Voodoo and Vampires New Orleans

Hello everyone , well I am heading for the Heart of Jazz and Voodoo for this blog. New Orleans here we come….

The Cruises that go out of Texas are easily added to any visits to this area. I was lucky enough to put together a bespoke package for some guests really wanting to experience all the deep south has to offer.
This would be my idea of heaven, as I am a massive fan of NCIS New Orleans and The Originals , both filmed in New Orleans.

New Orleans is one of the world’s most fascinating cities – it’s home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in America and so has a rich diverse culture to explore.

Bourbon Street is rich with historic venues, social tales and iconic buildings. The street dates back to 1798, when New Orleans was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The Royal Sonesta Hotel is a must see and dates back to 1721,the architectural style of the hotel is unique to New Orleans, as the exterior was designed to look like a typical 1830s row of houses. Galatoire’s Restaurant, one of New Orleans’ oldest and most popular restaurants. Founded by Jean Galatoire in 1905, Galatoire’s specializes in French Creole cuisine and is the French Quarter’s hot spot for lunch on Fridays.

St Charles Avenue , Is the place to be to see all the wonderful old mansions , you can take guided tours of the Avenue and explore the wonderful architecture dating back to the early 1800’s. The Tulane President’s House, 7000 St. Charles Ave, – previously owned by a Cotton broker in 1907 and later sold to Samuel Zemurray, the creator of the United Fruit Company empire’s well worth a visit. You can hire a horse and carriage to see the whole Avenue.

Music is a must in New Orleans , Jazz has evolved from the work and creativity of many people and places, but it still calls only one city home – New Orleans.In the late 19th century, while the rest of America was stomping their feet to military marches, and New Orleans was dancing to VooDoo rhythms.If you’ve been to New Orleans, you know what I mean. It’s perfectly clear where Jazz began, even the historians agree on that one. What is not so clear, however, is when it began. Or who began it. Some will say that Jazz was born in 1895, when Buddy Bolden started his first band. Others will say 1917, when Nick LaRocca and his Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the first Jazz record, “Livery Stable Blues.” Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton said, “It is evidently known, beyond contradiction, that New Orleans is the cradle of Jazz, and I myself happen to be the inventor in the year 1902.”

You will find a lot of our Taylor made to the area have a Jazz cruise included. Take a trip on the Mississippi and take in those wonderful Jazz sounds at the same time.

The French Quarter : this is over 100 blocks and can be a bit confusing , but there are tours galore to take you around the best sights to see. Intimate and unique, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood has exerted a spell over writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern and John James Audubon. French Quarter architecture blends Spanish, French, Creole and American styles together to make some of the most stunning buildings to see. From its elaborate ironwork to dreamy balconies and Creole cottages, no wonder the French Quarter’s architecture is so iconic.Take a stroll or a carriage ride through Jackson Square as you enjoy street performers and local artistry.

So if Voodoo and Vampires are your thing , Lafayette Cemetery was home to the filming of The Originals , a spin off from Vampire Diaries one of my favourite series and because the city is built on a swamp, the dead have to be buried above ground here in elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. Over time the cemeteries, with elaborate sculptures and other decorative artwork embellishing the tombs, have come to come to resemble small villages. They are known by the nickname of “Cities of the Dead.” this is where the witch’s in the series practise thier witchcraft. The hotel Royal was used in the filming as Marcels home and also do not forget although Jardin Gris, as seen on the show, isn’t a real store, but you can check out shops such as Voodoo Authentica in the French Quarter. There are so many tours online to see these fantastic sights.

The Mardi Gras take place here in February it may be a little late for this year but we will be looking to next year already. Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement.  It’s one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. You’ll see a lot of crazy costumes, kids with their families are everywhere, and both locals and visitors having a great time.  Parade goers will sit on the ground, throw balls, play music, eat great food and watch the crowds walk by between parades. The population of New Orleans more than doubles during the five days before Mardi Gras Day, in anticipation of the biggest celebration, so make sure you book early if you want to include this in your stay. The celebrations begin early on Mardi Gras, which can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9.

NCIS Scott Bakula plays a wonderful part of : Dwayn Pride the lead in the Team to bring justice to Military deaths, kidnappings etc. A fab series and all filmed in and around New Orleans. I have followed the original series with Gibbs through all 12 series and now I am loving the new spin off based here in New Orleans. Role on the next series.

I did just want to mention that the Walking Dead cruise went out of New Orleans this year and again was a huge success, this was on board the Norweign Pearl  January 26th. Just in case you are getting withdraw symptoms, I thought I would treat you to another wonderful pic of Daryl wow he is lovely, here with my daughter. Not long now and they are back !

Cruises go out to all manner of countries from New Orleans Louisiana , Mexico the Bahamas, Caribbean and Royal and Carnival are leading the way.

We have some fantastic Taylor made packages that take in the wonderful New Orleans take a look at a few of them : just click on the link

Taylor made for USA

This looks amazing :

New Orleans Plantation and Bahamas

18 Nights From £1999pp
3 Nights at 4* New Orleans Famous French Quarter
FREE Crocodile Swamp Boat & Plantation Tour
FREE Mayan Ruins Excursion
14 Nights Cruising With Royal Caribbean
Cruise The Western Caribbean & The Bahamas
16 January 2019

Have you been Share your thoughts here and let others know …….

Next off to the heart of Music that is Memphis and the Amtrak train ride……..


About Me

I am married with a daughter and a grandson. I live on the North East coast of England (between Whitby and Redcar) and love the fact that I can be on the beach in minutes or strolling through the North Yorkshire Moors,and taking in the beautiful views around me.I have…

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