Carnival Cruise New Orleans: A Friendly Guide to Exploring the Big Easy by Sea

by | Apr 21, 2024 | Cruise Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Ports

Carnival Cruise New Orleans is a popular cruise line that offers a wide range of exciting and fun-filled activities for travelers of all ages. With its homeport in New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of cruise options to choose from, including Bahamas, Mexico, or Western Caribbean cruises. Travelers can enjoy the charm and flavor of the Crescent City before or after their cruise, exploring the French Quarter, enjoying Creole cuisine, and joining the parades of Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.

Carnival Cruise New Orleans is known for its luxurious amenities, top-notch entertainment, and friendly staff. The cruise line offers a variety of activities on board, including live music, comedy shows, water parks, and a range of dining options. Travelers can also enjoy shore excursions, such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and exploring the local culture and history of the destinations they visit. With its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable prices, Carnival Cruise New Orleans is a great option for travelers looking for a memorable vacation experience.

Booking Your Carnival Cruise

Booking a Carnival Cruise from New Orleans is a simple and straightforward process. With a few clicks, you can secure your spot on the ship and start planning your dream vacation. In this section, we will cover everything you need to know about booking your Carnival Cruise from New Orleans.

Finding the Best Deals

Before booking your Carnival Cruise from New Orleans, it's important to find the best deals available. Carnival offers a variety of promotions and discounts throughout the year, so it's always a good idea to check their website for the latest offers. You can also sign up for their email newsletter to receive exclusive deals and offers directly in your inbox.

Understanding Pricing and Fees

Carnival Cruise pricing can be a bit confusing, but understanding the different fees and charges can help you avoid any surprises later on. In addition to the base fare, you may also be charged for port expenses, taxes, and gratuities. It's important to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand what is included in your package.

Selecting a Cabin

Carnival offers a variety of cabin types to suit every budget and preference. From interior cabins to luxurious suites, there is something for everyone. When selecting a cabin, consider factors such as location, size, and amenities. Some cabins may be more expensive than others, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Overall, booking your Carnival Cruise from New Orleans is a simple and straightforward process. By following these tips and guidelines, you can find the best deals, understand pricing and fees, and select the perfect cabin for your dream vacation.

Onboard Experience

Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers an unforgettable onboard experience with a variety of dining options, entertainment and activities, and family-friendly amenities.

Dining Options

Guests can indulge in a range of culinary delights at Carnival Cruise New Orleans. From tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina to juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint, there is something for everyone. For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, the Emerald Room Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience that is sure to impress. Guests can also enjoy a variety of drinks at the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.

Entertainment and Activities

Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers a range of entertainment and activities to keep guests of all ages entertained. The Punchliner Comedy Club is a popular spot for adults, while Playlist Productions offers live music and dance performances. Kids can enjoy the Carnival WaterWorks, which features the AquaTunnel Waterslide and other water attractions. Dive-in movies are also shown on the Lido Deck for guests to enjoy.

Family and Kids

Carnival Cruise New Orleans is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for kids. The Twister Waterslide and Sports Square are popular spots for kids to burn off energy, while the BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint offer kid-friendly dining options. The Camp Ocean program offers supervised activities for kids of all ages, while the Dr. Seuss Bookville and Seuss at Sea program offer fun and interactive experiences for young children.

Destinations and Excursions

Exploring the Caribbean

One of the main attractions of Carnival Cruise New Orleans is the opportunity to explore the Caribbean. Carnival Valor, the ship that sails out of New Orleans, offers a range of destinations including Cozumel, Belize, and Roatan. The ship's suites, balcony, and ocean view rooms provide a comfortable and luxurious stay, while the ship's multiple pools, steakhouse, and spa offer a variety of activities for guests to enjoy.

Carnival Valor also features a comedy club and Playlist Production shows for guests to enjoy during their trip. These shows are perfect for families and couples looking for a fun and entertaining night out. The ship's restaurants also offer a variety of dining options, from casual to formal, to suit all tastes and preferences.

Experiencing New Orleans

In addition to exploring the Caribbean, Carnival Cruise New Orleans also offers the opportunity to experience the unique culture and atmosphere of New Orleans. The ship sets sail from the heart of the city, allowing guests to easily explore the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and other iconic landmarks of the city.

Guests can also enjoy the Big Easy's vibrant jazz scene, with live performances and music festivals throughout the year, including the world-famous Jazz Fest. And of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the city's legendary Mardi Gras celebrations.

Overall, Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing guests to explore the Caribbean while also experiencing the unique culture and atmosphere of NOLA.

Planning and Preparation

What to Pack

When packing for a Carnival Cruise departing from New Orleans, it is important to bring comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the warm weather. Swimsuits, sunscreen, and hats are also essential items to pack. For formal nights, it is recommended to bring semi-formal attire such as dresses, suits, or dress pants and a collared shirt. Carnival Cruise Line has a dress code policy that guests should be aware of when packing.

Travel to and from Port

For those traveling to the port, it is important to arrive at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to the port, but Carnival Cruise Line partners with booking agents to assist with travel arrangements. There are also various partners that offer shuttle services to the port for a fee. It is recommended to research and book transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

Cruise Documentation

Prior to boarding the ship, guests must have the necessary cruise documentation. This includes a valid passport or other approved proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. It is also important to have the boarding pass and any necessary visas for the ports of call. Carnival Cruise Line charges service fees for certain onboard services, such as spa treatments and specialty dining, which can be paid for either in advance or onboard the ship. It is recommended to review the FAQs on the Carnival Cruise Line website for more information on documentation and fees.

