An Overview Of The Exciting Port Of New Orleans, NOLA And What To Expect

by | Apr 29, 2023 | Destination Guides & Ports

An Overview of the Port of New Orleans And What to Expect

The Port of New Orleans is one of the largest ports in the United States and serves as a major hub for international trade. Located in Louisiana.

It is a gateway to the Gulf Coast region and has long been a vital economic center for the state. From its bustling docks to its historic warehouses, there is much to explore and experience at this port.

Whether you are looking for things to do in Louisiana near the port or just want to take in the sights and sounds of NOLA, this port has something for everyone.

In this overview, we will provide an introduction to the Port of New Orleans and what you can expect when visiting.

Visitors to the Port of New Orleans can expect to find plenty of things to do and see.

From exploring historic landmarks such as Jackson Square and the French Quarter to sampling some of Louisiana’s best seafood dishes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, you’ll find it at NOLA!

The Port Of New Orleans Breaks Records

In March 2023, The Port of New Orleans broke new cruise traffic records with a total of 155,225 passenger movements and 39 vessel calls, comprising both river cruises and ocean voyages.

This includes both homeport guests and transit guests who visit New Orleans as a port of call.

These figures exceed the Port's previous monthly high in February 2020, which recorded 154,409 passenger movements and 31 vessel calls, just before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutdown of the cruise industry.

The surge in numbers highlights the strong and continued demand for a variety of cruises and a great desire to visit New Orleans through cruise ships.

A Guide To Popular Cruise Lines Operating From The Port of New Orleans

There are several popular cruise lines operating from the Port of New Orleans, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival.

Royal Caribbean is known for its large, modern ships with exciting onboard amenities, such as zip lines, rock climbing walls, and surf simulators. They offer seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean, with ports of call such as Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize City.

Norwegian Cruise Line is another popular option, with cruises to the Western Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Their ships offer a wide range of dining options, entertainment, and activities, and they even have a private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line operating from the Port of New Orleans, with a range of itineraries to choose from.

They offer four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and seven-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean. Their ships are known for their lively onboard atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment options, including live music, comedy shows, and pool parties.

What Are Some Exciting Destinations On A Cruise Ship Leaving From The Port Of New Orleans?

There are several exciting destinations to explore on a cruise ship leaving from the Port of New Orleans.

The Western Caribbean is a popular destination, with ports of call such as Cozumel, Belize City, and Roatan. Cozumel is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, and ancient Mayan ruins.

Belize City is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Blue Hole, a giant sinkhole in the middle of the sea. Roatan is a beautiful island in Honduras, known for its stunning beaches and world-class snorkeling and diving sites.

The Eastern Caribbean is another popular destination, with ports of call such as Grand Turk, San Juan, and St. Thomas. Grand Turk is a small island in the Turks and Caicos, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. St. Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, known for its stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and excellent snorkeling and diving sites.

If you're looking for a more unique cruising experience, consider a river cruise on the Mississippi River.

American Queen Steamboat Company operates several river cruises from New Orleans, including a seven-night Mississippi River cruise that takes you from New Orleans to Memphis, with stops in Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg.

Along the way, you'll explore the history and culture of the Mississippi River region, with guided onboard lectures, and live music

What To Do Before & After Your Cruise At The Port Of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans is the perfect place to embark on a cruise. Before you set sail, there are plenty of attractions and activities to explore in and around the city. From museums and galleries to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, there is something for everyone.

After your cruise, you can enjoy all the things that Louisiana has to offer - from bayou tours and swamp cruises to some of the best Cajun food in the country.

There are also many historical sites nearby that you can visit. No matter what your interests are, there is something for you at the Port of New Orleans!

For hotels, there are many options in and around the French Quarter, which is the city's historic district and a popular tourist destination.

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Hotel Monteleone, and the Royal Sonesta Hotel are all popular choices for their location, amenities, and historic charm.

Some popular attractions include:

The French Quarter: This historic neighborhood is known for its architecture, nightlife, and street performers.

Jackson Square: is located in the heart of the French Quarter and houses St. Louis Cathedral, which is America's oldest still used cathedral. The area forms an important part of American history as it has been around for many centuries.

The National WWII Museum: This museum tells the story of World War II through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories.

The Garden District: This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful mansions, gardens, and oak-lined streets.

The New Orleans Museum of Art: This museum features a collection of over 40,000 works of art, including French and American art, photography, and African art.

The Audubon Zoo: This zoo features over 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and elephants.

The Riverwalk: This shopping mall features over 75 stores and restaurants, as well as beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

Overall, New Orleans is a vibrant and unique city with plenty to see and do. By adding a few days to your cruise vacation, you can experience the city's history, culture, and cuisine, and make your vacation even more memorable

What Is The Port of New Orleans And Where Is It Located?

The Port of New Orleans is located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana.

It is a major port for both cargo and cruise ships, with over 4 million tons of cargo moving through it each year. The port also serves as a gateway to the Caribbean, with many cruise ships departing from its terminals.

The Port of New Orleans is a major port located in the New Orleans metropolitan area. It is one of the busiest ports in the United States, handling over 17 million tons of cargo annually.

The port is located along the Mississippi River, just south of downtown New Orleans and west of Lake Pontchartrain.

It has two terminals - the Julia Street Cruise Terminal and Erato Street Cruise Terminal - that offer a variety of cruise lines to destinations around the world. The port also serves as a gateway to other ports in Louisiana, such as Baton Rouge, Plaquemines Parish, and St Bernard Parish.

Advantages Of Cruising From The Port Of New Orleans

Cruising from the Port of New Orleans has several advantages.

Firstly, the city is easily accessible from major highways and has its airport.

Secondly, there is a wide range of cruises to choose from, including luxury, river, and ocean cruises. Finally, New Orleans is an excellent destination in its own right.

Before or after your cruise, you can explore the city's vibrant culture and unique attractions.

Why Cruising Through the Port of New Orleans Is An Unforgettable Experience

Cruising through the Port of New Orleans is an unforgettable experience.

With a wide range of cruise lines, itineraries, and destinations to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a luxurious ocean cruise or a unique river cruise on the Mississippi, New Orleans is an excellent starting point for your next vacation. Don't forget to explore the city's vibrant culture and unique attractions before or after your cruise for the ultimate New Orleans experience.

There are several benefits to choosing New Orleans as your departure point for a cruise.

For starters, New Orleans is an excellent destination in its own right. The city is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and unique attractions, including the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the National WWII Museum.

By spending a few days in New Orleans before or after your cruise, you can immerse yourself in the city's history and culture, and experience everything the city has to offer.

Another benefit of cruising from New Orleans is the variety of cruise options available.

Whether you're looking for a luxury ocean cruise, a family-friendly cruise, or a unique river cruise, there's something for everyone. With popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival operating from the Port of New Orleans, you can choose the itinerary and experience that best suits your needs and interests.

In Conclusion

Finally, cruising from the Port of New Orleans is convenient and accessible. The city is easily accessible from major highways and has its airport, making it easy to get to and from the port.

Additionally, the port is conveniently located near downtown New Orleans, so you can explore the city's attractions and amenities before or after your cruise.

Cruising through the Port of New Orleans is a fantastic way to start your next vacation.

With a wide range of cruise lines, itineraries, and destinations to choose from, and the added benefit of exploring the vibrant city of New Orleans, there's no better way to experience the Gulf Coast.

So, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, consider setting sail from the Port of New Orleans for an unforgettable vacation.