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Departure port

New Orleans

Gulf Coast hub · Western Caribbean & Mexico

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From $3,299 per person · 55 itineraries available · (347 sailings)

Sail from the Port of New Orleans on the Mississippi River — steps from the French Quarter — for Western Caribbean and Mexico itineraries without flying to Florida. Pair jazz, food, and architecture with a 5–7 night cruise in one trip.

Why cruise from New Orleans?

How this homeport fits real trip planning.

  • Walkable pre-cruise — French Quarter, Garden District, and riverfront dining minutes from the terminal
  • Western Caribbean focus — Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Belize on mainstream lines
  • Drive market for Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas — I-10 connects the Gulf
  • MSY airport is 15 miles — compact compared with mega-hubs, with growing nonstop routes
  • Distinctive embarkation — ships dock along the river with the city skyline as your send-off

Getting there

Airports, drives, and transfer tips for embarkation day.

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) — about 15 miles west
  • French Quarter hotels often offer cruise shuttles or are a short rideshare from Julia Street Terminal
  • Drive-in guests use I-10; allow extra time when events fill downtown
  • Amtrak's Union Passenger Terminal is near the cruise terminals

Terminals & parking

Most large ships use the Erato Street or Julia Street terminals at the Port of New Orleans. Official port parking is adjacent; reserve on busy weeks when offered. Follow port signage for passenger drop-off vs. parking routes.

Best time to cruise from New Orleans

October through April offers the most comfortable port weather — cooler, drier days for walking the Quarter before you sail. Spring break and Mardi Gras season drive demand; book parking and hotels early if your dates overlap major events.

Summer is hot and humid at the port but sailings continue. Hurricane season (June–November) affects Gulf and Caribbean routing — flexible plans and travel insurance matter for fall departures.

Routes worth knowing

A mix of trip lengths — not only the cheapest short cruise.

Ships sailing from New Orleans

Ocean ships with upcoming departures from this homeport.

Before you sail from New Orleans

Day tours and hotel-guest experiences for embark and return days — when inventory is available.

Showing 8 of 20 day tours. Booking with your sailing is coming next — lock a fare from New Orleans in the meantime.

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Worth a look from New Orleans

Mixed signals from 55 itineraries — not only the lowest short fare.

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FAQ

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