Departure port · Port of New Orleans · Louisiana
Cruises from New Orleans
Cruises from New Orleans sail year-round to Mexico and the Western Caribbean, from four- and five-night trips to Cozumel and Progreso to seven-night routes adding Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize and Grand Cayman. Carnival runs the most ships, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian add winter seasons, and Mississippi River cruises start here too. The terminals are a short walk from the Warehouse District, so a pre-cruise night in the city is easy.
- Western Caribbean
- Caribbean
- Mississippi River
Photo: Iulus Ascanius at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Cruise port
- Port of New Orleans
- Location
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Main destinations
- Western Caribbean, Caribbean, Mississippi River
- Cruise lines
- 7 lines sail from here
Sailing from New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans’ cruise terminals sit on the Mississippi riverfront at the edge of the Warehouse District, about a mile upriver from the French Quarter. Few departure ports put you this close to a great food and music city, and many cruisers turn embarkation into a long weekend of beignets, jazz and po’boys.
Ocean cruises head down the river and across the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatán and Central America. Short four- and five-night itineraries call at Cozumel, Progreso or Costa Maya; seven-night trips typically add Roatán, Belize City or Grand Cayman, and some reach Jamaica. Your first evening is spent winding about 100 miles down the Mississippi to the Gulf, which adds a scenic but slow start and finish to every sailing.
New Orleans suits travelers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and the Midwest who can drive in, and anyone who wants a city break with their cruise. River cruisers come for paddlewheel-style and modern riverboats heading north toward Memphis and beyond. If you want the Eastern Caribbean or the Bahamas, Florida’s ports are a better fit.
Where cruises from New Orleans go
Western Caribbean cruises
Year-round; driest December to April. Rainy season and hurricane risk June to November, peaking August to October.
Caribbean cruises
Year-round; driest and busiest December to April. Hurricane season June 1 to November 30, most active August to October.
Mississippi River cruises
Lower Mississippi most of the year; Upper Mississippi roughly May to October. Best weather in spring and fall.
Cruise lines sailing from New Orleans
Port of New Orleans cruise terminals
Ocean ships use two terminals beside each other on the riverfront: the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, both reached from Port of New Orleans Place behind the Convention Center and the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. Your boarding documents name the terminal. Drop checked luggage with the porters out front, then head through security and check-in. Turn up during your assigned window and be aboard at least an hour before sailing. River cruise lines dock separately along the riverfront and send their own embarkation details.
Getting to the port
Flying in
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), in Kenner, is about 18 miles (29 km) west of the terminals, typically 25 to 35 minutes by car. Taxis, rideshare and cruise line transfers all run from the airport, and taxis charge a set fare to downtown. The drive in along I-10 passes the city’s above-ground cemeteries and the Superdome.
Driving
Take I-10 into the city and exit toward the Convention Center and Tchoupitoulas Street, then follow the cruise terminal signs to Port of New Orleans Place. From the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, the Causeway connects to I-10. Downtown traffic can be heavy during festivals and big events at the Superdome.
Parking
The port operates a parking garage at the Erato Street terminal and a surface lot near Julia Street, charged per day. Several private lots in the Warehouse District and near the airport offer shuttles and can be cheaper. Many downtown and airport hotels sell park-and-cruise packages. Book ahead for Mardi Gras and spring break sailings.
Where to stay before a cruise from New Orleans
The Warehouse District and Central Business District are closest: many hotels are within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the terminals and near the National WWII Museum and Julia Street galleries. The French Quarter, about 10 minutes away by cab, is the choice for atmosphere, music and walkable dining. The Garden District and Uptown are quieter, linked by the St. Charles streetcar. Airport hotels in Kenner suit late flights.
Things to do in New Orleans before or after your cruise
- 1
The French Quarter
culture
Start at Jackson Square, framed by St. Louis Cathedral and the Pontalba Buildings, then wander Royal Street’s antique shops and galleries, Bourbon Street’s bars and the French Market. Café Du Monde’s beignets and café au lait are a ritual. It’s about a mile from the cruise terminals.
- 2
The National WWII Museum
history
One of the most highly regarded museums in the US, a short walk from the terminals in the Warehouse District. Pavilions cover the road to war, the Pacific and European campaigns and the home front, with restored aircraft hanging overhead and personal stories throughout. Allow at least half a day.
