New Orleans Hotel Group Rate Info and other important info for 2011 cruisers >>>>

Oh, thanks so much! Sometimes I wonder how many people actually read the stories, but when I was on the cruise many people I didn't know came up & introduced themselves, saying they recognized me from my photos here at KRC, and said they enjoy reading my posts and blog stories! I was a bit taken in, flattered, grateful too, but it never occurred to me people read without commenting, lol. So, that makes me a ding dong too doesn't it? HA!

Seems I start to write & finish the last two chapters...Saturday Show #2, Sunday Final Day, something interferes. We've had lots of storms May/June, power loss at times, or lightning causing me to shut the PC down. My daughter & her family moved in with me the 2nd week of May, shortly after returning from the cruise, that has affected my ability to finish more than any other factor. It's been somewhat chaotic with her & hubby, 4 kids and two dogs...with my two dogs that's 4. They're here from mid afternoon until bedtime, & weekends...it's difficult to focus on story writing, a bit noisey, to say the least, lol. Issues with the 'x' creating much turmoil for us all since the cruise, have often kept thoughts pre-occupied with worry. My quiet time seems to be late at night, but then my mind lacks the energy to put thought into story writing.

My daughter & her family were only suppose to stay with me two weeks while their newer home was prepared, but the rains delayed progress, and it's turned into 6 weeks now...looks to be at least another two. I love them all dearly, & enjoy the company, but their being here has altered my lifestyle in ways I'm not accustom too, haha.

I do have Chapter 6 started, it's simply a matter of finishing, which I fully intend to do, and hopefully sooner rather than later. :)

Beckxy said:Connie

No, you need to wait for now, haha. I spoke with the person handling our group reservation today, she emailed me the proposal, of which I verbally accepted in a reply email, now she's gonna send me the contract to officially agree to. Once I have done that, then I'll post all the info you need right here and you book at that time, not before. If you book now you won't get the discounted rate! Have patience, it's all good! Yes, the Hampton has a shuttle if you prefer that over walking to the port from the hotel, but it's within walking distance, no need for a shuttle.

There is also a trolley stop near the hotel to transport us to the French Quarters, which is about a mile away...also within feasible walking distance, but the trolley is available too for $1.25 per person each way...$2.50 round trip to and from the FQ for the pre-party the night before. As far as I know, for me personally, my plan is to attend Sixthmans official pre-cruise party the night before...they'll have contests with cruise theme merchandise as prizes, all kinds of cruise related events. Some of the bands/artists will be in attendance at their pre-party also. For me personally...this is about THE CRUISE party experience, not so much a New Orleans French Quarters Party bar hopping here & there. They'll let us know where the pre-party will be at once they've arranged final details with a local bar & grill in the FQ area.

The hotel has all the basic ammenties, and also includes in the $129 per room price, a full hot breakfast buffet. :)

TheRoxy said:Okay so Im out of the loop here,and really dont want to read right now.lol.Do I need to get a room booked now or can I wait?Is there someone planning on callling a hotel and saying we have potentially x number of people who will book a room.I am one of thos

Okay then...those of us originally involved behind the scenes with getting together to work with a hotel are in agreement...Beckxy, me, Angie, Arlene, Romeo, etc.. Hampton Inn it is then, and I'll call Sara tomorrow Beckxy, so don't worry about that. I know your burdens related to work are heavy right now...and know what it feels like to be overwhelmed with the real priorities at times. Shoot, I fretted all weekend that I wasn't able to help you last week!...just happy life has settled down for now so I can focus on happier things, such as related to the cruise! Hopefully no more flare ups related to him for at least a couple weeks...that seems to be the average span.

Dear Romeo...Ain't no way in hell I'd sleep at night with a little bro passed out in an alley somewhere in inner New Orleans!! I'll be dragging your ass back to the hotel! True genuine family/friends don't let friends pass out in strange places and leave them behind! LMAO

Harry had a difficult time at first last year filling up the required rooms at Marriott, but I think he only posted the info at the cruise website. I ended up helping out by posting info here, which brought in some more bookings.

I didn't think the Triumph had 2700 cabins, rather holds 2700 people...of which includes Carnival staff & crew????

