Friday, February 13, 2009

A Mississippi Cruise To Remember

By Anthony Herbert

A Mississippi cruise is truly a wonderful experience. But to avoid the crowds, you can take advantage of a little known secret that will make your cruise a much more individual experience. Instead of booking a downriver cruse, take an upriver one, starting on the Mississippi Delta. You will be much less inconvenienced by fellow travelers.

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.

Another, somewhat more common alternative, is to begin your Mississippi cruise in New Orleans. Don't let the threat of hurricanes put you off, in season this is a fantastic place to explore.

In effect, by starting or ending your Mississippi cruise in New Orleans you will be contributing to the city's recovery by spending your time and some of your tourist dollars there.

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

As for local specialties, Creole and Cajun cuisines are the staple in New Orleans and also common on a Mississippi cruise. You'll notice that they are pretty different approaches to food. Creole food is Europeanized in taste, and uses lots of wine, butter, thick sauces, enjoy pastries and is the backbone of local fancy dining.

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!

Concerning your safety, make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen if you are leaving for your cruise in the summer and be especially vigilant for pickpockets in the town centers. You can relax your guard once you have boarded your Mississippi cruise.

About the Author:

No comments: