Celebrate Mardi Gras in Style with New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville stays

Day 1 – Arrival in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans

After a flight across the Atlantic, you arrive in New Orleans, where the distinctive Southern atmosphere, jazz sounds and the city’s colourful history set the scene for the start of your journey.

Day 2 – French Quarter and departure from New Orleans

The day begins in the heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter, the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood. This is where jazz music emerged in the early 1900s, created by African‑American musicians as an expression of pain, hope and creativity. In the afternoon you board Norwegian Breakaway to begin your cruise.

Day 3 – A day at sea on the way to new experiences

Today is spent at sea – just as merchants, explorers and seafarers have done for centuries, but in much more comfortable surroundings. Spend the day exploring the ship: relax by the pool, enjoy views of the horizon or treat yourselves in the spa area.

Day 5 – Roatán, Honduras: Caribbean history, nature and underwater life

You arrive in Roatán, part of Honduras and the largest of the Bay Islands. Here lush nature and relaxed Caribbean lifestyle meet in stunning surroundings. The island’s history has been shaped by indigenous peoples, European colonial powers and pirates, who used it as a hideout. Later Roatán came under British influence, still evident in language and culture.

Day 6 – Relaxation on the private island Harvest Caye, Belize

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, serving as an exclusive gateway to Belize. The island has been developed into a peaceful, comfortable retreat, where beach life, tropical scenery and great facilities provide the perfect setting for a relaxing Caribbean day.

Day 7 – Costa Maya: Mayan history, lagoons and beach life

On Mexico’s Caribbean coast lies Costa Maya, an area where ancient Mayan heritage and tropical nature shape the day’s experiences. The region was a key part of the classic Mayan civilisation and is home to several archaeological sites revealing extensive knowledge of astronomy, architecture and mathematics.

Day 8 – Enjoy a day at sea aboard Norwegian Breakaway

After action‑packed days ashore, the journey continues out onto the open sea. A day aboard Norwegian Breakaway gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy the ship’s comfort and many facilities. The ship is known for its modern design, wide selection of restaurants and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 9 – New Orleans: Southern architecture, history and charm

After the cruise ends, you return to New Orleans, where there is now time to explore the city in more depth. New Orleans is one of the United States’ most distinctive cities – shaped by centuries of French and Spanish colonial influence, African traditions and American Southern culture.

Day 10 – French Quarter & the cradle of jazz

Today you experience a city buzzing with anticipation ahead of tomorrow’s Mardi Gras – a celebration that is not just an event, but a cultural expression of New Orleans’ identity and history. Mardi Gras has roots in medieval Europe, where carnival was a lavish celebration before the fasting period of Lent.

Day 11 – Mardi Gras: A historic carnival in gold, purple and green

Today you experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans – one of the world’s most famous and colourful celebrations. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and marks the final day before Lent, but in New Orleans the festivities extend far beyond just one day, culminating in weeks of celebrations rooted in both European traditions and the city’s unique cultural heritage.

Day 12 – By train through the Deep South from New Orleans to Memphis

Today you leave New Orleans behind, with jazz rhythms and Mardi Gras colours still fresh in your memory. Along the way, scenery gradually changes as you experience the varied landscapes of the Deep South. Later in the day you arrive in Memphis, beautifully located on the Mississippi River and known as home to blues and Elvis Presley.

Day 13 – Memphis: Blues, civil rights and rock’n’roll

Memphis is inseparably linked to the history of the blues and has played a pivotal role in the music that later gave rise to rock’n’roll. On the famous Beale Street, a distinctive sound emerged that laid the foundation for new musical expressions, and the street remains a living symbol of the city’s African‑American cultural heritage.

Day 14 – Through Tennessee towards Nashville

Today you leave Memphis and continue towards Nashville, Tennessee’s vibrant music metropolis that grew up as a rail hub and later became the capital of country music. The journey by Greyhound bus offers an insightful glimpse into the region’s rural side and provides a natural transition between two cities that have played central roles in US music history.

Day 15 – Nashville: The heart of country music

Nashville rightly carries the nickname “Music City” and is regarded as the world’s centre of country music. The city’s musical heritage spans more than a century and is closely tied to the American dream of talent and musical success. The day can end on the atmospheric Honky Tonk Row along Broadway, where classic bars and music venues sit side by side and live music flows from morning until late at night.

Day 16 – Nashville for all the senses

Today offers the chance to explore the city’s creative side, from art and culinary delights to legendary music. The day concludes with a visit to the iconic Ryman Auditorium, known as “The Mother Church of Country Music”.

Days 17–18 – Return journey and homecoming

Your journey is drawing to a close and you begin your return home, rich with impressions and experiences. Along the way, there’s time to reflect on cultural encounters, historical stories and memorable moments. Upon arrival back in the UK, the trip ends, but the memories of your many experiences will live on.