- 3
Mardi Gras World
culture
Right beside the cruise terminals, this working warehouse is where many of the city’s giant parade floats are designed and built. Guided tours show sculptors and painters at work and include a slice of king cake. It’s an easy way to fill an hour or two before boarding.
- 4
St. Charles streetcar and the Garden District
scenery
The olive-green St. Charles line, in service since the 1830s as one of the oldest streetcar lines in the world, rumbles under live oaks past antebellum mansions. Hop off in the Garden District to stroll past grand homes and the boutiques and cafés of Magazine Street.
- 5
Frenchmen Street live music
culture
Locals head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, just beyond the French Quarter, for live jazz, brass bands and blues in small clubs, often with no cover. An outdoor art market sets up in the evenings. It’s the best place to hear New Orleans music on the night before your cruise.
- 6
Swamp tour
nature
Airboat and flat-bottom boat tours head into the bayous and cypress swamps within an hour of the city, with alligators, herons and Spanish moss. The Barataria Preserve, part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, has boardwalk trails if you’d rather explore on foot. Many tours include hotel pickup.
When cruises sail from New Orleans
Carnival sails from New Orleans year-round. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are typically based here from about November to April, when the Western Caribbean is at its driest. Mardi Gras, in February or early March, makes for festive but expensive pre-cruise stays. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season from June to November can reroute ships. Mississippi River cruises operate most of the year, with spring and fall the most popular.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 6016 | 6518 | 7122 | 7524 | 8228 | 8731 | 8831 | 8932 | 8630 | 7926 | 7021 | 6418 |
| Low °F (°C) | 478 | 5211 | 5915 | 6418 | 7222 | 7826 | 8027 | 8027 | 7625 | 6720 | 5714 | 5211 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.3110 | 3.793 | 4.7119 | 6.5166 | 6.3161 | 6.9174 | 6.9174 | 7.5190 | 4.9125 | 3.794 | 3.487 | 5.7145 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
Embarkation day tips
- Head to an open deck for the sail-away. Ships pass the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the Crescent City Connection bridge in the first half hour, then spend the evening on the river past refineries, plantations and levees.
- Because of the river passage, ships arrive back in New Orleans early in the morning after a long overnight run upriver. River fog or traffic can occasionally delay docking, so leave a cushion before your flight.
- Avoid driving through the French Quarter with luggage. Its narrow, often closed streets make taxis slow; hotels in the Warehouse District are much easier for sailing day.
- Plan around Mardi Gras parades if you sail in February or March. Parade routes close major streets, and hotels can require multi-night minimum stays.
- New Orleans summers are steamy and thunderstorms roll in most afternoons. Carry a compact umbrella and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
Cruises from New Orleans: FAQs
How long does it take a cruise ship to get from New Orleans to the Gulf?
Roughly seven to eight hours. Ships sail about 100 miles down the Mississippi River before reaching open water, so the first evening and the final night of every cruise are spent on the river.
How far is the New Orleans cruise port from the airport?
About 18 miles, or 25 to 35 minutes by car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International. Taxis charge a set fare to downtown, and rideshare and cruise line transfers are widely available.
Which cruise lines sail from New Orleans?
Carnival sails from New Orleans year-round with several ships. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian add seasonal sailings, mainly in winter and spring. American Cruise Lines and Viking run Mississippi River cruises from the city.
Can you walk from the French Quarter to the cruise terminal?
Yes, but not easily with luggage. The terminals are about a mile upriver from the edge of the French Quarter. Without bags it’s a pleasant walk along the riverfront; on sailing day most people take a short taxi or rideshare.
Where do you park for a cruise from New Orleans?
At the port’s garage at the Erato Street terminal or its lot near Julia Street, both charged per day. Private lots and hotel park-and-cruise packages are alternatives, and booking ahead is wise around Mardi Gras.
Where do cruises from New Orleans go?
Ocean cruises visit Mexico and the Western Caribbean, including Cozumel, Progreso, Costa Maya, Roatán, Belize City and Grand Cayman. River cruises head up the Mississippi toward Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg and Memphis.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.