying to get up the aisles to finish the show in the atruim! i was so embarrassed that it happened. why do american senior citizens (of which i am one!) unable to control their desire to be “first to the elevator”??? the poor cast members were trying so hard to get up the aisles and the people were elbowing out in front of them and of course stopping to talk to each other! grrrr….. come ON people!! let then take their bows and leave the area!
(she steps down off her soapbox now)
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
Great to hear about New Orleans.
For a city that is so close to me (less than an hour by plane), it is truly a wonderful town. I have spent a lot of my time there and I always look forward to returning.
Excellent interview, and it is so true that it is almost impossible to find a bad meal there.
Thank you!
David
Hey John,
Great interview.
Donna and I and our daughter went out of New Orleans in Oct. 2004 on the Conquest and had a blast. The city is not to be missed if you’re a regular cruiser. I’ll be back in N. O. in Oct. 2008 for a baseball tournament and can’t wait. Maybe a four day cruise tacked on will be in order. Stranger things have happened.
The Cowboys play tonight against Green Bay and we could end up with home field advantage in the playoffs if we win. Hope grandson #2 doesn’t decide to come into the world tonight. Just kidding!
All the best with your shopping sprees with Heidi…LOL………..That’s why god invented gift cards John…………….you pay for them up front and then they know how much they have to spend. You’ll learn my friend…….it took me almost 25 years before I realized………..LOL again.
Hey Roberto…………….want to buy me a drink on April 7th in Miami before we board the Fascination? Just tell me where and when. Come down to the docks and I’ll treat you. I’m not kidding. Let me know………….you’ve got my email address. Later dude.
Have a restful vacation John and put the Raspberry down and breathe deeply. Glad to hear of Alan’s recovery. All the best to him as well.
GO COWBOYS!!!!
B&D from Canada
John,
What a great interview! The bounce back of a city and port is a great story!! The positive attitude and spirit is heart warming! Makes a lot of us want to visit… And cruise from there!
Keep those great blog coming at us!!!
God Bless you! And Heidi!!
Kirsten
I’ve cruised from New Orleans before and it is really one of the most interesting ports of embarkation. I enjoyed going down the river to the gulf and seeing the plethora of activity as you sail along the banks. It gives you a much different feel than sailing from a tropical port. You really get a feel for the economic prosperity and commerce.
Hi John,
Reading your blog about the Big Easy show tribute to New Orleans on the Freedom brought back memories. My family and I were on the Freedom this summer and that was the one big production show we got to see while on board.
Unfortunately we were called off the cruise early when my mother went into the hospital. We left the ship bright and early in Venice on July 4, heading for home. My mother is currently undergoing chemo and we are optimistic about her prognosis.
Because we left the cruise unexpectedly, we had not purchased any of the Carnival souvenirs from the shops. I searched the Carnival website for Venice t-shirts, hoping to get my husband and daughter shirts for Christmas. I can find generic Carnival merchandise, but not cruise-specific merchandise. Do you know of a way for me to try and order cruise-specific t-shirts?
Thank you for being such a pioneering blogger! Reading your blog before our trip was a great way to get tips about what to expect, what to pack, what to research more before arriving, and so much more.
Thanks much!
Tracy
Terrific interview. We sailed out of New Orleans on Celebration (our first cruise) several years ago. We fell in love with both the city and the Carnival.
John, Living here in New Orleans is Great, Things are getting better…Please come back and enjoy the food….Where, Atkins is a dirty work….Keep up the word even on Holiday…Let me know when you come back we can meet and pass a good time…
FrankC
New Orleans
Splendor
8/30/2008
John, thanks for another informative interview. I’m glad to hear that the port facilities are getting back to normal – and improving. My wife and I have cruised from New Orleans a couple of times. This interview convinces me that it is time to visit NO again and book a cruise.
Hi John. I’m an Italian journalist and tourist.
I had a trip with Carnival Triumph in september 2003 (Miami-Cozumel-Cayman-Ocho Rios), and I remember your funny shows in Rome Lounge, also transmitted by internal ship video circuit. I remember especially the show with girl screaming “Help me! Help me! Save me! Save me!”, a bad guy and the participation of a gigantic cruise tourist, a 6’5″ high African-American. I didn’t know the American way of cruise entertainment before that trip. Thank you for your funny skills.
Excuse me for the Off Topic (and a bit for my not perfect english), but I must thank you.
John -
Great interview and, yes, New Orleans is coming back.
I had the pleasure of attending a conference in March in the Big Easy – the American College of Healthcare Executives. One thing that is interesting about this conference is that it is highly attended by military healthcare executives, so I got the chance to meet some wonderful individuals – and even provide career counseling to a couple who are reaching the end of their military careers.
