Brilliance of the Seas - March 22, 2025 (7 Nights)

Steeped in history and famous for its French colonial influence, New Orleans has always had a magnetic draw for visitors. And the city has recovered marvelously from the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Downtown is once again vibrant, the antique shops, fine restaurants and sporting venues are once again full, and the new cruise terminal located on the riverfront in downtown is first-class. If you are thinking of taking a cruise to the Western Caribbean, how about mixing in a little Cajun, Creole and French culture and making New Orleans your departure point? It's the perfect way to kickoff your cruise or a relaxing - yet energetic - way to end it.

Visitors to New Orleans on a cruise itinerary will find the new Erato Street Terminal adjacent to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This modern dock facility serves vessels of the NCL, Carnival and other cruise lines, and there is easy access from the terminal to the Riverwalk shopping complex. Here you can find plenty of gift stores, clothing boutiques and a number of ATMs. Taxis can be found both at the shopping center or can be called for pickup at the terminal itself.

One cannot visit New Orleans and not spend time in the famous and historic French Quarter, the area's main tourist attraction. Here you can find anything French, and along the popular Bourbon Street there is no end to the fine restaurants, shops and street performers. The jazz clubs are present on every block and the French Market is a must-see with its variety of produce, ready-made sauces, soups and spices. The beautiful Saint Louis Cathedral is worth two dozen photographs and the flea market is a delight for families with children. Everything from stuffed boa constrictors to voodoo magic necessities can be found here. And if you are in town during Mardi Gras, which is observed the week before Ash Wednesday, you are in for a real treat. Away from the French Quarter, visitors can take a stroll through the Garden District with its incredible mansions and manor homes. Close to it is the popular Magazine Street, with its never-ending antique shops, odd bookstores and small cafes. If you want to head into the wilds, check out the amazing Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, the largest urban refuge in the nation. Just 20 minutes from downtown on Highway 434, this fantastic natural area has walking trails, boat tours and guided bird watching trips.

If you've ever wanted to watch the experts craft a beautiful crepe on the backside of the crepe pan, over an open flame, it is suggested you head to New Orleans. The finest in Creole style cuisine, Cajun delights and the best Southern cookery in the nation is found in the many excellent restaurants located throughout the city. Popular with residents is the Cafe du Monde, with several locations in the central districts. Visitors will enjoy the fresh roasted coffee and snack items on the menu here. The famous "New Orleans Lunch", which is another way of saying that the meal can last all afternoon, is perhaps best enjoyed at Galatoire's at 209 Bourbon Street. Every type of soup and stew is offered along with plenty of bread, pan-fried shrimp and the largest choice of drinks in the city. And there are so many smaller establishments with emphasis on French, Cajun or Creole cooking that it would be impossible to mention them all.

Taxis in New Orleans have set rates between the popular destinations. This includes to and from the airport as well as from the downtown area to the cruise terminal. The famous streetcars also have set prices and the destinations are clearly marked at the loading areas. The streetcars connect the French Quarter with Canal Street, with smaller branching lines running to the various neighborhoods. The Riverfront Streetcar leaves from the Erato Cruise Terminal and heads directly along the river and through part of the downtown.

The weather in New Orleans is warm and sticky during the summer, and tends to be chilly and damp in the winter. However, visitors should be ready for both clear skies and rainy conditions at any time of the year. For those wanting to stay in touch or need Internet/WiFi connections, there are a good number of cafes that offer WiFi in the city. Most hotels have Internet access near the lobbies. The cruise terminal itself does not have telephone clusters or Internet connection facilities.

Cozumel is Mexico's most famous tropical island resort and is located off the coast of the Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula. Every year hundreds of cruise ships ferry travelers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike from all over the world to this beautiful Caribbean island. Ancient Mayan ruins and natural reefs compliment Cozumel's immaculate coastline. You don't even need to travel far from the port to walk along the island's near-perfect beaches or explore its lush tropical landscape.

Three piers serve cruise ships passing through Cozumel. The primary docking terminal lies at Punta Langosta, located on the shores of the island's only city, San Miguel de Cozumel. But the International Pier and Puerta Maya to the south of Punta Langosta also see plenty of cruise ship traffic throughout the year. No matter where you arrive and disembark for the day, Cozumel's prime attractions are very accessible on foot, or by taxi, which is the most useful way to get around the city.

