New Orleans & Western Caribbean Cruise

Welcome to New Orleans! If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, a friendly YMT representative will greet you at the airport and transport you to your centrally located hotel. Tonight is yours to enjoy—take an evening stroll through the famously lively city that takes its French motto, “laissez les bon temps rouler,” which means “let the good times roll,” very seriously!

Enjoy a half-day included tour of “The Big Easy,” one of the country’s oldest and most interesting cities with an included Jazz brunch (included) at Court of Two Sisters, an open-air restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter. Enjoy complexly flavored Creole and Louisiana dishes while a live jazz trio play their soulful tunes in the middle of the courtyard. You’ll see the French Quarter with Jackson Square, along with St. Louis Cathedral and colorful Bourbon Street during a short walk. Visit one of the famous old cemeteries, then continue to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. View the longest bridge in the world and see the new flood gates and rebuilt levees, as well as mansions. Finally, we’ll follow the Mardi Gras route on St. Charles Avenue. (Brunch)

Spend the morning at your leisure or join us for an optional tour before we head to the cruise port to board the Norwegian Escape, where you’ll have plenty of time to relax, settle into your stateroom, and get acquainted with the ship before dinner. The cruise departs the port of New Orleans in the late afternoon. (B, D)

Now that you’re at sea, there’s nothing to do but, unwind, rejuvenate, and breathe in the warm ocean air. The Norwegian Escape was built for your enjoyment, so do take advantage of its many onboard facilities, entertainment and dining choices. (B, L, D)

The island of Cozumel off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula has done a fine job of retaining its cultural character over the years despite an explosion of popularity in its tourism sector. It has everything that visitors want—gorgeous beaches, warm waters, incredible reefs, friendly locals, and perfectly spicy cuisine—but has also managed to keep much of its authentically vibrant Mexican-Caribbean personality intact. There is nothing so perfectly refreshing as a bowl of fresh fruit paired with an ocean view, so we strongly encourage guests to stop at a fresh fruit stand whenever they get thirsty. Ask “¿Qué nos recomienda?” or “What do you suggest?” to guarantee the best variety of the tastiest fruit. (B, L, D)

Relaxation is the name of the game at Harvest Caye, a 75-acre private island open exclusively to guests of Norwegian Cruise Lines. Designed to showcase the Caribbean’s stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and dynamic culture, your time on Harvest Caye is a vacation within a vacation.

The Nature Center is a one of Harvest Caye’s most unique features. It’s free to visit, and is a great place to see massive boa constrictors and colorful toucans and scarlet macaws. The enclosed Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary is nothing short of marvelous—you’ll be surrounded by countless native butterfly species and more than a few intrepid iguanas whose disinterest in humans is truly a sight to behold. (B, L, D)

Welcome to Roatán, the jewel of the Bay Islands, located just off the north coast of Honduras. The beaches here are second to none, and the warm water is teeming with exotic fish, coral, and gentle sea turtles. Come hungry, because Roatán is famous for offering a wide variety of world-class cuisine. Fresh fish and lobster are always a tasty choice, but if you want to eat like a true local, you have to give a freshly fried conch fritter a taste. (B, L, D)

This unspoiled coastal paradise in the Yucatán is full of brilliant butterflies, exotic tropical birds, pristine white sand beaches, and delicious dining options. The port at Costa Maya is a destination in itself, with a welcoming tropical aesthetic and plenty of restaurants, shopping, and excellent opportunities to swim in either the pool or the warm Pacific. For an unforgettable cultural experience, you don’t want to miss the chance to visit Costa Maya’s 3,000-year-old Mayan ruins, which were only rediscovered in the past few years. (B, L, D)

During the day catch up on some reading, or just enjoy the warm winter Caribbean weather from the sun deck. After dinner try your luck at the casino, or catch a stage show which are designed to razzle and dazzle; this final night is yours to enjoy! (B, L, D)

Say adios to the Norwegian Escape and depart for home. Guests that didn’t book their flight with YMT should plan to fly out after 1 PM. (B)