2024 New Orleans French Quarter Festival & Dance Cruise [SOLD OUT]

New Orleans, LA, USA

WD
8 reviews
Apr 11 - 20, 2024
Group size: 7 - 20
2024 New Orleans French Quarter Festival & Dance Cruise [SOLD OUT]
New Orleans, LA, USA

8 reviews

Apr 11 - 20, 2024
Group size: 7 - 20

About this trip

Join us for two very special back-to-back dance events!


The French Quarter Festival in New Orleans is an incredible music & dance event with 15 different stages featuring all kinds of wonderful live bands playing swing, zydeco, blues, Latin, and more. It runs from April 11-14.  After attending this fun-filled festival together, we'll head off to the Caribbean aboard Carnival's Valor (April 15-20) for a fabulous dance cruise!  The itinerary includes stops in Cozumel and the Yucatan, plus two perfectly-timed full days at sea for some quality R&R.


PLEASE NOTE:  The Festival only option is SOLD OUT.  The Caribbean Cruise is SOLD OUT.

DANCE CLASSES & GROUP ACTIVITIES

Daily group classes will include a mix of morning and/or afternoon sessions in a variety of mostly swing & blues dance styles (ECS, Lindy, laminu, blues, blues-swing fusion, etcs), with a strong emphasis on both partnering & connection as well as introducing fun new step patterns and stylings.  


Other group activities may include afternoon & evening dances, a cocktail social hour, games night, special dance outings in ports, as well as many other fun "non-dancing" activities.  So many options, so little time!

PRICING

Prices listed below cover the 4 nights in New Orleans during the French Qtr Festival AND 5 nights onboard the Carnival Valor for our Western Caribbean Dance Cruise.  Prices are based on double occupancy and are "all-inclusive" for the cruise.  Costs can be pro-rated for attending either the French Quarter Festival ONLY or the the Cruise ONLY.  Single supplements are extra.  


Full Package Pricing includes: 

  • 4 nights at the Omni Riverfront Hotel in New Orleans, April 11-15
  • Daily dance classes in New Orleans & onboard the Valor
  • New Orleans walking tour
  • 4 days of fabulous music & dance at the French Quarter Festival
  • Transfer from the Omni Hotel to the Carnival Valor on Monday, April 15th
  • Full room & board onboard the Valor (April 15-20)
  • All hotel and ship fees, port charges, tips, and taxes
  • All dance classes, parties, and group activities in NOLA and onboard the ship 
  • A dedicated group concierge in New Orleans and onboard the Valor
  • A specially organized private group excursion for us in Progreso, Yucatan

Not included: 

  • Food in New Orleans during the French Quarter Festival
  • Any extra sundries/purchases while in New Orleans or onboard the Valor
  • Any extra amenities/excursions beyond those already provided 
  • Airport transfers to/from the ship or hotel (These can be purchased as an add-on)
  • Travel Insurance (required to participate on any Worldwide Dance Adventure trips)


                                        PRICING:  (Cruise cabin availability & pricing subject to change) 


FULL PACKAGE (French Qtr Festival + Cruise): [*SOLD OUT for solo follows]


       DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (shared room)

Omni Hotel + INSIDE Room on the Valor :              $1,695 

Omni Hotel + OCEAN VIEW Room on the Valor:   $1,850 

Omni Hotel + BALCONY Room on the Valor:         $1,995 


      SINGLE OCCUPANCY (solo traveler)

Omni Hotel + INSIDE Room on the Valor              $2,735 

Omni Hotel + OCEAN VIEW Room on the Valor   $3,120 

Omni Hotel + BALCONY Room on the Valor         $3,420

PRO-RATED COSTS:


For the New Orleans Segment ONLY (April 11-15, 2024):  [*SOLD OUT for solo follows]


       DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (shared room)     $895       

       SINGLE OCCUPANCY  (solo traveler)       $1,395


For the Dance Cruise Segment ONLY (April 15-20, 2024):


       DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (shared room)

  • Inside Cabin:      $855
  • Ocean View:       $995
  • Balcony:                $1,145

       SINGLE OCCUPANCY  (solo traveler)

  • Inside Cabin:      $1,460
  • Ocean View:       $1,735
  • Balcony:                $2035

HOW TO GET THERE

You will want to fly in and out of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (airport code: MSY).  See the Omni Riverfront Hotel website for shuttle information.  The hotel is located at: 701 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130


PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION is very easy in New Orleans.  Download the "Le Pass" app on your smart phone (See directions HERE).  Use the app to purchase a 3 day "Jazzy Pass" for $8.00 which will give you free use of all public transportation (buses, streetcars, and ferries) over the weekend.

COVID VACCINATIONS

You do not currently need proof of vaccination to travel to Mexico or to return to the United States.  Please check  with the most recent CDC update to view any change in regulations.  Requirements for travel to Mexico can be found at HERE.   Information about return travel to the US can be found at HERE

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is required for all of our trips and will help protect both your investment and our vendors should you need to cancel. There are many companies that offer travel insurance options. You can sign up with one such policy during the payment checkout portion of this registration.  If you are a AAA member, you may want to check with them.


Once you have purchased your travel insurance, please let us know the company name and policy number you have with them.


If you don't have a policy already and don’t want to use the one offered at check-out, feel free to CLICK HERE to purchase insurance through our affiliate company, World Nomads*.


*PLEASE NOTE:  We do not represent World Nomads.  As an affiliate, we receive a small commission when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link.  This is information only and not a requirement to buy travel insurance through this company.

PASSPORT

For the cruise, you will need a current passport to enter Mexico.  The expiration date on your passport should be no less than 6 months after the last day of your visit.  Consider travel insurance in case your plans change. 

CHANGING MONEY

Restaurants, stores, and ATMs in most tourist destinations in Mexico accept VISA, MC, and other bank, debit, and credit cards for access to Mexican pesos.  Just to be sure, however, you may want to exchange some currency before you come.  

PACKING LIST

CLICK HERE For Our Best Tips On Travel Preparation And Packing.

CANCELLATION POLICY

WORLDWIDE DANCE ADVENTURES (WWDA) CANCELLATION POLICY: 


1)  You will receive a full refund minus a $150 cancellation fee if cancelled within 14 days of your registration and greater than 180 days prior to the trip.  You will receive a 50% refund minus a $150 cancellation fee if cancelled after 14 days of registering but more than 180 days prior to the trip.  Within 180 days of the trip, all purchases will be final.  If you are cancelling due to your own health or to the health of a family member, your travel insurance should be able to reimburse you for the cost (check your insurance policy for details).


2)  PLEASE NOTE:  If you need to cancel for any reason, your ticket is fully transferable (minus a $150 administration fee) contingent upon confirmation and approval from Worldwide Dance Adventures.  The other person will need to register separately online for the trip and let us know on that form that this is a transferred ticket (not purchased). They will also need to pay any cost differentials.


3)  PLEASE NOTE:  If the trip has to be cancelled by the organizers for any reason, Worldwide Dance Adventures will first attempt to reschedule.  If you are unable to attend the new dates, a full refund will be given, minus any credit card or PayPal fees accrued. 


4)  PLEASE NOTE:  It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. By making a deposit you agree to the above terms of Service and Cancellation Policy.



CARNIVAL CRUISE CANCELLATION POLICY: 

(When in conflict, this policy supersedes that of WWDA)


CLICK HERE to read Carnival’s Cancellation and refund policy.  


They state: The deposit is non-refundable at any time after the booking is made. All cancellations that occur prior to the final payment due date (76 days before departure) will receive a non-refundable and non-transferable future cruise credit in US dollars in the amount of the deposit less a $50 USD per person service fee. The future cruise credit must be used on a new booking made within 12 months from the date of cancellation and can only be applied to your cruise fare. Any unused portion will be forfeited. 


Once your booking is within our cancellation penalty period (76 days before departure), the amount of penalty will increase as the cruise departure approaches.

SMALL PRINT

Passport & Visa

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.


Liability:

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  


In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.


Risks of Travel and Release: 

We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact us at danceadventures@comcast.net

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL DETAILS

The OFFICIAL 2024 FQF GUIDE can be found HERE 


The MUSIC LINE-UP can be found HERE  


What should I wear to French Quarter Fest?

The springtime weather in New Orleans is some of the best of the year. Temperatures average between the low 50s to the upper 70s, so we recommend something light and comfortable to walk in as you traverse the Quarter. Layering is always key, so be sure to pack a sweater or light jacket – preferably a rain jacket so the occasional shower doesn’t catch you off-guard. 

What should I bring?

Collapsible chairs, blankets, and ground tarps are a great way to take a break and enjoy the music – and your food. Sunscreen and bug spray are also must-haves. Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed, so be sure to bring cash to get your fill of the great food and drinks available (and to help fill the musician’s tip jars). 

How many stages are there, and what can I expect at each stage?

There are 20 stages spread throughout the French Quarter, each with a variety of local musicians. The stages are located at: 

What should I do outside of the festival?

There’s always lots to do around New Orleans and the French Quarter is especially full of unique attractions to pass the time before and after the festival. Be sure to check our site calendar to get the latest on all the events taking place both inside and outside of the Quarter over the weekend!


YUCATAN EXCURSION, for those on the ship

Thur, April 18th:  Yucatan Pyramid & Cenote Adventure + Authentic Mayan Lunch


Join us on a very special off-the-beaten-path adventure away from the tourist crowds in the Yucatan.  Our private tour will pick us up dockside at the ship. While our current operating plan would be to first visit the Mayapan Ruins, as of this writing we have been informed that the ruins are temporarily closed. If they have not re-opened by April 18th, we will visit the nearby town of Acanceh where there are two pyramids in the center of town.  One is un-excavated and still raw. The other is excavated and has stairs beside the pyramid which allows you to view the carvings on top.  Great photo opportunities here.  


After a quick walk through the town's open market, we will drive through the jungle to a Cavern Cenote (a beautiful sunken grotto filled with geothermal-heated clear spring water) for swimming and lunch. There is a large wading area and a deeper area in the back of the Cenote where you can swim among the natural mineral stalactites and columns (masks and snorkels are provided for those who would like them). 


The unique experience continues with lunch where we will be visiting a local Mayan family and enjoying a delicious feast prepared especially for us -- truly a cultural highlight for many visitors  to the region.  These unique off-the-beaten-path experiences are what squarely put the "adventure" into Worldwide Dance Adventures!


INCLUDES

  • Private Transportation from dockside the ship in Progreso.
  • All admissions / entrances
  • Lunch - authentic, fresh & delicious
  • Beverages - bottled water & coca cola (cooler in the vehicle)
  • Private A/C transportation (tourism plated)
  • Private licensed bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
  • Life Vests (infant, child, adult & adult special needs)
  • Goggles & Snorkels
  • Tips

NOT INCLUDED

  • Towels (please bring your own)
  • Alcoholic beverages

MEAL

Please let us know ASAP if you have any food restrictions or food allergies.


SPECIAL NOTES

Note that any Cenote we visit will have stair access to a water-level platform. There are no lifeguards at any of the local Cenotes and swimming is at your own risk. If you decide to jump or swing into the water, you do so at your own risk.


OTHER INFORMATION

  • Repellent or Sunscreen of any kind is not permitted in Cenotes. 
  • Our excursion will run, rain or shine. We cannot guarantee the weather, but we can make the best of your visit to the Yucatan.

