This was a surprise wedding anniversary for my parents, although they thought is was a family vacation. Big Surprise.....more like Shock!...LOL We were a group of 18. I use to live in Metairie and I hadn't been back to Naw'lins since Katrina so this was bittersweet for me. Many in the group had not been to Naw'lins before, so this was a party that started on Thursday,for some, Friday and Saturday arrival for others. Conquest sailed on Sunday,28 October 2012.

We booked the Embassy Suites on Julia Street for pre and post cruise accommodations. The hotel is old. but clean and comfortable and within walking distance to anywhere you want to go in the Quarter and the ship terminal. The Riverwalk Mall is scheduled for renovation,so there's not many stores open.

For those of you who have never been to Naw'lins before, let me introduce you to my city.....looking for places to eat.....Mulate,Grand Isle,and Ernest are located around the corner from Embassy Suites. Acme Oyster Bar, Red Fish Grill, Drego,(the best smoked oysters you've ever eaten). My personal favorite,Pralin Connection on Frenchman Street. Po'Boy and Muffulettas, messy but good (Central Grocery,) on Decatur Street. The BEST coffee is NOT Starbuck or Cafe Du Monde, but Community...yes,that's the name. There is a grocery store on Julia Street approximately six blocks from Embassy Suites. If you stay at this hotel, turn right as you leave the hotel entrance and keep walking. Everything else turn left. For those of you who can't do without Wal-Mart,and you don't have a car,take the number 10 Tchoupitoulas bus. Read more