Culture & History Of The New Orleans Cruise Port
Theres no other city in the U.S. quite like New Orleans thanks to its unique heritage. The city was founded in 1718 by French colonists and was part of France until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 when it joined with the U.S. Since then, it has gained a multi-cultural ambiance that combines French and Spanish Creole with southern roots and an eclectic arts and music scene. The city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and took a long time to recover, but today it has gotten its groove back and is a great place to visit on a cruise.
From a cultural standpoint, youll find that locals are passionate about the citys jazz music and Creole cuisine. The other thing that defines this citys culture is the annual Mardi Gras festival, a celebration that occurs 47 days before Easter. Its one of the largest celebrations in the U.S. with parades, concerts, food, and those famous Mardi Gras beads.
New Orleans Port Facilities & Location
New Orleans cruises pull into port at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal Complex, which was originally built for the 1984 Worlds Fair that took place in New Orleans. It became a cruise terminal in 1991 and has undergone many makeovers over the decades. Today, it has an air-conditioned gangway, covered drop-off and pick-up area, and two berths that span enough space to accommodate large cruise ships. Julia Street Cruise Terminal is located right by shops and restaurants and is just a mile away from Bourbon Street.
A New Conquest For New Orleans
Carnival Conquest has returned to The Big Easy following her two-week multi-million dollar Fun Ship 2.0 makeover in The Bahamas.
She features a host of new amenities including Guys Burger Joint, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the EA Sports Bar.
In celebration of the ships return to New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Lines donated USD$15,000 to the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, which will go towards rebuilding the lives and communities of the St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes following Hurricane Isaac in August.
Because of Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac, August 29th is indelibly etched in our minds as a day of heartache and heroes, United Way of Southeast Louisiana president and CEO Gary Ostroske said.
We thank Carnival for being a corporate hero. With Carnivals support, United Way can help more people in more ways than any single charity.
Carnival Cruise Lines senior cruise director John Heald was on hand in New Orleans to present the cheque.
Todays reception went very well and what an honour it was to present a check for $15,000 to the United Way of South east Louisiana, Mr Heald wrote on his Facebook page.
Invited guests had a brilliant time and enjoyed a taste of 2.0 cocktails and food.
Most importantly, the ship looks fantastic and with her 2.0 upgrades she has a new exciting feeling about her.
Port Of New Orleans Loses $21 Million Without Cruises But President Predicts Fall Return
NEW ORLEANS The Port of New Orleans services four major cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney. The docks are empty and have been for over a year when the CDC held up U.S. operations because of the coronavirus.
This coming year we were due to have 338 cruise ship calls and about 1.5 million passenger moves for the year, said Brandy Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. I think for the regional economy, annually thats about $250 million in spending.
Christian says the port has lost $21 million in direct revenue. We typically collect fees for both parking and a passenger fee for using the cruise terminal.
The CDC laid out plans for safe returns, but most cruise liners are waiting.
Disney Cruise Line and Carnival canceled all cruises from U.S. Ports through the end of May. Norwegian cruises through June. Two Royal Caribbean cruises will resume this summer but not any sailing out of New Orleans.
Theyre trying to do it very smart, very safe. I think thats why theres a pause, said Don Redman with AAA Louisiana. Yes, they can start having cruises now but they dont want to yet.
Redman says cruise lines took a big hit with COVID-19.
I think most of them are hesitating to plan anything. You might actually see some cruises developing, even by the end of this year, 2021, said Redman.
Christian says from communications shes had with cruise liners, theyre hopeful the city could see all cruising ships return by the fall.
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Faq About Cruising From The New Orleans Cruise Port
Where do cruises leave from New Orleans?
The Port of New Orleans is located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. Cruise ships will leave from either one of two terminals: Julia Street and Erato Street .Once the cruise ships leave the Port of New Orleans, itll take about 7-8 hours to travel along the Mississippi before getting to the Gulf of Mexico and international waters.
Where is the best location to stay in New Orleans?
Any of the hotels within walking distance are great places to stay. However, our top recommendation is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located at 2 Poydras St.Why that one? First, it is super close to the cruise port . But the amazing thing about them is while many hotels charge extra for the park & cruise packages, this hotel automatically gives you a 20% discount on your room just for being a cruise traveler.They also provide you with cruise parking at a heavily discounted rate of $13 per night , which is a steal. They dont have a shuttle for the port, but being so close to the terminal you arent going to need it.
How Long is a Typical Cruise from New Orleans?
The average length of a cruise shipping out from New Orleans is 7 nights. There are a select few that are either shorter or longer, but 7 nights is the typical cruise length.
Carnival Cruise Lines on Thursday extended the moratorium on sailings from the Port of New Orleans through August, despite the resumption of some sailings starting in July from Florida and Texas.
Rough Sailing In The Gulf Of Mexico
Something else to consider when it comes to cruising fromNew Orleans is the roughness of the trip. While many cruises will eventuallymake their way to the Caribbean, coming from New Orleans they must first travelthrough the Gulf of Mexico.
