The Coffee Shop

Had a great time taking a couple cruises out of New Orleans this month.  Drove to N.O. on Jan 10 and spent the night at LaQuinta Inn in Metairie and then took a taxi to the dock on the 11th.   Went to Deanie’s Seafood in Metairie or dinner the night before the cruise and “Wow” what an experience that was!  They have a seafood platter for 1/2/4 that is fabulous.  Mix of shrimp, catfish, oysters and softshelled crabs that makes me drool just remembering it.

Spent a wonderful week on NCL’s “Spirit” visiting Casa Maya, Belize, Guatemala, and Cozumel before returning to N.O. on the 18th. Spent another night at LaQuinta and back to the dock on the 19th for another cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy to Cozumel and Progresso, MX.  LaQuinta allowed us to leave our vehicle there during our cruises which was a great plus.  They were very helpful and we will definitely use them again next time we visit New Orleans.

The NCL Spirit was a super nice ship and everything was top notch.  Food was great and plentiful as was a variety of activities on board.  We didn’t go ashore in Guatemala and should have, but certainly enjoyed  the other shore visits as well as the on-board activities.  Took a snorkeling excursion to Ambergris Caye where we swam with stingrays and viewed the beautiful tropicals on the reef.  Not quite like scuba diving, but definitely a fun experience anyway.

The Carnival Fantasy is a bit older ship, but lacked little for age.  Their beds were just about like the comfort of home and on-board activities and food were great.  Had never visited Progresso, MX and the trip ashore down the five mile pier was a neat experience.  Especially enjoyed the Karaoke every night and of course the food.  Surprisingly I only gained 5 lbs which I have since managed to shed.

I would highly recommend either of these cruise opportunities.  Lots of fun and lots of opportunity to relax in a great atmosphere.