Homeport Destination Guide: New Orleans

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll down in New Orleans. This historic, culturally rich city is an amazing vacation destination. Home to great music, delicious restaurants, and the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in New Orleans.  

New Orleans is situated in southern Louisiana, just north of the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of New Orleans (where all cruise ships homeport from) is located right on the Mississippi River, just a short cruise away from the open ocean. Its central location in the U.S. and its bustling Port operations allows for a number of cruise lines sail Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans.  

If you are looking to add an extra day to your vacation, New Orleans is a great place to check out. Living up to its nickname ‘The Big Easy’, New Orleans is a welcoming, easy-to-navigate place for tourists. The city offers an International Airport, easy highway access, and a number of hotels to choose from. You will find a number of things to do and can easily fill a few days before or after your cruise. 

Here are our top travel tips if your next cruise homeports from New Orleans. 

1. Fast Facts for New Orleans

2. How to Get Around the City

3. Staying in New Orleans Before or After Your Trip?

4. Excursions

5. Member Tips

6. Airport Information

7. Parking Information

1. Fast Facts for New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Cruise Terminals 

Erato Street Terminal (Carnival Crusie Line and Disney Cruise Line) 

1100 Port of New Orleans Place

New Orleans, LA 70130

Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Crusie Line) 

920 Port of New Orleans Place

New Orleans, LA 70130

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 

1 Terminal Dr

Kenner, LA 70062

Time Zone - Central 

Climate - Warm year-round. Hot and humid summers, milder winters. 

Fun Facts - New Orleans was founded in 1718 by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville. At first, the community was a trading camp that curved the east bank of the Mississippi River. Later, the city was organized into a rectangular, fortified community, which still exists today as the French Quarter. The original streets were named for French royalty and nobility. (Source: Experience New Orleans)

2. How to Get Around the City

New Orleans is primarily a driving city; however, if you are not arriving by car to the Big Easy, there are several transit options available for visitors: 

• Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are very popular in New Orleans. These companies offer inexpensive options for getting around the area. 
• Taxis - Several taxi companies service the greater New Orleans area. Ride for a flat rate charge per mile. 
• Streetcars - Streetcars are a fun way to get around town. Each line originates from the downtown area, runs through the French Quarter, and stretches into parts of the city. Fares are $1.25 per ride and must be paid in exact change. Learn more about routes here. 
• Bike Shares - Blue Bikes is the bike rental share provider for New Orleans. Riders can pick up a bike at a number of docking stations around the area. Pricing for rentals ranges from $1 to unlock the bike, then .15 cents for every mile thereafter. Learn more about bike shares here. 
• NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority) Bus System - This is the public bus system that services the greater New Orleans area. Check out maps and timetables here. 

3. Staying in New Orleans Before or After Your Trip?

Consider the hotel’s proximity to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal when selecting accommodations. There are many areas to explore in the greater New Orleans area for those considering a day or two pre-or post-cruise. Following are recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular area attractions in the greater New Orleans area: 

Closest Hotels to the Port of New Orleans Cruise Terminals

• Hampton Inn and Suites Convention Center
• Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center
• Embassy Suites Convention Center
• See All Options

Hotels Near the Airport

• DoubleTree by Hilton Airport
• Hilton New Orleans Airport
• Holiday Inn New Orleans Airport
• See All Options

Popular Hotels in the French Quarter

• Bourbon Orleans Hotel
• Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
• Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
• See All Options

See All New Orleans Hotel Options

4. Excursions

New Orleans boasts many activities for music lovers, sightseers, foodies, art buffs, history enthusiasts, shoppers, etc. With all the city offers and area attractions, it’s effortless to fill a day, two, or more pre or post-cruise. 

Here are some of our top picks for New Orleans excursions: 

• A Taste of New Orleans Food Expedition
• Jazz Tour
• Garden District and Cemetary Walking Tour 
• Bayou & Swamp Tour

Explore all New Orleans Excursions from Shore Excursions Group

• French Quarter Sightseeing and Carriage Ride
• Jazz Day Cruise onboard Steamboat Natchez
• Haunted City Tour

Explore all New Orleans Excursions from Get Your Guide

5. Member Tips

Loved New Orleans, first-timers! Stayed in Homewood Suites downtown and took the trolleys everywhere. Awesome time! - dkoeppel

We have been there many times. I love this city. Especially the music and the food!! the WW2 Museum is also fascinating. -diane4art 

We went to Mardi Gras World and Jackson Square while we were there. Next time I want to do a cemetery tour or a city tour. - alliotohim

Cruising from New Orleans is always fun. On the Saturday night that we returned, there was a full moon in a cloudless sky. We were able to watch as the ship re-entered the Mississippi River, which is always fascinating. Hanging out at Riverwalk before we left is always fun too. Having a mall nearby just before you ship out is extremely convenient since you can buy things that you may have overlooked. - jcb23423

Explore All Member Reviews of New Orleans 

6. Airport

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) 

The MSY airport services several domestic U.S. airlines and flies to select International locales. The airport is 16 miles from the Port of New Orleans and only 1-2 miles from the French Quarter and downtown area. It typically takes around 40 minutes to get between the airport and the cruise port or downtown.   

There are several options to get between the airports and the Port of New Orleans: 

• Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign at the baggage claim area.
• Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. The estimated rideshare costs between the airports and the cruise terminal is ~$40. 
• Taxi - Taxis are available right at the airport to take you to the Port of New Orleans. Expect to pay around $50, pricing is metered and dependent on traffic.  
• Public Transit - Service to from the airport to Downtown New Orleans is available via the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Learn more on routes and timetables here. Bus fares range from $1.50 - $2.00 per pasenger. 
• Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport. 
• Shuttle Services - Check out Airport Shuttle New Orleans, the official ground transportation offering from Louis Armstrong Int’l. Airport. Fares between the airport and cruise port run $24.00/person. See details here.  

7. Parking

Are you driving right to one of the cruise ports for your trip? Then, follow these  directions from the Port of New Orleans: 

1. From I-10 East or West, exit at U.S. 90 W (Exit 234A).
2. Exit U.S. 90 W at Tchoupitoulas (Exit 11C). This will be the last exit before crossing the Mississippi River on the Crescent City Connection Bridge.
3. Follow the down ramp to ground level and turn right at the second stoplight onto Tchoupitoulas St.
4. Turn left at the next stoplight onto Henderson St. and proceed for two blocks.
5. Turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place after crossing the railroad tracks.
6. The Erato Street Cruise Terminal is located just past the bridge pier. The Julia Street Cruise Terminal is located just beyond Erato.
7. Do not try to access cruise terminals from the entrances to Port of New Orleans Place at Julia St. or Poydras St.

Parking your car? Both on-site parking and off-site options are available:  

On-Site Parking Information

There are two cruise terminals in New Orleans, Erato Street Terminal with more than 1,000  parking spaces and Julia Street Terminal (next to Erato Terminal) offers secured parking adjacent to the terminal. 

The Port of New Orleans offers free parking for disabled veterans who meet the requirements and are cruising. For all others, parking rates are $90 for 4 days,  $110 for 5 days and $150 for 7 days at both terminals. For more information, click here. 

Off-Site Parking Options

A number of private parking lots offer off-site parking close to the cruise terminal at a reduced rate. Some options include:

• Fulton Place Parking - Short distance to the Port with included shuttle service
• New Orleans Parking - Offers two lots (covered and non) across the street from the port. No shuttle service is available. Rates start at $15/day.  
• Parkway Parking - Covered lot 1.4 miles from the Port. No shuttle service is available. Rates start at $6/day.

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