New Orleans Port Guide
New Orleans Cruise Port: What You Need to Know
The New Orleans cruise port is officially named “Port NOLA.” Compared to the big Florida departure ports, Port NOLA is a relatively small cruise port that accommodates hundreds of cruise ship calls annually and welcomes over 1.2 million passengers to New Orleans. Many cruise lines depart from this port, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and some other small specialty lines.
Port NOLA is distinctive, and my favorite part about it is that it takes cruisers along the Mississippi River. Once your ship embarks on its journey, it takes some time to "roll down the river. " It's a pretty cool journey and different from most other cruises, where you're out in a vast sea almost immediately.
Many sailings from Port NOLA are Western Caribbean itineraries, calling on Costa Maya, Progreso, Roatan, Cozumel, and Belize.
While I enjoyed the unique Port NOLA experience, and visiting New Orleans is always fun, I have to say that this is not my favorite cruise terminal from the embarkation perspective. I found it small, poorly organized, and a bit chaotic. But once on the ship, of course, it was smooth sailing.
Given that I have to fly to cruise ports, it was nice to also enjoy the day before in the fun and unique city of New Orleans. While I enjoyed my experience sailing out of Port NOLA, I found this port to be more chaotic,
While not my favorite cruise terminal experience, Port NOLA's location is convenient. It's in downtown New Orleans, making it easy for cruisers (like me in this case) who fly in a night or two before their cruise to find a nearby hotel and enjoy the city's sites and amenities before their cruise vacation.
Getting to the New Orleans Cruise Port
Port NOLA is less than 20 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Here are the best options to get from MSY airport to Port NOLA:
- Cruise Line Transfer: Most cruise lines offer transfer service, and Carnival's service from MSY to the cruise port, as one example, is $27.99 per person. This is booked directly through your cruise line.
- Rideshare: When getting to the cruise port, I recommend using Uber. For this distance and route, that costs about $30-40, depending on the time of day and other factors, for up to four passengers.
- Private Transfer: Cruisers can book their own private transfer service, which is much more convenient than cruise line transfer service or hotel transfer services, which is typically on a bus or shuttle with other cruisers. Get Transfer offers transfer service for up to three people from MSY to Port NOLA starting at $37, or cruisers traveling in a larger group can book a van for up to 8 people starting at $79 or a minibus for up to 16 people starting at $154.
- Public Transportation: Port NOLA is accessible via the city's Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which operates bus routes throughout the city, including routes that serve areas near the port.
Port NOLA Parking
Port NOLA offers secure parking facilities for cruisers at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and the Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The Erato Terminal has more than 1,000 parking spots within the terminal, while the Julia Street Terminal, right next door to Erato, offers parking adjacent to the terminal.
Passengers can choose between covered and uncovered parking spaces. Rates typically vary based on the duration of the cruise, starting at $25 per day, and eligible disabled veterans may qualify for free parking here for up to seven days.
Parking is available at both terminals on a first-come, first-served basis; however, according to the Port NOLA website, reservations are unnecessary since cruise passengers are guaranteed parking in one of the Port’s facilities.
Cruisers are advised not to access cruise terminals from the entrances to Port of New Orleans Place at Julia St. or Poydras St. Specific driving directions are available on the Port NOLA website.
Port NOLA Schedule
The New Orleans cruise ship schedule can be found directly on the PORT NOLA website.
Things to Do in New Orleans Before a Cruise
If you have a bit of time to kill in New Orleans before embarking on a cruise, there are plenty of things to do that are free or low-cost and relatively easy to access by foot, assuming you’re staying at a hotel near the cruise port. My top recommendations include exploring the French Quarter and enjoying the famous beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
If you don’t mind loud music and crowds, the vibe at Bourbon Street is something to check out. The day before our cruise, I took my kiddo for a stroll here, and she was not impressed. Her takeaway? "It smells like pee."
Families might want to check out the Audubon Aquarium, which is very close to the cruise port, and gamblers may enjoy another destination close to Port NOLA, which is Harrah’s Casino. However, I personally prefer to save my casino budget for the cruise ship, rather than land-based ones, to quality for discounted and free cruises (more on that here).
Best New Orleans Hotels for Cruisers
With over 160 hotels in New Orleans, choosing the right when cruising out of Port NOLA can seem overwhelming. Below are my three recommendations for hotels, all highly rated by guests.
It's important to note that parking in New Orleans, including at these three properties, is outrageous. This isn't a problem if you're like me and fly into the cruise port without needing parking. However, if you're driving in and need parking, consider off-site options to save money.
Le Méridien New Orleans
Address: 333 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
Located just two miles from Port NOLA, this property is affordable (at least by New Orleans standards). It receives high marks for reliable cleanliness, but its shining feature is the hotel’s proximity to the Arts District and Canal Street, and fact that it is just steps from the historic French Quarter and must-see spots like Cafe Du Monde.
If you only have one night to visit before your cruise and a short time to explore New Orleans, Le Méridien is located in a great spot that allows you to pack in a lot of New Orleans sightseeing on foot before you embark on your sailing. Amenities include a rooftop pool, gym, and free Wi-Fi.
The Jung Hotel & Residences
Address: 1500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
This property is also nicely situated near NOLA’s main tourist areas and is directly across the street from a streetcar stop, making local attractions easily accessible on foot or via streetcar. Located off Canal Street, it’s close to the French Quarter but far off enough from the rowdiness and loudness of Bourbon Street. The Jung Hotel & Residences offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. It’s a stylish property with the extra perk of an on-site coffee shop.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Address: 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, Louisiana
This property is one of the closest hotels to PORT NOLA, less than one mile away, so it’s technically within walking distance (about 15-20 minutes), but an Uber is an affordable option at just $8-14. While this property puts cruisers closer to the port, and they can enjoy the sights of the ships coming in and out, it’s further away from some of NOLA’s main tourist attractions, such as the French Quarter. Still, it’s accessible on foot at about a 20-minute walk.
While further removed from the French Quarter, other notable activities are nearby. The property is less than a quarter mile from the aquarium and casino, so it's perfect for folks who prefer those activities versus the other traditional New Orleans tourist hot spots.
One thing cruisers should note about this hotel, though, is its required “destination charge,” which (per the hotel) covers amenities such as Wi-Fi and a daily food and beverage credit.
Please note that I spent a lot of time researching these properties, including calling them to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. While I try to keep my hotel posts updated and current, this is all subject to change. If you see anything that needs updating, please email me so I can keep my posts as current as possible.
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