like gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish étouffée
are staples here, simmered slowly and
seasoned generously. Don't miss the chance
to try a Po' Boy, a sandwich stuffed with fried
seafood or roast beef, served in crispy
New Orleans French bread and dripping with
local flavour.
Beignets dusted in powdered sugar at the
iconic Café du Monde are a must, best
enjoyed with strong, chicory-laced coffee. For
those with a sweet tooth, pralines—rich, nutty
confections made with pecans and sugar—
offer a delicious taste of Southern tradition.
Wander through the lively stalls of the historic
French Market to sample local specialities,
from spicy boudin sausage and alligator bites
to freshly shucked oysters plucked straight
from the Gulf. The market's lively atmosphere,
with its street musicians and colourful
displays, offers a feast for all the senses.
Beyond the classics, the city's vibrant food
scene is constantly evolving. A new
generation of chefs are reimaginging
traditional recipes with bold flavours and
global influences. Contemporary dining rooms
sit side-by-side with time-honoured Creole
restaurants, while hidden courtyards host
leisurely brunches featuring pecan pie
pancakes. And when night falls, follow the
locals to a lively oyster bar, where chargrilled
oysters are sizzling with butter, garlic and
herbs. Whether it is fine dining in a converted
Creole cottage or tasting your way through a
bustling food market, New Orleans invites you
to eat well—and often.
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EXTEND YOUR STAY
IN NEW ORLEANS
Take some extra time to enjoy
New Orleans' inimitable character
before your Mississippi voyage with our
2-night New Orleans pre-extension. Your
stay includes:
FRENCH QUARTER WALKING TOUR
Stroll through the heart of New Orleans
with a local guide and uncover the stories
behind its iconic Creole townhouses,
hidden courtyards and lively streets. After
free time for lunch on your own, board a
motor coach for a panoramic drive
through the city.
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
Discover one of America's most acclaimed
museums with access to immersive
exhibits, including the powerful Beyond
All Boundaries film produced by Tom
Hanks, and the interactive USS Tang
Submarine experience.
GETTING THERE: Our 15-day The Big
Easy to the Gateway City voyage
takes guests from New Orleans,
Louisiana to St. Louis, Missouri.
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
TENNESSEE
MISSOURI
New Orleans
Darrow
Memphis
Natchez
Vicksburg
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
St. Louis
St. Francisville
Paducah
KENTUCKY
Cape Girardeau
Alton
ILLINOIS
Greenville
Baton Rouge
–
C r ui s e
••
O ve r night in Po r t
VIEW
VOYAGE
VIEW
W I N T E R I S S U E 2 6
Clockwise, from top:
St. Louis Cathedral Square, New
Orleans; shrimp po boy sandwich;
skyline at twilight, New Orleans
