Tropical storms and hurricanes can easily disrupt a cruise
vacation, and while altered itineraries, canceled ports, and rough seas may be
disappointing, these consequences are nothing compared to the life-changing and
deadly devastation these storms can cause to cruise port destinations. After a
storm hits, how can cruise travelers help ravaged areas recover? The answer is
as simple as taking a cruise!
Hurricane Dorian and the Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian made history in early September, 2019, as it made landfall on Elbow Cay, the Abaco Islands, and Grand Bahama Island from September 1-3 as a Category 5 storm, the strongest storm in modern tracking to strike the northwestern islands of the Bahamas.
As Dorian stalled over the islands it brought storm surge of 20-25 feet that washed away homes and businesses, flooded the airport, and devastated beaches.
Wind gusts higher than 220 miles per hour were recorded, and after the storm had passed, more than 50 fatalities were noted – a number expected to rise in the weeks and months of cleanup following the storm. More than 13,000 homes were damaged, more than 70,000 people left homeless, and a total of more than $7 billion in damage was estimated.
The Bahamas is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, with more than two million cruise passengers visiting the islands each year.
The capital city of Nassau, along with the popular destination of Freeport and multiple private islands leased by different cruise lines, are all popular ports of call that charm and delight cruisers of all ages from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Princess, Celebrity, Aida, Costa, and many other cruise lines. Yet in a span of 72 hours, Hurricane Dorian devastated the islands and brought the country’s cruise industry to a halt.
Other Devastating Storms
Many storms threaten different Caribbean ports of call each year, and other strong storms have done significant damage to favorite cruise ports. In 2017, Hurricane Irma struck the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and numerous other ports along its massive track, adding up a total of 134 fatalities and more than $77 billion in damage.
Also in 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and other ports, causing more than 3,000 deaths and $91 billion in damage. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma tore a swath through the western Caribbean, devastating Cozumel, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Haiti, Cuba, and other ports with 87 fatalities and more than $27 billion in damage.
During any hurricane season, a tropical storm or hurricane
might cause severe damage to port facilities, resort areas, shopping districts,
private homes, and entire communities. While certain storms are long remembered
as dramatic monsters, even smaller storms can have long-lasting impacts on
ports that rely so heavily on a tourism economy, including cruise travel.
The Lasting Impacts of Hurricanes
While the immediate impacts of a hurricane are obvious, the long-term effects go far beyond storm surge, piles of rubble, and cluttered beaches. When ports of call are closed after a storm, many people may lose jobs or face weeks without pay until their workplaces recover.
Tour guides have no tours to lead, and there is no need for drivers. Street artisans and craftsman cannot sell their merchandise, and store owners have lost inventory and business. Wait staff at restaurants will have no one to serve, and local attractions remain empty if tourists stay away. Dock workers are not needed when ships do not call on the ports, and other support staff, including tender operators, port employees, and even taxi drivers cannot work as much.
Emergency Aid After a Storm
Immediately after a storm passes, emergency aid is critical to save lives and help a port community begin to rebuild. During the first days and weeks after the storm, even while overall damages are still being assessed, monetary and material donations are critical to help alleviate suffering and discomfort and help the community recover. These donations focus on survival and getting rescue efforts underway.
Anyone interested in donating to relief efforts should contact reputable organizations for instructions and guidelines to be sure their donations are used appropriately. Monetary donations are always appreciated and can help provide emergency relief as well as begin rebuilding communities, evacuating survivors, and providing medical care.
Material donations such as non-perishable food, matches, trash bags, tarps, nails, batteries, bandages, and hygiene products can also be welcome, but check with relief organizations first to determine what supplies are in the greatest need.
Volunteers may also be useful in helping storm-ravaged
communities recover. Skilled contractors or anyone with building experience are
especially welcome, as are individuals with experience in nursing, first aid,
electrical work, childcare, and counseling. Different organizations will offer
different volunteer opportunities in impacted areas, and individuals interested
in becoming involved should contact those organizations about their needs and
requirements.
Cruising to Recovery
One of the very best ways to help storm-damaged ports
recover from terrible weather is by booking a cruise. Because many economies in
the Caribbean rely so heavily on tourism dollars, the more tourists that visit
the area, the quicker it can recover from devastating storms. Furthermore, you
can make your cruise fare go even further in helping local economies when you…
Visit ports as close to the devastation as
possible. Cruise ships will return to the ports as soon as they can safely do
so.
Take a shore tour or two while in port to bring
visibility and income to local attractions and locally employed guides,
drivers, and other residents.
Enjoy a meal of local tastes at a portside
restaurant, or grab a drink or dessert while you’re out enjoying the port.
Purchase souvenirs in port, not just for
yourself, but also gifts for coworkers, neighbors, teachers, family members,
and friends.
Do not haggle over pricing on souvenir items,
guide services, or taxi rides, and instead be willing to pay the full rate to
support the local economy.
Tip generously for any services you receive in
port, such as taxi rides, guide advice, hair braiding, directions, or other
services.
The more cruises you book, the more helpful you will be to the local economies – not only by the money you spend on your vacation, but also by letting cruise lines know that you enjoy visiting these ports and want to return.
As cruise ports grow more popular, cruise lines will create more itineraries, spend more time docked in ports, and upgrade their local infrastructure to support even more visits. All of these steps will help ports recover from devastating storms and grow even stronger to provide more enjoyment and relaxation to millions of cruise passengers every year.
Carnival Cruise Line has been approved for a major Terminal F expansion at PortMiami, Florida, to cater for the new mega-ship which arrives in 2022.
Carnival Cruise Line Terminal F Expansion
The Miami-Dade County Commission has prooved plans for a huge expansion on Carnival Cruise Line’s terminal Facility at PortMiami. This means the terminal will be able to cater to the new generation of Excel-class mega-ships from the cruise line such as Mardi Gras which debuts from the nearby Port Canaveral in October 2021.
With the new expansion given the go-ahead it means Carnival will be able to homeport Mardi Gras’ sister 180,000 gross ton vessel at Miami in 2022.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said
“With today’s approval, we will move quickly on a plan to remodel and expand Terminal F so that it will accommodate the most innovative class of ship to join our fleet”
“Over the last several months, we have had very constructive discussions with PortMiami and Miami-Dade leaders about our plans for Miami and our goal to enhance and grow our capacity and operations in our hometown. Everyone is very excited about Miami being home to our next liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship in North America and the sister ship to Mardi Gras, which arrives next August and is generating tremendous enthusiasm. Today’s vote assures that the new ship and terminal expansion will both arrive in time for Carnival’s 50th anniversary in 2022.”
When completed, Terminal F will be the third cruise terminal at PortMiami dedicated to Carnival operations. The agreement includes a commitment by Carnival to keep ships at Terminal F for 20 years, with the option of two additional seven-year extensions. The building will become Carnival’s largest terminal in North America once completed by October 2022.
