mardi gras float tour

• What's New

Mardi Gras World

Have you ever wondered where Mardi Gras is made? Now you can see the parade floats and props used in many of our largest Mardi Gras parades and learn about how they are made right here at Mardi Gras World!

Since 1947, Kern Studios has built the breathtaking floats that are seen in Mardi Gras parades and in celebrations, both in New Orleans and around the world&ellips; all housed at Mardi Gras World.

Experience what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life! Walk through massive studios where floats are being built from the ground up. Dress up in elaborate Mardi Gras costumes, watch a historic video and eat a free slice of King Cake (difficult to find out of season!). You can also order delicious New Orleans food in the on-site café with great views of the Mississippi river.

Bring your camera! The sheer volume of amazing stuff you'll see is awe-inspiring, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for our world-famous celebration -- Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

Tour times: 9:00am to 4:30pm 7 days a week

GET COUPON CALL TO BOOK VISIT WEBSITE

Take home more than coconuts!

Visit the Mardi Gras Shop

Latest Mardi Gras News

Want more parades we got 'em.

Miss Mardi Gras? Awwwwww. Lucky for you, parades will be rolling in the Big Easy for St. Patrick’s …

GET A ROOM!

Join our newsletter.

New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

• Includes admission ticket to Mardi Gras World
• Free shuttle available from select downtown New Orleans locations
• Hear live commentary from the guide during the walking tour of the warehouse
• Get a sense of Mardi Gras in New Orleans without the crowds
• See itinerary
• Self-guided walking tour
• Slice of King Cake
• Shuttle pickup and drop-off from select downtown New Orleans locations
• Entry/Admission - Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
• Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Arrive using your own transportation or take the free shuttle. Transport is provided from 20 downtown New Orleans locations. A list can be found on your ticket. Shuttles run every half hour from each location from morning until mid‐afternoon. Please call tour operator for estimated pickup time.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Tour does not operate on Mardi Gras Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Easter
• Completed floats may not be along the tour route the week leading up to Fat Tuesday
• Last admission is at 4:30pm
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Mardi Gras World Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Arrive using your own transportation or take the free shuttle. Transport is provided from 20 downtown New Orleans locations. A list can be found on your ticket. Shuttles run every half hour from each location from morning until mid‐afternoon. Please call tour operator for estimated pickup time. See address & details
• 1 Mardi Gras World Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included Mardi Gras World offers a complimentary shuttle for people taking our day tour with ten central pick-up spots. See images for shuttle pick-up locations. The shuttle is covered with photos of Mardi Gras World and has the logo on the side. There are no prearranged pick-ups, just call when you are at one of the designated spots and we will quickly pick you up. When you arrive at Mardi Gras World, located on the beautiful riverfront, you’ll start your self-guided tour of this famous facility. Tours begin every half hour from 9am-4:30pm. Explore the warehouses where artisans create spectacular Mardi Gras floats that are used in more than 40 parades each year. Admire the intricate designs and vibrant colors of these interesting, one-of-a-kind creations as your guide explains their meanings. Snap photos in front of the floats, pose with props, and try on Mardi Gras costumes with your friends and family. Top your experience off with a piece of King Cake, a delicious Mardi Gras tradition! Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• sharonrU4230CO 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good interesting tour It was very interesting to see a lot of huge characters displayed. We saw the process of how to make them and several of the floats. It was an inexpensive tour, well worth the time and expense. They even have a shuttle to transport you there and back. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• JillyF1sh72 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and informative! If you have any interest in the history, story, art, or pageantry behind the Mardi Gras parades in NOLA, then this place is an absolute must! I’ve never been to Mardi Gras - nor ever really wanted to go - but this visit definitely inspired me to try to go in the future. Plan to take the guided tour with some extra time to wander. Enjoyed the bonus of some authentic King Cake as well. Truly worth a couple hours of time while you’re in NOLA! I’ve seen a Groupon from time to time, but even without, the admission is quite reasonable. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• heatherandtobyj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Learn all about Mardi Gras...up close! This was the perfect rainy day activity with my family on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Not only do guests receive a guided tour, but before the tour begins, guests watch an informational video about Mardi Gras, as well as receive a piece of King Cake! All of the children received crowns to wear throughout their tour, and the guides were knowledgable and allowed so many opportunities for touching and photographs! It is a work site, so it is important to keep in mind that it is messy! Read more Written March 31, 2024
• susanjA4627WK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles View the pre-Mardi Gras! Went with a senior citizens group through Collette. I visited two years ago, but the warehouse was closed because of the flooding from Katrina. Glad I got a chance to see this now. Amazing place. Great narrator who answered all kinds of questions and he told us of the history and operation of this place. They have several other warehouses. Gave us a good view of what goes into Mardi Gras parades. These folks are really amazing artists. Their stuff can be seen in Disney productions also. You can see the artists working too !! Read more Written March 26, 2024
