Travel Log: Disembarkation/New Orleans - New Orleans and NCL Escape

My morning started early when I heard the thrusters sometime shortly after 5:30 a.m. Looking at my phone, I saw that we had already arrived. We had originally been told to expect an 8:00 a.m. arrival time and then in one of the Captain's briefings I understand he mentioned a 7:00 a.m. arrival so I was a bit surprised we were this early. I wonder if it was the best window given the rain and fog. This is fog season for the New Orleans (and Tampa) port and in both cases, there is quite a bit of navigation (up a river in New Orleans and under a bridge in Tampa) that happens before actually arriving at the port so it is quite common that ships get delayed coming in because of fog.

I was sitting at breakfast in Savor, one of the main dining rooms when at about 6:45 a.m. they started the disembarkation process with walk offs, 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead of schedule. They started calling the colored tags around 8:00 a.m., about 50 minutes ahead of schedule.

I enjoyed smoke salmon one last time - that is a treat for me each cruise.

I got off the ship as they were calling the last groups sometime after 9:30. I had let them take care of my luggage and chosen the last tag color available because I wasn't in a hurry. By then, there weren't many people left so the line was short and went quickly. Overall, I heard embarkation was very smooth from start to finish. I had a little over a mile walk to my hotel and so I headed in that direction. There was a light rain so I stopped in front of Caesar's casino to take out my rain poncho and cover some of my stuff to keep important things dry. And I took that moment to enjoy the Christmas decorations. It seemed New Orleans had done more decorating in the week I had been gone.

Upon arriving at my hotel, I was informed that they had sold out the night before and wouldn't have any rooms ready until later in the afternoon but they would be glad to stow my luggage so I could go explore the city. So I handed off my suitcase and a tote bag with some odds and ends and headed back out with my camera bag and backpack. My first stop was the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.

After buying my ticket, I headed up to the Insectarium first where you can see all kinds of bugs (and even taste some if you really want - I skipped that part) and then walk through a butterfly house. It's a neat experience but was overrun with toddlers and preschoolers. I understand Santa was there for photos which probably attracted even more families than usual.

Then I continued on to the aquarium. It's not a bad aquarium but it seemed expensive for what you get. I spent about two hours between the Insectarium and Aquarium including stopping to rest for lunch in their cafe.

Afterwards, I stepped out onto the Riverwalk to take in the views and see if the rain had slowed at all. It was very light at this point.

Monument of the Immigrant

As I was watching the river, the Steamboat Natchez cruised by playing its Steam Calliope (steam pipe-organ). I always enjoy riverboat cruises so I walked over to the ticket office to see about their schedule and availability and purchased a ticket on the 2:30 Jazz Sightseeing Cruise.

I wonder about the story that lead to this sign.

Paddlewheel powered by an 100 year old steam engine - this paddlewheel is the only source of propulsion. It works in combination with three large rudders under the wheel for steering.

On this rainy, cold day, the boat wasn't even close to full so there was lots of room to move around.

On this boat, you can peak into the boiler room and even walk into the steam engine room. The two boilers on the ship are named Thelma and Louise.

boiler room

Steam engine that power the paddlewheel

It was a bit chilly and so I appreciated being able to buy a cup of coffee from the bar (with free refills).

The Captain got us nice and close to my ship so I could admire her once more and capture a few more photos and videos.

After the riverboat cruise, I was tired, my feet were sore, and I was chilled to the bone, so I headed back to my hotel to check in. I stayed at the Hampton Inn New Orleans Canal Street French Quarter. I was excited when I open the door to my room to discover I had been upgraded to a two room suite! It was nice to have the extra space to unwind.