The Saint hotel

New Orleans Hotel

We have a group booking allotment at The Saint Hotel in the French Quarter. As you may know, New Orleans hotels can be very expensive. This hotel is unique, highly-rated, and centrally located. It is $229 per night only through this link. In this room block, all rooms are kings. The pricing is available beginning Tuesday, January 28 and up to Monday, February 3. If I can help you with further accommodations, just let me know. Special pricing is only good until January 10, 2025.

Airfare

If your booking included the buy-one-get one airfare from Norwegian, they will be in touch with you to book after your final payment. As a reminder, you can choose to fly up to two days before/after embarkation/dis-embarkation.  I think all the major carriers fly to New Orleans. Jen and Travis and Darren and I are traveling on the flight below:

• Thursday, January 30th, 7:15 am Southwest via Phoenix
• Sunday, February 9th, 12:00 pm Southwest via San Diego

Fun on Land & Ship!

The quintessential New Orleans activity is actually getting out of the city and going on a swamp tour!  I will be reaching out to see who would like to join the group on a swamp tour on Saturday, February 1. 

• Our group will kick-off the cruise with a private cocktail party on the ship. The time and place will be forthcoming. 
• Private yacht anyone?  I will reach out to see who's interested in cruising, snorkeling and making merriment on a private boat day. Hopefully this will be in Roatan—they have the second largest reef in the world nearby. 

Transfers

• Embarkation: Since the cruise port is so near the Quarter (right beside it), I will not be arranging group transportation from hotel to ship. It should be easy to taxi or uber. 
• Disembarkation: Disembarkation is often a madhouse because you have so many guests exiting at the same time. I will organize transportation by coach to the airport for those who want it—at a reasonable price. Cruise lines often charge as much as $75 per person for this. If it makes sense to arrange our own bus, I will. 

Insurance

At the time of final payment, you can let me know if you would like to add cruise insurance. Consider your options here: Passenger & Baggage Protection Policy | Coverage, Travel Arrangements & Medical Protection | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com).

• Essential: $  49
• Standard: $109
• Platinum:  $169

Service Fees

Norwegian's mandatory service fees (includes gratuities) are $140 per person. You can opt to pay this at your final payment or wait and pay it onboard the ship.