What’s included

  • Room & Board*
    *Full room & board on the Valor; room only in New Orleans
  • Daily Dance Classes
  • All Hotel & Ship Fees
  • Port Charges, Tips, Tax
  • Hotel Transfer to Ship
  • 24/7 Group Concierge
  • New Orleans Tour
  • Special Yucatan Tour

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Extra Amenities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals in New Orleans

Available Packages

Full Package - Inside Cabin (DOUBLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$1,695
Deposit:$500
Full Package - Ocean View (DOUBLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$1,850
Deposit:$500
Full Package - Balcony (DOUBLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$1,995
Deposit:$500
Full Package - Inside Cabin (SINGLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$2,735
Deposit:$500
Full Package - Ocean View (SINGLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$3,120
Deposit:$500
Full Package - Balcony (SINGLE)

--> French Quarter Festival + Caribbean Dance Cruise (April 11-20, 2024)

**New Orleans land portion is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD or COUPLE for New Orleans. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$3,420
Deposit:$500
Festival Only (DOUBLE), Apr 11-15, 2023

--> French Quarter Festival ONLY

**Festival only is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD for the Festival Only option. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$895
Deposit:$500
Festival Only (SINGLE), Apr 11-15, 2023

--> French Quarter Festival ONLY

**Festival only is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD for the Festival Only option. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$1,395
Deposit:$500
Cruise Only - Inside Cabin (DOUBLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

**Festival only is SOLD OUT for Solo Follows.  We have room for one solo LEAD for the Festival Only option. The Caribbean Cruise portion is still available to all (Sign up for Cruise Only package below)

$855
Cruise Only - Ocean View (DOUBLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

$995
Cruise Only - Balcony (DOUBLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

$1,145
Cruise Only - Inside Cabin (SINGLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

$1,460
Cruise Only - Ocean View (SINGLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

$1,735
Cruise Only - Balcony (SINGLE)

--> Caribbean Dance Cruise ONLY (April 15-20, 2024)

$2,035
SINGLE FOLLOW WAITLIST

Sign up here if you are a single follow and would like to join our wait list

$0


Itinerary

Day 1 Thursday, April 11
Explore New Orleans

Arrive, check in to our hotel (The Omni Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center), and get to know the city's historic center.  Join us in the evening at 5pm for our first group meet-up and social

Your Organizer


WD
Worldwide Dance Adventures
8 reviews
Joined in October 2023
See profile

Reviews

I enjoyed the opportunity to travel to many cities & ports on a comfortable yacht. Swimming in the sea was amazing. The weather was too hot, perhaps June, July or Sept would’ve been better. The side excursions inland were exactly what we needed to relax and see the culture.
By Margaret S for Croatia Dance Adventure Cruise on Sep 09, 2024
This was an amazing trip. The most magnficent people: dance instructors, leaders, coordinators, cruise leaders, tour guides, boat crew, and other attendees. Everyone was fantastic. Made lifelong friends. It was so amazing to visit the places that we did. We had a dance lesson in the morning, a short sail to a port, amazing excursions, time to ourselves to explore new cities, then often regrouping with as a group to dance in at ports, in restaurants, and even IN a medieval castle (turned town square). These were memories of a lifetime. Highly recommend.
By Suzanne T for Croatia Dance Adventure Cruise on Sep 03, 2024
RK
Great time meeting and dancing with a wonderful group
By Rick K for Harrison Hot Springs Dance & Spa Retreat on Jun 13, 2024
It was a wonderful trip. The resort was exceptional, clean and comfortable. The small town had lots of wonderful restaurants and a beautiful scenic waterfront. The classes and teachers were exceptional including wonderful dancing in the Copper Room.
By Steven S for Harrison Hot Springs Dance & Spa Retreat on Jun 12, 2024
AH
Harrison Hot Springs feel like really getting away, yet it took less than 3 hours to get there, counting the border crossing. And the classes were great! It was wonderful to do tango, West Coast, NC2S, and fusion (my very favorite dances), all in 2 days. I love Ari's teaching style, emphasizing partner connection, fluidity, and musicality instead of rigid rules or over-analysis. It brings out the joy and freedom in dance. It was fun to be with a whole group of dancers for the weekend, too!
By Anne H for Harrison Hot Springs Dance & Spa Retreat on Jun 12, 2024
Show More Reviews