New Look Terminal F Renderings
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Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line
Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line
Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line
New facial recognition technologies will be used to make sure guest have a smooth embarkation process. Berenblum Busch Architects have designed the expanded terminal with plenty of open spaces and a modern look.
Terminal F will follow in the evolving views of PortMiami. Royal Caribbean has already opened it’s ultra-sleek terminal to cater for the oasis-class vessel, NCL is currently constructing a new futuristic terminal and Virgin Voyages is also developing a new facility too. Even the fast-growing MSC Cruises has just been given approval for a two-berth modern cruise terminal at the port too.
Further details about the new look terminal will be revealed in the future so do keep checking Cruise Hive for all the latest.
The delivery of Carnival-owned Costa Smeralda has been delayed until mid-November at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
Costa Smeralda Delivery Delayed
Due to the complex construction of Costa Smeralda, the delivery date has been pushed back. Instead of in mid-October, the large vessel will now be commencing her inaugural season on November 30, 2019. The mega cruise ship is the first of its kind for Costa Cruises and it’s also the first passenger vessel this size for the shipyard.
Meyer Turku stated the following:
With its new cruise ship LNG propulsion system and many sophisticated rooms with stage and audio/video equipment the complexity and sophistication of the ship is very high in order to create a unique Costa-style passenger experience. Aside from its unique design features also its size of 180 000 GT is impressive and much larger than the recently built ships at Turku shipyard.
In getting this all to work together with many involved persons and companies, Meyer Turku had a slower progress speed than needed, despite counter-actions. Meyer Turku apologizes to all that are affected by this change.
With the ship at around 180,000 gross tons and with new technologies, the shipyard has struggled to keep up the peace without keeping quality. It is also the first time this class ship has been constructed at the shipyard with new features and advancements. With the new delivery date in the middle of November, it means quality can be maintained and the ship can be fully ready for the first guests.
With the delivery delayed this now means Costa has canceled all the original sailings. Those guests booked and travel agents are being notified by the cruise line. Costa president Neil Palomba has also apologized:
“Our priority is always to offer our guests a unique vacation experience that exceeds their expectations. Unfortunately, the Meyer Turku yard needs more time to ensure that Costa Smeralda will do just that and this is absolutely crucial as far as we’re concerned. At the same time, I would stress that Costa Smeralda is a totally innovative project in terms of both technology and product.
In particular, the use of LNG propulsion, which we were the first to invest in, epitomizes Costa’s vocation for ground-breaking, responsible innovation by greatly reducing emissions, thus laying down a marker for the cruise industry as a whole. We deeply regret this delay and apologize for the inconvenience caused to all our guests who’ve already booked a cruise on Costa Smeralda sailing prior to November 30. In any case, we trust that we’ll be able to welcome them on board our new flagship and we’ve already made the necessary arrangements so as to offer them a new choice of departure dates.”
Costa Smeralda will be departing Savona, Italy on November 30. All cruises through April 2021 will go ahead as normal and the week-long sailings in the Western Meditteranean will include calls at Savona (Saturday), Marseille (Sunday), Barcelona (Monday), Palma de Mallorca (Tuesday), Civitavecchia (Thursday) and La Spezia (Friday).
The huge cruise ship which is owned by the Carnival Corporation is the largest ever built for the Costa Cruises and already joins a similar LNG powered vessel for sister cruise line Aida Cruises which is based in Germany. More similar LNG vessel are also under contcution or on order for Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and more for Aida Cruises.
The ship which has 2,600 staterooms will have 11 different restaurants (including one specifically conceived for casual family dining), 19 bars, a splendid spa area with 16 treatment rooms, an onboard waterpark with waterslides, 4 pools and a dedicated facility where kids can hang out and make new friends their age. Costa Smeralda will also have her very own museum: the CoDe – Costa Design Museum, displaying the excellence of Italian design.
An identical sister ship named Costa Toscana is scheduled to join the fleet in 2021.
You are in luck if you are cruising to this tropical gem of Kauai, Hawaii. There are plenty of things to do in such as hiking canyons and rugged mountains. Viewing gorgeous waterfalls and landscapes. Or exploring the only navigable river in Hawaii and of course exploring the local’s culture and food.
Rightly named as the Garden Isle, this
island is covered with lush jungles, deep valleys, rugged mountains, and
stunning beaches.
It’s no wonder all major cruise lines make a stop here, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess.
As you can see, a visit to this island
means lots of activities and fun. But to get the most out of your short stop
here, you must plan wisely. Hopefully, this list of 30 things to do in
Nawiliwili, Kauai, helps you achieve just that.
Where is Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii?
Nawiliwili named so after the wiliwili
trees that used to line its harbor is Kauai’s main harbor. It is located 1.9 miles southeast of
Lihue, Kauai’s main town, on the Island’s Northwestern side. Discovered in 1778
by Captain James Cook as Kauai’s heart, it’s the island’s cultural center.
Lying at the mouth of Hule’ia Stream,
Nawiliwili is a fishermen’s bay that used to be the island’s main source of
livelihood over 300 years ago.
Kauai Port Information
Cruise ships dock at Nawiliwili Harbor, Southeast of the island. Out of all the ships that dock on this island, NCL’s Pride of America is the only one allowed to dock for over 24 hours. The rest can only dock daily within sunrise and sunset.
There are two beaches near the port, Nawiliwili
and Niumalu beach park. Head north of the port, to find the popular Kalapaki
Beach which is located near the Marriott resort. A vibrant resort area with shops
and restaurants.
A block away from Nawiliwili is the
Aloha Center, which also features restaurants, art studios, and souvenir
stores. This is the go-to place for booking helicopter tours.
The Top Things to Do in Kauai
The best way to explore Kauai is on a road trip. There are car rental places in town. Free shuttles from the port drop you off at the car rental agencies. Or in the shopping district, which features stores such as Walmart, Hilo Hattie’s, Kmart, and others. Let’s take a look at what you can do during a cruise ship port of call.
1. Drive to Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is one of Kauai’s most popular attractions. Waimea meaning reddish water draws its name from the canyon’s red soil. It is found on Waimea Canyon drive, Southwest of Kauai.
The 10-mile long and 3000 feet deep canyon
is covered with green vegetation, brown and red soil, complimented by red dirty
waterfalls.
Stop at the PuuKa Pele and Puu Hinahina lookout points to enjoy spectacular views of deep valley gorges, rough crags, ocean, and mountains. Hike the popular Canyon trail which branches off cliff trail. It will take you roughly 2-3 hours to hike the 3.4-mile roundtrip.
Some of the highlights on this trail
include the 800 ft Waipio falls. Another highlight is on the Northern Coast
where you will find the Kalalau overlook and Kokee State Park.
2. Visit Kauai Coffee Plantation
Kauai Coffee Plantation is the largest coffee farm in the United States. The plantation has over 4 million coffee trees, planted on 3100 acres making it produce more than half of Hawaiian coffee.
