Carnival Dream July 31st, 2016

Hi-My family will be sailing on the Carnival Dream departing this Sunday, July 31st. We are not able to check in until 2:00. Any suggestions on what to do as our flight gets into New Orleans at 10:00AM.

Thanks!

See if faster to the fun is available, that should let you board as soon as you get to the port.

If not 4hours really isn't too much "down time", by the time you get off the plane, get your luggage, find your transportation to the port, take the ride, etc. you wouldn't have a crazy amount of time to wait. And there won't be any stress either.

Hi- The FTTF is not available. Is there anywhere close by (within walking distance with luggage) that we can relax and have cocktails while waiting ?

Walk along the river interesting places to see and go to

The port has the River Walk Mall attached. http://www.riverwalkneworleans.com/

Cafe du Monde - which is world famous for their beignets and chicory cafe au lait - has a spot there. It's actually better than the overcrowded main cafe downtown. To keep up with demand, they have to make the pastries overnight, and they just aren't good unless they are fresh. The ones in the mall are tres bien!

I dont think that the River Walk is attached to cruise terminal. But it is very close and its is easy. But by the time you get your suitcases and a cab to the port, that will take over an hour.

Once you arrive at port, you should be able to drop your luggage with the porters then head out to whatever nearby sightseeing you want to do. No need to drag the luggage with you.

Once you arrive at port, you should be able to drop your luggage with the porters then head out to whatever nearby sightseeing you want to do. No need to drag the luggage with you.

Quoting for truth.

Give the porters your luggage, makes sure the luggage takes are securely fastened, tip the porters a Jackson for the effort/attention and then kill the little time you're going to have left as it'll be a good hour of time from when you land, get your luggage, get a ride to the port and actually get to the port.

You'll have enough time to relax/unwind before your time to get on.

Now, go enjoy yourself and come back w this look :D!

The Harrah's casino is right across the street from the riverwalk mall. Plenty of bars inside and then on the other side of it are tons of bars and restaurants. The street cars are also nearby.

no need to tote bags aa some said, just check it in. The old cemetery is pretty cool, you have to do a guided tour, worth it.

WOW!! Thank you all for the suggestions!! Cheers!! One more item for all who responded. Sounds like you are all "Seasoned" travelers. What would you suggest transportation wise from the airport to the port? Carnival's transfer service is not an option. We've tried that before and it's crazy!

The day we disembark (Sunday, 8-7) we will be staying one night at the French Market Inn. Again, suggestion for transportation? I'm not sure of the distance from the port to the Inn. I've read that some folks like to walk to their hotel after the cruise..

The port has the River Walk Mall attached. http://www.riverwalkneworleans.com/

 

Cafe du Monde - which is world famous for their beignets and chicory cafe au lait - has a spot there. It's actually better than the overcrowded main cafe downtown. To keep up with demand, they have to make the pastries overnight, and they just aren't good unless they are fresh. The ones in the mall are tres bien!

The beignets are awesome, best unhealthy lunch ever but great.

Hi-My family will be sailing on the Carnival Dream departing this Sunday, July 31st. We are not able to check in until 2:00. Any suggestions on what to do as our flight gets into New Orleans at 10:00AM.

 

Thanks!

Have you already made airport transfer arrangements?

After dropping off your luggage at the port, the downtown area on the river offers the riverwalk which has an outlet mall. They have plenty of shopping and about 20 restaurants to pick from. Harrah's casino is also right there next to the port (not walking distance-get a cab). If you just want an air conditioned space to kill time, there is a large bar area with big screens in the very center of the casino where you can sit and stay cool (it's free to just hang out there). In between Harrah's casino and the hotel is Fulton Street which is a pedestrian walkway (no car traffic). Manning's Sports Bar is right behind the hotel. They have big screens and a good variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. And New Orleans downtown area is very walkable if you just want to stroll around. New Orleans also has a large aquarium downtown you could visit-Aquarium of the Americas if you want to google it.

Or you could book transfers from MSY airport to the downtown area through airport shuttle new Orleans dot com which costs $24 per person. You could take that to Harrah's and be close to the port area and in a good location to kill some time. Harrah's bell hops will store luggage for you I think. Once you collect your luggage at airport baggage claim, you catch the shuttle just outside baggage claim #10 at ground transportation.

Have a great cruise!

WOW!! Thank you all for the suggestions!! Cheers!! One more item for all who responded. Sounds like you are all "Seasoned" travelers. What would you suggest transportation wise from the airport to the port? Carnival's transfer service is not an option. We've tried that before and it's crazy!

The day we disembark (Sunday, 8-7) we will be staying one night at the French Market Inn. Again, suggestion for transportation? I'm not sure of the distance from the port to the Inn. I've read that some folks like to walk to their hotel after the cruise..