• AspiringVagab0nd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good time If you have never experienced Mardi Gras I suggest this stop. The guided tour was best for the video. Less than an hour. Good history lesson. Easy to follow for kids. Shuttle offered but failed on our pick up. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• d22randy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour - Great Learning Experience! I had super low expectations and came away super impressed! I caught the free shuttle from my hotel. Very easy and convenient. Look at the website to see where the shuttle goes. I was worried that I would be with a huge group of people but the group was about 20 folks and it was a large space so it worked out. There are tour bus groups there too, but the guide was great about keeping us away from them and finding our own area to listen and take photos. I didn't know anything about the floats and "props" and learned so much! I wasn't going to go to the movie, but I did and am sooooo glad! Also, after the tour and the movie, we were allowed to go back through the warehouse on our own to take photos, read the signs, try on the costumes, etc. Definitely a plus. I learned a lot! Read more Written March 19, 2024
• Robert L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding Very interesting insight into the creation of floats ....not only in the Mardi Gras parage, but statues made for movies and props. Nice demo on Styrofoam carving, creation, and most recently, the robotics. Recommended. Take a taxi even though its near Canal St near the river. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• solocationer 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome! What a cool museum. You get to see a plethora of sculptures and a few floats. You also get to see workstations where people are fabricating new sculptures. You can do a guided tour, or self guided, it's all the same price. This is a warehouse, so whatever the weather is like outside, it's like that inside too. This isn't negative at all, just something to be aware of. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• Alamito1 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting Experience, but not the best time to go This was not the greatest time to go, since the Mardi Gras parade was only a few weeks ago, but there was still quite a bit to see. Make sure you see the video before going through the warehouse, or you won't be able to appreciate the work and history that goes into the floats. We didn't get to see many artists working at this time of year, but the guide was very knowledgeable. Expect to spend an hour or so. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• Nikki B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A hidden gem of New Orleans Such a good experience . The tour was excellent you got to see the whole process from cutting of the styrofoam foam through to the painting of these amazing creations. You were also allowed to dress up in a Mardi Gras costume for photo sessions. Definitely worth the money for an afternoon or morning of fun and laughter! Read more Written March 8, 2024
• Amanda L 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Rainy day activity The place is a working studio and there are artists actively working on creating art for floats and industry. There are lots of old float displays to peruse. The tours are led by a staff member and after that you're free to wander on your own. There is a little movie at the beginning of the tour and a gift shop with some New Orleans themed touristy stuff. It was cool seeing all of the art. The downside is that the ceiling leaks a lot so if it is raining you will get wet and the floor is wood so there are soft spots and it may be difficult to navigate with any mobility issues. Also, the parking, even the handicapped parking, is about a city block away and it's not the easiest to navigate if you are using a walker or wheelchair so make sure you get dropped off at the front of Mardi Gras world if you have any mobility issues. They give you king cake so that's a yummy plus! Read more Written March 8, 2024
• RJG_traveler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must visit in NOLA Great tour and explanation of what Mardis Gras is, the history of it and how the parades are made. My kids were fascinated with the floats and props. It was interesting to see the process. Definitely a must visit in New Orleans. Read more Written March 7, 2024
• nicolesC7183GJ 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Gross, expensive, poorly maintained We arrived, the ceiling is leaking, so bad that you need an umbrella inside, full of dust and smell of mold. We arrived, turned around and left. Don’t waste your time or money. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• sabrinak136 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras 2024 has officially come to an end however, there is a place that you can visit all year to learn about the magic of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras World is this unique place. We took a free shuttle to the museum. The shuttle has a variety of pickup areas throughout the CBD and is an inexpensive and convenient way to visit. The cost to enter Mardi Gras World for an adult and a child is $36.00.   Mardi Gras World is an interesting place to visit because you will have an opportunity to learn about the float design process.  Visitors watch a short film on the history of Mardi Gras. Once the film is over you can sample a slice of King Cake, try on some Mardi Gras attire, and then walk through the warehouse to see a variety of floats/props.  The visit definitely provides a bird’s eye view of the Mardi Gras process. Visiting Mardi Gras World makes for a wonderful way to enjoy Lundi Gras, Mardi Gras, or any other time. Just remember that you have plenty of time to visit because Mardi Gras 2025 will not take place until March 4th of next year. Read more Written February 13, 2024
• dctravel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Learn How Mardi Gras Floats are Made Been here several times over the years, but this was the first time post-COVID. Happy to report that the guided tours are back! Our guide was engaging and funny. I just wish they had smaller groups! Ours felt huge, which made it hard to see sometimes walking through the work shops. It is still so cool to see the old floats and props in the warehouse. Read more Written January 24, 2024

More to explore in New Orleans

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour provided by Mardi Gras World

Universal Images Group via Getty

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

New Orleans

There is no holiday more quintessentially New Orleans than Mardi Gras, the culmination of a two and a half week window of revelry known as carnival. And there are few images more closely tied to Mardi Gras in the public imagination than enormous floats packed with masked riders trundling through the live oak-shaded streets of the city. For decades, the lead designers on those floats have belonged to the Kern family, led by their patriarch, the late Blaine Kern. Today, a massive (300,000 square foot) warehouse complex known as Mardi Gras World serves as a permanent home to some of the Kerns’ most beguiling creations, all a testament to the sheer wonder that is unleashed during Mardi Gras.