You can take a self or guided tour of
the plantation to learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. Then
sample all the flavors of coffee brewed in this farm. With a chance to buy
whatever you liked most at the end of the sampling.
Kauai coffee plantation located southwest of Kauai, on the way to Waimea, or Kokee State Park. This plantation is a nice place to stop by, learn about coffee and sample some. The plantation’s gorgeous views alone are worth a visit. The coffee plantation charges a fee of about $60 to tour the plantation.
3. Taste Local food
Kauai has some of the best Hawaiian traditional dishes. Try out Poi a staple food in Kauai, poke, Lomilomi Salmon, Loco moco, or the Kalua pig cooked overnight in an earthen oven. Not forgetting Spam musubi, and Saimin, the most popular comfort food on the island.
You can find these foods in most restaurants on the island. Some popular restaurants near Nawiliwili include Duke’s Kauai, Gaylord at Kilohana, NOM Kauai, Hamura Saimin Stand, and others. With the number of activities available in Kauai, you are bound to get hungry.
4. Check Out the Menehune Fishpond
Menehune Fishpond, also known as Alekoko Fishpond is a freshwater pond that cuts across a portion of Huleia river. It is believed that the fishpond was built in one night by the Menehune people. Menehune are mythical Hawaiian people, believed to be very little in stature and sort of mischievous.
You can view the fishpond from Alekoko
Scenic Overlook on Hulemalu road. This fishpond can also be explored with a
kayak. Note, however, you can only kayak past the entrance of the fishpond but
not into the refuge.
The pond is located near Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, half a mile away from Nawiliwili harbor. You can take a look at the tour here.
Wailua River State Park is a lush valley that is best known for Wailua River, Hawaii’s only navigable river. This river is the beginning of many adventures on the island. You can go river tubing, kayaking, motor boating or waterskiing on it. This park is located at Kapaa, the eastern side of Kauai.
Wailua River, Kauai
Other than adrenaline-pumping activities, you
can hike to two breathtaking waterfalls found along the river. The Wailua and
Opaeka’a waterfalls make Wailua state park a very popular attraction on the
island.
Another highlight of the river is the geological wonder of the fern grotto cave. Stop at the amphitheater looking cave and take some snaps. In the end, you can enjoy a riverside picnic and buy gifts at their gift shop.
6. Visit
Kamokila Village
If you have time to spare or are a history buff. Then a visit to the traditional Kamokila Hawaiian Village will round up the trip to Wailua River nicely. This 4-acre village is an open-air museum where you can learn about the different traditions, rituals, and lifestyles of the ancient Hawaiians. Find out more details here.
7. Spot the Sleeping Giant
Can you spot the sleeping giant? Located on
the west side of both Wailua and Kapaa towns, Nounou mountains are famous for
the sleeping giant. A shape of a man lying on his back on the mountain’s crest
is what gives rise to the name of the site.
There are two hike trails to the top of Nounou
mountains, the east, and the west trails. The east is more hiked and easier
than the shorter but steeper west trail.
Though a somewhat challenging hike, it’s well
worth it for the rewarding 360-degree views at the top. It takes an average of
2.5 hours to hike this mountain and there is plenty of parking.
8. Observe the Spouting Horn
One of the most photographed sites in Kauai is the Spouting Horn. It is a blowhole that was formed by years of wave action on the coastline’s lava rock shelf.
Water spouts out of a narrow opening above the
rugged lava rock coastline. This can spout as high as 50 feet into the air.
Producing a hissing and roaring sound in the process.
There is an interesting story behind the sounds made by the blowhole. According to legend, a giant lizard used to protect the area. It was one day tricked by a young boy to enter a narrow tube, where it got stuck. The breathing and hissing of the lizard are what is believed to be the roaring sound of the spouting horn today.
Spouting Horn, Kauai
The spouting horn is located on Kauai’s
southern coast in Koloa district on Lawai road. It has ample parking and is
easily accessible from the parking lot. There are vendors in the area too. You
can grab a souvenir or two to remember the place by.
You can spot whales on the drive from Poipu
during their season from December to April.
9. Shopping in Kauai
Kauai has as diverse a shopping arena as it’s landscape. There are many shopping outlets strewn all over the island. Which means that whichever side of the island you fancy to explore, you will get something to remember the place by.
Shopping centers near Nawiliwili, include
Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Kilohan, coconut coast, and others. You can get
plenty of souvenirs, clothing and personal effects from these shopping areas.
Get an aloha shirt, jewelry, Kauai crafts and ceramics from any of these
places. Some shopping malls like Anchor Cove even offer a free trolley for cruisers.
10. Polihale State Park
Visit the northernmost park on Kauai’s west side. Polihale State Park is a must-visit place while in Kauai. This remote beach marks the end of the northern beaches as it’s bordered by the rugged Na Pali Coast to the north.
Polihale is the largest beach on the
island, featuring sand dunes of over 100 feet high. This is a great place to
enjoy sunrises and sunsets, a good tan or a picnic. The waters of the beach are
not safe for swimming, snorkeling or surfing except at the western edge in the
Queen’s pond.
Enjoy incredible views of the Na Pali
ridges and views of Niihau (the forbidden island) on the horizon.
A 4-wheel-drive is required to visit
this beautiful park. The 5-mile long
dirt road, that leads to the park is difficult to drive on when wet, with some
areas spotting deep sand.
This hidden park is located off
Kaumuali’i highway south of Kauai. Remember to carry water and food, there are
no restaurants nearby.
11. Cool off with Shave Ice
Shave Ice is a popular Hawaiian dessert made up of ice in the form of snow with syrup and toppings. This sweet treat was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants who came to work in sugar plantations.
Some of the best spots to grab this treat include Rip Tides Shave Ice and Snack in Lawai, Wailua Shave Ice in Old Kapaa Town, Fresh Shave in Kalaheo, Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu, Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei, Ono Shave Ice in Kapaa Town and Shave Ice Paradise in North shore.
These places serve different types of ice like fine shave ice, classic flavors, tropical syrup, organic syrup and some with chunkier consistency. After a long day in the heat, shave ice is a tasty way to cool off.
12. Go to Makauwahi Cave Reserve
Makauwahi Cave Reserve is the largest limestone cave in Hawaii. This site is important to archaeologist, geologists, and paleontologist due to its abundance of fossils.
The cave is entered through a narrow opening
where you have to crawl to get into the cave. Inside the cave is a brightly lit
circle opening. The circle opening is surrounded by fossil-rich sedimentary
rock that is the basis of archeological explorations.
Located in Kalaheo, this 17-acre living museum
preserves extinct Hawaiian native plants and animal species.
It’s a great place to learn thousands of years
of history, some dating back to before human colonization of the Hawaii islands.
The cave is also a nature reserve with plenty of native flora, a turtle
habitat, and a sanctuary for many rare species.
Take a guided tour of the caves which run from
10 am to 4 pm daily. There is no cost to enter the museum but they accept donations.
