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The city was founded in 1718 by French colonists and handed to Spain in 1760, after which time it flourished as a port. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, New Orleans became part of the U.S. The National WWII Museum vividly tells the story of war, while the Contemporary Arts Center offers rotating exhibits of painting, sculpture, film, and photography. Mardi Gras World isn’t a museum, as such, but provides a fascinating insight into the work behind those dazzling Mardi Gras floats. Sazerac House, with its own distillery, takes you through the history of the city’s cocktail culture. The easiest and fastest way to get from Louis Armstrong International Airport to the Port of New Orleans is by taxi.
Western Caribbean cruises
The Port of New Orleans has been making waves as a hot departure point for affordable cruise vacations to the Caribbean. We’re talking destinations like Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City, Key West, Nassau, and Costa Maya — not to mention the top-rated Royal Caribbean private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk puts stores such as Neiman Marcus Last Call, Coach and Tommy Bahama within minutes of the cruise terminal; it's even connected by an elevator. Thanks to the port's central location, you're a 10-minute walk or a streetcar ride away from the French Quarter, with its endless array of shopping, music and dining options.
New Orleans Cruise Port Facilities?
With one of these hotels, it’s nice to stay and then not have to worry about getting to the port on cruise day. For a full list of New Orleans hotels with cruise shuttles or walking distance to the ship, click here. Julia Street TerminalNew Orleans’ other terminal is the Julia Street Terminal, located just north of the Erato Terminal.
Port of New Orleans Parking
To ensure you have plenty of time, we recommend not scheduling a flight before noon from New Orleans on the day your ship returns. Below, we dive into everything you need to know about taking a New Orleans cruise, including parking, transportation, things to do, and much more. It will give you everything you need to know before cruise day to enjoy your trip. Cruises to New Orleans bring you to the heart of the city, where you’ll find a pulsating world of jazz, Mardi Gras, vibrant cuisine, glorious architecture, and joyous multiculturalism.
Here, you’ll find historic homes and grand, sometimes charmingly faded mansions built by some of the city’s famous residents. Ancient oak trees festooned by Spanish moss curve dramatically over the sidewalks, adding to the leafy atmosphere. While you’re here, explore Magazine Street, lined with top-notch boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Julia St. Cruise Terminal is located just a little bit farther downriver, next to The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk shopping complex. Most commonly, cruises from New Orleans go to exciting destinations such as Caribbean - All, Caribbean - Western, Europe - All, Panama Canal & Central America, and Spain. Hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar— the world’s oldest in continuous operation— for a relaxing ride from bustling Canal Street to the oak-lined Garden District. You’ll pass downtown scenes and antebellum mansions en route to Audubon Park, a beloved green space and home to the city zoo. No visit to New Orleans is complete without a walk through the French Quarter. Stroll along the Mississippi River and through the French Market.
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One takes place June 30 to July 7 and July 28 to August 4 and sails through Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel. Other spaces, including the casino, spa and youth area, were redesigned. Frequent cruisers may notice the new decor and furnishings across all public areas on the ship. The Canal Line takes you up the city's main thoroughfare, with two endpoints. One spur drops you at what city officials call the Historic Cemetery District near City Park.
There is a taxi stand right outside the terminal and the drive takes about 20 minutes. New Orleans cruises often range from 6-9 nights providing cruisers with a variety of different entertainment and dining options. It seems nothing can dampen the spirits where the good times roll, the jazz is cool and the food is hot. Get in on the action in the world-famous Vieux Carre, better known as the French Quarter, with its Dixieland sounds and Bourbon Street banter. Tour the charming Garden District or just stroll along the Mississippi.Looking for a cruise from New Orleans? Western Caribbean cruises are also offered later in the summer.
You Can Cruise From New Orleans To Spain Next Spring - Southern Living
You Can Cruise From New Orleans To Spain Next Spring.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You can also rent a bicycle and explore 100 miles of cycle lanes, zip around by ferry, or summon a pedicab and take in the sights while chatting to your “driver”. The Port of New Orleans is within walking distance of dozens of shops and restaurants. French Quarter bars, restaurants and shops are all within a 10-minute drive of the Port of New Orleans.
Primarily serving Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, the terminal is just a few minutes walk from the French Quarter, and a number of restaurants, hotels, and shops. The Port of New Orleans has two terminals that serve cruise ships. They are located right next to each other, on the bank of the river and tucked behind the convention center. And judging by the numbers, lots of people are taking advantage of the Port of New Orleans as a starting point for their cruise. Each year hundreds of thousands of people take cruises from the city, making it the sixth-largest cruise port in the U.S. While that might be just a fraction of the largest ports in the world like Miami or Port Canaveral, it’s a substantial amount for a port outside of Florida.
Of course, if you drive then you need to find a place to park your car while you cruise. Below we have the highlights of where you can park for your cruise. A great way to take in the views of the Louisiana landscapes bordering the broad crescent of the lower Mississippi River is from a traditional river steamboat. A local guide will point out all the sights and regale you with facts, figures, and gossip, while you’ll have a chance to taste delicious local specialties and listen to calliope music and live jazz.
If you prefer to spend your day in the water, dive Belize’s Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Or hit the trails on an outdoor adventure through the nearby rainforests. This private island destination by Royal Caribbean was always a hit among cruisers, but now it’s one of the top-rated cruise destinations to sail to in the world. Unless your plan is to just kick back and soak up the sunshine — in that case, you’ll find plenty of tranquil shoreline to unwind along, not to mention the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas. Most of the older city neighborhoods were laid out following the crescent-shaped Mississippi River; the city's main nickname is the Crescent City.
There are souvenir stands, a refreshment outlet, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and an ATM in the terminal itself. Julia Street Cruise Terminal is located in the midst of shops and restaurants; it’s right next door to Riverwalk Outlets, which is packed with places to eat, shop, and drink. Parking at the Port (Recommended)The most convenient spot to park? The Erato Terminal has parking literally above the check-in and boarding area. The Julia Street Terminal has a parking lot just a two-minute walk away. Depending on the length of your cruise, you’ll pay around $22-23 per day.
Poydras Street Wharf has the American Queen Voyages and Viking River Cruises while Thalia Street Wharf has American Cruise Lines. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Popular amongst many cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International. Venture 20 minutes outside the city to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve to explore southern Louisiana swamplands during your New Orleans cruise.
For most people, however, you’re likely to head to Mexico and the western half of the Caribbean. The National WWII MuseumWithin walking distance of the ports (20-30 minute walk) is the epic National WWII Museum. Telling the story of the war, including the European and Pacific theaters, the museum is designated by Congress as the official World War II museum for the United States. The collection includes more than 250,000 artifacts, so if you plan to visit, be prepared to spend plenty of time in order to see everything that’s offered. Veterans of World War II and companions are granted free admission.
Catch the trolley at the Convention Center, just steps from the terminal. TaxiWhile Uber and Lyft have put a dent in the taxi business, cabs are still a popular way to get around. They are readily available at the airport and can be called to points around the city.