If you happen to be in the mood for an adventure, look no further than the San Gervasio Mayan ruins only a few miles east of San Miguel. In fact, Cozumel is home to many ancient Mayan landmarks that are over 2,000 years old. But the San Gervasio ruins take the prize as the largest ancient structures left standing on the island. The Plaza del Sol is another attraction you have to see while docked in Cozumel. This retail complex provides cruise ship travelers with plenty of opportunities to find the perfect souvenir. Locally known as 'zocalo', Plaza del Sol houses shops, which sell jewelry, clothing, handcrafted products as well as other memorabilia. One of the most popular activities on the island is the Palancar Reef. From San Miguel follow the shoreline south on the Rafael E. Melgar Boulevard in order to find Cozumel's world-renowned snorkeling and diving waters. Water sports like sailing and surfing have a strong following as well on the island's long, pristine beaches. You can take part in all kinds of outdoor activities while on Cozumel. For example, Chankanaab National Park services over a million visitors each year. Both snorkeling and diving, especially into the infamous underwater Chankanaab Caves, are very popular activities in Cozumel.

While there are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, a short taxi cab ride into the heart of San Miguel can give you a better feel for the wide range of dining options. Mexican and Caribbean cuisines are the most common ones. Cozumel's fresh seafood is very popular and is a major attraction in town and out on the beach.

Once you set foot on Cozumel, many of the island's best amenities are located within walking distance from the dock. But a large number of visitors opt to get around the island by taxi. If you happen to be the adventurous type, you can rent a vehicle for the day. But it is advised that first time visitors stay close to San Miguel since many of the island's inland rural roads are isolated and may be in poor condition.

While the official currency is peso, most shops accept (even prefer) US dollars. Also, almost all shops have English speakers in case you don't know Spanish. There is also a calling station (located at Plaza Orbi - Local 1, Av. Rafael E. Melgar 27) that you can use for Internet or for making an international phone call.

Belize City is the largest city in the country of the same name, which is located on the southeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. This exciting cruise stop is popular not only for visiting the city itself but also for exploring the natural wonders of the region and understanding the ancient heritage of the Mayans. There is no shortage of places to visit and the educational experience is quite memorable. One of the more affordable and reasonably priced countries in the Western Hemisphere, Belize offers tourists a treasure trove of activities centering around native culture.

All cruise ships arriving in Belize City anchor in the main harbor, and passengers are ferried via the local Belizean tender vessels. Passengers are deposited at the docks in the main Tourism Village, directly in front of the city center and near the bus stops, restaurants and taxi stands. Most of the souvenir shops and arts and crafts stores are located in Tourism Village as well.

The favorable climate of the region, along with the presence of the Belize Barrier Reef and the multitude of offshore islands makes this area a favorite for boating, diving and snorkeling. San Pedro Beach in Ambergris Caye offers white sands, gentle surf and excellent picnic areas. The highest waterfall in Central America is located in the Cayo District and is a favorite spot for photographers. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is excellent for backpacking or enjoying the many easy hiking trails. Visiting some of the ancient Mayan ruins is a highlight of any stop in Belize City. The Altun Ha excavation site is a short day trip from the city and includes some of the most spectacular temples and burial tombs found in the country. The nearby Xunantunich, across the Mopan River, consists of over 25 temple remains and religious palaces. At Caracol visitors will find the Caana Maya pyramid, the highest such structure in the country. Exploring wildlife around the Belize City is another favorite activity of cruise travelers. From the spectacular city zoo to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, tourists get a close up and personal look at the amazing variety of wild fauna.

A most famous stop in Belize is the Riverside Tavern on Mapp Street in Belize City. This is home to the nation's only active brewery and includes a full lunch and dinner menu. The cafeteria-style Big Daddy's Diner is a favorite with the locals and is nearly always full from opening to late night closing time. On Queen Street try the Nerie's Restaurant, offering reasonably priced local cuisine that focuses on rice and beans, stews, seafood platters and fish burgers. And on Ambergris Caye the place to go is Ruby's Cafe, serving visitors hot and cold sandwiches, home-baked pastries and snacks such as burritos and tostadas.

Over a half dozen bus companies operate in and around Belize City, most of which stop at nearly every corner on the routes they serve. The San Pedro Belize Express is the favored water taxi service, operating routes from the main harbor to Caye Caulker, San Pedro and many other islands in the area. Land taxis can be hailed at the Tourism Village or in front of any hotel. Taxis do not publish standard fares; all prices are negotiable between the driver and the passengers.

The Belize Dollar is the monetary unit of the country and is easily exchanged for U.S. Dollars. Most local merchants will accept U.S. Dollars but will often attempt to give Belize Dollars in change. Visitors can find ATMs at the Tourism Village and at any major bank in the city. The official language of Belize is English and is spoken fluently by nearly everyone. If visitors need to make international telephone calls there are Internet cafes in the Tourism Village as well as in the National Handicraft Center in the business district.