by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Wed May 1, 2024
New Orleans might be known for its festivals and easy, musical atmosphere, but it’s also home to a lively river and ocean port for leisure cruising.
The very first Mississippi paddlewheeler came to New Orleans in 1812, but it was a major French and later American ocean port for about a century before that. Today, several major river and ocean cruise lines choose to offer cruises from the beguiling city, providing travelers with the opportunity to view the city from the mighty Mississippi.
What Cruises Sail From New Orleans?
Mississippi river cruises often begin or end in New Orleans. American Cruise Lines sails several ships to and from the port from April to December, ensuring a steady opportunity for travelers to enjoy seeing the city from the river. Viking Cruises also offers sailings aboard the Viking Mississippi in New Orleans during two seasons: one from February to July and another from September to December.
River cruises typically embark and disembark at two different areas: the Thalia Street Wharf or the Orange Street Wharf.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line all offer at least one ship that homeports in New Orleans and sails the Western Caribbean, often on itineraries visiting popular ports in Mexico. Dates for these cruises range depending on the cruise line, but are generally available from January through March, May through December, or October through December.
These larger cruise ships typically embark and disembark in two larger cruise terminals: Julia Street Terminal or Erato Street Terminal. Both river cruise and ocean cruise ships port in the same general area, just south of the French Quarter in the Warehouse/Arts District.
Experience New Orleans Before & After Your Cruise
While cruises are destinations all by themselves, New Orleans is a city that begs to be explored. If you’ll be embarking or disembarking on a cruise in New Orleans, we recommend you spend some time either before or after your trip to enjoy the city.
New Orleans & Co., the city’s destination marketing organization, offers a selection of pre- and post-cruise hotel packages for travelers to enjoy, some of which include parking during the cruise, or just discounted rates for a night or few for travelers to truly enjoy the city. These range from locally owned historic hotels to luxury hotels, such as the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
Many of these are also located near the ports in the Warehouse/Arts District, so cruisers can rest easy knowing they won’t have to rush through traffic to get to their ship.
Additionally, there are several attractions located in the same vicinity. New Orleans is a city of culture and history, and travelers will love experiencing this firsthand.
We recommend visiting the National World War II Museum, tasting scrumptious Cajun cuisine at one of the city’s local restaurants, visiting Vue Orleans to get a unique glimpse at the city from above, take a tour with a local guide and listen to the city’s iconic jazz music in a family-friendly setting at Preservation Hall.
New Orleans can be a fun place to begin or end your cruise experience, whether you are traveling north along the Mississippi River or south to the Caribbean.
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