Which Cruise Lines Leave from New Orleans A Complete Guide

Several major cruise lines depart from New Orleans, including Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, offering a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond. The Port of New Orleans is a convenient, vibrant departure point with modern terminals and easy access to the city’s iconic culture and cuisine, making it ideal for pre-cruise exploration.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line offers frequent departures from New Orleans year-round.
• Norwegian Cruise Line sails seasonal itineraries, including Caribbean and Panama Canal routes.
• Royal Caribbean features longer voyages, ideal for first-time cruisers from NOLA.
• Disney Cruise Line provides limited sailings, perfect for family-focused vacations.
• Pre-book parking or rideshares to simplify arrival at the Port of New Orleans.
• Check departure schedules early, as itineraries and dates vary by season.
• New Orleans cruises often include Western Caribbean and Mexico destinations.

The Port of New Orleans: Your Gateway to the High Seas

When most people think of New Orleans, they picture jazz-filled streets, beignets dripping with powdered sugar, and the vibrant energy of the French Quarter. But this iconic city on the Mississippi River also serves as a major departure point for unforgettable cruise vacations. As one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States, the Port of New Orleans offers travelers a unique blend of Southern charm and international adventure, all starting from the heart of Louisiana.

Cruising from New Orleans provides more than just a convenient departure location – it offers an experience. Before you even board your ship, you can spend a few days exploring the city’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and legendary music scene. The cruise port itself, located in the historic Erato Street Wharf, is just a short drive from downtown hotels and attractions. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the Big Easy serves up a perfect pre-cruise appetizer before your oceanic main course.

Major Cruise Lines Departing from New Orleans

Carnival Cruise Line: The Big Easy’s Most Popular Choice

Carnival Cruise Line maintains the strongest presence at the Port of New Orleans, offering year-round departures on multiple ships. As the undisputed king of New Orleans cruising, Carnival provides options for every type of traveler:

• Carnival Valor and Carnival Glory (110,000+ gross tons) – These Fantasy-class ships offer 4- to 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries
• Carnival Radiance (101,000 gross tons) – A recently renovated Sunshine-class ship featuring 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises
• Carnival Liberty (110,000 gross tons) – Seasonal sailings including 8-night Southern Caribbean voyages

What sets Carnival apart in New Orleans is their “Fun Ship” experience combined with special Big Easy-themed events. Past cruises have featured Mardi Gras parades on deck, Cajun cooking demonstrations, and jazz performances in the atrium. Their 4-night cruises typically visit Cozumel, Mexico, while 7-night options might include stops at Roatán (Honduras), Belize City, and Costa Maya.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Premium Options with Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line brings its signature “Freestyle Cruising” concept to New Orleans with seasonal departures, primarily during winter months. Their Norwegian Breakaway (146,600 gross tons) and Norwegian Getaway (144,000 gross tons) offer:

• 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries
• 10- to 12-night Southern Caribbean voyages (seasonal)
• Special 4-night weekend cruises to Cozumel

Norwegian’s New Orleans departures stand out for their upscale amenities. The Breakaway-class ships feature Broadway-style entertainment, a wide array of specialty dining (including a New Orleans-inspired restaurant called “Taste of the Bayou”), and the largest ropes course at sea. Their “More at Sea” pricing model includes many extras not found on Carnival, making it a compelling option for travelers seeking a more inclusive experience.

Royal Caribbean International: Family Adventures from the Bayou

Royal Caribbean brings its innovative fleet to New Orleans with seasonal sailings, primarily from October through April. Their Liberty of the Seas (154,407 gross tons) and Independence of the Seas (154,407 gross tons) offer:

• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises
• 5-night short cruises to Mexico
• Special 14-night transatlantic repositioning voyages (spring/fall)

Royal Caribbean’s New Orleans departures cater particularly well to families with their extensive kids’ programs, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, and robotic bartenders. Their “Cruise Planner” system allows for advanced dining reservations and activity bookings, making it easier to customize your vacation before boarding. The ships’ massive size means more dining options and entertainment venues than most New Orleans-bound ships.

