New Orleans Cruise Port, famous as Port NOLA, is the sixth-biggest cruise port in the US. With an average yearly passenger traffic of close to 1.2 million, it is also one of the bustling cruise ports in the country. Besides ocean cruises, the cruise port offers a delightful chance to go on a Mississippi River cruise. Royal Caribbean International, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, Viking, American, and American Queen Steamboat Company are the major cruise lines starting from this cruise port.
So, if you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, the cruise port will have something unique to offer. First-timers would have a better experience if they could easily navigate the New Orleans cruise terminals. We'll help you with hassle-free New Orleans cruise ship terminal navigation, parking, and how to reach the cruise port.
New Orleans Cruise Terminal Parking Rate
The Port of New Orleans is at 1350 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70130. There are two major New Orleans cruise terminals.
Erato Street Cruise Terminal
Julia Street Cruise Terminal
Erato Street Cruise Terminal
The terminal is at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place.
Carnival and Disney cruise line ships operate from this terminal.
The terminal is just 5 minutes from the French Quarter and a few minutes from I-10.
The Erato Street Parking Garage currently offers onsite parking for Carnival Cruise Line passengers only. There are around 1,000 parking spots in this garage.
Julia Street Cruise Terminal
The terminal is at 920 Port of New Orleans Place.
Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian cruise line ships operate from this terminal.
The terminal is just 5 minutes from the French Quarter and a few minutes from I-10.
Passengers from both cruise lines can park at the 100 Poydras Garage. There are around 500 parking spots in this garage. On parking, a shuttle will take the passenger to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.
Neither lot offers parking for oversized vehicles (lengths over 22 feet). If the onsite lots are full, the overflow lot, which is close to the terminals, opens. However, it may be hard to find onsite parking during cruise days. And with a daily rate of $25, the New Orleans cruise terminal parking rate tends to be expensive. If you're looking for a cheaper parking rate, park your vehicle at an offsite lot near the cruise port.
These are the hotels near the Port of New Orleans.
Hotel
Distance from Port of New Orleans (in miles)
Shuttle service
Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center
0.7
No
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
0.7
No
Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center
0.8
No
Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans
1
No
Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Warehouse Arts District
1
No
SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Orleans Warehouse Arts District
1.1
No
The Queen Anne Hotel
1.3
No
Prytania Park Hotel
1.6
No
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
1.9
No
Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome
2
No
Restaurants near New Orleans Cruise Terminal
These are the restaurants you can find near the Port of New Orleans.
Restaurant
Distance from Port of New Orleans (in miles)
Cochon Restaurant
0.9
Emeril's
1.1
Molly's Rise and Shine
1.5
Sun Chong
1.6
LUFU NOLA
1.9
Antoine's Restaurant
1.9
Galatoire's
2.1
Brennan's
2.2
Commander's Palace
2.5
Shaya
3.4
Security Checkpoints at New Orleans Cruise Terminal
Whichever be the terminal, all passengers go through the same security queue. Once entering the embarkation lobby, signs and staff direct passengers to the queue for their loyalty level or cabin category. Porters will be stationed at various areas across both terminals to help passengers. Both terminals feature VIP lounges also.
How to Reach New Orleans Cruise Terminal
If you're driving, follow these directions to reach the New Orleans cruise ship terminal.
Via I-10
From I-10 East or West, take the exit at US 90 West.
At Tchoupitoulas, exit US 90W. It will be the last exit before crossing the Mississippi River through the Crescent City Connection Bridge.
Follow the ramp to the ground level, then turn to the right at the second stoplight onto Tchoupitoulas Street.
At the next stoplight, drive left onto Henderson St. and travel for two blocks.
After crossing the railroad tracks, drive left onto Port of New Orleans Place.
The Erato Street Cruise Terminal will be on the right beyond the bridge pier. The Julia Street Cruise Terminal will be immediately past Erato.
Via US 90
Take Exit 11A for Tchoupitoulas Street and keep right at the fork.
Take a left turn on Henderson Street and another on Port of New Orleans Pl.
You can locate Erato Street Cruise Terminal on your right. Julia Street Cruise Terminal will be along the same street.
Via train
Amtrak operates various routes from Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City to New Orleans. All these arrive at the Union Passenger Terminal. A 10-minute cab trip from there will take you to the Port of New Orleans.
How to Reach the Cruise Terminal in New Orleans from New Orleans International Airport
You can reach the cruise terminal in New Orleans from MSY Airport in several ways.
Taxi/rideshare service: The fastest way to reach the cruise port from the airport is via a taxi/rideshare service. You can find a taxi stand outside the airport terminal. The ride can take around 20 minutes and cost between $30-$45. However, a standard Uber/Lyft will cost you between $35-$50 for a ride from MSY to the cruise port. However, the rate can vary based on the rideshare service, the type of car, the time you're traveling, demand, and traffic. Both taxi and rideshare services drop you off at the terminal you're boarding the cruise.
Direct shuttles: Some private shuttle services take you from MSY to the cruise port. You can get a ticket online or from the ticket counter in the Baggage Claim area. These shuttles fly every 30 minutes and charge a flat transfer rate.
Public transit: No direct public transit services connect MSY and the cruise port. However, the E1 and Airport Express buses transport people from MSY to downtown. Both buses start from the outer curb outside the Ticket Lobby on Level 3. The Express bus is usually quicker, making two stops inside a 10-minute drive of the New Orleans cruise port.
Top Destinations near New Orleans Cruise Terminal
Mardi Gras World
The National WWII Museum
Washington Artillery Park
The Cabildo
Audubon Aquarium
Riverwalk Outlets
Escape My Room New Orleans
Jackson Square
Louis Armstrong Park
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
FAQs
What cruise lines depart from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?
Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Line, and Viking River Cruises depart from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal.
How far is the New Orleans Cruise Terminal from the French Quarter?
New Orleans Cruise Terminal is just 1.9 miles from the French Quarter if you travel via the Port of New Orleans.
What parking options are available at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?
Both official and offsite parking options are available at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. Offsite lots usually offer parking at cheaper rates.
Are there hotels near the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?
Yes, there are several hotels near the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. Some of these include the Renaissance Arts Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans, Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center, and Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center.
Are there luggage storage facilities at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?
Unfortunately, New Orleans Cruise Terminal does not have any luggage storage facilities.
Are there wheelchair-accessible facilities at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?
Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible facilities at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. It is recommended that you contact your cruise line before your day of departure to request a wheelchair so that you will not have to face any discomfort once you reach the terminal.