When you come to New Orleans, you probably think a cruise on the Mississippi River means one of our famous riverboats. While we absolutely love our Delta Queen and its sisters, we realize that you might want to know about a marvelous alternative.
Party Barges
RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc., is the owner and operator of the 198-guest R/B River Explorer, a hotel barge that travels along inland waterways including the Lower and Upper Mississippi River, the Atchafalaya River Basin, and along the inland Texas-Louisiana Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, among others. There are four to ten-day excursions available known as Barging Through America®.
In addition to your large stateroom, regional food and entertainment are included in these cruises. Add to that local shore activities, and you have a cruise that is both fun and relaxing. RiverBarge likes to take its clients off the beaten path. There are some special theme events, including a Christmas cruise and Mardi Gras "Mambo."
Mardi Gras Mambo
If you are looking for something a little different for Mardi Gras, the "Rare on the River Mardi Gras Mambo" may be just the ticket for you. This is a round-trip excursion, this year from Feb. 26 - March 2,2006 beginning in New Orleans. Guests will be escorted to several parades and even taught how to catch beads and doubloons in the crowd. On Lundi Gras, (the Monday before Mardi Gras), travelers can visit the city including the French Quarter and Blaine Kern's famous Mardi Gras World. Guests will be here, of course, on Mardi Gras Day to see Rex and Zulu wind their fabulous way along the city streets. On Mardi Gras evening, the barge will depart down the river to visit a plantation before returning to New Orleans.
Family FunThe company advertises its cruises as family friendly, so if you would like to bring the kids down for Carnival, but aren't quite sure where you might stay or see the action, Mardi Gras Mambo sounds like the perfect solution. Happy Mardi Gras, and hope to see you there!