Seasonal and Specialty Cruise Options

Disney Cruise Line: Magical Voyages from Louisiana

While not a year-round option, Disney Cruise Line makes seasonal appearances in New Orleans with their Disney Magic (83,000 gross tons). These special sailings typically occur during:

• Holiday seasons (Christmas and New Year’s)
• Spring break periods (March-April)
• Summer months (June-July)

Disney’s New Orleans departures are unique for their themed experiences. Past cruises have featured Mardi Gras-themed deck parties, character meet-and-greets with Cajun accents, and special New Orleans-inspired menus. The 4- to 7-night itineraries primarily visit Cozumel, with occasional stops at Progreso (Mexico) for visits to the ancient Mayan ruins. What sets Disney apart is their unparalleled children’s programming, Broadway-quality entertainment, and adult-exclusive spaces like the Quiet Cove Pool.

Cruise & Land Combinations: The Mississippi River Experience

Several companies offer unique river cruise extensions that begin or end in New Orleans. These combine ocean cruises with Mississippi River adventures:

• American Queen Voyages – Offers pre- or post-cruise Mississippi River packages on their steamboats, allowing travelers to explore the river delta before or after their Caribbean cruise
• American Cruise Lines – Provides 7- to 15-day river cruises from New Orleans to Memphis or St. Louis, with optional ocean cruise add-ons
• UnCruise Adventures – Offers specialty “Delta and Gulf” expeditions combining bayou exploration with coastal cruising

These river extensions are particularly popular with history buffs and nature lovers. Imagine spending a few days cruising the Mississippi past antebellum homes and cypress swamps before heading out to sea for white sand beaches. The American Queen, a 418-foot paddlewheeler, offers an authentic 19th-century river experience with modern amenities, while the smaller American Cruise Lines ships can access more intimate ports along the river.

Repositioning and Transatlantic Cruises

Several cruise lines use New Orleans as a departure point for special repositioning cruises, typically during spring and fall when ships move between home ports. These unique voyages include:

• Transatlantic Cruises – Royal Caribbean’s 14-night sailings from New Orleans to Barcelona or Lisbon
• Panama Canal Transits – Norwegian and Carnival’s 14- to 16-night cruises that include partial or full Panama Canal crossings
• Round-trip World Cruises – Princess Cruises occasionally offers segments of their world cruises departing from New Orleans

These specialty cruises are perfect for travelers seeking a more extended vacation or those who want to visit multiple regions in one trip. A transatlantic cruise from New Orleans might include stops in the Caribbean, Azores, and Mediterranean, while Panama Canal cruises often feature Central American ports plus Mexican and Californian destinations.

Itineraries and Destinations from New Orleans

Western Caribbean: The Classic New Orleans Route

The most popular itinerary from New Orleans is the 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, which typically includes:

• Cozumel, Mexico – The most frequent stop, known for its coral reefs and Mayan ruins
• Belize City, Belize – Gateway to the world’s second-largest barrier reef and ancient Mayan sites
• Roatán, Honduras – A Caribbean paradise with excellent snorkeling and zip-lining adventures
• Costa Maya, Mexico – A modern resort port with access to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

These cruises are ideal for first-time cruisers due to their manageable length and variety of shore excursion options. A typical 7-night itinerary might look like: Day 1 (depart New Orleans), Day 2 (at sea), Day 3 (Cozumel), Day 4 (Belize), Day 5 (Roatán), Day 6 (at sea), Day 7 (at sea), Day 8 (return to New Orleans). Carnival and Norwegian offer the most frequent departures on this route.

Eastern Caribbean: The Longer Escape

For travelers seeking more time at sea and more distant destinations, Eastern Caribbean cruises from New Orleans (typically 8-14 nights) might include:

• Grand Cayman – Famous for Stingray City and Seven Mile Beach
• Jamaica – Ports like Montego Bay and Falmouth offer reggae culture and Dunn’s River Falls
• Turks and Caicos – Pristine beaches and excellent diving
• Puerto Rico – Historic Old San Juan and the El Yunque rainforest

These cruises are less common than Western Caribbean options but provide access to more diverse destinations. Royal Caribbean’s 12-night itineraries sometimes include stops in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The longer duration means more days at sea, so these cruises particularly appeal to travelers who enjoy shipboard activities and entertainment.

