Cruises from New Orleans
A cruise from New Orleans is a great way to visit Mexico, the Western Caribbean, the Bahamas, and even Europe. When you leave on a cruise from the New Orleans port, not only will you be embarking on a wonderful cruise vacation, but you’ll also have the opportunity to spend some time before or after your adventure in a city that has some of the best music, food, and culture in the nation.
The New Orleans port is on the Mississippi River near the beautiful and historic French Quarter, which is easy to access whether you are driving to New Orleans or using ground transportation from the New Orleans airport.
There are three main cruise lines that leave from the New Orleans port:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Each cruise line has a slightly different style to offer its guests, so it’s important to choose your cruise from New Orleans based on the type of experience you’d like to have.
Carnival cruises from New Orleans are best known for their round-the-clock entertainment. Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are basically floating resorts called “Fun Ships,” with plenty of activities for all ages.
The Carnival ships that currently take cruises from New Orleans include the Ecstasy and the Elation. On these ships you’ll find plenty of pool space, bars, casinos, nightclubs, and a spa. Kids will enjoy age-appropriate activities at Camp Carnival (ages 2-11), Circle “C” (preteens), and Club O2 (teenagers).
The Elation features a nine-hole mini-golf course and the Ecstasy features a water park and waterslide for extra fun.
Carnival cruises from New Orleans currently include voyages to the following destinations for four, five, or seven nights:
- The Eastern Caribbean
- The Western Caribbean
- Mexico and the Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line cruises from New Orleans are famous for their class and comfort. Norwegian Cruise Line vacations feature the cruise line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, giving the guests the ability to dictate their cruising style.
Freestyle Cruising means that there are no set dining times. Dining options aren’t restricted to the traditional dining room and casual buffet, either. Norwegian Cruise Line ships that depart on cruises from New Orleans now feature French, Japanese, and steakhouse restaurants offering gourmet fare. Norwegian cruises also offer Freestyle Lodging: guests can not only choose from the usual inside or outside staterooms, but also have the option of deluxe suites and villas, which may include a private sundeck, pool, or even a butler.
Norwegian Cruise Line currently operates a seven-day cruise from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean and a thirteen-day transatlantic cruise to Barcelona.
If you want to cruise in style for a special occasion, then a Royal Caribbean cruise from New Orleans is the choice for you. Royal Caribbean cruises from New Orleans can be as elegant and formal as you’d like, making their ships perfect for travelers who are honeymooning or celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
At the same time, Royal Caribbean cruises also offer plenty of excitement for all ages. Every Royal Caribbean ship that cruises from New Orleans includes a pool, climbing wall, spa, restaurants, bars, lounges, and plenty of evening entertainment.
Royal Caribbean cruises from New Orleans currently include a seven-night journey to the Western Caribbean with stops in Mexico, the Grand Cayman Islands, and Jamaica. Royal Caribbean also offers a sixteen-day transatlantic cruise to Spain and the Azores Islands.
