Cruises from New Orleans: The Pros and Cons

New Orleans has a lot going for it in terms of sightseeing
opportunities, various attractions, and great food. The New Orleans Cruise Port
also tops the list and is a great homeport of choice for cruises going to the
Caribbean or Mexico.

If you’re not sure whether you should choose the New Orleans
Cruise Port, or cruise from somewhere else, consider the pros and cons we have
provided here just for you. There are many excellent reasons why you should
cruise out of New Orleans, but you will also need to take a few other factors
into consideration as well.

Top 5 Pros of Cruising from the Port of New Orleans

If you’ve honestly considering choosing New Orleans for your
cruise homeport, you’ll be glad to know that there are many advantages to
enjoy. Below we’ve detailed as many pros as we could fit in this article, so
you can know what to expect should you choose the Port of New Orleans for your
cruise.

1. Stunning Views of the Mississippi River.

One of the most amazing things you’ll find if you visit New
Orleans is that the port, and various places around the city, offer amazing
panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Riverwalk

Located right next door the Julia Street Cruise Terminal is
the Riverwalk, which stretches all the way from the Julia Street Cruise Port,
all the way to the Canal Street Ferry Terminal.

From any place on the Riverwalk you can stand to take
pictures, or just take in the views of the river. The Riverwalk is also home to
The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, which features various shops and
restaurants. Some of the shops you’ll find there are:

Sunglass Hut
PUMA
Café Du Monde
NOLA Tropical Winery
Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen
Famous Footwear
Haagen Daas
Nordstrom Rack

The Riverwalk also has various events that you can participate in while visiting. To find out about any events taking place during your vacation, visit https://www.riverwalkneworleans.com/events.html.

Woldenberg Riverfront Park

If you travel just a bit further past the Canal Street Ferry, you’ll find yourself in the Woldenberg Riverfront Park, which runs alongside the river in the French Quarter.

There was a time when inhabitants of New Orleans were cut
off from using the river for various reasons. But in the 70s and 80s, the
Woldenberg Riverfront Park was put in between the city and the river, offering
a mile-long stretch of grassy park starting at the Canal Street Terminal and
ending somewhere around Clay Street.

This sprawling 16-acre space between the river and the
French Quarter gives you excellent access to the river and the many
photographic opportunities there. If you arrive a few hours early before your
ship leaves, this is an excellent place to hang out, relax, and enjoy nature
until it’s time to board your ship.

If it’s super hot while you wait, the 90-foot water feature
out in front of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a great spot for kids
to run through and cool off while the adults watch from the shade.

After you’ve had some fun splashing in the water feature and
taking in views of the Mississippi River, head inside the Aquarium to find
yourself immersed in a breathtaking underwater world. Visit penguins,
stingrays, sharks, turtles, and more, the aquarium is a great place for
children or any animal lovers to learn about all kinds of various underwater
tropical animals.

Jackson Square

For a little bit of history, and some more amazing views of
the river, you don’t want to miss Jackson Square, located in the French
Quarter. It’s actually right next to the Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

Back in the 18^th Century, Jackson Square was
known as “Place d’Armes”. At the time it was used only as a public square, home
to military parades and an open air market. After the battle of New Orleans in 1814, the
square was redesigned, a statue of General Andrew Jackson was erected, and the
square was renamed after the general.

This famous landmark which provides stunning views of the Mississippi is also surrounded by other historic locations, such as the St. Louis Cathedral and the Louisiana state museums Presbytere and Cabildo.

While you’re there soaking in the views and the history,
you’ll want to stop into the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest
apartment buildings in the US, as they provide visitors and locals various
retail stores, galleries, museums, and even a few restaurants on the ground
level.

2. Downtown New Orleans is Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Port

Another advantage that the New Orleans Cruise Port has above others is its proximity to downtown New Orleans. No matter which terminal you’re parked at, just take a few steps toward the city and you’ll land right on downtown streets.

Also Read: 30 Best Things to Do in New Orleans for Cruise Visitors

Once downtown, you can go anywhere you want and not miss a
thing. You’ll find three main districts downtown: the Warehouse District, the
Garden District, and the French Quarter. Inside each district you’ll find
restaurants, museums, and attractions that you should visit.

Garden District

About 2-3 miles southwest of the terminal is the Garden
District. Take a stroll up and down the streets of this gorgeous district and
let the peaceful vibes melt away any stress you may have. Within you’ll find
Victorian structures still standing, gorgeous mansions, and a variety of cafes,
shops, and museums.

Here are a few locations you should visit in the Garden
District:

Surrey’s Café and Juice Bar
New Orleans Ballet Theatre
Mojo Coffee House
Escape My Room (escape room activities)
ShiNola Art Gallery
The Dryades Theater

Warehouse District

The Warehouse District is directly across the street from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal and has a lot to offer anyone walking up and down its streets.

Also called the Arts District, you should expect to find
many museums and art galleries here, along with numerous shopping and dining
opportunities. This district is described as a place where “the past and the
present meet up for drinks while the future texts ‘I’m on my way.’”

