Night Cemetery Insiders Tour- New Orleans

The Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s historic burial sites after dark. Led by an engaging storyteller, participants explore the fascinating world of local burial customs and the lasting impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. With exclusive access to sites like Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial, this tour promises an intimate and eye-opening experience for those seeking to uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of New Orleans’ most hallowed grounds.

Key Points

• Explore the historic cemeteries of New Orleans on a guided 2-hour bus tour led by a masterful storyteller.
• Learn about the city’s unique burial customs and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the community.
• Visit Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery.
• Enjoy an intimate experience with a maximum group size of 32 travelers.
• The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchair-friendly, with service animals permitted.

Tour Overview

The Night Cemetery Insiders Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic cemeteries of New Orleans.

The 2-hour tour takes visitors by bus to the Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery. Guided by a masterful storyteller, the tour provides insight into the city’s distinctive burial customs and the impact of significant events like Hurricane Katrina.

With a maximum group size of 32 travelers, the experience allows for an intimate and informative exploration of these sacred spaces.

The tour is accessible to strollers, but not wheelchair-friendly, and service animals are permitted.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors on the Night Cemetery Insiders Tour will learn about New Orleans’ unique burial customs and traditions.

The tour explores the history of Masons and Catholics in the city, as well as the impact of the Katrina tragedy on the community.

Key highlights include:

1. Visiting the Masonic Cemetery #1 and Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery.
2. Understanding the significance of New Orleans’ burial practices, like above-ground tombs.
3. Hearing masterful storytelling from the tour guide, who provides an engaging and informative experience.

The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 32 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Meeting Location and Check-in

The Night Cemetery Insiders Tour meets at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, located at 1140 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA.

Travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled start time to check-in. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The meeting location and check-in process ensure a smooth start to the experience, allowing the tour guide to provide valuable insights and lead the group through the city’s historic cemeteries promptly.

Participants should plan accordingly to make the most of the 2-hour Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans.

Accessibility and Participation

Accessibility and participation for the Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans are important considerations.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour’s accessibility features include:

1. Stroller accessible.
2. Service animals allowed.
3. Infants must sit on laps.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, which involves exploring historic cemeteries and learning about the city’s burial customs.

However, the tour’s physical demands may limit participation for some individuals.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans is priced from $55.00 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing flexibility for travelers.

Bookings can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later.

This tour has received positive reviews, with travelers highlighting the engaging and informative guides.

Some suggestions have been made for more ghost stories and night tours.

The benefits of BYOB and late-night beignet stops were also appreciated by participants.

Traveler Reviews

How have travelers responded to the Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans?

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 13 travelers.

Highlights of the feedback include:

1. Praise for the engaging and informative tour guides who are described as "masterful storytellers".

2. Requests for more ghost stories and night-time tours to enhance the spooky atmosphere.

3. Appreciation for the BYOB benefits and late-night beignet stops, which added to the unique experience.

Unique Burial Customs and Traditions

New Orleans is renowned for its unique burial customs and traditions, which are deeply intertwined with the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The city’s above-ground cemeteries, known as "cities of the dead," are a testament to the diverse religious and ethnic influences that have shaped the region. From the elaborate tombs of the Creole elite to the simple graves of the working class, each cemetery tells a story of the people who lived and died in this vibrant city.

These burial practices not only honor the dead but also reflect the resilience and creativity of the living.

Exploring the Masonic Cemetery and Katrina Memorial

Two of the key sites visited during the Night Cemetery Insiders Tour are the Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery.

The Masonic Cemetery provides insight into the history and beliefs of New Orleans’ Masonic community. Visitors learn about:

1. The unique Masonic symbols adorning the gravestones.
2. The segregation between Masons and Catholics in the city’s burial practices.
3. The significance of Masonic rituals and their influence on New Orleans culture.

The Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery honors the victims of the devastating 2005 hurricane, serving as a somber reminder of the city’s resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Beverages on the Tour?

While some tours may allow outside beverages, the policies for this specific tour are unclear based on the provided information. It is best to confirm the tour’s rules regarding bringing your own drinks prior to the event.

Will the Tour Guide Share Ghost Stories During the Experience?

The tour guide is described as a "masterful storyteller", suggesting they likely share engaging ghost stories and tales during the experience. However, the available information does not explicitly confirm whether or not ghost stories will be a focus of the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though participants are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or guidelines. The tour company encourages guests to capture the unique sights and atmospheres encountered during the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 2 hours. However, some tour providers may offer an option to extend the tour experience for an additional fee, allowing participants more time to explore the cemeteries and receive additional historical information from the guide.

Can I Purchase Beignets or Other Local Treats After the Tour?

Many tour operators allow guests to purchase local treats after the tour has concluded. This provides an opportunity to further take in the local culture and cuisine following the main activity.

The Sum Up

The Night Cemetery Insiders Tour in New Orleans offers a captivating exploration of the city’s historic burial sites, guided by an engaging storyteller. Participants explore unique burial customs, the influence of Hurricane Katrina, and the rich history of Masonic and Catholic traditions. With a maximum group size of 32, the tour ensures an intimate experience, making it a memorable way to uncover the mysteries of New Orleans’ cemeteries.