When I had posted on October 15, about my Bridal Gown, the one that I made myself, I was going to lead you into this very post.
But things happened and we had to take a detour...
My dear husband Pieter had severe heart issues but for now, he is stable again.
So let's go back to that post, where I also showed a photo of my late first husband Frans, see link below this post.
It was through him, that our Long Awaited Mississippi River Cruise became reality.
One never knows if from heaven there still are messages delivered... One surprise was that from the Graphic Sector I did receive a pension on behalf of my late husband, in a lump sum due to the limited time he'd worked there.
So we could start planning our long awaited Mississippi River Cruise with American Cruise Lines newest paddlewheeler America, launched in 2016. Click the link for actually seeing the America on the Mississippi.
Even if it was a dreary looking day when we started out, here I am looking happy.
This dream took only 29 years, from March 7, 1988 till July 8 of 2017!
Starting our short 5-day cruise: Highlights of the Mississippi...
This time I had to drive the approximately 950 km all by myself as Pieter is no longer driving long stretches. With one stop at a hotel in Alabama, we made it to the INTERCONTINENTAL New Orleans Hotel's Classic Room where we stayed the night of July 7, before embarking on our cruise.
InterContinental New Orleans Classic Room's Desk.
A perfect shower at this InterContinental New Orleans, Classic Room.
Convenient towel bar on sliding door...
Handlebar in shower.
One can easily pick up ideas from such great hotels.
While I just relaxed and checked my MacBook, husband Pieter walked around the block.
As you can see, the InterContinental is located close to Lafayette Square and right in the center of New Orleans.
Top right you see my MacBook and the lower part of the building at top left is where we parked our car. Just crossing the building and than crossing the street with our carry on.
What would we do without our iPhone?
Car parking left and to the right you see the InterContinental New Orleans.
The Tower makes you exit just across from the InterContinental Hotel, very convenient.
Always make sure to check your surroundings!
Weather on July 7, 2017 when we arrived in the afternoon. Every afternoon thunder...
High humidity too in New Orleans area!
After a good breakfast buffet we arrive at the cruise terminal by bus.
Husband Pieter hardly can stand still for a picture, he's ready to embark on our new adventure!
Happy Pieter in front of the America Paddlewheeler.
By the way, the paddlewheel is only added for nostalgia and it is in fact a very high tech, modern river boat!
The blue dot is where we embark on our America cruise ship...
Again the blue dot where we embark.
You clearly see the mighty Mississippi river weave like a snake through the land...
Here you see the Planned Cruise Itinerary
We got on board before lunch and departed at 1:30 PM
There we go...
In the front you can see the walk bridge for disembarking at the various stops.
Our Ports of Call
New Orleans, LA
Houmas House, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Oak Alley, LA
Every meal was a joy and the service was of the highest standards!
Welcome Aboard Your Mississippi River Cruise
Highlights of the Mississippi
Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly
Stay tuned for our first stop...
Starting our short 5-day cruise: Highlights of the Mississippi...
One can easily pick up ideas from such great hotels.
As you can see, the InterContinental is located close to Lafayette Square and right in the center of New Orleans.
Car parking left and to the right you see the InterContinental New Orleans.
High humidity too in New Orleans area!
By the way, the paddlewheel is only added for nostalgia and it is in fact a very high tech, modern river boat!
You clearly see the mighty Mississippi river weave like a snake through the land...
We got on board before lunch and departed at 1:30 PM
New Orleans, LA
Houmas House, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Oak Alley, LA
Highlights of the Mississippi
Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly
Related links:
My Sewing Creation - My Bridal Gown with Damsel Sleeves | previous post by me
The Roosevelt New Orleans with View of Mississippi and French Quarter + New Orleans Cooking School | previous post by me
7th North American Mushroom Conference at The Roosevelt in New Orleans | previous post by me
I LOVE it. Besides the cruise which I would have loved as well, I so enjoyed seeing the maps and phone pics of New Orleans. A City I know very very well...spent every 5th week or weekend, either, there for several years. Know it well and have affection for the City. Memories for certain.