To learn a few new things about World War II, and how New
Orleans played a part, step into the World War II Museum on Magazine Street. Or
view Roger H. Ogden’s private art collection (and more!) at the Ogden Museum of
Southern Art. For more art and history love, visit the Contemporary Arts Center
or the American Italian Cultural Center.

The Warehouse District is also home to Emeril’s New Orleans
restaurant (his flagship restaurant), Lafayette Square, and many hotels that
you should consider (which we’ll go over in more detail soon).

The French Quarter

We briefly mentioned the French Quarter when talking about
the park and Jackson Square located by the river. But what is in the French
Quarter that is worth visiting? Quite a lot, actually.

First of all, it is one of New Orlean’s oldest
neighborhoods, but just like the Warehouse District, you’ll also find a lot of
new easily mixed in with the old. There’s a French Market, boutiques and
artisan shops mixed with antique stores and art galleries.

The French Quarter is also said to be haunted in some areas,
and you can visit these paranormal hotspots by booking a ghost or cemetery
tour, some of which will take you The Haunted Hotel, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop,
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Lalaurie Mansion, and Hotel Monteleone.

3. Cruise Line Choices

Of course, when it comes to pros and cons of a cruise
terminal, it is always helpful to know what cruise lines are offered there.
Some ports will only serve one or two cruise ship liners, which can greatly
limit someone’s options.

That isn’t the case with the Port of New Orleans. First, New
Orleans is homeport to the four most major cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Lines
and Disney Cruise Lines (Erato Street Cruise Terminal), and Norwegian Cruise
Lines and Royal Caribbean International (Julia Street Cruise Terminal).

The cruise vessels that ship from the Port of New Orleans
are:

Carnival Glory (7-night Caribbean cruises)
Carnival Valor (4 5-night Caribbean
cruises)
Norwegian Getaway (7-night Caribbean cruises)
Royal’s Majesty of the Seas (7-night Caribbean
cruises beginning January 2020)
Disney Wonder (4, 6, 7-night Caribbean
cruises)

American Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat
Company offer Mississippi River cruises (between New Orleans and Memphis, TN)
with the Port of New Orleans as their homeport.

Mississippi River cruise vessels that ship from the Port of
New Orleans are:

Queen of the Mississippi (7-night cruises)
America (7 to 21-night cruises)
American Harmony (7-night cruises)
American Duchess (7-night cruises)
American Queen (7-night cruises)
American Countess (7-night cruises)

4. Endless Lodging Options

If you like to arrive a day or two before your ship leaves,
and are curious about hotel and lodging options near the port, you do not have
anything to worry about. There are endless lodging options to choose from.

There are quite a few hotels that are within walking
distance of the cruise terminal, avoiding the need for a shuttle, but there are
some that do provide parking and/or shuttle service to and from the port,
making your visit as stress-free as possible.

Below is a list of some of the best hotels near the Port of
New Orleans. This is by no means an extensive list. These are just some of the
best hotels we have found for cruise passengers.

Hotels Within Walking Distance from the Port of New Orleans

If it’s just you and maybe one other person traveling, it’s possible that you would rather stay at a hotel where you can walk to the port. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding a shuttle, taxi, or some other way of getting to the port. All you need are your own two feet.

The list below are all located less than a mile from the
cruise terminal, and are excellent hotels to stay in before or after your
cruise. All are reasonably priced and offer all kinds of amenities to make your
stay the best hotel stay ever.

The last two on the list, the Hampton Inn and the Hilton
Garden Inn, do offer shuttle service to and from the cruise port. Just in case
you decide last minute that a shuttle would be a very nice thing to have.

Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center – Provides parking for $17 per night
Springhill Suites Downtown
New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center
Omni New Orleans Riverfront
Courtyard New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center
Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 20% room discount, $13/night parking during cruise
Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans Convention Center
Hampton Inn Suites New Orleans Convention Center – $25 discount on parking during cruise
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center

Park Cruise Hotels Near the Port of New Orleans

The following list of hotels all have some sort of package for cruise guests that either offer parking during a cruise, shuttles to and from the terminal, or both. For more New Orleans parking tips check our dedicated article.

Parking only:

Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome – 8 nights free
The Queen Anne Hotel – 7 nights free, must book
minimum of 2 nights for package
Prytania Park Hotel – 7 nights free, must book
minimum of 2 nights for package
Prytania Oaks Hotel – 7 nights free, must book
minimum of 2 nights for package
Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower – Free
parking for entire cruise duration
Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter – 7 nights
free
Maison St. Charles – 7 nights free, $15 each
additional night
Ramada by Wyndham Metairie New Orleans Airport –
Free parking for entire cruise duration

Parking Shuttle:

Country Inn Suites by Radisson, Metairie (New Orleans) – 7 nights free, one-way shuttle only
Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport – 14 nights free, one-way shuttle only
Courtyard Marriott New Orleans Westbank/Gretna – Parking for entire cruise duration, roundtrip shuttle
Comfort Suites Harvey – New Orleans West – Parking for entire cruise duration, roundtrip shuttle

5. Delicious Food

Many will agree that New Orleans cuisine is among the best,
whether they live locally or are frequent visitors. If you’re in the mood for
some spicy Cajun food cooked Louisiana style, or you just want to find
somewhere to get a quick bite, here is a list of restaurants you should look
for near the cruise port:

Mike Anderson’s Seafood
Dino’s Bar Grill
Café Du Monde
Ugly Dog Saloon BBQ
Two Chicks Café
Cochon Butcher Restaurant
Emeril’s
Galliano Restaurant
Barcadia Bar Grill
Mulate’s

The Top 3 Cons of Cruising from the Port of New Orleans

Unfortunately, even the absolute best cruise port isn’t perfect. Every location offers something different that can make visiting or cruising less than 100% amazing.

