by Anthony Herbert
A wonderful but lesser-known way to start on a Mississippi cruise is to leave from the Gulf of Mexico and cruise upriver, leaving from either Galveston or New Orleans. Many cruise companies offer these options, as their ships have to travel both ways.
Galveston, in Texas, is a great starting point for a Mississippi cruise. The city, which is built on an island, has a much higher proportion of German-Americans than the surrounding area due to immigration patterns, and is blessed with some wonderful and airy parks.
Galveston is blessed with several beaches, nice fishing spots in the surroundings, so before you go on that Mississippi cruise you can partake in local water sports. As for food, sea fare such as shrimp is very good, preferable to Tex Mex, which is more common in Texas’s landlocked areas. As for sights, don’t miss out on Moody Gardens, which includes a butterfly zoo, and extensive gardens.
New Orleans is another very good spot from where to begin a Mississippi cruise, and is also worth a stay to savor its colorful history and great town center. The city is mostly recovered from the recent hurricanes, and areas of visitor interest are all accessible.
In fact, the Mississippi cruise business is important for the city and those who want to help New Orleans get back on her feet can’t do better than by leaving for a Mississippi cruise from her port, after having spent a couple of days in the city.
For visitors, the most interesting part of the city is the French Quarter. This is the area for strolling, people-watching, window shopping, and feeling the heat before leaving for a Mississippi cruise.
As for food, there are lots of superb options. If you fancy Oysters, visit the Acme Oyster Bar, which is near Canal Street. For a quick takeaway snack, get a muffaletta at a baker in the French Quarter. It’s a sandwich made with olives, also prevalent on day Mississippi cruise outings
You should also try out both Creole and Cajun cuisines in New Orleans. Both will be widely available during your Mississippi cruise, but it’s just great to savor them on the city as well. Creole is a European-influenced, rich and creamy way to cook that you are sure to appreciate.
Cajun cuisine is lighter than Creole, and it’s also spicier due to African influences, and it features lots of exotic preparations such as alligator stew and turtle soup, all inspired by the availability of these meats in the delta. Prepare to be offered these recipes on your Mississippi cruise too!
As for some safety tips: summer and even mid-season (spring, autumn) can get very hot both in Galveston and in New Orleans, so wear your walking shoes and take sunscreen and a hat. Also, don’t leave your valuables unguarded before leaving for that Mississippi cruise!
About the Author:
MississippiCruiseGuide.com is the premier resource for
Mississippi cruises on the Net, with information on subjects such as how to
prepare for your cruise, as well as on booking the trip, cruising through several states, making the most out of the cruise – click the links above to find out more!