Theresa and I left our ice-covered driveway in Central New Jersey by Shuttle to be taken to the Newark Liberty Airport where we flew to New Orleans by Continental Airlines. At first we weren't sure where we were staying because we had reservations for the Embassy Suites Hotel on Julia Street and the Cruise Line said that we were changed to another hotel. Thanks to the tireless effort of Cruise Director, Dr. Peggy Rudd , the problem was resolved.
The hotel provided cocktails each evening and full breakfasts in the morning. We were able to meet the other members of the Dignity Group who were staying at this hotel. We stayed in New Orleans for two days prior to boarding the RCCL, Grandeur Of The Seas. On the first evening we dined at the famous Court of Two Sisters with about 20 of the Dignity Group and on the second evening we dined with the same group at Mulates where they had a live Cajun Band.
While in New Orleans, we relived our Honeymoon by having Beignets and Chicory coffee at the Café du Monde in the French Market on Jackson Square. To get to Jackson Square, we walked down Julia Street to the "River Walk" then boarded a trolley car and rode it to Jackson Square. After leaving the Café du Monde, we visited the old St Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square where we had attended a Mass so long ago. Before leaving Jackson Square with the Equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson we visited the old Jackson Brewery that once produced Jax Beer, but is now a Mall. I had wanted to visit the old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, but we didn't have time. I have an 1844 $5.00 gold coin that was minted here and was salvaged from the SS Central America.
