The Trekking Pawns' Diary

Ahoy, fellow travelers! We recently embarked on the Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Getaway, and what an adventure it has been so far. From the moment we stepped aboard, the ship's vibrant energy and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable journey.​ First Impressions and Exploration Upon boarding, our excitement led us to explore the ship's many offerings. The Getaway boasts 18 decks, with 14 accessible to passengers, housing a myriad of amenities and activities. We were particularly impressed by the 27 dining options and 22 bars and lounges available . The layout felt familiar, reminiscent of our previous voyage on the NCL Encore to Alaska. Key areas such as the restaurants, buffet, casino, and the exclusive Haven area were situated similarly, making navigation a breeze. ​ CruiseMapper +1 cruisebrothers.com +1 Welcome Aboard Event Our evening kicked off with the "Welcome Aboard" event, where Cruise Director Emma greeted all guests with infec...

  Stepping Back in Time at Oak Alley Plantation Our trip to New Orleans was filled with vibrant energy, rich history, and, of course, delicious food. But we also wanted to take a step back in time and visit one of the most iconic plantations in Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation . Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, though we had a little unexpected twist when picking up our rental. We originally planned for a small, fuel-efficient car, but when we landed at midnight, the only option left was a massive Cadillac Escalade ! With no other choice, we embraced our luxury ride and hit the road. (We booked our car off Expedia and got $20 off if we downloaded the app!) The drive to Oak Alley Plantation was smooth and easy, taking us west along the scenic River Road. As we approached the plantation, we were immediately struck by the breathtaking canopy of 28 Virginia Live Oak trees lining the original entrance. It was a picture-perfect moment—the kind that instantl...

Our stay at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans was nothing short of spectacular! Nestled in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District, just three blocks from the French Quarter, this hotel perfectly captures the essence of the city's rich history and culture. Old 77 Hotel From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the hotel's unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Housed in a building dating back to 1854, originally serving as a coffee warehouse and later a chandlery, the hotel has retained much of its original character with exposed brick walls and thoughtfully curated décor. Old 77 Hotel (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Our room was a delightful retreat, featuring large windows that bathed the space in natural light, stylish décor, and artwork by students from the New Orleans Center for Creative A...