13. Visit Kauai Beaches
Kauai has some of the best beaches in Hawaii and they are all unique in their own way. Some of the closest beaches to the cruise port include Kalapaki, Niumalu, and Hanamaulu beach parks.
Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki is actually one of the most popular beaches on the island and one of the safest to swim in. It is protected from the ocean by a break wall. You can swim, snorkel, and surf on this beach.
However, if you are looking for nicer
secluded beaches, you should move away from the port further north or south.
Some great beaches on this ends of the island include Poipu, Tunnel, and Ke’e
Beach.
14. Explore Kauai Museum
Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest island is rich in history. Kauai museum showcases the island’s natural history in the Wilcox building and a two-story lava rock structure.
The museum features exhibitions, artifacts,
interactive displays, and old photographs. The best way to experience this gem
is through a guided tour. However, a DIY tour is also allowed and the exhibits
showcase detailed descriptions, making it easy to learn.
You can also watch a film, learn about the geological
formation of Hawaii Island, Captain Cooks period, and the Hawaiian Monarchy.
The gift shop at the museum has interesting
souvenirs and books. For an entry fee of only $15, a visit to this museum is
highly recommended.
15. Visit the Kauai Plantation Heritage Railway
Sugarcane farming is an important history in Kauai. Back in the day, it’s was the island’s number one economic activity. There are still hundreds of acres of sugarcane plantations on the island today.
To preserve the rich history and heritage of
these plantations, the Kauai Plantation Heritage Railway was built. This railway cuts through the main sugar
plantations of the island.
Set in an old-fashioned-mahogany-made train,
the heritage tour of the plantations is one of the most interesting things to
do on the island.
There are two heritage railways in the island
These are Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum and Kauai Plantation Railway
Kilohana. Both located on Kaumualii
Highway, Lihue.
These heritage tours feature narrated history
by the train’s conductor, riding through acres of plantations and orchards.
With brief stops to enjoy the views, feed pigs, sheep, and goats.
At the Grove Farm, you get to tour the old
Wilcox home of the wealthy family that owned the plantation. A lot of
interesting history to learn here. The home and surrounding buildings are
maintained in their original state.
16. Kokee State Park
Kokee State Park is a 4,345-acre plateau, roughly 4200 ft above sea level. The stunning park is located northwest of Kauai, just beyond Waimea Canyon is known for its hiking trails and flourishing vegetation. With over 45 miles of hiking trails cutting and winding through the park’s forests, a visit to Kokee makes for a great day in port.
Hike up to Waimea Canyon view and Kalalau lookout point. Enjoy the incredible views and take advantage of the photo ops. Other popular trails include Awaawapuhi trail and Nualolo trail. These trails take you 3000 feet above sea level for gorgeous views of the adjacent valleys and cliffs.
Kokee State Park
Other than hiking, you can enjoy one
of the many park festivities such as the Queen Emma festival held every
October. Or weave things out of banana vines collected from the banana poka
plants.
Kokee also has a natural history museum that provides more information about the park. This is the best place to get an overview of the landscape. Park facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available. Kokee has a $5 to $ 40 parking fee.
17.Cycle
at The Kapaa Bike Path
Kapaa Bike Path is also known as” Ke Ala Hele Mekalae” which means a path that goes by the coast is one of Kauai’s most popular attractions.
The 7-8-mile long path starts at Lihi Park in
Kapaa and ends at Ahihi point. This paved path winds along the coast and makes for
a beautiful walk or ride. Mostly used by bikers, the path is also available for
walkers, joggers, roller bladders, strollers, and skaters.
Rent a bike and go bike riding along this
famous Kauai bike path. Along the path are restaurants like the Kapaa Food
Truck Court. Enjoy the food, the gentle breezes, and the scenic views on the
horizon. You can also spot whales breaching here during
winter and late fall.
18. Kayaking Adventures
Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, making kayaking on this island a delight. One of the most popular kayak adventures takes place on Wailua River.
However, there are many other kayak adventures
and the one on Hule’ia river is exceptional. It gives you a chance to see waterfalls
and fern-covered valleys.
Enjoy a 2-mile downwind paddle on the Hule’ia
river. At the river’s shallow water, you will be required to tie your Kayaks.
And take a short hike through the lush fern-covered jungle trail to a waterfall
and pool.
You can cool off in the swimming hole beneath
the waterfall or enjoy the rope swing. In the end, enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall.
Then head back in a relaxed atmosphere as a motorized canoe takes you back.
19. Explore National Tropical Botanical Garden
You cannot visit one of Hawaii’s lushest islands and not explore its flora. Kauai has a National Tropical Botanical Garden. A not for profit organization that collects, studies and preserves native and exotic plant species in Kauai and Florida.
What this organization has done, is to create beautiful
botanical gardens in the south shore of the island. The McBryde and Allerton
gardens located next to each other in the Lawa’i valley are simply
breathtaking.
McBryde Garden is more of a conservation research area. It has the world’s largest collection of Hawaiian native plants. You can take a self-guided tour to explore Hawaiian native plants. Take a biodiversity trail that explains the evolution of plants from 450 years ago.
Allerton Garden, on the other hand, is a landscape architecture masterpiece that is named as one of the’ 50 places to see in a lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler. Take a guided tour of the beautiful gardens. Explore its exquisite architecture and interesting water features. All the while, exploring bright, scented flowers in the garden. You are guaranteed to come out with some pretty instagram worthy photos.
20. Take Helicopters Tour
Kauai’s dramatic landscape is best seen on a helicopter tour. In fact, this is a must-do while in Kauai, because it’s the only way someone with limited time on the port can see all the island’s highlights in a short time.
Another reason to take this tour is that it
takes you to places that are otherwise inaccessible by foot or car. A helicopter
tour takes you around the island. To the mountains, Waimea Canyon, the scenic
Na Pali coast, along the coastlines through the valleys and above dormant
volcanoes like Mount Waialeale.
The best time to take a Kauai helicopter tour is in the morning when the weather is calm or during the day for the best lighting. It’s recommended to choose a doorless experience as opposed to a closed aircraft, for the best views and photos. Most of the tours last 60-90 minutes long and the charges vary from $190 to $350.
21. Go Ziplining
Fly over valleys, descend down mountainsides or glide over tropical forests, it’s your pick. A ziplining adventure in Kauai will offer these and much more.
Kauai aptly named the Garden Isle is
not short of beautiful landscapes and amazing ecosystems. A zipline adventure
is a great way of checking out the island’s highlights from a bird’s eye view. Experience
a rush of adrenaline as you zoom past mountains, waterfalls, and over forest
canopies.
There are several ziplining adventure
companies in Kauai and they all have something for everyone. Of course, they
take safety very seriously and in some of these companies you can even combine
ziplining with kayaking.
22. Cruise Through the Tree Tunnel
On your way to Kauai’s south shore, to Koloa and Poipu, you’ll get a chance to drive through one of the most scenic highways on the island. The tree tunnel is the eucalyptus lined Maliuhi road, otherwise known as the gateway to the south.