Behind the scenes in a world of dreams

The Kern family dominates the float-building business in New Orleans and operates Kern Studios, an entertainment design studio that, along with floats, has also produced installations for Walt Disney and the National Football League. But it was Mardi Gras floats that put the Kerns on the map, and it is the Mardi Gras floats that take center stage at Mardi Gras World (imagine that). The Kerns may have created floats for other institutions, but these often lack the whimsy that is so commonplace on the streets of New Orleans during carnival season.

The main draw of Mardi Gras World is the ‘float den’, the space where the Kern team creates its floats, which change year by year based on the thematic needs of the city’s ‘krewes’. In New Orleans (and a few other parts of the Gulf South that celebrate a Catholic carnival), krewes are the local parading societies. You could say the krewes march during carnival, but the preferred term of the trade is ‘roll’ or ‘ride’, verbs that owe their existence to enormous floats that can accommodate dozens of krewe members. 

Each float must not only hold the krewe riders, but bags of ‘throws,’ which can range from cheap plastic beads to stuffed animals - it’s a time-honored New Orleans tradition to stand on the sidewalk on a chilly February evening and scream your head off for the chance of catching a throw off a Mardi Gras float.

A visit here consists of a self-guided tour, which usually takes around an hour. Kern floats are both enormous and eye-catching, a blend of fantastical design and a size footprint that can almost feel intimidating. There is a definite through the looking glass vibe in the float den, as visitors wander around a warehouse stuffed with sculpted giant fish, dragons, fairies, chimeras, neon flowers, pastel butterflies, and depending on the year, political or pop culture icons.

When French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles south of New Orleans in 1699 on the eve of Mardi Gras, he named the location “Pointe du Mardi Gras”. The holiday and the city have been inextricable ever since. 

In early New Orleans Mardi Gras parades were eclipsed by grand balls, but grand processions became more of the norm as the holiday evolved from the 1830s to the end of the 19th century. Still, well into the 20th century, Mardi Gras floats were basically wagons hitched to mules. This all changed in 1932 when sign-painter Roy Kern and his son, Blaine, began building floats. Blaine Kern founded the studio that bears his family name in 1947, and using his creative talents and sheer force of personality, began to dominate the local float building scene.

Blaine Kern learned many of his float-making techniques in Europe. He grafted the colorful float art of that continent with an American penchant for supersizing and motorized processions, and in the process irrevocably changed the entire aesthetic of Mardi Gras. It was Kern’s influence and artistic style that paved the way for the giant ‘tandem floats’, flashy lighting, and even animatronics that are now the norm during many carnival parades. 

Indeed, Kern’s relentless self-promotion included selling floats to smaller and suburban krewes, the end result being a carnival season that showcases, compared to what came before, a more diverse slice of greater New Orleans. While Mardi Gras World has been around as a tourism attraction since 1984, it has occupied its current space by the convention center since 2008. Blaine Kern himself passed in 2020, although the business remains controlled by his family.

Tickets, parking, & getting there

• Mardi Gras World is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, adjacent to the Convention Center. Parking costs $20, but if you’re staying in the Warehouse District or Central Business District, you should consider just walking here. A free shuttle service also connects Mardi Gras World to central New Orleans locations.
• Open 9am-5:30pm daily; admission is adult/child/student & senior $22/14/17.

1380 Port of New Orleans Pl

Get In Touch

504-361-7821

https://www.mardigrasworld.com

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Jackson Square

Whatever happens in the French Quarter usually begins here in Jackson Square, at Decatur and St Peter Streets. It's a gentle, carnivalesque scene,…

Live oaks, Spanish moss and lazy bayous frame this masterpiece of urban planning. Three miles long and 1 mile wide, dotted with gardens, waterways and…

The former seat of government in colonial Louisiana now serves as the gateway to exploring the history of the state in general, and New Orleans in…

Lafayette Cemetery No 1

Of all the cemeteries in New Orleans, Lafayette exudes the strongest sense of subtropical Southern Gothic. The stark contrast of moldering crypts and…

St Louis Cathedral

One of the best examples of French architecture in the country, this triple-spired 18th-century cathedral is dedicated to Louis IX, the French king…

Royal Street

Royal Street, with its rows of high-end antique shops, galleries and potted ferns hanging from cast-iron balconies, is the elegant yin to well known…

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The South has one of the most distinctive aesthetic cultures in the US artistic universe, a creative vision indelibly influenced by the region's…

Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The sculpture garden that sits just outside the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is a wooded quilt of streams, pathways, lovers' benches and, of…

Nearby New Orleans attractions

1 . Scrap House

Built entirely out of found and recycled material, this eye-catching sculpture by artist Sally Heller honors the victims of Hurricane Katrina. A ruined…

2 . Preservation Resource Center

If you're interested in the architecture of New Orleans or a self-guided walking tour, then start here. The welcoming Preservation Resource Center,…

3 . LeMieux Galleries

Gulf Coast art is the emphasis in nationally recognized LeMieux Galleries, a good place to get a handle on the breadth of the regional arts scene.

