Cruising the Mighty Mississippi

After a leisurely breakfast we walked the short distance to the wharf area for our cruise along the Mississippi River on the historic Steamboat Natchez. We enjoyed views of the city and wharf and dock areas where the large cruise ships dock, before cruising a little further afield where some of the industry such as a huge sugar mill can be seen. The Mississippi is still a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond and therefore many large ships and barges can be seen up and down the river which is a massive 200 feet deep in its central channel. 

(Note the name of the tug boat 😂)

After disembarking we hopped on a trolley to the Riverwalk area before walking back to our hotel along the famous Canal Street which is lined with palm trees.

Our hotel has a carousel bar that actually rotates. On our return we sat at the bar for a while enjoying a cold drink. It really is a very unique experience. New Orleans is just beautiful. As you walk around the city you could actually forget that you are in the US. It is very unique and very European. 

New Orleans, Louisiana probably has more nicknames than any other American city. The most famous is The Big Easy. It describes the gentle, slow and easy-going way of life in New Orleans. New Orleans has other nicknames. One of them is The Crescent City. During the nineteenth century, new neighbourhoods expanded out from what is now known as the French Quarter. These areas followed the great curve of the Mississippi River, giving New Orleans the shape of a crescent. Another nickname is the Birthplace of Jazz because that kind of music started in New Orleans. It is also called Mardi Gras City for the wild celebrations and parades that take place there every year. And, there is a nickname that uses the short way to write New Orleans and Louisiana. It you do not want to use the complete name, you can call the city NOLA.