So, How Much Is Too Much? (Long post)

[evandbob]

The

 

There was a distinction between the Warehouse District and Business District n Xpdia. Someone commented that the Hilton Riverside was next to the mall and you could walk to the port from there (Is this true? I could not find this info online). It is the most affordable for an August cruise also. I have really wanted to visit, but I think I will arrive a day early to explore and take a nice cheap cruise. What the biggest difference between staying in the WD or BD, versus FQ? Can I walk to FQ from those area? Thanks.

 

I stayed at the Hilton Riverside and it is indeed next to the port. I do believe it's so close that a cruise ship hit the pier and damaged the hotel while docking some years ago.

Edited June 17, 2016 by evandbob

[R Prim]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Well I wasn't expecting this - you have talked me out of renting cars and staying in Gretna! We got great rates for the Residence Inn N.O. Downtown/Convention Center. We are looking into Uber (a very special thank you to the poster that told us about the six $20.00 discounts) Not sure if we can walk to the French Quarters but it looks like the trolly is right there. I am excited and very thankful for all of you who took the time to post your thoughts - there is wisdom in numbers. We got this! Happy sailing to you all!

[Thorncroft]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Well I wasn't expecting this - you have talked me out of renting cars and staying in Gretna! We got great rates for the Residence Inn N.O. Downtown/Convention Center. We are looking into Uber (a very special thank you to the poster that told us about the six $20.00 discounts) Not sure if we can walk to the French Quarters but it looks like the trolly is right there. I am excited and very thankful for all of you who took the time to post your thoughts - there is wisdom in numbers. We got this! Happy sailing to you all!

 

24 hr street car pass is only $3. You can get the pass from the machine at the stop or from the driver. Cash only, so have exact fare.

[BSUGrad]

So you big spenders from the North are going to spend $2 per person to take a ferry across the river? :eek:

 

You got something against swimming ???

 

Nicely played! :)

[MMastell]

Check Hotwire and priceline for nicer hotels closer to everything ... i got a fabulous room for 4 for $89, reg $259/night

 

I agree with you and Tapi's first post. Saving $100 can make your enjoyable vacation a PITA.

 

I will be sailing on the Dream in October and, even this far out, I was able to book the Sheraton, Canal Street for $92, including all taxes and fees. It's close to the Quarter and far less of a hassle to the port.

 

If I am paying $2800 (cabin, tips and Cheers) for a cruise $100 - $200 more to make the logistics easier is well worth it.

 

Take care,

Mike

[erinmarie424]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Well I wasn't expecting this - you have talked me out of renting cars and staying in Gretna! We got great rates for the Residence Inn N.O. Downtown/Convention Center. We are looking into Uber (a very special thank you to the poster that told us about the six $20.00 discounts) Not sure if we can walk to the French Quarters but it looks like the trolly is right there. I am excited and very thankful for all of you who took the time to post your thoughts - there is wisdom in numbers. We got this! Happy sailing to you all!

 

 

 

That was me and you're welcome! Just make sure everyone loads the app and has the discount loaded before you go. Heck, if I had a bigger car than my tiny Prius I'd offer to pick you up in Dayton and drive you to CVG just to say I took part in your adventure (I live in Mason) [emoji4]

[elliair]

 

Yes, I was the guy that would park 2 miles away to save $5/day. The guy that would stay at the Best Western to save $20. The guy that would make lunch out of cereal boxes, bagels, and fruit from the free breakfast at the hotel. The guy that would walk to the public bus stop to pay $1 for a ride, to then walk a mile when I could've taken a cab ride door to door for $10, etc etc.

 

[emoji41][emoji267]

 

I believe your doctor would commend you for walking instead of riding in a cab. There's nothing wrong with doing that, in fact, we do it all the time! We walked from the Seattle airport over to the Radisson Inn instead of taking a cab. We got to see the flowers and plants on our way. I'm a walker - I do it for my blood sugar - I stay off of meds.

 

Nothing wrong in cheaping it. We're renting a car and driving it to a Best Western near SFO. We're going to the hotel first, drop our luggage off then return the car to the airport. Then jump on the free shuttle back to the hotel. Our flight leaves very early in the morning, if there's no shuttle running at 3:00 am from the hotel, then we'll take a cab. Our return flight flies into Sacramento so we'll rent a car and drive home. Where we save is the parking of $15.00 a day and we'll be gone for 30 days. So, this is the cheapest route to take.