Tree Tunnel, Kauai
The eucalyptus trees that line the road on
each side, touch at the top creating an archway. A mesmerizing tunnel that
looks like a drive from the movies.
The Tree Tunnel is also known as Highway 520.
It’s 3-mile long and accessed off highway 50 from Lihue. The eucalyptus trees
were planted in 1911 by a pineapple baron. They are 500 in number and have
survived hurricanes before.
23. Kauai Waterfall Off-Road Adventure
Kauai is a land of waterfalls. As
such, there are many adventures tailor-made to explore these beautiful nature
surprises and one of the most recommended is the Kauai Waterfall Off-Road
Adventure.
The Kauai Waterfall Off-Road Adventure is a 23-mile off-roading adventure that takes about 4 hours to complete. The ATV tour begins near old Koloa sugar mill and goes through lush tropical forest and the historic half-mile long cane haul tunnel. The tour has a brief stop at famous movie
sites, great for photography.
This ATV tour also doubles up as a
history tour. It goes to the mountains where you can see World War 2 bunkers
and learn about their history.
At the end of the adventure, you can cool
off at the Kahili waterfall. Then enjoy a picnic lunch. Remember to carry your
swimsuit, towel, and water-friendly shoes. The tour will provide the other needed
equipment.
24. Go on a Tubing Adventure
Go on the Kauai tube flumes adventure.
The Tube Flumes on the island are 5 tunnels that once irrigated acres of the sugar
plantation. Located deep in the green heart of the island is the site of this
adventure.
You will take a four-wheel drive tour
through Kauai inland up to Lihue plantation.
When you arrive at the launch site you
will be briefed about safety and issued with the safety equipment. Then start
your tubing adventure. Relax and enjoy as you float down several open channels
and tunnels that used to irrigate the plantations.
Wonder at the engineering prowess of
ancient Hawaiians, who created these flumes in 1870. Hand digging the canals
you see on site.
At the end of your adventure, you will have a tasty picnic lunch and an opportunity to swim in the natural pool that is nearby. This once in a lifetime adventure costs around $116. More details can be found right here.
25. Ninini Point Lighthouse
A quick stop from the cruise port is the Ninini Point light House which was built in 1906.
The white tall structure is hard to miss as it stands tall at the end of a cliff north of Nawiliwili. This is a tranquil place to just relax, enjoy the views, and take in the ocean’s breeze. Though, the lighthouse’s inside is off-limits, it’s grounds offer a 180-degree view of the surroundings.
Ninini Point Lighthouse
Ninini point is a lovely place to have a picnic. Lay on the warm lava rocks and watch planes, and boats come and go. You can spot whales from this point during winter or late fall. While you are there, take a short walk on the shoreline and check out the outstanding views of the Bays.
26. Horseback Tour
Take a horseback tour to explore Kauai. This type of tour will take you through sugarcane plantations, waterfalls, streams, across foothills, past secluded beaches, and bays. Or towards the coast, along bluffs, and botanical gardens.
Some of these tours will include stopovers to
have picnics, swim, take photos, and soak in the views. There are a variety of horseback tours on the island. You can choose any horseback tour ranging from short to lengthy tours. Or from gentle to strenuous depending on your needs. This guided tour will take about 2 to 5 hours.
27. Kauai Movie Tour
The beautiful landscapes of Hawaii have long been Hollywood’s go-to place for shooting high profile adventure movies. Luckily, you can explore these sites on a movie tour while in Kauai.
Visit movies sites of Hollywood films and TV
shows such as “Jurassic Park”, The Lost World, Six days and seven nights,
Pirates of the Caribbean, Fantasy Island, Lilo and Stich, and many others.
There are several movie tour companies. Offering a range of experiences but the most common is watching movie scenes at the exact location they were filmed at. Other than this, the guides give interesting information about the movies and the actors along the way.
27. Take a Photography Tour
Explore Kauai through a camera with a tour which is perfect for photographers. In this tour, you will be taken to picturesque spots and the less seen and photographed areas of Kauai. You will be guided into the best angle and technique to maximize the quality of your photos.
In these tours, you take photos while on a
drive, hike, walk, private or even honeymoon tour. You can buy or rent a camera
and photography tools that will enhance your photographs.
You can also buy photos from the camera shop.
All photo tours are guided by experienced personnel Kauai photographers. Carry
with you, your Kauai memories.
29.
Explore Na Pali Coast
If you can only do one thing in Kauai, then visiting the Na Pali coast is a must. This 17-mile long coast features sharp rugged mountain ridges, valleys, cascading waterfalls, sea caves, and beautiful tropical beaches. The most inviting thing is perhaps the colors of this mountainous coast. The deep green, with specs of brown against the turquoise blue of the ocean, is in itself an attraction enough.
Na Pali Coast
Na Pali Coast is one of the most difficult coasts to access. You can explore the coast by boat, hiking through treacherous trails or by air. Boat tours can take up to 6 hours. But its all worth it, for the incredible views and features of this majestic coast. Visiting the Na Pali coast is a must-do. Bring your camera, trust us – you will thank us later.
30.
Visit Hanalei Valley
Discover where most of Kauai’s famous taro plant comes from
on a visit to the Hanalei Valley, on the island’s north shore. The valley is
located in Princeville area off of Highway 56.
Look for the Hanalei Valley Lookout, a pull off the road. This is one of the most
photographed sites in all of Kauai. And you will get to see why, when you
visit.
The views of the valley below covered with taro pads flanked
by lush mountains in the background are worth the trip there.
Best Time to Travel to Nawiliwili, Kauai
The best time to visit Kauai is simply anytime. The weather on the island remains relatively stable all throughout the year.
The winter season runs from November to
Mid-April. This is usually the high peak season and also the wettest. But
that’s what keeps this island lush, so it’s a good thing.
Peak season runs from June to August, it’s good for activities but also crowdy. Low season runs from April to June and September to mid-December. This is considered the best time to visit the island in terms of good weather. It’s also cheaper and less crowded. The island experiences highs of 80 during summer and lows of 60 during winter.
There
you have it, 30 things to do in Kauai, Hawaii During a Cruise. As mentioned,
Kauai is a beautiful green island, probably the most popular of the Hawaii
islands. There is plenty to do and this list is not nearly exhaustive. Just
take your time, plan well, and book your adventures in advance.
Two Carnival cruise ships will be heading to the Hurricane hit Bahamas next week to deliver food and water and more urgent supplies.
Carnival Pride and Carnival Liberty to Deliver Supplies
Cruise lines are stepping up in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian which ripped through Grand Bahama Island and Abaco island. Carnival Cruise Line will be sending two cruise ships next week to distribute urgently needed food and water along with other relief supplies.