4 . Soren Christensen Gallery

This impressive space showcases the work of nationally renowned painters and sculptors. The gallery is known for its nontraditional sensibility and its…

5 . Louisiana Children's Museum

This educational museum is like a high-tech kindergarten where the wee ones can play in interactive bliss till nap time. Lots of corporate sponsorship…

6 . National WWII Museum

One of New Orleans’ most distinctive tourism attractions has nothing to do with food, music, or having a good time. Rather, it is a museum dedicated to the…

7 . St Vincent’s Infant Asylum

This large red-brick orphanage was built in 1864 with assistance from federal troops occupying the city. It helped relieve the overcrowded orphanages…

8 . Arthur Roger Gallery

One of the most prominent galleries on Julia St, Arthur Roger represents several dozen artists from around the South. This spot hosts frequent gallery…

American South

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Peek Inside the Workshop Where Mardi Gras Floats Are Made

Mardi Gras World in New Orleans offers tours of its whimsical warehouse, where visitors can see floats being constructed all year round

Jennifer Billock

Travel Correspondent

View this post on Instagram All this rain has us wanting to curl up with a good book. #AlwaysMardiGras #MardiGras #NOLAWeather #Nola #NewOrleans #Louisiana #followyournola #travel #carnival #nawlins #VisitNewOrleans A post shared by Mardi Gras World (@mardigrasworld) on Feb 20, 2019 at 11:01am PST

Throughout the year, visitors to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras World can see any number of things: an artist covered in a swarm of Styrofoam dust or papier-mâché pulp, painters working on massive sculptures, and even robots carving elaborate rubber ducks . A portion of the sculptures and floats built in the more than 200,000-square-foot workshop along the river in the Lower Garden District—each one typically taking months to complete—goes to clients like Disney and Six Flags for props and shows. But Mardi Gras World’s crowning achievement stays local in New Orleans. The warehouse creates massive detailed and tech-enhanced floats for the city’s Carnival parades.

“We build 500 to 600 floats annually,” says Barry Kern, president and CEO of Mardi Gras World. “The floats that most inspire me are the signature floats for New Orleans’ Krewes. They combine the latest and greatest available technologies with our traditional build concepts.”

It all started with Barry’s grandfather Roy Kern. Roy struggled through the Great Depression, always looking for ways to put money on the table for his family, including three daughters and his son, Blaine. Roy’s passion—and money—came through his art, painting signs and names onto ships.

In 1932, Roy helped found the Krewe of Alla, one of the oldest parading organizations in New Orleans, in the city's Algiers neighborhood. He and Blaine, who was also a budding artist at his young age, worked to build the krewe’s first Mardi Gras float on a mule-drawn garbage wagon. The two worked together on another float in 1936, for the Krewe of Choctaw. Blaine then went to work alongside his father painting signs in the shipyard, until he was shipped out himself to join the military in 1945. Art, and float building in particular, never left Blaine’s mind, though, and when he returned to New Orleans two years later, he had reason to put it to use.

Blaine’s mother was in the hospital when he came back from the Army in 1947—but no one was able to pay her medical bills. In exchange for his mother’s medical care, Blaine painted a mural in the hospital. A doctor at the hospital, who just happened to be the Krewe of Alla's captain, loved the mural so much that he contacted Blaine and offered him the chance to decorate all of Alla's floats. Blaine saw a lucrative business opportunity and founded Kern Studios , the business that evolved into Mardi Gras World.

Blaine soon became the preferred builder for many major krewes’ Mardi Gras floats, so popular in the industry that Walt Disney once even offered him a job. Instead of taking it, Blaine took to Europe to apprentice under floatmakers there and further learn the trade of making elaborate displays. His floats helped several major krewes, including Endymion and Bacchus, get their start. He introduced the idea of rental floats so everyone could participate in the parades, not just the wealthy, and earned himself the nickname "Mr. Mardi Gras." In 2015, Blaine transferred full control of the company to his son Barry.

Mardi Gras World opened in 1984 to showcase the studio and the work of the artists creating massive floats for the Carnival parades. The floats come with a lot of features, and for a lot of money. One float in 2013 for the Krewe of Endymion, for example, cost $1.5 million. It was a nine-part representation of Pontchartrain Beach, an amusement park on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. Since Barry took over, his favorite float so far has been the Orpheus Leviathan—the 139-foot sea monster was the first Carnival float with fiber optics, animation and special effects. Alongside twinkling and flashing fiber optic lights, the Orpheus Leviathan sprays smoke from its mouth like a dragon spits fire. It first appeared in parades in 1998 and still rolls with the krewe every Carnival.

“[The floats are] part of our history and culture,” Barry says, explaining why they’re important to the New Orleans community at large. “It brings our community together in a very unique way, where you will see the bank president and bank janitor with their families standing side-by-side enjoying the parades.” No matter what your station or position in the community, everyone comes together to enjoy the floats.

The floats themselves haven’t gotten any less elaborate, either. This year, Mardi Gras World artists worked on a giant stacks of books, an almost-inappropriate flasher, a fierce gorilla, some sad clowns, and more.