One night, a LTC and I went out to dinner in the French Quarter – I actually ate alligator sausage and it was good. We picked a “hole in the wall” place with a zydego band and had a great time.
Good times.
Now onto more important business:
1. Is the 3-day Dover to Amsterdam to Dover cruise going to be a travel agent cruise?
2. Is your place available for a post-cruise few days if I, the Mrs and our daughter take the Genoa cruise?
Your friend,
Jon
Wonderful interview again John. It was nice to see a different perspective on New Orleans. I had not heard that the French Quarter was basically undamaged–at least none done due to flooding.
Nanette, glad to hear that your dad is home and doing much better. Surgery is scary enough, but heart surgery? Yikes!
Heidi–please have John post a picture of your dress and of course your hat if you found one.
Hope you two are enjoying your much needed time off! What happened when Heidi spotted the “spotted couch”? I’m sure she was very understanding, since it was an accident.
Sheryl
What a great interview. New Orleans is one of those places my hubby, George, and I have wanted to visit for years. As soon as Carnival has a 7 day cruise out of their, we’re booking along w/an extended stay in the city.
John,
It’s been good hearing from you. Nice to hear you’re enjoying your much deserved rest and relaxation. Glad to hear that Heidi made it home safely and that Alan is recuperating so nicely. I’m sure having yours and Heidi’s love and support…and sense of humor has done wonders for him.
Look forward to seeing you on the blogger’s cruise…we’re counting down!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Hi John,
I have so much to say on this subject, but wanted to say Thank You for doing this interview.
The port did indeed open within days after the drowning of the rest of the city. The sliver along the river (stealing a line from one of the port officials or ?) was alive! The old (original) part of the city was build on (relatively) high ground and was mostly fine.
Many people do not know that the first cruise ship to call on New Orleans was New Year’s Eve, 2005 – a few short months after Katrina.
It was a foggy night and I didn’t make it over to the cruise ship dock to take pictures of the ship, but here are some I took Dec31, 2005 in New Orleans. To quote one of your phrases, it was historic!
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/nola_nye_2005/nola_nye_05_1.htm
I plan on doing a follow up NYE experience in a few weeks, but I can assure you and anyone else that New Orleans is more than ready for more tourists, conventions, and cruise ships.
to be continued…
Hi John,
What a great interview. Thanks for the pictures. I sailed out of New Orleans before Katrina, and I loved the port. It’s nice to see it again looking good!
No pictures yet of Hedi and her hat and dress?
Keeping Alan in my thoughts and prayers.
Enjoy your holiday!
Susan
Hey John
I was Dick Wooden on a cruise with you on the Triumph on 12/8/2001 my wife and I had such a good time with that it was the best cruise that we have been on we have been to Alaska and Hawaii since then but none compare to that one. When we were looking in to our next cruise I found your blog and booked the bloggers cruise. My wife and I are counting the days till we sail. That was a good write up about New Orleans my wife’s family is from there and I just love the place great food and always have fun at Mardi Gras was there last year for that. Each time I go it looks better just two months ago my wife’s cousin finished her house in Lake View and moved back in. Hope to find out soon what is happing on the bloggers cruise. Take care for now.
Dick Wooden
Hi John,
All the best to you and Heidi !
Was great reading the latest story about the Carnival Imagination. It was always my favorite ship going to the best ports(lots of memories from these days!!).
Here I am a voice from the past, writing to you from Ocho Rios Jamaica, this is Ilan here. We are now, if you haven’t heard yet, a part of a global tour operation and based in Jamaica. Check it out http://www.bamboobeachclub.com . We were a bit disappointed to find out that you are not on the Freedom any longer and will not visit Jamaica with her. Drop us a line:
Ilan – ilanerlich@lycos.com
Shmulik – wieselberg@watersandcolors.com sending you a big YMCA
John it is so nice to hear from New Orleans this morning. Dan and I were scheduled to go to the city for the first time that fateful month, so we have never seen her. We will have to plan a cruise from there. One of her evacuees, a 78 year old mother of 8 children is renting a home form me. She relocated here in Georgia. I spent many days holding her hand and hearing her relive the devastation of that area. It would be great if Carnival would invest in New Orleans rebirth. I just worry about another breach if “the mother lode” hits again. any news on Mobile, Alabama and Carnivals ships from there? They may be part of the renovation upgrades that Carnival is now doing. Thanks for the interview. Good news on Nanni’s Dad! Like to hear how Alan is progressing……….Yours,
Kathie
It is good to see the city geting back in order, it’s history is rich, a one of a kind city. Enjoyed the Interview thanks again for your hard work, John
Best to you and Heidi
Heidi-Beth
What a wonderful interview. I visited New Orleans when I sailed on the Sensation…we had a rather large group on the sailing and had a fabulous time…The sailaway party out of New Orleans with the selection of the King and Queen of Mardi Gras was great!!! We had all purchased beads and masks and T-shirts for the celebration. I would definitely love to go back some day…a stop for beignets at Cafe du Monde was mandatory for us. And of course we found a Disney Store there and made quite a few purchases…
We love NOLA ! Qwnt on the Fantasy this past Jan with a group from cruise critic. We got to NOLA one day before the cruise and stayed one day after.
