Curator’s statement
Our family chose New Orleans and a cruise for our spring break adventure, marking our first visit to the vibrant city of New Orleans. I’ve long been drawn to its rich history and the iconic French Quarter, making it a dream destination to explore. Sharing this new experience with my family brought us closer together, and capping it off with a relaxing cruise made the trip truly unforgettable.
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Our spring break family trip kicked off in New Orleans on Saturday afternoon, where we dove straight into the vibrant heart of the city with a walk through the French Quarter. We savored beignets at Café du Monde — a must for any visitor — and explored Jackson Square, Louis Armstrong Park and the hauntingly beautiful St. Louis Cemetery #1 via a guided tour. Dinner at Napoleon House was a highlight, with their muffalettas stealing the show, while the kids loved digging into jambalaya, red beans and rice and po’boys. That evening, the Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour with Witches Brew Tours brought the French Quarter’s eerie history to life — an engaging blend of education and entertainment perfect for families or anyone curious about the city’s mystical side. New Orleans quickly charmed us with its mix of history, culture, and food. This makes it a great place for first-time visitors like us or experienced travelers who want a lively city break.
Sunday took us deeper into the city’s diversity, starting with a ride on the historic St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District, where we marveled at stunning mansions and snapped photos of Lafayette Cemetery #1, Commander’s Palace and celebrity homes like Sandra Bullock’s and Archie Manning’s. Midday, we ventured out to the Barataria Swamps for a swamp boat tour with Louisiana Swamp Tours — a thrilling outing where we spotted wild alligators and even held a baby one, a hit with the kids and adults alike. Lunch at Cajun Daiquiri & Café en route fueled us with boiled crawfish, shrimp po’boys, pulled pork and daiquiris, offering a casual taste of Cajun hospitality. This mix of urban elegance and wild adventure makes New Orleans a standout destination for families or groups who crave variety — pair the Garden District’s charm with a swamp tour for a full Louisiana experience.
Monday morning, we boarded the Carnival Valor for our cruise, kicking off with spa treatments, swimming and onboard fun that kept everyone entertained. Our Wednesday stop in Cozumel at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club was a tropical dream — all-inclusive food and drinks, a couples massage for the parents, and water inflatables for the kids, plus a memorable horseback ride through the rainforest and beach. Though the weather scrapped our planned stop in Progreso, the extra sea day let us enjoy the ship’s comedy clubs, music shows, bingo, casino and endless ice cream — perfect for unwinding. This trip suits families or couples looking for a balance of culture and relaxation. I’d recommend New Orleans for history buffs and foodies, the Carnival Valor for easygoing cruise vibes and Mr. Sancho’s for a laid-back beach day in Cozumel.
Horsback ride at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club in Cozumel.
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club
Wild alligator during the swamp boat tour
Holding a baby alligator on the swamp boat tour.
Beignets at Café du Monde
Cemetary Tour
Jackson Square
Family portrait onboard the cruise ship on elegant night.
Need to know
When visiting New Orleans, one key tip is to allow extra time to simply soak in the city’s unique vibe — it’s an experience you can’t rush. We were strolling through the French Quarter when a wedding parade burst onto the scene, complete with a lively second-line band, brass instruments blaring and locals dancing alongside. It was an unexpected, joyful moment that captured the city’s spirit perfectly. Whether it’s street performers, impromptu celebrations or the hum of history in the air, leave room in your itinerary for these spontaneous treasures — they’re what make New Orleans unforgettable.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New Orleans page.
Travel Advisor
Thomas Schutte
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