Our last morning in N’awlins! We did a run along the Riverwalk and a little through the French Quarter, maybe 2.5 miles or so. Then stopped at Croissant D’Or patisserie, one of our favorite places. It’s a very old building.
I love how it is full of subway tile, ornate molding, and stained glass:
Had an almond croissant, and then we split a piece of King cake. Croissant D’Or does them a little different. They are more flaky pastry, rather than yeast cake:
We then spent the morning taking in the sites and just enjoying the Quarter before boarding the cruise ship. There was a jazz group playing in the streets, which is very common.
Many times these street groups are so good, you just can’t believe it. This is Royal St, which is full of antique shops and upscale boutiques. This road is barracaded off during the day for the shoppers, which is why the groups set up in the street.
Time for lunch and had another New Orleans staple – Jambalaya!
Rice with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and tomatoes. This was really good.
Before picking up our luggage, we stopped at CC’s coffee and had some chickory cafe au lait and a praline!
Time to board the boat!
Pictures just cannot show how enormous and vast this ship is. The boat holds 2800 people. Huge line to check in 
:
Finally on the boat. We have a really nice cabin. We actually have a window!
And a couch:
I was soooo happy to see this for dinner!
I was dying for fresh fruit and veggies! I love the food in New Orleans, but it is very difficult to find fruits and veggies on any menu (at least in the Quarter). Just can’t eat that rich food for very long any more.
I filled up my plate with all the fresh goodness.
Of course, I had to have a little dessert to go with:
Then we checked out the fitness center on the boat. It’s really nice and includes a sauna and steam room, plus a bunch of equipment and free weights! Yay!
That was a busy Monday, that’s for sure! Tuesday is a day at sea before we get to Progreso (Mexico, not the soup). I’ll showcase more boat photos then.
I’m so jealous! 😛 I love New Orleans and cruise ships! I can’t wait for a vacation!
Hope you have a great time! You’re off to a good start!
.-= Ang´s last blog ..Bacon cupcakes rock! =-.
Wow, sounds like the start of your vacation has been fabulous!!
Cruise ships are huge, aren’t they?? I love them though – you can always find something new!
.-= PTG´s last blog ..honesty can sometimes suck =-.
OK, comment luv still picking up old posts from me & others so not to worry.. like you were even thinking about that with that great vacation!!! 🙂
LOVE THE PICS!!!! What a wonderful time for you guys & so deserved!!!! Thx for sharing!
!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Tuesday at the Gym & My Cardio Workout =-.
You must be having such a fabulous vacation. It is making me look forward to my time off in the summer even more. Maybe I will take a shorter trip before my leave.
Can’t wait for more pics!!!
.-= Kimberley´s last blog ..Visit to the Doc =-.
Lori did you ever say what cruiseline your on or the name of your boat???? Maybe its privacy thing as to why you haven’t said and thats fine. I just know a cruise is in our future and i’d like to compare notes…..:)
I’v never thought much about going on a cruise, but watching your trip makes me think it might be something I’d now like to do someday. 🙂
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Something Old, Something New =-.
Boy, I think I was as relieved to see the fresh food as you were! That seems like such a fun way to start a cruise–with a few days in an outstanding town.
I can’t really imagine how big that boat must be. I’ve never seen a cruise ship!
.-= debby´s last blog ..Tired of Trying =-.
The ship looks amazing – loveee the fresh fruit! Have a great departure!
.-= Run Sarah´s last blog ..Happy February =-.
I am enjoying reading about your vacation. The food looks so yummy! Enjoy the cruise.
.-= Kat´s last blog ..Lulu update =-.
Love New Orleans, sounds like your all set up on the ship, enjoy!!!!!
.-= Ron´s last blog ..Still Hanging in there =-.
oooo what fun! I’m so glad you had a good time! 🙂
.-= Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me´s last blog ..Sick Day =-.