Southern Caribbean: The Premium Adventure

Norwegian and Carnival’s seasonal Southern Caribbean cruises (10-14 nights) visit more remote and upscale destinations:

• Aruba – Known for its white-sand beaches and desert-like landscapes
• Bonaire – A diver’s paradise with protected marine parks
• Curaçao – Colorful Dutch colonial architecture and excellent snorkeling
• St. Thomas – Gateway to the US Virgin Islands and Magens Bay

These cruises require more vacation time but offer unique experiences not found on shorter itineraries. The extended duration allows for deeper exploration of each destination. Norwegian’s 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises sometimes include an overnight in St. Thomas, giving travelers two full days to explore the island.

Short Cruises: The Weekend Getaway

For travelers with limited time, all major lines offer 3- to 5-night short cruises from New Orleans:

• 4-night cruises – Typically visit Cozumel, with one day at sea each way
• 5-night cruises – Usually include stops in Cozumel and Progreso (Mexico) or Costa Maya
• 3-night weekend cruises – Primarily offered by Carnival and Norwegian during peak season

These short cruises are perfect for first-time cruisers, families with young children, or those looking for a quick escape. Carnival’s “Weekend Getaway” cruises depart on Fridays and return on Mondays, making them ideal for a long weekend vacation. The limited time means these cruises focus more on onboard experiences than extensive shore excursions.

Planning Your New Orleans Cruise: Practical Tips

Best Time to Cruise from New Orleans

The ideal time to depart from New Orleans depends on your destination and preferences:

• Winter (December-February) – Best weather in the Caribbean, but higher prices and more crowds
• Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than winter, but potential for spring break congestion
• Summer (June-August) – Lowest prices, but highest chance of hurricanes and heat
• Fall (September-November) – Lowest prices, but peak hurricane season

For most travelers, January through April offers the best balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and fewer crowds. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in August and September. While cruise lines have excellent hurricane policies (including automatic itinerary changes at no cost), booking outside of hurricane season provides peace of mind.

Pre-Cruise Stay: Maximizing Your New Orleans Experience

Most cruise lines recommend arriving in New Orleans at least one day before departure to account for travel delays. This also gives you time to enjoy the city’s unique offerings:

• Stay in the French Quarter – Hotels like the Bourbon Orleans or Hotel Monteleone put you in the heart of the action
• Pre-cruise package deals – Carnival and Norwegian offer special hotel + cruise bundles with transfers
• Must-see attractions – French Market, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi
• Food experiences – Beignets at Café du Monde, po’boys at Parkway, and gumbo at Dooky Chase’s

Consider booking a pre-cruise package through your cruise line. These often include hotel accommodations, breakfast, transfers to the port, and sometimes even a city tour. Carnival’s “Cruise & Stay” packages are particularly popular and can save money compared to booking components separately.

Port Logistics: Getting to and from the Cruise Terminal

The Erato Street Cruise Terminal is located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, about 3 miles from the French Quarter. Transportation options include:

• Shuttle services – Most hotels and cruise lines offer paid transfers (typically $15-25 per person)
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft – Approximately $25-35 from the French Quarter
• Parking – The port offers on-site parking for $20-25 per day (reservations recommended)
• Airport transfers – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 15 miles from the port

For the smoothest experience, arrive at the port between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Earlier arrivals often face long lines, while later arrivals risk missing the ship. Carnival and Norwegian provide online check-in systems where you can select your boarding time slot. Bring your passport, cruise documents, and a carry-on bag with essentials (medications, swimwear, etc.) for the first day.

