New Orleans & Southern Charms

Today, join a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will see the iconic Creole town houses with their wrought iron balconies; Royal Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries; and Jackson Square. After free time for lunch on your own, board a motor coach for a panoramic drive to Lake Pontchartrain. Explore its picturesque wetlands during a boardwalk stroll then visit the New Orleans Lakefront Airport to learn about the region’s aviation legacy.

Following breakfast, honor the sacrifices and spirit of America’s “Greatest Generation” at the National WWII Museum. Tour a replica of the Higgins Boats, watch the award-winning film Beyond All Boundaries produced by Tom Hanks and take part in the interactive Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. Afterward, enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure. (B)

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Arrive in New Orleans today and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Riverwalk or browse the antique shops of the French Quarter and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Your Viking Host is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, join a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will see the iconic Creole town houses with their wrought iron balconies; Royal Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries; and Jackson Square. After free time for lunch on your own, board a motor coach for a panoramic drive to Lake Pontchartrain. Explore its picturesque wetlands during a boardwalk stroll, then visit the New Orleans Lakefront Living Museum to learn about the region’s aviation legacy. (B)

Following breakfast, honor the sacrifices and spirit of America’s “Greatest Generation” at the National WWII Museum. Tour a replica of the Higgins Boats, watch the award-winning film Beyond All Boundaries produced by Tom Hanks and take part in the interactive Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. Afterward, you will embark your ship. (B)

Arrive in New Orleans and meet your Viking Representative to transfer to your hotel in Lafayette. This afternoon, check in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Lafayette so you can make the most of your visit.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then set out to discover Avery Island, home to the world-famous TABASCO® factory. Enjoy a guided tour and a Cajun cooking demonstration before indulging in a flavorful lunch. Explore the on-site museum to learn more about the history of this well-known sauce and visit the greenhouse to see where the peppers are grown. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B, L)

After breakfast, set out to explore the diverse wildlife of the Atchafalaya Basin during a motorboat cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, beavers, otters, owls, bald eagles, egrets, ospreys, turtles and more. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at your leisure. Later this evening, head out to enjoy a Soko music performance and experience regional cuisine alongside the soulful rhythms and storytelling. (B, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and return to New Orleans. Here, you will learn about Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” and meet a Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief. See his handmade ceremonial suit, hear ancestral chants and discover more about the cultural roots of this tradition. After, you will transfer to your ship to begin your cruise.