Mardi Gras World is open year round, seven days a week, for workshop tours of past floats and new ones in progress. The tours last about an hour and cost $22. Group tours for 10 or more are available, as well as team building experiences.

View this post on Instagram @kreweduvieuxofficial is known for being really funny, satirical, and at times a bit inappropriate ;). Who's ready to watch it roll tonight? . . . #kreweduvieux #krewedelusion #NewOrleans #FrenchQuarter #NewOrleans #AlwaysMardiGras #NOLA #FollowYourNola #Carnival #Krewe #Louisiana #mardigras #onlylouisiana #louisianalife #fattuesday #carnival #nawlins #carnivalseason #carnivaltime #throwmesomethinmister #alwaysneworleans #crescentcity A post shared by Mardi Gras World (@mardigrasworld) on Feb 16, 2019 at 8:00am PST

Get the latest Travel & Culture stories in your inbox.

Jennifer Billock | | READ MORE

Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier. Check out her website at jenniferbillock.com .

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Company Stats & Facts
• Event Photos
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Mardi Gras Tours

Get a glimpse of what mardi gras is all about on these carnival-centric tours.

If you missed the city’s annual Carnival festivities, take a Segway, bike, walking or bus tour to learn about the Mardi Gras tradition. From Mardi Gras World downtown by the Convention Center – ground zero for float design and construction – to a behind the scenes look at just what it takes to put on the world’s biggest party, these tours will get you in a festive mood and inspire a return visit to the Crescent City. 

• Recommended

Restaurant Attire

Nightlife attire, restaurant price, accomodations rate, neighborhood.

• Central Business District/Downtown
• Esplanade Ridge
• Garden District/Uptown
• Jefferson Parish
• Lakeview/Lakefront
• Gentilly/New Orleans East/Chalmette
• Outside Metro Area
• Arts/Warehouse/Convention District
• Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
• View More View Less
• No available filters

Map Results

• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.

• Where Every Day Is Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras World / About Us

Mardi Gras World: Where Mardi Gras Is Made!

Historic tours, ghost tours, swamp tours – there are plenty of tours in New Orleans. But for a real, behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras, there’s only one definitive experience: the Mardi Gras World tour.

Mardi Gras World gives you an authentic Mardi Gras experience all year round, whether you’re here for family vacation, team building activities , New Orleans corporate events, or just on your own to experience the magic of the Crescent City. Buy your tickets today, and keep reading for more details on our tours!  BUY YOUR TIC KETS NOW!

Mardi Gras World Tours

Our tour allows you to see firsthand what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. Walk through the hard work and extensive planning that goes into this grand event when you tour Blaine Kern Studios, an operating workshop that has created breathtaking floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947.

This all-access opportunity winds you through the massive studio, where artists and architects build Mardi Gras floats from the ground up. You’ll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition, going beyond its reputation to get a deeper understanding of the REAL Mardi Gras. The whole family will love touring the space where our artisans create show-stopping floats for more than 40 parades each year.

This New Orleans tour is an experience you’ll want to document. There are hundreds of photo opportunities in front of floats and props.

Click here to book your tour , and keep reading for parking info, tour times, and more:

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

• Self-guided tours are offered 7 days a week
• We are open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, with the first tour beginning at 9:30am, and the last entrance will be at 4:30pm.
• Tours run every 30 minutes and last about an hour
• Each tour includes a 15-minute video presentation
• A free shuttle is provided with ticket purchase and provides pickups from Canal Street. Please call the gift shop to schedule a pick-up.
• ( Please visit our GETTING HERE page for holiday hours. )

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Where to Stay (and Play) in the Big Easy

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Mardi Gras Tour

Tour Information

Mardi gras highlights.

Since New Orleans was born, Mardi Gras has grown from a small local holiday to “the biggest free show on earth” - an international destination event and a big part of the city’s year-round identity. Our famous parades have stretched from a one-day affair to a season of five weeks and counting; Mardi Gras beads hang like fruit in the trees all year; making Mardi Gras happen has become a full-time livelihood for artists and organizers all over town. It’s one of our oldest traditions - and we add something new every year.

On this tour, we combine history and how-to. We’ll share stories of the holiday’s origins, but your guide will also be a seasoned parade veteran who can help you decide which events to attend and how to have a great time. And if you’re not here for parade days, we can help you get a taste of the season anytime.

Sights and subjects we cover on the Mardi Gras tour include:

• The Presbytere, home of Louisiana’s foremost collection of historic Mardi Gras artifacts
• Origins of the holiday and different ways we’ve celebrated across the centuries
• Tips on attending parades and guidance on any that may be happening during your stay
• Ways to see Mardi Gras parade floats and costumes any time of the year
• Places to enjoy king cake, our seasonal pastry
• How to get costumes, masks, or throws - or make your own
• Traditions from across the city and state, including Mardi Gras Indians, Skull and Bone Gangs, Baby Dolls, gay Mardi Gras balls, Cajun Mardi Gras, and more
• Samples of Mardi Gras music

Tour information

Reservations: REQUIRED. Groups of 10 or more persons must visit our group inquiry page.

