NOLA Escape: New Orleans Day 1

I am just pulling into New Orleans a day before my 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Escape.

Caesar’s Superdome

Smoothie King Center

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 

I parked at Fulton Garage. I booked the week before I knew I was staying at Hilton. I just added a day on with Spot Hero. I paid $106 cruise parking for the week then I added a day of regular parking for $25.

I had a couple of hours to kill before check-in time so I headed down to the Abita taphouse.

The Mothershucker (oyster stout). I’m suggesting they change it to the mothershougher.

Pumpkin Eater

I thought about trying their Fruity Pebbles beer but I see it’s just Strawberry mixed with Purple Haze. I can make that on the ship.

Shakenberry IPA

They have interesting bathrooms.

I spent about $100 on shirts and take home beer.

I returned to my car to grab my backpack. I have a backpack with just my what I need for tonight. I’ll come back tomorrow, drop off my dirty clothes, and pick up the suitcase before heading to the ship.

That is one of the shuttles that takes you to and from the ship.

If you’re looking for a place with food, a Cajun band, and dancing near the port, this is the spot. If you saw the movie Renfeld a couple years ago with Nicholas Cage, this was the bar in it.

I helped a lost couple find the Riverfront Hotel. That’s it there. It used to be the Omni Riverfront but I see they took the sign down.

That is the Julia Street Cruise Terminal where I’ll be boarding tomorrow. 

These elevators in the Riverwalk Mall take you down to the terminal.

Outside is the boarding bridge.

Just inside is a Fat Tuesdays. I got a Pina Colada.

You can get to the Hilton walking through the mall. As you can see there’s a Riverfront Streetcar stop out front. That car will take you to the French Quarter for $1.25. You can buy a 24 hour pass for $3 on the Le Pass app.

I am checking in. They have quite a line but it moved fast. 

Here is my room.

And my view.

For a full room tour please check out Hilton Riverside in New Orleans.

The Creole Queen is a smaller paddle boat tour option. The Steamship Natchez is the big one.

The Four Seasons and Spanish Plaza.

We’re about to take one of those over to Algiers for the sunset.

The aquarium

There is the Steamship Natchez.

Here comes my ride. For full coverage of my $3 sunset cruise, please check out Sunset at Algiers Point in New Orleans.

I just got off of the water shuttle from Algiers. This is the new hotel tower at Caesar’s New Orleans.

The old world trade center is a Four Seasons Hotel and Residences now. On the top floor they have this observatory called Vue Orleans. It costs $25 to go up there. They have a bar up there and packages that include some drinks as well.

The shops at Canal Place. I heard that Saks is closing soon.

I’m going to take you on a little night time tour of the French Quarter. For full coverage of that please visit The French Quarter and Frenchman Street.

We are over by Lafayette Square now. I’m heading back to my car because my phone battery is about dead and my chargers are in the car.

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

I made it back to my car and got my charger. Now I’m going to grab something to eat.

Cochon Butcher is a great spot for sandwiches.

I grabbed a picture of someone else’s Le Pig Mac.

I got a mufuletta.

It’s outstanding

If you’re looking for a full restaurant, Cochon Restaurant next door is a good one.

The National WWII museum is one of the best museums in the world. I highly recommend it. You could spend an entire day there but I suggest allotting at least 5 hours to see the entire thing. It’s been 6 or 7 years since I’ve been and they’ve added another building since then. 

Harmony Circle used to be Lee Circle before they removed the Civil War statues a few years back.

I’m catching the St. Charles Streetcar. This is included in that 24 hour pass I bought for $3.

If I could pick a Garden District hotel to stay at, it would be the Pontchartrain Hotel. It’s always on the high end when I’m looking. One of the owners of this is Cooper Manning, the brother of Peyton and Eli and the father of Arch.

Inside the Pontchartrain Hotel this room is where the Saints franchise was christened on All Saints Day in 1966. The original owner of the Saints was John Mecom. He made his money in oil (Black Gold).

The reason I come to this hotel is for the views from the Hot Tin Bar.

It’s getting late so I’m heading back to the hotel.

I spent $3 on the 24 hour pass from the Le Pass app. The ferry rides would’ve been $2 each way and this would’ve been $1.25 each way. So it would’ve been $6.50 without the 24-hour pass.

I also could’ve shortened my walk to and from Frenchman Street by taking the Riverfront Streetcar. That would’ve been another $2.50 round trip. It’s good for 24 hours so if I want to use it in the morning, it’s available then as well.

Tomorrow is embarkation day. Good night!