During certain times of the year, the Gulf of Mexico can bea much rougher ride than sailing through the Caribbean. This is due to any coldfronts coming across the Gulf. For that matter, cruising in the winter out ofNew Orleans might come with some especially rocky riding.
This isnt so much a safety issue, as the waters in the Gulfarent going to rock enough to tip your cruise ship. But if you get seasickeasily, or are would rather ride through smoother waters, its certainlysomething to consider.
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The Top 3 Cons Of Cruising From The Port Of New Orleans
Unfortunately, even the absolute best cruise port isnt perfect. Every location offers something different that can make visiting or cruising less than 100% amazing.
Thankfully, New Orleans only has a few cons for cruisepassengers, some of which are unique to just the Port of New Orleans. Whetheror not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to you and the overall cruiseexperience you wish to have.
New Orleans Cruise Lines
Seven cruise lines operate out of New Orleans: American Cruise Line, American Queen, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Viking River Cruises. Take your pick and enjoy a voyage on a New Orleans cruise ship.
Carnival Cruise Line specializes in affordable cruises to the coast of Mexico from New Orleans. 4-, 5- and 7-day cruises sail to ports like Cozumel, Progreso and Jamaica. They also offer cruises to the Bahamas. Departures all year-round on “fun ships.”
Norwegian Cruise Line makes 7-day western Caribbean cruises leaving from New Orleans. You’ll visit Costa Maya, Belize, Roatan Island and Cozumel. A Norwegian “Freestyle Cruise” offers a variety of exciting restaurants, a relaxed dress code and lots of choices of things to see and do. Norwegian also offers a 15-day Panama Canal cruise to Los Angeles.
Disney Cruise Line sails from New Orleans. The family cruise line offers cruises from here to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean is a casual, fun cruise line for everyone. They have cruises from New Orleans to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.
American Cruise Line has riverboats making cruises up the Mississippi River that leave from New Orleans. Some are modern ships and one is a paddlewheeler.
The American Queen Steamboat Company offers luxury steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River out of New Orleans. Included are round-trips and one-way to Memphis.
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Passenger Dies Of Covid After 27 Sick From Outbreak On Carnival Cruise Out Of Galveston
After having respiratory complications, the woman was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator in Belize before being evacuated to Tulsa, Oklahoma where she died on August 14.
Both ships are following the social-distancing requirements and other mitigation rules that were agreed to last summer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order for cruise lines to restart.
The absence of cruise ships and their passengers since the start of the pandemic, in Mar 2020, has left a big hole in the local economy and Port Nolas finances. In 2019, there were a record 1.2 million cruise ship passengers coming and going through the port, and the estimated economic contribution to the city in terms of spending on hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, and other attractions was about $250 million, according to an economic impact study in 2018.
In 2019, Port Nola earned about $14 million in docking fees from cruise ships, which was one of its most important sources of revenue.
Last month, a group of 24 neighbors boarded the American Queen in New Orleans. The six-deck Mississippi River steamboat would carry the group,
New Orleans Louisiana Port Reviews Cruises
I have traveled all over the world and New Orleans is definitely one of the coolest cities in the world. If you have the chance definitely port out of New Orleans.
Visited: Apr 22, 2018
Great port and an awesome city! Make sure you arrive a day earlier so you can enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the world. I love New Orleans! I maybe a little biased because its my hometown.
Loved New Orleans! First timers! Stayed in Homewood Suites downtown and took the trolleys everywhere. Awesome time!!!
Visited: Feb 12, 2017
New Orleans is an amazing city. We were lucky to be able spend some time in town after the cruise. We got a deal on a room at the Westin with some incredible views of the Mississippi. Its also just off Canal St., and because of that its right on the Canal Street trolley lines that can connect you everywhere. Stopped at Ruby Slipper for breakfast. Use an app to pre-book your place in line or it will be a long wait. Food was fantastic. You must visit, the French Market, Frenchman Street, The Garden District, and of course Bourbon Street. For the garden district take a quick tour on the st Charles cable car and then go back for specific parts such as the Audubon park, etc.
Visited: Feb 25, 2018
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Pre And Post Cruise Options In New Orleans
Cruising from New Orleans is like adding another port of call to your itinerary. Many cruise passengers stay a few days before or after their cruise to experience the citys culture, cuisine and nightlife. Here are some suggestions:
The French Quarter: Occupying the same six by thirteen block area laid out in 1722, its the only intact French Colonial and Spanish settlement remaining in the United States. Walk down Bourbon Street lined with numerous bars, jazz clubs. Linger in Jackson Square, , and marvel at its historic buildings the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States and The Cabildo, site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. From the beautiful architecture to art galleries, museums, and restaurants, the French Quarter has something for everyone.
Plantation Tours: One excellent one to consider is the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Enjoy a Grand Southern Mansion surrounded by the Souths most beautiful gardens. Catch a glimpse of the way life was in the early 1800â²s when sugar was king and Houmas House was the largest sugar plantation in the world.
Audubon Aquarium & Zoo: This is one of the countrys top-ranked zoos offering an exotic mix of animals from around the globe in natural habitats. At the aquarium, walk beneath the vivid Caribbean Reef, feed a stingray, or become an Adventure Island explorer and journey the Mississippi River.