ReplyDeleteDearest Katie Isabella,
DeleteSo happy to read that here! Is sure is a city that both of us love very much and would like to go back again, for more.
Hugs,
Mariette
How exciting!!! enjoy every bit, and post beautiful pictures.. hugs..
ReplyDeleteDearest Krishna,
DeleteYou bet we DID enjoy it and more pictures to come.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteso glad you both could enjoy this beautiful Cruise! Thank you for all the interesting picures, looking forward to see more!
Happy weekend to you,
Love and hugs, Claudia xo
Dearest Claudia,
DeleteYes, it truly was a long time dream come true!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, That boat America is so big! The Mississippi must be mighty indeed if it can be traveled by such a boat. Looking forward to your photos from the cruise.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYes, we were surprised by the very roomy cabin and balcony and in general by the boat's size.
Even more so by the size of the 'mighty' Mississippi.
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletedein schöner Post erfreut mein Herz.
Sonnige Grüße
Elisabeth
Liebe Elisabeth,
DeleteEs macht mich Freude das hier zu lesen das es dich erfreut!
Lieber Gruß,
Mariette
Um barco impressionante e maravilhoso, gostei bastante de ver as fotografias do passeio.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e bom fim-de-semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Dearest Francisco Manuel,
DeleteYes indeed very impressive and also beautiful was this one year old America!
Hugs,
Mariette
Chic zeg en past ook net onder de brug...fijn weekend,Joan
ReplyDeleteBeste Joan,
DeleteJa, dat lijkt altijd een beetje 'eng' en je denkt die ráákt de brug.
Gedurende bepaalde weersomstandigheden zal het gevaarlijker kunnen zijn...
Liefs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to read this post.Beautiful cruise, that gorgeous boat.
Also I admire your long driving all by yourself!Happy day to you!
Dearest Tomoko,
DeleteThank you for your kind and meaningful comment!
Hats off to you as a Japanese lady for actually 'reading' my post and commenting accordingly.
Yes, it is a lot of driving but if one loves the other half; you go the extra mile - literally!
Hugs,
Mariette
Fabulous boat,and how large it is. It must have been both a wonderful and memorable cruise for you both.
ReplyDeleteDearest Rosemary,
DeleteYes, it was quite impressive to arrive here and see the size of the America.
They did not skimp on cabin size and dining room etc. Only one year old but build like in the bygone era of luxury and romance.
It was very memorable as we've dreamed about it for so long!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to go on a fabulous cruise and look forward to seeing more photos.
Have a great weekend
hugs
Carolyn
Dearest Carolyn,
DeleteYes it was such a happy trip to be able to make together!
Just cruise along and enjoy the photos...
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous cruise! I love your photos.
We are having a raining day in Melbourne.
Love
Michiko
Dearest Michiko,
DeleteThank you and you bet we both enjoyed it!
Oh, we have had rain and rain and rain. Only my birthday was perfect and sunny and next day it changed!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cruise. I love your photos.
We have a raining day in Melbourne today.
Love
Michiko
Dearest Michiko san,
DeleteYou are welcome to travel with us... enjoy the upcoming photos!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteYou both a wated Mississippi River cruise American New ovleans classic rooms Desk. Pieter vedder's iphone of relaked on Mac Book square in the center of New Orleans,Mostly clovdy July 7 2017 America, Pieter was in fact very high modem river boat before lunch your had American Mushroom was very nice in cruse lins Your Mum's favorite brocade suit and the color did suit her so well very fond Memories of happy time.
Hugs and Love to you!
Michiko
Dearest Michiko san,
DeleteYes, it was a long awaited Mississippi River cruise indeed.
After driving through heavy rain I needed to just relax and stayed in the room and used my MacBook indeed for catching up on some things.
Yes, when we went for the North American Mushroom Conference we already dreamed of such a cruise together...
