I booked a Caribbean cruise and it's departing from New Orleans. I want to fly in and stay there 1 day before departure and since I'm there, I want to take the opportunity to check out the city. I know it's only 1 day, but I take to take advantage as much as possible. Would anyone recommend things to do, where to go, and most importantly, which hotel is the best? Are there any hotel that's close to the port? Thanks so much in advance!

The Julia Street cruise port is quite close to the Morial Convention Center. There is a Convention Center Hyatt within walking distance. The parking is $18/day so if you have a rental turn it in and ride the trolleys.
The French Quarter is North-East of Canal Street.
Visit the Cafe du Monde and Bourbon St. at a minimum.

French Quarter and ride the trolley to stroll a bit of the Garden District.

I know I'm being finicky - but in New Orleans, we call them "streetcars" - never trolleys!

Uh - hit submit by mistake...

With one day - I would suggest spending the day in the French Quarter.

Arrange for a cemetery tour, visit some museums, drink a cold beverage up on the levee - watching the river, enjoy the street musicians near Jackson Square, have a drink at the Napoleon House, check out some live music, stroll the antique and art shops along Royal and Chartres Street, cruise along Bourbon Street (just because), and of course - eat some food (it's all good).

http://www.neworleansonline.com/tool...treetcars.html

http://www.neworleansonline.com/newo...tractions.html

Excuse me..slip of the tongue. The last time I rode the St. Charles streetcar was before Katrina.
Eat gumbo or jambalaya and a Poboy for lunch.

tomfuller - no worries! Just clarifying because New Orleans loves its streetcars!!!