Had been to NOLA about 16 yrs ago and not much in the Quarter has changed. such a beautiful city and such wonderful food ! Hope to go back again someday.
the big easy show is outstanding on the carnival freedom, john we were with you when katrina hit in august 2005, i remember how upset you were and how you handle it like a pro you are with the guests that were aboard the carnival liberty over in europe, you had group meetings talks etc and a fund raiser aboard the ship.
Hi John,
It seems once again there is a glitch in the time-space continum because the comments I left yesterday afternoon are still awaiting moderation. I’m glad Nani that your father is doing so well.
And John, next week, I refuse to go near the Internet Cafe unless it is absolutely pouring on deck. So I’ll be back at work on the 11th. When is the Queen Victoria’s ceremony – the 10th? So I can’t wait to hear all about it, and I’ll give you my critique of the Imagination.
Regards & hugs to all,
Carol
Hi John,
I can remember the first time we visited New Orleans, it was when the Inspiration was doing the last or one of the last 7 days out of Tampa in 2003. It was a beautiful city and still is. It’s great to see the city coming back alive again.
Since Katrina, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice and each time it makes me want to stay longer.
Keep resting up and recharging your batteries. It’s good that you have Heidi back and Alan is better.
The Imagination blog was good, the ship was our first cruise on Carnival and it holds a special place for us too.
Cruising out of New Orleans is great and the tourist areas really are back to normal. With the French Quarters so close to the port it is also easy to spend a few extra nights before or after a cruise from here. Let the Good Times Roll!
I’ve never sailed from New Orleans but it would be nice to say in the city for a day or so. The city has a unique culture and heritage. Unfortunately crime is still a very big problem.
Hi John,
I REALLY like the new cruise ship terminal in New Orleans. It opened in Oct 2006 when the first ship to be home ported in New Orleans post-Katrina arrived.
My first visit inside the new terminal was in Nov, 2006:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/erato/erato_term.htm
The parking garage is directly on top of the terminal. After you enter the garage, seacaps take care of your luggage while you park your vehicle. The garage is secure, lighted and patrolled. Security is assured because it IS part of the terminal. Only the top floor of the garage is open to the elements; the majority is covered – no weather issues to worry about. Instead of taking a shuttle bus to the terminal, you take an elevator. It could not be easier!
What shall I talk about in my next post? Perhaps food ???
MMMMM… Gumbo. I think it is good that Carnival was able to take the ships out of commission that long to help. I have heard that some people felt it was an extremely good deal for Carnival, but they probably lost money in the long run. I have never visited New Orleans before, but it is supposed to be a very nice and culturally rich city as you said.
-BigMike
Hope all is well!
- Nico R
As a crew member, I can say with out a doubt in my mind that N.O.L.A. (as it is referred to by the FA crew) is one of the (if not The) best home ports I have sailed out of.
N.O. was very convenient, as we did not need to take a taxi arcos town to grab a real meal, shop, or sight see like we need to do in many of our home ports. Everything that we needed was within a few minutes walking distance of the ship!
As well it realy did not hurt us when we were granted 5 days off; during Mardi-Gras, when the FA was damaged by a barge. Great times, and great memories.
Thank you New Orleans!
SM
Congratulations!!!
)
I have the 2007 Readers choice awards issue of Porthole cruise Magazine on my hands and Carnival won:
Best Entertainment Bravo John!!
Best Megaship( Carnival Liberty)
Best value for the money line
Best party line
Best Short duration cruise
Best Shore excursions
Best Onboard activities
Best Main Dining Room cuisine (I agree
Best Children program
RccL only has 3 ahhhh! LOL
There is also a new ship review of the Freedom on Cruise travel magazine.
UHHHH HUH!! Lets celebrate!
We are on the Freedom right now and we miss you! Tonight we will get to see the show The Big Easy and now we are really looking forward to it! Great interview!