Beckxy said:Hi !!I'm not gonna be on here too much tonight, as I had a horrible day at work.. just lots of stress.The Hampton Inn rate is correct, however, I still did not get an email from the group sales person yet, regarding any stipulations, ect. Just to clarify, the Trolley, to get to the French Quarters, is within walking distance, but the stop is not directly outside the Hampton Inn's doors. I believe it is a couple of blocks away. Also, I am told the Trolley / Streetcar is 1.25 per ride per person.The group sales person is to email me a proposal to read, and I am to sign and return. And, I wanted to go over it, and make sure I don't have to foot the bill up front.. as it ain't gonna happen. I need to make sure that it states that everyone is responsible for their own room. Then I was gonna put all info down here first and foremost for the fanclub so that we could all be together. I will be calling the lady tomorrow to see what the hold up is.Also, if this is of any interest to anyone. I found out from another cruiser that the Marriot at the Convention Center, and closer to the port is giving a rate of 159 per room if you show them your cruise itinerary. This is corrected from the 350 room rate that we saw online. So, I wondered if anyone was still interested in the Marriot, now that the rate went down lower. Perhaps we could even get a better rate thru group sales. Anyway.. that was just a thought, as I really only did call the

Oh, and those who do want to stay out past midnight after the trolley stops, don't want to pay a cab...well, a mile isn't that far to walk from the hotel to the French Quarter, although definitely wouldn't want to walk alone. Hell, we likely walked two miles to the port from the Marriott in Tampa, haha. I can't imagine the number in miles I walked between airport layovers & transferring to connecting flight gates in Houston & Newark/NYC, as well as then the pre-cruise night, to the port the next day, then on the island, lol.

The problem is many are in a panic already booking all over the place, and some are making suggestions to others of multiple hotels, rather than working with one for a group rate. I'd just like to be able to have the security of knowing we have the 50 room quota met while there are still many needing to book. :)

KidRockAngel said:connie Jo I seriously doubt filling 50 rooms will be a problem. thats only maybe 100 to 300 peeps and there are what like 700 or more oh this cruise.

This is just my suggestion Beckxy, but I think we need to choose one hotel and stick with it, to avoid further confusion and speculation. The Hampton Inn is owned by the Marriott, in case some aren't aware of that. $30 is $30, so if we can continue to work with the Hampton, that's what I personally prefer...and I believe a few people have already booked there, of which we can transfer those reservations over to meet the 50 room quota I would think. The crisis situation I had last week for the time being has settled down, and at this time I don't expect any problems with helping you further. I can completely take over now if you need me to, the last couple of weeks were just really bad timing. I have plenty of time to devote. Also, it's been my past experience when working with making arrangements like this...the fewer involved the better, so as to avoid miscommunication and problems. No more than two people should be contact people related to the hotel directly.

I need to post this info elsewhere, such as at Facebook...before our efforts to obtain a group rate of 129.00 at the Hampton are hindered more with false rumor circulating. I'm irritated obviously, not at you of course, haha...but others. :)

Beckxy has put much time and effort into talking with the Hampton, and people who don't know the facts, nor taken the time we have to check facts...are circulating false facts which will hinder her efforts, and mine... to continue forward with arrangements at the Hampton. :(

Connie Jo said:I think you did, but what rate did they give you? Once we can confirm with the Hampton, I believe Beckxy told me in a FB message, the rate they offered was 129.00 if we can book 50 rooms. With all these people in a panic booking prematurely due to false info circulating the hotels are booking quickly...it could hinder our efforts to fill 50 rooms...as people are booking all over the fricken place, rather than having patience and allowing the time we need to make and confirm group arrangements with the Hampton.achava06 said:So I picked the RIGHT ONE?

I think you did, but what rate did they give you? Once we can confirm with the Hampton, I believe Beckxy told me in a FB message, the rate they offered was 129.00 if we can book 50 rooms. With all these people in a panic booking prematurely due to false info circulating the hotels are booking quickly...it could hinder our efforts to fill 50 rooms...as people are booking all over the fricken place, rather than having patience and allowing the time we need to make and confirm group arrangements with the Hampton.

achava06 said:So I picked the RIGHT ONE?