Oh, you make me so happy to read your great memory about my Mom's brocade suit as today as I finally manage to write comment replies, it is her 4th Birthday in heaven... You are referring to this post: {Mom's 4th Dialysis Anniversary}
Thank you so very much for bringing this up it meant a lot to me!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette, you are where I'd love to be. Enjoy your wonderful trip! I'll check in to see the places you visit!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
xoxo
Dearest Debra,
DeleteWell, I am at home, sitting out the rainy days here in Georgia!
But as we already took this cruise in July of last year, as I mention at the top of this post... I can see your dream.
Come along as I do show lots of special photos, it was such a pleasant and perfect journey.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a fabulous get-away for you both. If I were to do a river cruse, this would be the one I would choose. Dan and I did have a fabulous cruise through the canals of Burgundy on a péniche (barge) a number of years ago and it was wonderful. Pieter looks wonderful and in excellent health. Happy belated birthday and have a wonderful cruise, ma chère amie.
ReplyDeleteGros bisous,
M-T
Dearest Marie-Thérèse,
DeleteWell, Pieter looked wonderful in July indeed, we had no idea what would be coming our way...
Did mention this at the very top.
Oh, with the entertainment during this cruise you no doubt would enjoy this type of river cruise. It is romantic and with all the luxuries one could wish for.
Glad you enjoyed your péniche cruise on the canals in Burgundy!
Thank your for the birthday wishes, one of the reasons I'm a bit late in replying here.
We did have our dinner with friends on Saturday and that did close my birthday period I guess.
Hugs,
Mariette
I’ve never been to a river cruise except for really short one (like one hour tour) and I look forward to reading about your experience! I love that they added puddlewheel to thus high tech boat. Gives really nice nostalgic look!
ReplyDeleteDearest Tamago,
DeleteThis one was the very first river cruise for us, aside from a harbor dinner cruise in Sydney, Australia.
It is fun to live on a boat like this for a couple of days and you don't notice the slightest thing that you are on the water!
Indeed the paddlewheel was a very nice and romantic touch to an otherwise state of the art and high tech boat.
Hugs,
Mariette
I just crossed the Mississippi River yesterday on our way home and thought " wouldn't it be fun to take that RiverCruise" . So happy that you got to experience this. That hotel room in New Orleans was pretty special too.
ReplyDeleteSorry that we didn't arrange to meet...maybe next trip to Georgia.
Dearest Janey,
DeleteYeah, funny that you just yesterday crossed the Mississippi, it makes you wonder and this short cruise was just perfect for stepping back into the antebellum period.
Oh, the hotel was a dream, so luxurious and quiet as well. A great start and especially much appreciated after all the solo driving!
Who knows if we once manage to meet...?
Hugs,
Mariette
Five days spent on such a great ship and after the Mississippi, it certainly was a great time and you remember it to now. Regards.
ReplyDeleteDearest Giga,
DeleteYes it were no doubt five wonderful days that created lots of fond memories for both of us!
Hugs,
Mariette
That's an amazing boat and what a wonderful cruise it must have been Mariette.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to updates about the trip.
That hotel room was beautiful too.
Dearest Sami,
DeleteYes, it was all of that; amazing and wonderful.
It could not have been more perfect!
Oh, the InterContinental is one of the best hotels with down duvet and pillows and everything the best one can wish for.
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletewas für eine wunderschöne Reise, danke, dass Du Eure Erlebnisse mit uns teilst. Ein grandioses Schiff, es ist schön, es einmal aus der Nähe zu sehen, so etwas Großartiges sieht man nur im Fernsehen ;-))
Wie geht es Pieter, alles ok?
Liebe Grüße von Traudi.♥
Liebe Traudi,
DeleteJa es war wirklich wunderschön und wir sind so froh das geschafft zu haben nach langem träumen davon.
Ich nehme meine Leser auch weiterhin mit auf Reisen...
Mein Mann ist stabil, wenn er sich nicht anstrengt, nur kleine Strecken Radfahren und nur flache Gegend, das geht schon. Es ist toll das es die Medizin gibt die es möglich machen um noch am Leben zu bleiben aber es ist sehr teuer.
Lieber Gruß,
Mariette