Hotels ready for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, New Orleans' big party, will go on, organizers say, with parades and festivities slated for Feb. 18 to 28.

Among the hotels ready for guests is the Windsor Court, with $969 covering two nights for two in a suite, including breakfast and tax. The "Bed and Beads" package is valid Feb. 17 to 28. (800-262- 2662; www.windsorcourthotel. com.)

Another way to whoop it up in the Big Easy is with the Feb. 26 to March 2 "Mardi Gras Mambo" aboard RiverBarge Excursion Lines' 198-passenger vessel. Stateroom lodging, meals and escorted viewing of the parades, followed by a cruise upriver is priced at $1,695 to $1,850 per person. Airfare is not included. (888-GO- BARGE; riverbarge.com.)