After a fun five days onboard the Carnival Fantasy, it’s time to head home and get back to work! I was aboard the recently refurbished ship (which looks fantastic by the way) for the second annual John Heald Bloggers Cruise. Carnival did a great job with the onboard programs and it was fun to meet all the bloggers from all walks of life. I even met a couple from my home town, Tampa, FL! It’s amazing in life how one has to go 1,000 miles to see people from home.

And of course John Heald is terrific — a one-of-a-kind guy who is truly revered by the guests onboard Carnival. He “truly makes” the cruise in terms of an experience and, frankly, I don’t know how he does what he does His schedule seems brutal but he loves people and tackles everything with gusto. The bloggers were very happy with all the activities and thrilled to see John. I too was happy to repeat on the bloggers cruise. It’s a lot of fun, exactly what Carnival promises for guests.

Getting off the ship today, I opted to bypass the provided transfer service to the airport. Instead, I grabbed a cab and headed for Jackson Square in the French Quarter. En route in the cab and after arrival while on foot, I felt everything looked very clean and neat. I know there are problems elsewhere in New Orleans, but tourists should feel comfortable in visiting the French Quarter. Just take the normal precautions you would in any big city.

I sat down at Cafe du Monde, ordered my coffee and beignets and chowed down. In the past I recall some of the waiters were rude, but not this time. People were friendly, and I gladly obliged when other tourists asked me to take their photos. The best part of Cafe Du Monde? Yes, the beignets are great, but “peoplewatching” is superb.

Gathering my things to depart the cafe, I eyeballed the carriages across the street. One of the highlights of a New Orleans visit is a carriage ride — with colorful carriages pulled by mules giving visitors an up-close tour through the French Quarter to view  restaurants, shops, historic buildings, the wonderful architecture, Mardi Gras decorations, French balconies,  and colorful streetscapes. So I hopped onboard and for $50 went off on a solo carriage ride (it was early so the price was cheaper than normal)… with a very knowledgeable guide who talked a mile a minute. There were so many facts flying they could make up an entire book. I gleaned bits and pieces; enjoyed seeing the sites; and taking photos for a future article.

In two hours, I had a bit of a mini-getaway – so much better than going from ship to airport without seeing anything. I’ve been to New Orleans repeatedly over the years. I found it refreshing to be back again. The city looked very attractive in the downtown and French Quarter areas. But the cab driver who drove me to the airport told me that tourism is hurting in this tough econom. Fewer tourists translates into really rough times for the folks who live there — as if they didn’t have enough heartache over the past few years. He said 1,600 people were registered as cab drivers pre-Katrina and just 800 today with more going out of business every day. Conventions — once the anchor for tourism — are still coming, but fewer participants are opting to come. Still, the city has a vibrant, upbeat personality. I enjoyed my Carnival Cruise on the Carnival Fantasy. New Orleans is a great spot for a pre- or post-cruise stay… and I had just a taste of it today. It was truly colorful with all the Mardi Gras decorations on display.

This post is probably pretty rambling as I’m writing it from the gate at New Orleans International Airport….so signing off… Cheers!