My 5 day cruise on the Fantasy was October 27-November 1. I love cruising during Halloween and make it an annual event. This year, I had 17 people with me, some first timers, some seasoned sailors.

We arrived a day early to enjoy New Orleans. I love this city. We took a taxi from the airport to our hotel, The Holiday Inn French Quarter. The taxi was $25 per couple plus tip. I prefer taxi over the airport shuttle as you go straight to your hotel without sightseeing (stopping at other hotels) along the way. The Holiday Inn French Quarter is a great place to stay. It is an older hotel, but the rooms are clean and the staff very friendly. Dean, the bellhop, was the chef at the TGI Fridays which used to be next door to the hotel. After the hurricane, it didn't come back so he switched to the HI. He shared recipes with us and was quick to offer restaurant advice and told us he'd arrange 2 vans to take us to the pier the next morning.

There is a Walgreen's right on the corner past the hotel (Iberville). Turn left and you're on your way to Acme Oyster Bar. Be sure to get there early in the evening to avoid the long line to get in. We arrived at 6:15pm and walked right in. Dinner was wonderful: oysters, both regular and char-grilled, jambalaya, gumbo and catfish (I didn't eat all that, we each ordered something different and shared). Be aware that the servers won't separate the checks so it can be confusing at the end of the meal. When we left around 7:00, there was a line about a block long. Read more