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Two days in New Orleans

Nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’, an overnight in New Orleans gives
you the opportunity to soak up the festival atmosphere over
two full days. Here are some highlights we’d suggest, and
these are just for starters…
Grand Tours
Day 1

Hop aboard a historic red streetcar to take in sights like
St Louis Cathedral or simply stroll the streets, absorbing
local life. Shop for souvenirs in the eclectic French market
spanning six blocks, the oldest of its kind in the United States
or get back to nature in the calm, cool greenery of City
Park’s 1,300 acres. Saxophonist
The air is sweet with the scent of incredible Hispanic,
Creole and Cajun cuisine. Opened in 1862, the cornerstone
coffeehouse, Café du Monde is the perfect place to
people-watch. The colourful 18th-century European
architecture seems like a film set – and has been the
location of choice for many a film – in the bohemian
French quarter heart.

In the evening, why not join an organised ‘Bar walk and
cocktails’ and get a round in the rotating Carousel Bar? It’s a
pub crawl with a cultured twist, teaching of the chequered
history and highlights of this Crescent City.

Sazerac cocktail Mardi Gras jester statue

Day 2
Mardi Gras (meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’) has been celebrated in
New Orleans with feasting, entertainment and partying since
the early 1700s. The festival only takes place around Easter
but you’ll find the party feel is always present at this exciting
stop on your Grand Tour.

Put your comfy shoes on for an hour and a half’s guided
walk along the traditional Mardi Gras parade route through
the Garden District, passing the beautiful mansions of
St Charles Avenue. Your guide will let you in on the wild tales
of past processions and celebrations and you’ll get to see
Mardi Gras World where the floats are built and stored for
future parades.

Alternatively, learn of the life and times of a traditional
Louisiana plantation on an Old Southern Style day trip
out, take a paddle-steamer ride or enjoy the Swamp
Tour to see the beautiful bayou birds and toothy gators
of Cajun country.
Red streetcar

As your travel experts, we can arrange many of these adventures for
you. For more information, please visit pocruises.com/grand-tours
or go online to book your shore experiences at my.pocruises.com
from 365 days before you sail. 139