 

DH and I ate breakfast out today. We were given 2 menus, one called "comfort food"and the other was their regular menu. The omelet on the regular menu was $12.95 and on the comfort food menu it was $7.95. DH and I wondered how many people would pay the $12.95 instead of the $7.95 for the same dish? Yes, I'm cheap and look for the best bargain. My next cruise I'm booking with the big top - 3% cash back and more OBC offered than Discover card. Monday the new big top CC will be available for everyone.:p

[kayshalea]

So, we decided to do a "cheap" get away, sailing out of New Orleans in August. My question for you, what is the most "rig-a-mo" you have ever done to do "cheap"? Right now, this is our plan...drive to Cincinnati (about an hour and a half away) and fly Allegient Air ($44.00 per ticket) to N.O. (there are 10 of us); rent two cars; drive to hotel in Gretna then to the ferry station and take the ferry over and walk into the French Quarters for the day; ferry back to cars; cars back to hotel. In the morning drive to cruise port drop off 8 people and drivers take the two rental cars to a drop off point near the ship (1/2 to 1 mile); drop off cars and drivers walk back to port. Following the cruise we will rent two cars to take us back to the airport; drivers will again walk to car rental pick up and drive back to port to pick up other 8 people; drop off cars and fly back to Dayton with points on Southwest. If we can't get drivers to take us to Cincinnati for the Allegient flights we will have to go back the next day to pick up the cars. We are experienced travelers and have done a lot of things to save a dime, but I am smiling as I type this because this is a lot even for us! So, can you beat this or do you just think we are crazy?

 

Did you already check flights? They only fly to new Orleans from Cincinnati on Thurs and Sunday. We went twice this year. The first time we had a 4 hrs delay from Cincinnati to new Orleans. We got vouchers and went back a month later. My cousins had the same problem the next week. As long as you flyout the night before it should be fine.

[kayshalea]

Thank you so much for all your input. Airfare is already booked so can't cancel that. As for Allegient, they have 2 flights out of Cincinnati and we are taking the first one out. We have checked all fees and got our tickets at the airport for the best fare. I am rethinking renting cars and staying in Gretna though (we need 3 hotel rooms). We will need 3 cabs which I believe would cost about $125 plus tips from the airport to the French Quarters (should we decide to stay there). About how much would it be for cabs from the French Quarters to the cruise port and then from the cruise port to the airport following the cruise? I am also wondering about Uber. We have never used them before. As for stress, no worry. We are all family. We are only able to cruise so often because we are willing to make every trip "an adventure". I so appreciate all of your suggestions! Cruisecritic is one of our best resources and because of the insite of fellow cruisers we have saved a lot of money over the years.

 

Our uber from the airport to downtown was $32 I did a Google search for coupons and got $20 off

[poobears]

My worry with a group of 8-10 and the original plan is what are the odds that all of the members can handle the long walk in the summer heat when they aren't use to it?

 

I'm in MO and right now our heat indexes are hitting 105, in mid august we can hit 110-115+ on some days. I assume NO area is similar or even higher. People who are use to living in these conditions can find themselves in the hospital or worse by pushing it. So bring in tourist dragging along luggage or carrying bag and hustling trying to make it to a cruise and that's just a recipe for disaster. No one wants to wind up in the hospital to save a few bucks or just be wiped out to start a cruise.

 

Saving money and having a fun adventure is one thing, saving money and doing things that could endanger lives is another, think this one pushes more towards the endangering side and not necessary.

 

Oh I see plans have change, hopefully that includes getting to port also. Good luck :)

Edited June 18, 2016 by poobears

[poobears]

On the hotel that connects to the mall, is there a place to park your car for the week? Or is it basically for those that fly in? I will be driving the 12.5 hours to port so would have my car with me. Would love to just walk over to port instead of driving over there but don't know what I'd do with my car if I did. Don't think I can afford to fly us down.

[lalyn1983]

Best lines in the whole thread! I do wish you all a wonderful trip. Can't wait for the post-cruise review!

