Up fairly early again with no plans for the day.  I got yesterday’s blog post done, Tom checked email…just like at home.

We decided to take the streetcar to Canal, walk for about half a mile, then take the streetcar that runs along the banks of the Mississippi.

We did that until we got close to the riverfront.  I showed Tom where the paddlewheel was docked, as well as the Carnival Elation that was loading up for it’s next cruise.

We decided to go on the Creole Queen and got tickets for the afternoon trip to the Chalmette Battlefield.  While we waited, we walked up the dock a bit and got this picture of the paddlewheel

Paddlewheel on the Creole Queen

This was the American Queen steamboat. This is an overnight cruise that goes up and down the Mississippi.
From their website “There’s no more unique way to enjoy a Mississippi river cruise and experience the history, heritage and culture of America’s heartland than a voyage aboard a genuine steamboat like the American Queen. Stroll through charming towns and vibrant Mississippi river cities. Explore historic ports of call like New Orleans, Natchez, Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh, just to name a few. Along the way, you’ll learn about the great events and people that have contributed to America’s history and culture.”

It was raining a bit so we decided to go in the old Riverwalk.  It’s mostly closed now for renovation – they’re putting in outlet stores, reopening sometime in 2014.

The Hilton conference rooms are still there, though, so we bought some snacks and used the restroom.  Of course, we got coffee.

It was time to board so we went back to the dock.  The first thing they did was take our picture – then make us get rid of the coffee.  Who knew we wore so much blue?

Creole Queen. The coffee is soon to go 🙁

This cruise had a lot of young kids on it, to celebrate Nadya’s 6th birthday. Fortunately, they mostly celebrated in the Queen’s room a couple decks lower than us.

Another boat on the river

Docking at Chalmette Battlefield

Not a care in the world. Should we move for this boat? Naaah

Folks were practicing old-timey dancing for some event coming up in January.

More dancing

Right after this, all those kids came running off the boat, interrupting the park ranger who was telling us about the Battle of 1812.

The dancers taught some of the kids the dance they were doing and some kids were playing cards in the kitchen.

Heading back

Still heading…

The birthday flag for Nadya’s party

The Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz and Daytime jazz cruises … run daily, year round, in the style of authentic steamboats in New Orleans for centuries!

The Carnival Elation starting a cruise to the Caribbean

Waiting for the streetcar to take us along the Mississippi to the French Market

We took the streetcar to the French market, had to get off and got right back on.  Off at Canal Street, transferred to a new streetcar.  Off to  get on the final streetcar for St Charles there (we’re getting good at this!) but there was a CVS on the corner and we decided to get more back medicine.  I sure hope I don’t need that.  I took only 4 pills down from 6 the day before.

Back home and a nap.  Hooray!  I’ve taken extra Cortef both days just to help.  I doubt I would have gotten as far as I did through the days without it.

When I woke up, about 10:00 my back pain was gone.  Hooray!

I most likely won’t be posting daily updates from the ship unless they have really good WiFi or my hotspot works really well.  Maybe when we’re docked a a port – we’ll see.

Tomorrow, the 17th, we board the Norwegian Jewel.  I’ll post lots of pictures and commentary when we get back.  Hopefully, no more back pain comments!

MaryO