Carnival Pride will be the first ship in the fleet to depart for Freeport on Grand Bahama Island during its seven-day cruise from Baltimore, Maryland on September 8. Carnival Liberty will follow on its four-day cruise from Port Canaveral which departs on September 9.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“The Bahamian people are resilient with an unwavering spirit and Carnival and its employees are fully committed to helping residents rebuild and recover in the aftermath of the storm.”
“The devastation of the Bahamas is truly tragic and heartbreaking and we are keeping them in our thoughts as we continue to offer our support and assistance.”
As the popular cruise port in Freeport is currently closed the Carnival ships will likely have to tender just off the coast and use their lifeboats to transport the supplies to the island.
It’s all hands on deck for the major cruise lines and even smaller ones with Hurricane relief funds and cruise ships delivering supplies to the islands which have been completely devastated by Hurricane Dorian.
Here is the list of cruise ships which have already dropped off supplies to the hard-hit region:
Disney Dream (Disney Cruise Lines)
Norwegian Breakaway (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Empress of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Grand Celebration (Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line)
Carnival and its sister cruise lines have also joined with the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation to pledge $2 million for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. The cruise line will continue to work with partners and programs so crew and guests can donate and help the residents of the Bahamas.
So far, Royal Caribbean Ltd, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Corp, MSC Cruises and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line are all working on helping the Bahamas.
Carnival has finalized an agreement to build a new cruise port in the located on Grand Bahama Island near Freeport.
Carnival to Build New Cruise Port Near Freeport
The cruise company which owns some of the world’s major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America has completed an agreement to build a major cruise port on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas which is expected to cost the cruise company around $100 million.
The news was announced by Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Monday and according to the Cayman Compass.
The plan for a new major cruise port on the island has been in the works for some time but only now an agreement has been completed. The future port is expected to bring around 1,000 jobs which will, in turn, push up the economy.
The port is set to be one of the largest in the world and a major hub of cruise activity for all Carnival Corporation’s owned cruise brands. It is expected to feature two berths for any mega cruise ship on order, including the new generation Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) powered vessel, which Carnival has on order.
There has been good support for the project according to the Prime Minister, and it will help local Taxi operators and businesses. Environmental groups are also not in opposition to the future cruise port. There could be more than 1 million cruise ship passengers visiting the port annually.
No specific details about the port have yet been revealed but the cruise company has confirmed more details are coming soon. We should be able to know more about the completion dates and what will be part of the overall development which is to be much more than a port.
The port will be located near Freeport, a current port that cruise lines use. Near that is the popular Grand Bahama shipyard which is used for many cruise ship dry docks. Freeport is located just 110 miles from the Miami coast.
Carnival along with several other major cruise lines is also included in a new port development at Grand Cayman, the much-apposed project has been given the go-ahead. The nearby Nassau cruise port is also set for a major new development by Global Ports Holdings, more details and renderings are right here.
Figuring out how to get to the New Orleans cruise port terminal doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. It all boils down to where you are coming from, how many people you are traveling with, and how much money you are willing to spend to get you and your group there.
You do want to take into account what the traffic and weather could be like, and how that will affect your traveling plans. New Orleans is a bright and busy city, and the traffic around the airport and cruise terminal can get a little testy, especially if you’re new to the area.
Below we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to get to the New Orleans cruise terminal. This includes travel tips, transportation options, and various costs that you should consider.
Address & Directions
First, address and directions. If you’re driving your own
car, a rental, or paying someone to drive you, you will at least need to know
where the terminal is located and a basic of idea of how to get there.
The New Orleans Cruise Terminal is located on the
Mississippi River, close to the center of New Orleans. It is near both The
French Quarter and the Garden District of New Orleans.
The airport closest to the New Orleans cruise port is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Driving from the airport to the cruise port will take anywhere between 25-40 minutes, depending on how bad traffic is.
Directions from the airport to the cruise terminal:
Exit the airport and follow signs for I-10 East
Take exit 234A to U.S. 90 W
Take exit 11C to Tchoupitoulas. This is the last exit before crossing the Mississippi River, so if you cross the river you went too far.
Follow the ramp down, and turn right onto Tchoupitoulas Street
Turn left onto Henderson Street
Proceed 2 blocks, then turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place (after the railroad tracks)
You’ll come up to the Erato Street Cruise Terminal first. The Julia Street Cruise Terminal is just beyond that.
Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line)
Located at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA
70130, Erato Street Cruise Terminal is the first one you’ll see when arriving
at the port. If this is your terminal, there is no need to go any further.
The parking garage is located on top of the terminal, and there is an access ramp to get there just beyond the terminal drop-off area. Parking is $20 per day from August 1st through March 31st and $22 from April 1st through July 31st.
Inside the terminal you will find check-in kiosks, a spacious waiting area, baggage area, an elevated loading ramp, customs, and a souvenir shop.
If your cruise is shipping from the Julia Street Cruise
Terminal (Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruises only), the address you’ll need
is 920 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Parking is available at the adjacent lot, and it costs $20
per day year round. The parking lot is secured, lit, and patrolled 24/7 by
security guards.
Inside the terminal are check-in desks, ATMs, souvenir
stands, a refreshment stand, elevated loading ramp, and a baggage area.
Additional Parking Information
The cruise terminal does also provide parking for oversized
vehicles like RVs or buses. This lot is located behind the Julia Street
Terminal Parking lot, and is $40 per day.
Parking right at the port is probably the most convenient option, but if you’d rather spend a little less on parking, we recommend security a spot through either New Orleans Parking ($10 or $12.50 per day) or New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking ($14 per day). You’ll still be super close to the port, you’ll get a shuttle from the parking lot to your cruise terminal, and you’ll save money on parking costs.
Renting a Car
After flying into New Orleans, probably the easiest way to travel to the cruise terminal is by renting a car. You don’t have to worry about waiting for someone to come pick you up, worry if they’ll help you with your luggage or not, and you’ll have full control over your drive. Renting a car can also be a great option if you’re traveling with your family and just want to keep things as simple as possible.
The only downside is that renting a car can also be the most
expensive travel option from the airport to the cruise port.
After your flight lands, make your way over to the airport’s
rental car facility, located just outside the West Terminal Baggage Claim area,
and is within walking distance from all concourses.
For renting a car that will take you to the New Orleans
Cruise Terminal, you will want to choose one of four options: Enterprise,
Hertz, Avis, or Budget. These are the only rental car companies located near
the cruise terminal.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to car rental prices
is that whether you have a car for just an hour or two, or a full 24 hour
period, you will be paying the same price. So, to get the most out of your car
rental, we recommend arriving at least a day before your ship leaves.
Also, the New Orleans airport is a high demand area when it
comes to obtaining a rental car, so you should book your car in advance to
avoid any issues.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise is one of the most popular rental car companies around, and as such there are more than a dozen locations in and around New Orleans. The one that is closest to the cruise port is on 1019 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113, and their phone number is 504-593-9068.