 

Agreed! I think the success of this plan will depend very much on the attitudes of the people involved. This is a bit more elaborate than any of the plans I've coordinated, but my family and I have devised a few roundabout ways to save money on our trips -and even though we've had some bumps along the way, we always ended up with a great trip, some laughs and interesting stories of our adventures to tell.

 

By the way, I'm down in Houston and I think we are comparably hot and swampy to N.O. Don't be too discouraged about a half mile or so walk... It may not be the most comfortable circumstances, but I've done plenty walking around here in the blazing heat and humidity AND lived to tell my story! :cool:

[winddawn]

"Cheap" is not what I seek on vacation, although I do appreciate great value for my vacation dollars. I wouldn't consider anything you described as being consistent with what would equate to an enjoyable vacation experience for me.

 

I hope it works out well for you though.

 

I guess we all have different standards for how we spend our hard-earned vacation time off from work.

 

My "value-based" cruise vacation includes reasonably priced non-stop flights roundtrip, and a cruise that offers great value (i.e., a great casino offer). I don't cruise---period---until that minimum criteria is met. And then I don't mind spending money to enhance that minimum criteria, such as one or two great excursions.

 

I hope it works out well for you.

[R Prim]

Okay,so now that you have talked me into changing my plans and we nixed renting cars and staying in Gretna... I have heard you can, but do people really walk to the Carnival Terminal in New Orleans? We have sailed out of many US ports and have never walked nor seen anyone walking to a cruise port. As you know, there are 10 of us and it is breaking my husband's heart (or wallet) to pay $8.00 per person plus tip for a 1/2 mile walk. Has anyone used Uber to the port?

[bizzybee902]

Okay,so now that you have talked me into changing my plans and we nixed renting cars and staying in Gretna... I have heard you can, but do people really walk to the Carnival Terminal in New Orleans? We have sailed out of many US ports and have never walked nor seen anyone walking to a cruise port. As you know, there are 10 of us and it is breaking my husband's heart (or wallet) to pay $8.00 per person plus tip for a 1/2 mile walk. Has anyone used Uber to the port?

 

As someone previously suggested, depending on what hotel you stay at, you can walk to the cruise port through the mall. the hotel that was recommended to me as the Hilton Riverside. It is affordable.

[NOLALADY]

On the hotel that connects to the mall, is there a place to park your car for the week? Or is it basically for those that fly in? I will be driving the 12.5 hours to port so would have my car with me. Would love to just walk over to port instead of driving over there but don't know what I'd do with my car if I did. Don't think I can afford to fly us down.

 

You can park at the Fulton Street Parking Garage and they provide a free shuttle to the port. It's reasonably priced and extremely close to the port. Here's their website. https://www.neworleansparking.com/

 

Or you can park next to the ship in the Erato Street port terminal and walk right in, but it's more expensive. I've done both. They are both great options and both easy as can be.

 

http://portno.com/erato-street-cruise-terminal

[R Prim]

Not driving so do't have cars to contend with. I have seen many posts stating that you CAN walk and was really just checking to see if anyone really HAS walked. I know the heat is an issue, as many have stated. Just makes me smile to visualize people actually walking to the port dragging suitcases. Now we cruise a lot so all have learned how to pack; we are flying Allegiant so we have minimal luggage but still 10 (8 adults and 2 children) making that entrance seems a bit odd - but not too odd for us!

[erinmarie424]

Not driving so do't have cars to contend with. I have seen many posts stating that you CAN walk and was really just checking to see if anyone really HAS walked. I know the heat is an issue, as many have stated. Just makes me smile to visualize people actually walking to the port dragging suitcases. Now we cruise a lot so all have learned how to pack; we are flying Allegiant so we have minimal luggage but still 10 (8 adults and 2 children) making that entrance seems a bit odd - but not too odd for us!

 

It's very close but I would not want to walk it with luggage. How about calling ONE cab (or Uber) and piling all (or most of) the suitcases in there and have a couple of people ride with the luggage? Then the rest of you can walk without having to deal with the suitcases. I'd have a few people go ahead of the cab so when it gets there they can claim it and not leave the riders to deal with all of it.

[R Prim]

it's very close but i would not want to walk it with luggage. How about calling one cab (or uber) and piling all (or most of) the suitcases in there and have a couple of people ride with the luggage? Then the rest of you can walk without having to deal with the suitcases. I'd have a few people go ahead of the cab so when it gets there they can claim it and not leave the riders to deal with all of it.