John, I’ve never been in New Orleans. Maybe a Bloggers Cruise on the Carnival Fantasy or whatever Fantasy class ship is in New Orleans at that time and has already gone through the rework. The 4 and 5 day cruises would make a nice 9 day BTB.
John do we have a Godmother yet for the Carnival Splendor?
“BIG” ED
only 4 dozen days till the Bloggers take over the Carnival Freedom
hi i sent you some fan mail.
pleas take the time to read it !!!!!!!!!!
Dear John and Heidi….
Susan and I just returned from our trip on the Carnival Miracle. We visited St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts. For anyone going, Susan sailed on the America’s Cup Boat “Stars and Stripes” in St. Maarten. The tour was called the America’s Cup Regatta. Susan would recommend her trip to anyone! In St. Lucia we took a tour of the island….I believe it was called “Tropical Splendour”.
It was OK! In St. Kitts we went snorkeling. “Sail and Snorkel Adventure” was a great time. The snorkeling was great…..the party afterward was really wonderful. The crew aboard our catamaran was upbeat and entertaining. They got everyone up and dancing! Like you, I hate to dance however, sometimes you must do what you must do. Some drinking involved so I probably would not expose children to it. We would recommend this tour to anyone visiting St. Kitts.
Now the ship….BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely spotless! Crew was great! Our server Gordana was just beyond expectation in the dining room. Food was good and plentiful. The treats we got for being Platinum just made us feel that much more special. Our table mates Pat and Don Hensley from South Carolina were the absolute best we’ve had. I read lots of reviews of ships and I’ve decided something. Your vacation is what you make of it. Being on a Carnival Ship just makes it easier to do just that! We’ve cruised the others…..but because of the people of Carnival we will cruise no others. Our trip was great!!!!!
I have question…..I’ve heard that buying 100 shares of Carnival stock gets you a $100 on-board credit for one cruise each year you own the stock.
If the answer is yes….I’ll be calling my broker!
About New Orleans….I had the privilege of living there for about 6 years. It is a great place. We would love to see you guys get going there again!
Thanks for your blog John! We hope to see you on our Med Cruise in May of 2008!
John and Susan in Frisco
Well John that interview was so good we have been wondering for a while how things were going in New Orleans as it is on our wish list of things to do. Thank you for acknowledging us in your latest blog thingy. We were very excited about that and have passed it on to two of the lovely Aussies we met on Liberty 18 months ago. You might remember Christiaan and Prudence who got engaged on the ship.
Your story about Harrods reminded us of our little sojourn there after leaving Freedom this year. We had flown to London and let’s face it you can never go to London without a little spend at Harrods (well we can’t anyway). Having exhausted our funds on Freedom…jewellery etc. Turkish rugs in Istanbul and numerous pieces of Art from Park West Galleries (now beautifully hanging on our walls) there were limitations on what we could spend at Harrods. However we decided to indulge ourselves in the food Court with a glass of wine and a shared cheese platter. An hour later having paid the equivalent of a slap up dinner at a good restaurant we left fully sated and extremely happy with our indulgence.Your story about Harrods reminded us of our little sojourn there after leaving Freedom this year. exhausted our funds on Freedom…jewellery etc. Turkish rugs in Istanbul and numerous pieces of Art from Park West Galleries (now beautifully hanging on our walls) there were limitations on what we could spend at Harrods. However we decided to indulge ourselves in the food Court with a glass of wine and a shared cheese platter. An hour later having paid the equivalent of a slap up dinner at a good restaurant we left fully sated and extremely happy with our indulgence.We have decided we are utter hedonists and Carnival has fed our needs leaving us wanting more.Would it be possible for us to sell our homes and bring our dogs and live on one of the ships all year round?
Hi John,
New Orleans and the Conquest were a special treat, indeed. Before that trip I had been under the impression that New Orleans was at the coast. So I was shocked that, when I looked out of the window of our cabin at 1 AM (hours after we had sailed from New Orleans), we were still navigating the Mississippi River. We stopped at Cozumel, which is now the replacement stop in Mexico for the trip to Panama on the Liberty in three weeks. We’ll be on that trip. Although I wish that among the available land tours would be a bus trip to Cancun. We’ve done just about everything there’s to do in Cozumel.
Are you going to be the CD on the Splendor next year? That would be cool.
Bests,
Andy
Hi John,
Speaking of Brad Pitt, he continues to put his money (or maybe it’s AJ’s) and is helping to rebuild the hardest hit area of New Orleans.
He will be on Larry King Wednesday night (show taped today) and ill no doubt be talking about New Orleans.
http://blog.nola.com/living/2007/12/brad_pitt_to_appear_on_cnns_la.html
For any interested in his project:
http://www.makeitrightnola.org/