Searching Availability...

Where : The tour begins in front of the Presbytere in Jackson Square, at the heart of the French Quarter. ( map )

Duration : Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Approximately 1 mile in length.

Cost : name-your-own-price tour. Groups of 6-9 must prepay $10/person. Groups of 10 or more must organize a private tour and can read about our options for groups.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Moscow's Home Of Live Music

A Mac & The Height (Moscow Mardi Gras)

A-mac & the height.

A-Mac & The Height represents a unique musical experience of unity and adventurous fusion of genres. With hook-driven songwriting and a cohesive blend of regga e, hip-hop, funk and alternative rock, the group thrives on overcoming musical boundaries. Their immersive message and feel good energy has proven to bring together beautiful people from coast to coast.

The Denver, CO based band has a charismatic approach fueled by conscious thinking, with lyrics that are uplifting, relatable, and insightful. Bringing an energetic and moving live performance, A-Mac & The Height encourages their audience to partake in a genuine and united musical journey with them. Similarly, the group is known for creating intricate and extended musical passages through improvisation and faith in the unknown.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Credit card rates
• Balance transfer credit cards
• Business credit cards
• Cash back credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Travel credit cards
• Checking accounts
• Online checking accounts
• High-yield savings accounts
• Money market accounts
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Home buying
• Options pit
• Investment ideas
• Research reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Several changes to affect Mardi Gras 2025

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Mardi Gras 2024 was one for the books, but it’s one the Carnival Legislative Advisory Committee said they are learning challenges from.

Two big hassles are tents and make-shift-porta potties along the neutral ground.

“It’s an impediment to foot traffic for those that are going to watch the parade and a lot of these folks end up spilling the street and becomes a safety and a timing issue where the parades get slowed down,” said James Reiss.

Mardi Gras News

“As we look forward to revising in the start what will be outright prohibited tents are on the list,” said Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell.

This season, there was a collision between a float and a tree limb, which stopped the parade for more than an hour. Mardi Gras World CEO Barry Kern admits the turn was tough, but says the delay was made worse by crowds forcing floats to pause.

“If you watch any parade, you see it stopping a lot more. This year, we are putting GPS on floats to see who is stopping and the crews wanted to do the same thing,” said Kern.

For the second year in a row, confetti caused a power outage. Morrell is sending a swift warning to crews that try to use it next year.

Man accused in 2016 shooting death of Jefferson Parish detective sentenced to life

“Might be next time the power goes out, the crew is responsible for it, because this is absolutely on crews. If your member shoots a mylar confetti. If we find bad actors, this was your warning year,” said Morrell.

Morrell adds four krewes were in violation for not having enough marching bands. He says krewes that don’t follow protocols can be canceled.

If you cannot meet the criteria of meeting your side of the agreement, that is the reason why Mardi Gras crews are in an ordinance and can be added and subtracted. We have a waiting list of crews that want to be in Mardi Gras,” said Morrell.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter .

Latest Posts

NOPD releases annual report on 2023 recruitment

Suspect wanted, accused of attempted murder in Kenner

Tickets now on sale for Eric Church at Sugar Bowl Country Kickoff show in New Orleans

Watch: How Americans saw video from D-Day

Louisiana Legislature OKs new Supreme Court map with second Black-majority district

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.

Recommended Stories

Nfl draft: 'all-in' cowboys trade down with lions; detroit takes alabama db terrion arnold with 24th pick.

The Cowboys will now select No. 29 in the first round instead of 24th.

Rams make first 1st-round pick since Jared Goff, take Florida State DL Jared Verse

The Rams went seven years without making a first-round pick. The Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey deals accounted for more than half of that.

NFL Draft: Record 275,000 fans swarm downtown Detroit to witness first round

Detroit's revival as a football city was on full display Thursday night.

NFL Draft fashion: Caleb Williams, Malik Nabers dressed to impress, but Marvin Harrison Jr.'s medallion stole the show

Every player was dressed to impress at the 2024 NFL Draft.

Zomato's quick commerce unit Blinkit eclipses core food business in value, says Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs said in a report late Thursday that Indian food delivery giant Zomato's quick commerce arm Blinkit is now more valuable than its core food delivery business, as per the bank's sum-of-the-parts analysis. The investment bank estimates Blinkit's implied value at 119 Indian rupees per share ($1.43) or about $13 billion, while Zomato's food delivery business is valued at Rs 98 per share. Goldman previously pegged Blinkit's valuation at $2 billion in March 2023.

The FTC's ban on noncompete clauses could be good for startups. But it also might be struck down.

The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to ban the use of most noncompete agreements on Tuesday. This ruling means companies can't require their employees, that aren't senior executives, to wait a set amount of time before joining a competitor or launching their own company in the same category. While the FTC's ruling will impact industries like financial services and hedge funds the most, due to the prevalence of such agreements in those industries, it could also impact startups.