 

absolutely a great idea!

[BlazinSunsets]

It's very close but I would not want to walk it with luggage. How about calling ONE cab (or Uber) and piling all (or most of) the suitcases in there and have a couple of people ride with the luggage? Then the rest of you can walk without having to deal with the suitcases. I'd have a few people go ahead of the cab so when it gets there they can claim it and not leave the riders to deal with all of it.

 

Yes excellent idea. I love walking and will normally walk anywhere I can, a mile or so, to save a few bucks on vacation (unfortunatly my family does not share my love of walking so it ends up being a taxi ride) but even I would feel odd hauling a bunch of luggage over half a mile.

[jdemps]

OP - it would be helpful for you to share with us what you are actually saving with all that driving an rental car mess. As others have said, have you priced Uber compared to a rental car? My uber for 4 from NOlA airport to french quarter was $48. Bag fees need to be added into the Alegiant air price + gas to drive over to that airport. Hotels in the quarter or business district can be found for about $200 for 4 people with a short cab ride to the port.

 

Without knowing what your comparisons are for pricing, there is no way for us to say if you're getting crazy with the plans or not. I would have to save about $2000 to go through all that mess with 8 people and maybe not even then cuz broken down, not that much per person more to just fly from home airport and taxi/uber to port.

 

Good luck with it all!

[btfly745]

I agree with you and Tapi's first post. Saving $100 can make your enjoyable vacation a PITA.

 

I will be sailing on the Dream in October and, even this far out, I was able to book the Sheraton, Canal Street for $92, including all taxes and fees. It's close to the Quarter and far less of a hassle to the port.

 

If I am paying $2800 (cabin, tips and Cheers) for a cruise $100 - $200 more to make the logistics easier is well worth it.

 

Take care,

Mike

 

I'm also on the Dream in October. How were you able to get that price for the Sheraton? I'm finding around $190.

[Budget Queen]

Not driving so do't have cars to contend with. I have seen many posts stating that you CAN walk and was really just checking to see if anyone really HAS walked. I know the heat is an issue, as many have stated. Just makes me smile to visualize people actually walking to the port dragging suitcases. Now we cruise a lot so all have learned how to pack; we are flying Allegiant so we have minimal luggage but still 10 (8 adults and 2 children) making that entrance seems a bit odd - but not too odd for us!

 

Yes, I have walked to cruise ships in New Orleans. I always pack light and have no issue with hauling my bag.

 

I'm not reading the entire thread- but my "norm" in New Orleans is to use the Jefferson airport bus, and I walk to my CBD hotel. I've walked to all of them, Hilton on Poydras, Marriott, W, most often I stay at the La Quinta on Camp. It's a walking city for me.

[R Prim]

One of the great things about Cruisecritic is the diversity of the posters. What would be considered expensive to one is cheap to another. I have been asked for a breakdown of our expenses, so for those who are interested...Let me preface this with saying that grandpa is paying the bill, so everything is times 10. We went to the airport and purchased our Allegiant tickets, they were $44.00 one way the only additional fee was for a few checked bags and a couple of carry-ons (which individuals had to pay for). 8 of the return tickets were purchased with points on Southwest making the total cost of round trip airfare $84.00 per ticket. 2 rental cars picked up at the airport and dropped off near the port were approximately $150 for both cars and would have covered transportation from the airport to the hotel (which was just $65 total per room X3); to the French Quarters for the day and to the port the next day. Picking up the cars following the cruise and returning them to the airport was a little cheaper.

 

Our plans right now (and they could change) is to use Uber when we get to New Orleans (we are downloading 5 or 6 $20.. discount coupons which will help cover 3 cars from the airport to the hotel and then from the cruise port back to the airport following the cruise). Our current reservations are with the Residence Inn Convention Center, 3 rooms at $86.00 each). We will probably get trolly passes (I have been told they are $3.00 for 24 hours) to get to the French Quarters for the day. AND perhaps we will rent 1 Uber car to take 2 people and luggage to the port while the other 8 enjoy the walk.

 

This has been a fun and very informative thread, again thank you to all who have responded!

[bizzybee902]

I agree, very helpful responses.