New Orleans & Southern Charms

Get acquainted with New Orleans and see some of its most vibrant neighborhoods. Explore the historic sights of the Uptown district, including the campuses of Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans. Discover the leafy streets and stately homes of the Garden District, so named because of the expansive gardens that once surrounded its houses. Pass by Jackson Square, admiring the eclectic architecture of the facade of the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously used cathedral in the US, and the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans and future seventh US president. You will also view landmarks like the Superdome, National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. Learn about the cultural significance of New Orleans’ unique cemeteries during your guided tour.

Stroll through the famous French Quarter for an intimate look at New Orleans’s oldest, most evocative neighborhood. A local expert will narrate the history of this 85-square-block area, also known as the Vieux Carré (Old Square). It was here that New Orleans began in 1718, and the area is now a National Historic Landmark. Highlights of the tour include Jackson Square, presided over by St. Louis Cathedral; the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed; and the Pontalba Buildings, elegant town houses that capture the French Quarter’s most iconic architectural elements. Your guide will point out some famous eateries and bars that you may wish to try on your own—like Galatoire’s and Pat O’Brien’s, where New Orleans’s signature cocktail, the hurricane, was invented.

Revisit the contributions of Allied forces in World War II on a tour of this acclaimed museum. Among its exhibits is a replica of the Higgins boats—designed and built in New Orleans and vital to the success of the Normandy D-Day landings. Watch the award-winning 4-D film Beyond All Boundaries, an intense sensory experience produced and narrated by Tom Hanks. Also included is entrance to the Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. This interactive exhibit puts you on board the most successful submarine in World War II for its final patrol in 1944. Consistently ranked in the top tier of traveler awards polls, the National WWII Museum is a must-see for any history lover, as well as anyone moved by the sacrifices and spirit of America’s “Greatest Generation.”

Experience the best of New Orleans, from jazz to jambalaya, with local jazz musician Kevin Clark as your guide. A Grammy award-winning artist who has toured the globe extensively, Kevin has long been a mainstay in the New Orleans jazz scene. Travel to the historic French Quarter, where you will begin your journey at Fritzel's European Jazz Club, with a private concert featuring the iconic Fritzel's house band while enjoying a complimentary cocktail. Next, stroll to the famous Court of Two Sisters for a special brunch of mouthwatering Creole- and Cajun-inspired fare. Delight in tasty dishes, such as shrimp creole omelets and duck à l'orange. Afterward, travel to the New Orleans Jazz Museum for an informative overview of the exhibits, followed by ample time to explore on your own before returning to your hotel.

Gain insight into the Battle of New Orleans during a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. Named after the French pirate Jean Lafitte, this large park protects the natural and cultural resources of Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta region. You will transfer to the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Here, American forces resoundingly defeated the British in what was the last major engagement of the War of 1812. Upon arrival, follow your guide to view a reconstructed American rampart, an 1830s house, the 100-foot-high Chalmette Monument and more. Learn how this victory helped shape America’s early identity and set the course for 19th-century expansionism. Then, pay your respects at the Chalmette National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 14,000 Americans from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam War.

Experience the beauty and history of the Mississippi River delta wetlands during an immersive pontoon boat ride. Travel through colorful neighborhoods, passing landmarks such as the Doullut Steamboat Houses and the mansion of rock ’n’ roll pioneer Fats Domino. At the marina, board your pontoon boat for a guided journey through the Louisiana wetlands, the continental US’s largest and most productive river delta ecosystem. Keep watch for wildlife as you gain insight into the coastal restoration projects of the Central Wetlands and view the imposing Lake Borgne Surge Barrier, the largest design-build flood civil works project in the history of the US Army Corp of Engineers. See historic military fortifications and learn about Bayou Bienvenu, used by the British to attack New Orleans in 1814. Back on shore, cap your tour with a delicious “gulf-to-table" lunch featuring fresh seafood.

Meet a Big Chief of the Mardi Gras Indians and engage in a cultural experience beyond the parades. Drive to the Mardi Gras Indian Council where you will be greeted by a Big Chief, a revered community leader and cultural guardian. Through storytelling and dialogue, hear about the historic alliance between Native Americans and runaway enslaved Africans, leaving a legacy known as the Black Masking Indians. View the elaborate ceremonial suits, considered works of art, that were carefully crafted over a year, adorned with beads and feather plumes. You will also see a Mardi Gras Indian in full regalia and gain insight into the ancestral pride of their unique tribes. After your insightful experience, return to your awaiting ship.

Discover the heart of New Orleans, explore an impressive art collection and sample a timeless classic, the beignet. Drive through the city to reach the French Quarter, where you will disembark and continue on foot. Take in the lively atmosphere of the district as you make your way toward Royal Street. Arrive at the M.S Rau Gallery, which holds an expansive collection of high-quality art and jewelry across three floors. Explore with your guide, seeing works by world renowned artists, such as Monet, Warhol and Chippendale, and gain key insights into the cultural movements behind these pieces. After, return to Royal Street for a short walk to a local café, where you will have the opportunity to sit down to sample a strong, traditional cup of coffee and a plate of beignets, a classic New Orleans treat. Finally, rejoin your motor coach and return to your ship.

Trace the storied waterways that have defined Louisiana’s history and learn about its coastal traditions. Drive by motor coach through historic neighborhoods, following the Bayou Road as you listen to stories about Louisiana’s heritage and culture. Arrive at St. Bernard Parish, venturing into a landscape of wetlands, canals and fishing villages that reveal a way of life guided by the tides and the seasons. Visit the Isleños Museum and Village to learn about the Canary Islands Spanish community and view original 19th-century homes. You will then head to Shell Beach and Yscloskey, where generations of families continue time-honored bayou traditions. Meet a fourth-generation fisherman who will share stories of local life and the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, then sit down to a traditional seafood boil with views over the wetlands. After, return to your ship.