Norwest Venture Partners raises $3B for 17th vehicle, maintaining fund size despite market downturn

Jeff Crowe, a senior managing partner, admitted that the investment rate in venture and certain sectors is slower than it was several years ago, but he said that dealmaking in certain strategies, sectors and geographies, such as growth equity, healthcare and India, is as robust as it was before the downturn. "We've kept a very steady pace and have delivered a number of nice exits," Crowe told TechCrunch. Not all exits were great outcomes for the firm (NVP's portfolio company VanMoof filed for bankruptcy protection), but returns from certain exits greatly outweighed the losses, according to Crowe.

Pro-Palestinian protests spread as hundreds arrested at Emory University, Emerson College and elsewhere across the U.S. Here's what's happening.

Pro-Palestinian protests and encampments are springing up at numerous colleges, leading to arrests and heightened security concerns. Here’s what's happening.

Warriors' Stephen Curry wins NBA Clutch Player of the Year award

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry won the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season.

Snap says total watch time on its TikTok competitor increased more than 125%

As part of its Q1 2024 earning release, Snap revealed that total watch time on its TikTok competitor, Spotlight, increased more than 125% year-over-year. Snapchat launched the TikTok-like feed in late 2020 as a way to compete with the rising popularity of TikTok. The company is touting the success of its short-from video feed a day after President Biden signed a bill that would ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, fails to sell it within a year.

Boeing's Starliner set to fly astronauts for the first time on May 6

Boeing’s Starliner is a go for launch. Leaders from NASA and Boeing told reporters that the first crewed Starliner mission, which will see the capsule carry two astronauts to the International Space Station, is moving ahead toward its historic May 6 launch date. NASA and Boeing concluded that the capsule is ready for launch after completing a critical flight test review on Thursday.

These are the fastest-selling new cars of 2024

iSeeCars found that a handful of brands sell new cars much faster than others and noted that EVs are taking longer to sell than hybrids.

Man who killed Saints' Will Smith sentenced to 25 years in prison

The conviction was the second for Cardell Hayes in the 2016 shooting death of Smith. The first was overturned after a Supreme Court decision rendered it unconstitutional.

It's a sunny day for Google Cloud

Google Cloud, Google's cloud computing division, had a blockbuster fiscal quarter, blowing past analysts' expectations and sending Google parent company Alphabet's stock soaring 13%+ in after-hours trading. Google Cloud revenue jumped 28% to $9.57 billion in Q1 2024, bolstered by the demand for generative AI tools that rely on cloud infrastructure, services and apps. Google Cloud's operating income grew nearly 5x to $900 million, up from $191 million.

The Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology is a G Wagen first, an EV second

The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology was developed to be capable as an off-roader and a status symbol, so the relatively low range may not matter.

Chipotle CFO says diners will keep burritos in their budget as US GDP growth slows

Chipotle is seeing all income cohorts spend more and visit more frequently.

I use this surge protector to plug in tons of items in one spot — and it's on sale for just $10 (50% off) at Amazon

Put this convenient gadget anywhere you have too many electronics and not enough outlets.

Apple is launching new iPads May 7: Here's what to expect from the 'Let Loose' event

Apple has scheduled an event for May 7 that'll more than likely focus on new iPads. Here's what we expect the company to show off.

Why Meta is looking to the fediverse as the future for social media

Meta's move into the open social web, also known as the fediverse, is puzzling. Will it bring its advertising empire to the fediverse, where today clients like Mastodon and others remain ad-free? One possible answer can be teased out of a conversation between two Meta employees working on Threads and Flipboard CEO Mike McCue, whose company joined the fediverse with its support of ActivityPub, the protocol that powers Mastodon and others.

Delta’s Boeing 747 Amex credit card design returns: What to know about the limited release

It’s a card designed for frequent Delta flyers and aviation history buffs alike. Here’s how to decide if the Boeing 747 Delta Reserve credit card is right for you.

• pop Culture
• Facebook Navigation Icon
• Twitter Navigation Icon
• WhatsApp icon
• Instagram Navigation Icon
• Youtube Navigation Icon
• Snapchat Navigation Icon
• TikTok Navigation Icon
• pigeons & planes
• newsletters
• Youtube logo nav bar 0 youtube
• Instagram Navigation Icon instagram
• Twitter Navigation Icon x
• Facebook logo facebook
• TikTok Navigation Icon tiktok
• Snapchat Navigation Icon snapchat
• Apple logo apple news
• Flipboard logo nav bar 1 flipboard
• Instagram Navigation Icon google news
• WhatsApp icon whatsapp
• RSS feed icon rss feed

Complex Global

• united states
• united kingdom
• netherlands
• philippines
• complex chinese

Work with us

terms of use

privacy policy

cookie settings

california privacy

public notice

accessibility statement

COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.

© Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Complex.com is a part of

Elephant Man Says He Has 38 Kids, Suggests He'll Probably Have More

In unsurprising news, the 47-year-old dancehall artist implied that he never wears condoms.

Legendary dancehall artist Elephant Man revealed that he has fathered 38 children and doesn't intend on slowing down anytime soon.