Thankfully, New Orleans only has a few cons for cruise
passengers, some of which are unique to just the Port of New Orleans. Whether
or not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to you and the overall cruise
experience you wish to have.

1. Weather Delays

Louisiana’s location in the southern part of the United
States and so close to the Gulf of Mexico means that the Port of New Orleans
isn’t a stranger to weather delays due to fog out on the waters.

If you wish to avoid weather-related delays, the best time
to travel is probably during the winter and spring months. Summer and Fall,
because of the higher temps and humidity, can easily give rise to heavy fog or
even hurricanes. As a result, sometimes cruises may get delayed, or in more
serious cases, be canceled.

Winter and spring have milder climates and have a much lower
probability of storms or delays.

No matter when you decide to come to New Orleans, be sure to
dress appropriately for the weather so you’re comfortable. We also suggest
arriving at least a day in advance to allow for flight delays or traffic
issues.

2. Waiting for Onboard Amenities to Open

One big draw to cruising many people like is having access
to every onboard amenity upon boarding, sometimes before the ship even takes
off.

While this is true for many cruise ports that are already
located on the ocean, it’s a little different for ships leaving from the Port
of New Orleans. Cruise ships there are docked on the river, not the ocean, and
the river is considered United States territory.

Unfortunately, this means that there are some onboard shops
that won’t be allowed to open for business until the ship hits international
waters.

You will definitely see this with the casino on board. Due to various maritime laws, casinos on cruise ships are not allowed to open and conduct business until they are out of internal and territorial waters and instead are on international waters.

From the time the ships leave the Port of New Orleans and
hit the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico (where it will be in international waters)
is about 100 miles, so you should be prepared to wait about 7-8 hours to be
able to start your gambling fun.

While you wait, we recommend going for a leisurely walk on
deck, or bring a book to read and hit the lounge. There should be a buffet
open, or maybe the main dining room, so go get something to eat. Or, if you’re
super tired after a long flight and drive, use this opportunity to take a much
needed nap in your cabin.

3. Rough Sailing in the Gulf of Mexico

Something else to consider when it comes to cruising from
New Orleans is the roughness of the trip. While many cruises will eventually
make their way to the Caribbean, coming from New Orleans they must first travel
through the Gulf of Mexico.

During certain times of the year, the Gulf of Mexico can be
a much rougher ride than sailing through the Caribbean. This is due to any cold
fronts coming across the Gulf. For that matter, cruising in the winter out of
New Orleans might come with some especially rocky riding.

This isn’t so much a safety issue, as the waters in the Gulf
aren’t going to rock enough to tip your cruise ship. But if you get seasick
easily, or are would rather ride through smoother waters, it’s certainly
something to consider.

FAQ About Cruising from the New Orleans Cruise Port

Where do cruises leave from New Orleans?

The Port of New Orleans is located at 1350 Port of New
Orleans Place. Cruise ships will leave from either one of two terminals: Julia
Street (920 Port of New Orleans Place) and Erato Street (1100 Port of New
Orleans Place).

Once the cruise ships leave the Port of New Orleans, it’ll
take about 7-8 hours to travel along the Mississippi before getting to the Gulf
of Mexico and international waters.

Where is the best location to stay in New Orleans?

Any of the hotels within walking distance are great places
to stay. However, our top recommendation is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside,
located at 2 Poydras St.

Why that one? First, it is super close to the cruise port
(0.3 miles). But the amazing thing about them is while many hotels charge extra
for the park cruise packages, this hotel automatically gives you a 20%
discount on your room just for being a cruise traveler.

They also provide you with cruise parking at a heavily
discounted rate of $13 per night (normally $44 per night), which is a steal.
They don’t have a shuttle for the port, but being so close to the terminal you
aren’t going to need it.

How Long is a Typical Cruise from New Orleans?

The average length of a cruise shipping out from New Orleans
is 7 nights. There are a select few that are either shorter or longer, but 7
nights is the typical cruise length.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to choose the Port of New Orleans as the homeport for your cruise. From amazing views of the Mississippi River, easy access to downtown, and unending hotel options. However, there are also a few cons to weigh against those pros, and it’s ultimately up to you which is more important.

Also Read: 22 Must-Know Things About the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

The biggest downside is the chance of riding on rough waters, which can be problematic for those prone to seasickness.

But even with that, you don’t want to miss the opportunity
to visit the land of Cajun cooking and Mardi Gras. If you decide to come to New
Orleans, we know you’ll have a blast.