Cruise Line Comparison: Choosing the Right Fit

Cruise Line	Ship Size (avg. GT)	Best For	Price Range (7-night)	Unique Feature
Carnival	110,000	Budget travelers, families, first-timers	$600-$1,200	Mardi Gras-themed events
Norwegian	145,000	Couples, foodies, active travelers	$900-$1,800	Freestyle dining, specialty restaurants
Royal Caribbean	154,000	Families, adventure seekers	$1,000-$2,000	FlowRider, ice rink, Broadway shows
Disney	83,000	Families with kids	$1,500-$3,000	Character experiences, kids’ clubs
American Queen	N/A (riverboat)	History lovers, retirees	$2,500+ (river cruise)	Authentic paddlewheel experience

Onboard Experience Comparison

When choosing between cruise lines from New Orleans, consider these key differences:

• Dining – Norwegian offers the most specialty restaurants (14+), while Carnival provides the most casual options. Royal Caribbean has the largest main dining rooms.
• Entertainment – Royal Caribbean and Norwegian feature Broadway-style shows, while Carnival focuses on deck parties and live music.
• Family Amenities – Disney has the most comprehensive kids’ programs, Royal Caribbean offers the most activities, and Carnival provides the most affordable family options.
• Adult-Only Areas – Norwegian’s Spice H2O and Royal Caribbean’s Solarium are the most extensive adult-exclusive spaces.
• Technology – Royal Caribbean leads in high-tech features like RFID wristbands and virtual balconies.

Budget-conscious travelers will find the best value with Carnival, while those seeking premium experiences might prefer Norwegian or Royal Caribbean. Families should consider Disney for younger children or Royal Caribbean for teens. For a unique experience, the river cruise extensions provide a different perspective on Southern culture and history.

Conclusion: Setting Sail from the Crescent City

New Orleans offers a cruise departure experience unlike any other in the United States. From the moment you step into the vibrant French Quarter to the final whistle as your ship leaves the Mississippi River, you’re treated to a unique blend of Southern hospitality and international adventure. Whether you choose Carnival’s affordable fun, Norwegian’s upscale freestyle cruising, or Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly innovations, you’ll find a cruise line that matches your vacation style.

The port’s central location in the Gulf of Mexico provides excellent access to the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, with itineraries ranging from quick weekend getaways to extended Southern Caribbean explorations. And with the option to extend your trip with a Mississippi River cruise, you can experience both the bayou and the beach in one unforgettable vacation.

As you plan your New Orleans cruise adventure, remember these key takeaways: book early for the best rates and cabin selection, arrive a day early to enjoy the city, pack for both New Orleans weather and Caribbean sunshine, and take advantage of pre-cruise packages for added convenience. Whether you’re dancing to jazz in the French Quarter, exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Roatán, your New Orleans cruise will be the start of an extraordinary journey.

So why wait? The Port of New Orleans is calling, and your next great adventure awaits. From the soulful sounds of Bourbon Street to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, there’s no better place to begin your cruise vacation than in the heart of the Big Easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines leave from New Orleans in 2024?

Major cruise lines departing from New Orleans include Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Royal Caribbean International. These operators offer seasonal and year-round itineraries, primarily to the Western Caribbean and Mexico.

What are the best New Orleans cruise deals available?

Carnival and NCL frequently offer affordable New Orleans cruise deals, especially for last-minute bookings or repositioning sailings. Check their websites during wave season (January-March) for discounted rates and onboard credit promotions.

Do any luxury cruise lines depart from New Orleans?

While most departures are mid-range, Viking Ocean Cruises occasionally offers luxury New Orleans cruise options on select Mississippi River itineraries. These sailings typically focus on cultural and historical experiences along the river.

Which cruise lines leave from New Orleans with family-friendly amenities?

Carnival and Royal Caribbean are top choices for families, featuring kids’ clubs, water slides, and Broadway-style shows. Both lines sail from New Orleans’ Erato Street Terminal with 4- to 7-night Western Caribbean routes.

Are there any cruise lines offering longer voyages from New Orleans?

Norwegian Cruise Line occasionally features extended 10- to 14-night sailings from New Orleans to destinations like Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. These longer voyages are often available during holiday seasons.

What cruise lines leave from New Orleans with stops in Progreso or Cozumel?

Carnival and Royal Caribbean regularly include Progreso (for Chichen Itza) and Cozumel in their New Orleans cruise itineraries. These ports are staples on 5- to 7-night Western Caribbean routes from the Big Easy.