In an Instagram Live interview with Noah Powa, the  Pon Di River  artist was asked if he wanted to have more kids and replied, "How yuh mean? Den if it come, it nuh come bredda, weh you a talk bout?" As seen in the clip below, at the 4:30 mark, the 47-year-old revealed that he's had 38 children and had his first kid when he was just 17.

"I have 38 pickney, start from mi a 17," he shared, per Dancehall Mag . "Mi might ugly and all of that, but the gyal dem like mi bandy legs. ... ‘Member a me climb and jump off a di something dem and the gyal dem seh, ‘No man, mi woulda tek a lift up from dah black boy yah’… ‘Member di gyal dem see the attitude and all of dat."

Unsurprisingly, Elephant Man suggested he doesn't use condoms during sex. "You nah sex your woman inna nuh condom," he added. "You ever go to your woman inna her house inna condom, yuh inna trouble." Despite the alarming number of children, he said that he takes care of all his kids.

View this video on YouTube

During the same chat, Elephant Man shot down rumors that he contracted AIDS and questioned how he's still alive if that's the case. "Mi nuh dead," he said. "Mi stay strong cause the fittest of the fittest shall live and God nuh waan no weakness inna him camp."

Nick Cannon, who revealed earlier this year that he's happy with his 12 children and has no plans for baby No. 13, clearly has some major competition.

SHARE THIS STORY

Complex Music Newsletter

Stay ready. The playlists, good reads and video interviews you need—delivered every week.

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our

Latest in Music

| BY JOSE MARTINEZ

Usher Tells Hilarious Story of Son Stealing His Phone to DM PinkPantheress

| BY ALEX OCHO

DaBaby Says One of His Rap Peers Recently Asked to Get Into Fake Beef for Publicity

Brian Tyree Henry Joins Movie Musical Inspired by Pharrell's Youth Starring Halle Bailey and Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Beyoncé Sent Flowers, Toy to 2-Year-Old ‘Friend’ Tyler After Toddler's Video Went Viral

| BY MARK ELIBERT

YesJulz Explains Why Ye and Adin Ross Livestream Never Happened

| BY JAELANI TURNER-WILLIAMS

Big Sean on Porn Running Rampant on X: 'It's Hornier Than Pornhub on Here'

| BY JOE PRICE

Soulja Boy Offers to Buy TikTok After Biden Signs Bill Signaling Potential U.S. Ban

Coi Leray Claims Republic Records Wanted Her To Make Pop Songs Like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande

Schoolboy Q Announces 'Blue Lips' Weekends Summer Tour

Chance the Rapper Responds to Critics on "Buried Alive" Track: 'Where His Wife At? Where His Manager?'

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 11 hours ago

LauraS · Started 12 hours ago

LauraS · Started 16 hours ago

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:38 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Moscow tours, business travel to moscow, tour guide service, interpreting service

• Our Service
• Our Photo Album

Moscow tours, business travel to Moscow, tour guide service, interpreting service

We are here to navigate you through Moscow and beyond. We specialize in private and customer-tailored tours for individuals and groups.

Tour options include:

• Moscow tours in 1 day/2days/3days (Red Square tour, Kremlin tour, metro tour, panoramic city tour, etc);
• Moscow panoramic city tour / night Moscow by legendary retro cars ;
• Layover tours in Moscow;
• Moscow cultural heritage tours, Moscow themed tours;
• Russian home hosted visits (visit to the Russian dacha);
• Russian culinary classes;
• Moscow-St.Peterburg tour package. Two Russian capitals in one week;
• Moscow-St.Petersburg educational tours for students and children;
• Russian towns of the Golden Ring (Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Vladimir); Trips out of Moscow
• Shore excursions (Moscow/St.Petersburg)
• Russian honeymoon tours, photo walks in Moscow;
• Moscow tours for children
• Christmas time in Moscow;
• AK-47 shooting tour, tank T-34 ride, segway tour, fishing in Moscow region.
• Group Tours ( offers for travel agencies)

We are officially endorsed by Moscow Government to guide in most iconic tourist attractions of Russia’s capital such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, museums of the Moscow Kremlin, the Tretyakov Art Gallery, etc.

We love our city and are ready to share with you our in-depth knowledge of Moscow, this old but very dynamic and amazing city. We will be glad to provide context and fun in equal measure opening up your eyes to Russian history, culture and art.

We know how to make the most of your time while you are here and will be delighted to turn your stay in Moscow into a life experience.

Why book with us?

• We love what we do.
• We highly value responsibility and individual approach.
• Our friendly booking service will help plan your itinerary according to your wishes. We are very flexible and design the tours individually for every customer.
• We are officially recognized by Moscow Government.
• Our training, qualifications, experience and personality will ensure that your visit to Moscow is a great success.

We take part in BBC series of documentaries "World's Busiest Cities"(Moscow)

Buy Tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre

Other special offers...

Interpreting and assistance at exhibitions and conferences, our garage ( vehicles+drivers), where to stay in moscow, what and where to eat in moscow, visa support, learning and discovery, our partners (trips to st.petersburg).

Copyright 2015 - Moscow Navigator