Prices are going to vary depending on the time of year you
are traveling and the type of car you choose. Be prepared to spend anywhere
between $80 and $120, including taxes and fees.
Hertz
Hertz has a location in New Orleans that is literally within walking distance of the Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Located at 901 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130. Drop your car off here and then simply walk to your terminal if you wish. If you have a lot of luggage, though, you should be able to call a cab or Uber easily enough to drop you off at your terminal.
Once again costs will vary. Including fees you may be
looking at a total cost of $100 and up.
Avis Rent-A-Car
If Julia Street is your terminal, Avis is a good choice as they have an office at 2 Poydras Street, just down the road from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.
Avis is also the cheapest option so far, compared to Enterprise and Hertz. Including taxes and fees, the total cost for our estimate came out to $60.59. As with the others, prices can vary depending on the time of year. However, if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a rental car, Avis would be an excellent choice.
Budget Rent-A-Car
The Budget location by the cruise terminal is actually in
the same building as Avis, at 2 Poydras Street. You can easily walk to either
cruise terminal from here, or get on the light rail streetcar at the Poydras
Street stop and take that directly to Julia Street.
Budget is just a little bit cheaper than even Avis, and give
you the option to prepay online and save money. The only prepay price we found
for an economy car, including taxes and fees, was $52.10 ($56.79 to pay at
pickup).
Taxis
Getting a taxi to take you where you need to go is probably
one of the most common modes of travel between the airport and the cruise
terminal.
And the best thing is you can pick one up right as soon as
you land. No need to book ahead a time or call anyone. Just make your way to the
taxicab booths, which are located outside of baggage belts 1 and 14. Depending
on how busy it is, you may have to wait in line to get a taxicab.
The cost for a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal
will be $36 for up to 2 passengers, including luggage. If you have 3 or more
needing a ride in the taxi, you’ll be paying about $15 per person.
Rideshare Options
Taxis may be the most convenient way to travel from the
airport, but it can be a bit expensive when compared to ridesharing options
like Uber or Lyft.
The beauty of getting a ride with Uber or Lyft, is that you
just have to download the app to your smartphone and book a ride through there.
New Orleans and the airport is a busy enough area that you will have no problem
finding a ride.
The minimum cost for an Uber from the airport to the New
Orleans Cruise Terminal is $34.65 and is good for up to 4 people (unlike
getting a taxi). Lyft can cost anywhere from $32 to $36 for their basic
service.
So, if you’re travelling with 3-4 people and you stick with
the basic car services from either Uber or Lyft, you’ll be saving money with
them as opposed to taking a cab.
Shuttle Options
Shuttles can be hit or miss when it comes to cost and
convenience, and it all depends on what shuttle service you choose. We’ll
provide you with all of the options available, and let you decide which would
be best for your group.
Cruise Line Shuttles
The four major cruise lines that ship out from the New
Orleans Cruise Terminal all offer shuttle service for passengers cruising with
them. To secure a spot, you must make arrangements with your cruise line ahead
of time, and the shuttles are only available the day of the cruise. They
will pick you up from the airport and bring you directly to your cruise
terminal, and they will even assist you with your luggage.
Cruise Line Shuttles can be extremely convenient for cruise
travelers, but the price is where most people decide to go a different route.
For example, Disney charges $25 one way per guest, or $50
round trip. Norwegian charges $20 per person one way, and Carnival is $23.99
per person one way.
If you are cruising by yourself or with one other person,
these prices really aren’t that bad, and is much cheaper than taking a cab or
even an Uber.
But for a family or four or more, you’re looking at paying almost $200 or more round-trip, just for shuttle transportation to and from the cruise port. If that’s the case for you, we recommend choosing something else.
So, much like the cruise line transfers, the airport shuttle
is only going to save you money if you’re travelling with just yourself and
maybe another person.
The airport shuttle will take you to anywhere you need to go
in New Orleans, including the cruise port, for $24 per person, one way. This
includes no more than 3 bags per person.
If you happen to be training with an insanely large group
(50 or more), you can get a special group rate for the airport shuttle, but you
will need to call ahead of time to get more information about that. The phone
number is 1-866-596-2699.
Independent Shuttles
If a shuttle is really what you need, but you don’t want to be paying per person prices, why not try independent shuttle companies. Many of them will give you rates for the amount of people you’ll be traveling with, which can save you money on large groups of 5 or more people.
Here are a few suggestions to look into:
Super Shuttle
Once you’re at the SuperShuttle website, you’ll be presented with a form where you’ll input your travel details. Where to be picked up, dropped off, your arriving and departing flight dates and times, and the amount of people traveling.
Click submit, and you’ll be presented with a list of
options. Some options may be a shared ride, where you and your group will share
the shuttle with others going the same way, or a non-stop ride that takes you
directly to your destination with no interruptions.
Of the options we were given with the details we used, the
cheapest was a shared ride. The round-trip cost for a group of 4 people came
out to $91.20. So, depending on how many people you have traveling, and the
options presented to you, expect to pay between $90 and $140 for a round trip
booking.
SuperShuttle also has an app you can download for either Android or iOS. If you create an account, you can earn rewards for your choice of airline every time you book a ride with SuperShuttle.
NOLA Airport Shuttle
NOLA Airport Shuttle offers one-way transportation either from or two the airport. They have flat rate prices no matter where you need to go.
Those prices are:
1 person: $24
2 people: $18 per person
3-6 people: $16 per person
7 or more: $15 per person
You can book a shuttle online, or by giving them a call at 504-377-8146.
GO Airport Shuttle
GO Airport Shuttle is a lot like SuperShuttle. The offer shuttle service from just about any airport and will take you anywhere you need to go. They also have an app for android or iOS, and if you become a Frequent Rider, you can earn rewards for either American Airlines AAdvantage or United MileagePlus.
The prices come out to be $24 per person, no matter how many people are in your group, which is right on par with the cruise line transfers. As such we suggest you go with someone else unless you’re traveling alone.
Airport Shuttles
AirportShuttles.Com offers some very decent prices for cruise travelers trying to get a ride to the cruise terminal from the airport. You can select a car to come pick you up, or a limo, or a shuttle, whichever you want. But you can get an economy sedan that will hold up to 4 people, including luggage, for $68 one way. Or you can get a van that holds up to 6 people, luggage included, for $94 one day.
Just book your car ahead of time, and they’ll meet you at the airport when your flight gets in. If you decide to make it round-trip, they’ll also be waiting at the cruise terminal for you when your ship comes back, ready to take you back to the airport so you don’t miss your flight home.
Burton Transit
This locally-owned transportation service is a good option for cruises out of the Port of New Orleans. They offer a shared shuttle service which is $30 if traveling single or up to $24 for multiple passenger bookings. A privet shuttle service is ideal for groups and more unique experience is $60 for a single passenger or $30 per person for multiple passenger bookings.
There is also a chartered service for cruises which can be handy when taking advantage of New Orleans before or after a cruise. There are different vehicle types and it’s catered towards what you need with multiple drop-offs and pick-ups throughout the city.
