Day 26 Saturday 13th September, New Orleans, Louisiana. To Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana by Paddle Steamer

Today we boarded the “Queen of the Mississippi” for our cruise up the Mississippi River, to Memphis in about 8 days.

After short bus ride from our over night hotel, during which our entertaining bus driver "complained" about being given a small bus that didn’t have any luggage space, we arrived at the dock - the first bus to arrive.  Met by ACL crew we were quickly "processed to ensure no stow-aways boarded we embarked and went to the forward lounge where a Dixie jazz band entertained us whilst the crew finished readying the boat.  It’s a boat not a ship (apparently because it doesn’t go to sea) and they also unloaded our luggage which then magically appeared in our rooms.  Yay - not lugging suitcases up and down stairs in search of our cabin.

2nd floor "small" lounge

Not long after this we had a safety film and short introduction to the boat and crew, followed closely by a sumptuous lunch including wine with most of a bottle to take to our room for later. Our server (not waiter) Joseph is a young man from Hawaii who is saving to go back to school.  He made sure we were well attended and was most helpful. During lunch the boat took off and headed for our overnight first stop at Oak Alley Plantation.

A bridge just above New Orleans

In the afternoon our resident speaker and general Mississippi River expert introduced us to some of the crew and then gave an informative presentation on the lower parts of the river and discussed the history on our visit to Oak Alley Plantation. 

Maritta relaxing on our cabin balcony

After a short walk around the various decks (orientation) it was time for dinner and then the evenings entertainment by the “Victory Girls” a trio who perform at the World War 11 Museum in New Orleans.  They were great - very patriotic and had the predominately American audience sing all the old WW2 numbers plus the star spangled banner. 

The Victory Belles singing all the old WW2 hit songs.

The lights of New Orleans as we slip up the river to our next destination.