Actually, Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras day is packed much worse than that. It is elbow to elbow, and you don't walk, you just move with the sea of humanity as you are pushed along.
I doubt also that the odor at the Beach is anything like the nauseating stench of vomit and human excretions that offend the nostrils on Bourbon Street.
I worked it too many years. That's why I always go on a Cruise during Mardi Gras. I would much rather be on that beach than Bourbon Street- Just sayin' <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />