Top Cruise Lines in June 2019 from Louisiana for Your Summer Escape

Set sail from Louisiana in June 2019 with top-rated cruise lines offering unforgettable summer escapes to the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond. Major operators like Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean launched affordable, family-friendly voyages from New Orleans, combining vibrant port culture with seamless embarkation. With extended itineraries, themed cruises, and exclusive onboard perks, these June departures delivered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—ideal for Gulf Coast travelers seeking a hassle-free getaway.

Key Takeaways

• Book early: Secure June 2019 sailings from Louisiana now for best rates.
• Top picks: Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean lead for summer escapes.
• Port focus: New Orleans offers convenient departures for Caribbean cruises.
• Family-friendly: Choose lines with kids’ activities and all-inclusive options.
• Shore excursions: Pre-book to maximize time at popular destinations.
• Budget wisely: June deals exist—compare pricing and onboard perks.

Top Cruise Lines in June 2019 from Louisiana for Your Summer Escape

Why June 2019 Was the Perfect Time to Cruise from Louisiana

As summer 2019 approached, Louisiana residents were presented with an exciting opportunity: a variety of cruise lines in June 2019 from Louisiana offering sun-soaked escapes, tropical destinations, and unforgettable onboard experiences. With the Mississippi River winding through the heart of New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico just a stone’s throw away, Louisiana has long served as a gateway to Caribbean and Mexico adventures. June, in particular, was an ideal time to set sail—school was out, the weather was warm, and cruise lines were rolling out seasonal promotions, family-friendly itineraries, and early-summer deals to entice travelers.

Whether you were a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, the June 2019 cruise season from Louisiana offered something for everyone. From luxury liners to budget-friendly mega-ships, the options were diverse, catering to couples, families, solo adventurers, and multigenerational groups. With New Orleans as the primary departure port—ranked among the top cruise terminals in the U.S.—passengers enjoyed the added bonus of exploring the vibrant city before or after their voyage. The blend of Creole culture, live jazz, and world-class cuisine made the pre- or post-cruise stay an experience in itself. In this guide, we’ll explore the top cruise lines departing from Louisiana in June 2019, highlighting itineraries, onboard amenities, family-friendly features, and tips to help you plan the ultimate summer escape.

1. Carnival Cruise Line: The Fun-Focused Favorite

Overview and Itineraries

Carnival Cruise Line was the undisputed leader in cruise lines in June 2019 from Louisiana, with multiple ships departing from the Port of New Orleans. The Carnival Valor, Carninity Freedom, and Carnival Glory were among the most popular vessels, offering 4- to 7-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and Mexico. Typical itineraries included stops in Cozumel (Mexico), Progreso (for Chichen Itza), and Costa Maya, with some longer sailings extending to Grand Cayman and Jamaica.

For example, the Carnival Valor operated a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise in mid-June, visiting Cozumel, Belize City, and Mahogany Bay (Roatán). This route was especially popular with families due to the mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration. Meanwhile, the Carnival Freedom offered a 5-night “Cozumel Express” cruise—perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for a tropical getaway.

Onboard Experience and Family-Friendly Features

Carnival is renowned for its “Fun Ship” concept, and the 2019 fleet from New Orleans was no exception. Passengers enjoyed a wide range of amenities, including:

• WaterWorks: A massive water park with slides, splash zones, and a 300-foot Twister waterslide.
• Camp Ocean: Supervised kids’ programs for ages 2–11, with themed activities and educational games.
• Zumba, fitness centers, and spa services: For adults seeking relaxation or wellness.
• Comedy clubs and live music: Nightly entertainment with stand-up comedy, karaoke, and deck parties.
• Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina: Free specialty dining options from celebrity chefs Guy Fieri and Jamie Oliver.

Families particularly appreciated Carnival’s Family Harbor staterooms—interior cabins with extra space, kid-friendly decor, and access to a private lounge with snacks and games. The line also offered stateroom babysitting (for a fee), allowing parents to enjoy date nights at the Steakhouse or RedFrog Pub.

Tips for Booking with Carnival in June 2019

• Book early: June sailings filled up quickly, especially 7-night cruises. Early bird discounts (up to 30% off) were common for bookings made 6–12 months in advance.
• Consider the Cheers! Beverage Package: At $51.95/day (pre-paid), it included unlimited soda, cocktails, and premium coffee—ideal for adults.
• Arrive a day early: Avoid travel stress by spending a night in New Orleans. Many hotels offered free cruise parking and shuttle services.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle Cruising from the Big Easy

Itinerary Highlights and Ship Features

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brought its signature “Freestyle Cruising” to the Port of New Orleans in June 2019 with the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. These 146,000-ton mega-ships offered 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, with stops in Cozumel, Belize, and Harvest Caye (Norwegian’s private island in Belize). A standout feature was the Harvest Caye experience, which included a zipline, butterfly garden, and overwater cabanas.

The Norwegian Getaway also offered a unique 10-night “Caribbean & Cuba” itinerary in late June—one of the few lines offering legal U.S. cruises to Havana at the time. This route included stops in Key West, Havana, and Cozumel, appealing to travelers seeking cultural immersion.

Onboard Innovation and Dining Options

NCL’s ships were designed for flexibility. With no fixed dining times or assigned seating, passengers could enjoy:

• 28+ dining venues: From French cuisine at Le Bistro to Brazilian churrascaria at Cagney’s Steakhouse.
• Ocean Blue: A seafood restaurant with panoramic ocean views.
• Food Republic: A global tapas concept by Food Network stars.
• Spice H2O: An adults-only aqua park with water slides and a bar.
• The District Brew House: Featuring 50+ craft beers and live music.

The Norwegian Breakaway also featured the Waterfront—an open-air promenade with dining and lounging areas, giving passengers a “boardwalk at sea” experience.

Why NCL Stood Out in June 2019

• No formal nights: Perfect for casual travelers who wanted to avoid dress codes.
• Kids’ clubs by age group: Splash Academy (3–12), Entourage (13–17), and Guppies (6 months–2 years).
• Free at-sea offers: In June 2019, NCL promoted “Free at Sea” deals—choose one: free specialty dining, free drink package, free shore excursion credit, or free Wi-Fi.
• Early check-in via app: Reduce embarkation stress by checking in online and boarding early.

3. Royal Caribbean International: Adventure Awaits

Ships and Itineraries from New Orleans

Royal Caribbean brought the Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas to the Port of New Orleans in June 2019, offering 7-night Western Caribbean cruises. The Liberty of the Seas—a 15-deck, 3,634-passenger ship—visited Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize, with optional excursions like snorkeling in the Great Blue Hole or exploring Mayan ruins.

A highlight was the Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), though this destination was only available on longer itineraries. However, shorter 5-night cruises from New Orleans still offered beach days in Cozumel and Progreso.

Onboard Thrills and Family Amenities

Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative attractions. On the Liberty of the Seas, passengers enjoyed:

• FlowRider surf simulator: A 42-foot wave machine for surfing and boogie boarding.
• Rock climbing walls: 40-foot dual walls with auto-belay systems.
• Ice skating rink: Hosting Broadway-style shows and public skating.
• Vitality Spa and fitness center: With yoga, Pilates, and spin classes.
• Adventure Ocean kids’ program: With science labs, dance parties, and teen-only hangouts.

The ship also featured DreamWorks Experience—character meet-and-greets with Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar stars—making it a hit with young families.

Booking Tips for Royal Caribbean in June 2019

• Book balcony cabins early: These sold out 3–6 months in advance due to demand.
• Consider the Deluxe Beverage Package: At $89/day, it included premium cocktails, wine, and bottled water.
• Use the Royal Caribbean app: For daily schedules, dining reservations, and excursion bookings.
• Look for “Kids Sail Free” promotions: In June 2019, third and fourth guests under 12 sailed free on select sailings.

4. Disney Cruise Line: Magic at Sea for Families

Itineraries and Ports of Call

While Disney Cruise Line primarily sails from Florida, it occasionally offered special summer sailings from New Orleans in June 2019. The Disney Wonder operated a 5-night “Bahamas & Mexico” cruise, visiting Key West and Cozumel. This was a rare opportunity for Louisiana families to experience Disney’s signature magic without flying to Port Canaveral.

The itinerary included a private island day at Castaway Cay (Disney’s exclusive Bahamas island), featuring character meet-ups, snorkeling, and a kids’ club with pirate themes.

Onboard Disney Magic

Disney Cruise Line is unmatched in family entertainment. On the Disney Wonder, passengers enjoyed:

• Broadway-caliber shows: Like Frozen: A Musical Spectacular and Tangled: The Musical.
• Character experiences: Daily meet-and-greets with Mickey, Minnie, and Marvel heroes.
• Oceaneer Club and Lab: Supervised kids’ zones with themed activities (e.g., Star Wars, Pixar).
• Adult-exclusive areas: Quiet Cove Pool, Palo (Italian restaurant), and the Senses Spa.
• Rotational dining: Families rotated through three themed restaurants (Animator’s Palate, Triton’s, Enchanted Garden).

Why Disney Was a Unique Option in June 2019

• All-inclusive feel: Gratuities, soft drinks, and most dining were included.
• No hidden fees: Unlike other lines, Disney didn’t charge extra for character dining or kids’ activities.
• Early booking required: These special New Orleans sailings sold out within weeks of release.
• Special events: Pirate Night and Frozen Deck Parties were free and unforgettable.

5. Smaller & Luxury Options: Azamara and Windstar

Azamara Club Cruises: Intimate Voyages

Azamara offered a 10-night “Caribbean & Mexico” cruise from New Orleans in June 2019 aboard the Azamara Quest (694 passengers). This smaller ship visited less-crowded ports like Isla de Cozumel, Progreso, and the lesser-known Cayo Levantado (Dominican Republic). The itinerary emphasized overnight stays—allowing passengers to experience local nightlife and dining.

Highlights included:

• All-inclusive pricing: Cocktails, wine, gratuities, and Wi-Fi included.
• Destination immersion: Longer port times and curated excursions (e.g., Mayan ruin tours, cooking classes).
• Spacious staterooms: With butler service and premium amenities.

Windstar Cruises: Sailing the Gulf

Windstar’s Star Breeze (312 passengers) offered a 7-night “Gulf Coast & Mexico” cruise from New Orleans in June 2019. The ship visited Galveston, Cozumel, and the Yucatán Peninsula, with a focus on authentic local experiences (e.g., tequila tastings, Mayan market visits).

Unique features:

• Water sports platform: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling directly from the ship.
• Open bridge policy: Passengers could visit the captain’s bridge.
• Casual elegance: No formal nights, but upscale dining and service.

6. Planning Your June 2019 Cruise: Tips & Data

Best Time to Book

In 2019, booking 6–12 months in advance secured the best prices and cabin availability. For June sailings, peak booking occurred between December 2018 and February 2019. Last-minute deals (1–2 months out) were rare due to high demand.

Port of New Orleans: What to Expect

The Port of New Orleans (Erato Street Terminal) offered:

• Free Wi-Fi and charging stations
• On-site parking ($20–25/day)
• Pre-cruise hotels with shuttle services (e.g., Hilton Riverside, Hyatt Regency)
• Quick embarkation: Average check-in time was 45 minutes.

2019 Pricing & Itinerary Comparison Table

Cruise Line	Ship	Itinerary	Avg. Price (Interior Cabin)	Duration	Family-Friendly?
Carnival	Carnival Valor	7-night Western Caribbean	$699	7 nights	Yes
Norwegian	Norwegian Getaway	10-night Cuba & Caribbean	$1,199	10 nights	Yes
Royal Caribbean	Liberty of the Seas	7-night Mexico & Belize	$949	7 nights	Yes
Disney	Disney Wonder	5-night Bahamas & Mexico	$1,499	5 nights	Yes (Best for Kids)
Azamara	Azamara Quest	10-night Overnight Caribbean	$2,299	10 nights	No (Adults-Only Focus)
Windstar	Star Breeze	7-night Gulf Coast	$2,799	7 nights	Yes (Luxury Families)

Packing & Travel Tips

• Pack light: Cruise cabins have limited storage.
• Bring a power strip: Most staterooms have only one outlet.
• Check passport requirements: Mexico and Caribbean ports required valid passports in 2019.
• Download cruise line apps: For daily schedules and onboard purchases.

June 2019 was a golden window for Louisiana cruisers, offering a mix of affordability, adventure, and luxury. Whether you chose Carnival’s high-energy fun, Disney’s family magic, or Windstar’s intimate elegance, the cruise lines in June 2019 from Louisiana delivered unforgettable summer escapes. With New Orleans as your launchpad, the world was just a sail away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top cruise lines in June 2019 from Louisiana?

In June 2019, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer popular departures from New Orleans, Louisiana. These cruise lines provide a mix of 4- to 7-day itineraries to the Western Caribbean and Mexico, perfect for a summer escape.

Which cruise line from Louisiana has the best family-friendly amenities in June 2019?

Royal Caribbean stands out with its Adventure Ocean kids’ programs, splash pads, and family suites. Carnival Cruise Line also excels with its Seuss at Sea activities and teen clubs, making both ideal for families booking a June 2019 cruise from Louisiana.

Are there any last-minute cruise deals from Louisiana in June 2019?

Yes, cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian often release last-minute discounts for June 2019 sailings from New Orleans. Check cruise line websites or travel agencies for promotions on balcony cabins and onboard credit offers.

What destinations can I visit on a cruise from Louisiana in June 2019?

Most cruises from Louisiana in June 2019 visit the Western Caribbean hotspots like Cozumel, Progreso, and Costa Maya. Some Royal Caribbean itineraries also include stops in Key West and private island destinations like CocoCay.

Is June a good time to take a cruise from Louisiana?

June is a great time for a cruise from Louisiana, with warm weather and fewer crowds than peak summer months. While hurricane season begins, cruise lines closely monitor conditions and adjust itineraries as needed for passenger safety.

Do any cruise lines from Louisiana offer all-inclusive packages in June 2019?

Norwegian Cruise Line provides an “All-Inclusive” beverage package option, while Carnival offers “Cheers!” drink packages. For a more inclusive experience, consider Norwegian’s June 2019 sailings, which often bundle dining and entertainment perks.