Highlights Of The Mississippi
âEverything was wonderful. I cannot remember having such a great time. The entire staff was great and so accommodating. I loved this trip. I have been on cruises on big ships and there is no comparison. It was so much nicer on a smaller boat. We had the chance to meet and probably had a meal, a drink or excursion with almost everyone on board.â
â Cindy E. – Frederick, MD
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What Hotels In New Orleans Provide Parking Or Shuttle Service
If you plan to arrive in New Orleans a day or two before your ship leaves , you wont have any trouble finding a place to stay as there are hundreds of hotels located all around the city.
For those driving to the port, book your stay at a hotelthat provides parking. This eliminates to need to also secure parking.
Hotels with parking availability during your cruise are:
- 3.5 miles from the port
- Free parking for cruise duration
Back To Sea: Disney Fantasy Resumes Sailings From Florida
After 18 months, a second Disney Cruise Line ship has resumes sailings from Florida. Disney Fantasy set sail from Port Canaveral on Saturday evening for a four-night cruise to the Bahamas.Disney Fantasy Sailing at a reduced capacity, Fantasy will stop twice at Disneys private island Castaway Cay and have one day at sea. The double-dip itinerary was rare prior to the shutdown but
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New Orleans Cruise Destinations
Where do cruises out of New Orleans go? The answer is to several destinations. Most of them are variations on trips to the islands around the Caribbean.
1. Bahamas: The Bahamas islands are located far to the east of the other choices out of New Orleans.
2. Belize: Sail to the eco-adventure wonderland that is Belize.
3. Cozumel: Short voyages to the island of Cozumel depart often throughout the year. It is a real playground for vacationers.
4. Jamaica: Jamaica cruises are popular and most are a week long. The islands unique attraction includes reggae music and jerk food.
5. Western Caribbean: Cruises from New Orleans frequently go to the Western Caribbean, which are known as party destinations. The ports include many with excellent snorkeling on coral reefs.
6. Mississippi River: Overnight riverboats offer something completely different. Cruise on a paddlewheeler up Americas great river.
7. Memphis to New Orleans: cruises from Tennessee to Louisiana on the Mississippi River.
8. 4-day cruises: Short vacation getaways.
9. 5-day cruises: An easy and affordable cruise option.
Hotels Within Walking Distance From The Port Of New Orleans
If its just you and maybe one other person traveling, its possible that you would rather stay at a hotel where you can walk to the port. This way, you dont have to worry about finding a shuttle, taxi, or some other way of getting to the port. All you need are your own two feet.
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The list below are all located less than a mile from thecruise terminal, and are excellent hotels to stay in before or after yourcruise. All are reasonably priced and offer all kinds of amenities to make yourstay the best hotel stay ever.
The last two on the list, the Hampton Inn and the HiltonGarden Inn, do offer shuttle service to and from the cruise port. Just in caseyou decide last minute that a shuttle would be a very nice thing to have.
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More Cruise Lines Are Planning Trips From New Orleans See Whats Coming Back And What Isnt
The Carnival Glory cruise ship docks after Hurricane Ida in New Orleans, La., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. ORG XMIT: BAT2109031658290152
More cruise ship operators are setting plans for sailings from U.S. ports in the coming months, including the four lines that left regularly from the Port of New Orleans before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thats offered some hope to local port and hospitality officials, even if all of the ships that once plied the Mississippi River before heading towards tropical destinations arent yet staging a return locally.
Cruise ship traffic from the port resumed last month, when Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Glory restarted its Caribbean cruise sailings from Sep. 19, a few weeks later than expected because of Hurricane Ida.
On another positive note, a second Carnival vessel, the Carnival Valor, will resume sailing from Nov. 1 with four- and five-day round-trip cruises to Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico, Vance Gulliksen, Carnival spokesman confirmed. Like its sister ship Glory, the Valor will be running at about 70% passenger capacity, which normally is just under 3,000 on each ship.
Cruises Return To The Port Of New Orleans With 285 Ship Calls Estimated For 2022
NEW ORLEANS The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway on Nov. 21, 2021 at the Port of New Orleans signaled the start of a big comeback for cruise ship operations. The Breakaway joins the Carnival Glory and Valor who successfully restarted ocean-going cruises in September and early November.
This is a major milestone after cruises were completely shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. River cruises resumed successfully from the Port in March 2021, and in September 2021 Carnival was the first to restart ocean-going cruises that have continued to consistently drive business back to the New Orleans market. With the return of Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line slated for February, Port NOLA is forecasting 285 sailings during the 2022 calendar year and expecting nearly 1 million passenger movements.
All cruise lines operating from the Port currently have vaccination, testing and mask wearing requirements in place as well as strict COVID-19 protocols beyond federal recommendations.
We are pleased ocean-going cruises are resuming and joining the successful restart of river cruises nine months ago, said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO Port NOLA. Cruises from the Port of New Orleans are critical to the state and regional economy. Our cruise passengers make up more than 300,000 hotel room nights alone in our city and they spend more than $125 million locally.
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