Louisiana & Carnival Dream (Part 1 of 2)

I was fortunate enough to recently take part in on an educational FAM visit to Louisiana and a cruise on the Carnival Dream departing from New Orleans with some of my Travel Counsellor colleagues. A short flight from Belfast and I was ready for an overnight stay at London Heathrow. The next morning we joined our Delta flight to Lafayette (via Atlanta). Unfortunately due to crew illness our flight had to stop also in Bostin which put pressure on us making our connecting flight through to Lafayette (especially as we had to clear US Immigration and Customs at Atlanta). I was lucky enough to make the connection at Atlanta, although the majority of the group did not and they had to fly on later flights to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Atlanta is a huge airport with its own rapid transport system between terminals but I would recommend not using the minimum connecting time and allowing plenty of time between flights. On arrival at Lafayette we took the courtesy coach to our first stay – the Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette Airport. I was impressed by these large suites which would suit a family touring Louisiana. Conveniently located near the airport and great facilities. After our long journey it was great to sink into the comfortable bed. An early start the next morning as we headed out to have a traditional Louisiana breakfast at Johnson’s Boucaniere – I had a ‘biscuit’ (not like our biscuits) with boudin and egg, washed down with coffee, and very tasty it was too. Boudin is a local sausage famous in the area packed with rice and spices and very tasty indeed. After breakfast we headed to Champagnes at Lake Martin for a guided tour of the swamp, getting the opportunity to seeing some of the local wildlife. The highlights for me on this tour were seeing Osprey, owls and alligator of course. After our swamp tour we then headed to Avery Island famous for its biggest export – Tabasco. Every bottle of Tabasco worldwide started its journey here in Avery Island and there is a visitor centre, factory tours, gift shop and a restaurant for visitors to learn more about Tabasco. It was great being able to sample some of the products in the gift shop, especially my favourite Jalapeño Ice Cream – amazing! We then made our way to the state capitol of Louisiana – Baton Rouge and our next hotel, the super Hotel Indigo situated downtown and overlooking the mighty Mississippi river. On arrival at the Hotel Indigo the chef had prepared a wonderful lunch for us using only locally sourced ingredients and it was amazing. After lunch we toured the city and university campus both of which included stories about Louisiana’s infamous past Governor - Huey Long. We even managed a stop at a drive-through Daiquiri Shack, which is unique to Louisiana. Dinner that evening was in the famous Poor Boy Lloyds. There are great restaurants and nightlife in Baton Rouge but after my long day I retired to my super room at the Hotel Indigo which had a great view of the Mississippi. Another early morning and off to visit the first of two plantations. The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens was our first stop and is now hugely popular wedding venue as well as offering a real insight into antebellum Louisiana. We then headed on to the famous Oak Alley Plantation (yes that one with the wonderful oak lined picture) which also gave us a great insight into how both masters and slaves lived prior to the American Civil War. Both plantation houses offer guided tours and a real insight into Louisiana history. Our busy morning then continued with a walking tour of the French Quarter of New Orleans. I loved this city, so very different to many other US cities and with a real French flavour to it. Our walk took us pass countless bars, restaurants and shops that definitely warrant closer inspection, and all accompanied by music in the streets and from the bars. New Orleans is a fascinating city and one that I would love to return to. Soon it was to start the next part of our adventure – our cruise on the Carnival Dream.