Travel Tips to New Orleans
Here are some tips for traveling to New Orleans for your cruise. Follow these suggestions should help eliminate a lot of travel stress so that you can fully enjoy your vacation:
Know ahead of time how you plan to get to the cruise port, where you plan to park (if driving yourself), and where you plan to stay if you arrive in town the night before.
Have a backup plan in mind, just in case something goes wrong. Even if that means having extra money in your travel budget for contingencies.
Always know where your identification is, and always have it at the ready. You will need it at the airport, at the hotel, and at the cruise terminal. You will also need to have your cruise information (proof of purchase) readily available.
If you arrived a day early, take some of the extra time to explore the city a little. There are various city tours that help you be able to see a lot of the city in a very short amount of time.
No matter what you do, HAVE FUN!
FAQ for Transportation to New Orleans Cruise Port
How far is cruise port in New Orleans from airport?
The airport and cruise port in New Orleans are only about 15 miles apart from each other. On a good day with light traffic, it will only take about 25 minutes to drive the distance. In heavy traffic, however, you may be looking at a 35-40 minute drive. Be sure to plan accordingly when choosing flight times.
What’s the cheapest way to get to the Port of New Orleans?
The answer to that question is contingent on how many people you will be travelling with. If it is just yourself, and you are cruising with one of the four major cruise lines (Norwegian, Disney, Royal, or Carnival), arrange to be picked by their cruise transfer.
For 2-4 people, the cheapest way to get to the Port of New
Orleans, if travelling from the New Orleans airport, is by Uber or Lyft. You
can get a cheap ride for up to 4 people, including luggage, and there should
always be drivers available.
If your group consists of 5 or more passengers, you have a few options. You could book separate Uber or Lyft rides (which might be the easiest option), or you can plan ahead and book a shuttle. SuperShuttle or NOLA Airport Shuttle have decent prices for large groups.
When should I arrive in New Orleans for my cruise vacation?
For any cruise, we highly recommend arriving at least a day
before your cruise leaves. This gives you a buffer of time just in case there
are any flight delays or cancellations. This can also keep you from getting
caught in heavy traffic between the airport and the cruise terminal and missing
your boat.
Additionally, having an extra day also gives you time to sightsee a bit, maybe even visit Mardi Gras World which is right next to the cruise port.
Conclusion on How to Get to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal
Hopefully, after reading this article you have a better idea of the options available to you for transportation to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. Though it is up to you how you get there, our top recommendation is riding with Uber or Lyft. It’s the most convenient, is cheap, and can easily cater 2-4 people and their luggage without a problem.
A passenger has gone overboard one of the newest Princess cruise ships which is currently based out of Shanghai, China.
Passenger Overboard Majestic Princess
According to the site Shine, a 45-year-old Chinese man jumped overboard the Majestic Princess cruise ship which is operated by Carnival-owned Princess Cruises.
At the time the man went overboard the large Royal-class vessel was around 60 nautical miles from Jeju Island in South Korea, located south of the mainland. Princess Cruises has confirmed that the guest went into the water at around 7:48 PM Chinese time which is ship time. The man was seen jumping overboard after checking CCTV footage.
The wife alerted crew members of her husband overboard and as procedure, the ship turned around to begin an immediate search. Majestic Princess launched its own assets of two lifeboats and nearby vessels also helped in the search. As expected the Coast Guard was also involved in search efforts from South Korea and Japan.
This must be an extremely worrying time for the man’s family. Our thoughts go out to them during this difficult time.
The Princess cruise ship is currently based out of Shanghai, China and is scheduled to arrive back into its homeport Saturday morning, August 10. The ship which has been purpose-built for the Chinese market will sail a repositioning cruise from Hong Kong, China to Sydney, Australia departing on August 31. The ship will be based down under almost all year-round.
Majestic Princess which is also named 盛世公主号 (Shèng Shì Gōng Zhǔ Haò) in Chinese is a 143,700 gross tons cruise ship with a guest capacity of over 3,500 at double occupant. There are 1,780 cabins on board.
Two passengers missed the cruise ship in St. Maarten and didn’t look too happy when it was moving away from the pier.
Passengers Miss the Cruise Ship
Two cruise ship passengers from Freedom of the Seas just missed the ship by moments on Monday in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The Royal Caribbean ship was just moving away from the pier as the two of them looked annoyed with themselves.
The officers on the bridge had a perfect view of them and no doubt waited as long as they could. It wouldn’t be fair on other guests if the ship departed late. One crew member from the bridge decided to wave a large hand with “bye” on.
The cruise line has confirmed the giant waving hand was towards the crew members on Anthem of the Seas which was docked on the other side of the pier.
Royal Caribbean Stated:
We would never be disrespectful to our guests. Our crew member was not directing her wave to our guests on the pier. She was waving at our sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, which was also in port and scheduled for departure. The gesture was one of respect and nautical camaraderie between crew members on two ships.
We regret the inconvenience our guests experienced due the late return to the pier. Guests are encouraged to be back by all-aboard time. Departure times are routinely announced onboard, posted in shipboard newsletters and at gangways to keep our guests informed at all ports of call.
All the attention was on the two that missed the ship and the bridge would not have made the situation even worse for them, just funny timing for sure! Everything was caught on video and posted on social media by Cruceros Puerto Rico:
Hoy dos pasajeros del FREEDOM OF THE SEAS, llegaron tarde para abordar el crucero y se quedaron en la isla de St. Maarten. A hora tendrán que tomar un vuelo hasta el próximo destino del barco.Es importante estar pendientes a las horas de embarque en sus viajes, así evitarán malos ratos.Próximo destinos: St. Kitts#crucerospuertorico ??#cruceristasdeborinquen #StMarteen #Caribe #FreedomOfTheSeas
Passengers on the other ship are going crazy shouting things like “you missed it!” along with whistling and cheering. This is a common thing when people miss their ship, we’ve often covered passengers running down the pier trying to catch the ship and some take it better than others!
A port worker was with the two guests and stayed with them as they began walking back away from Freedom of the Seas. They will now have to try and fly to the ship’s next port of call in St. Kitts which is around 81 KM south in the Eastern Caribbean. They might even have to fly to one of the other ports or even simply fly back to the United States. However, all the belongings are still onboard.
It’s not a laughing matter when someone misses the cruise ship departure but they should be responsible for making sure they always stay on ship time and are aware of the back onboard time. Cruise lines often remind passengers vigorously of the back onboard time and ship time.
The 154,400-ton Freedom of the Seas was scheduled to depart Philipsburg, St. Maarten at around 5:00 PM. The ship is currently sailing a 7-day Southern Caribbean cruise and is calling at St. Kitts today. Other calls include Antigua, St. Lucia and then Barbados before returning back to its homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 11.
We hope this will help any newbie cruisers out there on the seriousness of not missing the ship as it can ruin a cruise vacation.