Cruise Ship Amenities

Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers a wide range of amenities to make your vacation experience unforgettable. Here are some of the amenities you can enjoy on board:

Bars and Lounges

The ship has a variety of bars and lounges that cater to different moods and occasions. From the casual RedFrog Pub to the elegant Alchemy Bar, there is a bar for everyone. Guests can also enjoy live music while sipping their favorite drinks at the Piano Bar or the Havana Bar.

Relaxation and Wellness

For those looking for relaxation and wellness, Carnival Cruise New Orleans has got you covered. The Cloud 9 Spa offers a range of services including massages, facials, and body treatments. Guests can also unwind in the thermal suite or the thalassotherapy pool. For fitness enthusiasts, the ship has a state-of-the-art gym and a jogging track.

Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic getaway, Carnival Cruise New Orleans has something for everyone. From delicious food to exciting entertainment, guests are sure to have a memorable experience.

Special Offers and Promotions

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of special offers and promotions for those looking to book a cruise from New Orleans. These promotions can include discounts on select dates, onboard credit, and reduced deposits.

One of the most popular promotions is the Early Saver Sale, which offers up to 35% off cruise rates and 50% off deposits. This promotion is available on select sailings through April 2026 and is a great way to save money on your Carnival Cruise.

It's important to note that these promotions are for cruise only and do not include taxes, fees, and port expenses. These additional costs can vary depending on the itinerary and are charged in US dollars. Carnival Cruise Line also reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement if the price of Nymex oil exceeds $70 per barrel.

In addition to the Early Saver Sale, Carnival Cruise Line also offers a variety of limited-time offers for select sailings. These offers can include onboard credit, reduced rates, and other incentives. It's important to check the Carnival Cruise Line website regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest promotions.

When booking a Carnival Cruise from New Orleans, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you understand all of the costs and fees associated with your cruise. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure that you can fully enjoy your Carnival Cruise experience.

Carnival Cruise Line Information

Company History

Carnival Cruise Line is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, a British-American cruise operator. The company was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison and has since grown to become one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Carnival Cruise Line is headquartered in Miami, Florida and operates 24 ships that sail to destinations all over the world.

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, with a focus on providing guests with a memorable vacation experience. The company offers a variety of activities and amenities on board its ships, including live entertainment, water parks, and a wide range of dining options.

Fleet and Vessel Details

Carnival Cruise Line's fleet consists of 24 ships, with the largest being the Carnival Vista and the Carnival Horizon. The company's ships range in size from the 70,000-ton Carnival Fantasy to the 133,500-ton Carnival Panorama.

The Carnival Glory is one of the popular ships in the fleet and sails out of New Orleans. The ship can accommodate up to 2,980 passengers and features a variety of amenities, including a water park, mini-golf course, and multiple dining options.

Each ship in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet is designed to provide guests with a fun and memorable vacation experience. The company is committed to providing guests with excellent service and a wide range of activities and amenities to enjoy while on board.

Customer Support and Services

Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers excellent customer support and services to ensure that guests have a memorable experience. The cruise line has a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that guests may have. Guests can contact the customer service team via phone, email, or live chat on the Carnival Cruise Line website.

In addition to customer support, Carnival Cruise New Orleans offers a range of services to make guests' experience as comfortable as possible. The cruise line provides a variety of dining options, including casual dining, fine dining, and specialty restaurants. Guests can also enjoy a range of onboard activities, such as live entertainment, fitness classes, and spa treatments.

Carnival Cruise New Orleans also offers a mobile app that guests can use to book excursions, view their itinerary, and stay up-to-date on ship activities. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

For guests who want to learn more about cruises from New Orleans, Cruise Critic is an excellent resource. The website provides reviews, tips, and advice from experienced cruisers. Guests can use Cruise Critic to research and compare deals for cruises from New Orleans.

Overall, Carnival Cruise New Orleans provides excellent customer support and services to ensure that guests have a fantastic experience onboard. From dining options to onboard activities and customer support, the cruise line has everything guests need to have a memorable vacation.

Cruise Terms and Conditions

When booking a Carnival Cruise departing from New Orleans, it is important to review the terms and conditions related to payment, cancellation, insurance, and guarantees. These terms and conditions are designed to ensure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

Payment and Cancellation Policies

Carnival Cruise Line requires a deposit at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due prior to the final payment deadline. The final payment deadline varies depending on the length of the cruise and the itinerary. It is important to note that Carnival Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel any reservation that is not paid in full by the final payment deadline.

Passengers who cancel their reservation may be subject to cancellation fees. The amount of the fee varies depending on the length of the cruise and the time of cancellation. It is important to review the specific cancellation policy for the chosen itinerary to avoid any surprises.

Insurance and Guarantees

Carnival Cruise Line offers travel insurance to passengers who wish to protect their investment in case of unforeseen circumstances. The insurance covers trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies. It is important to review the specific terms and conditions of the insurance policy to ensure that it meets the passenger's needs.

Carnival Cruise Line also offers a Great Vacation Guarantee, which allows passengers to end their cruise early and receive a 110% refund if they are not satisfied with their cruise experience. The guarantee applies to passengers who notify guest services within the first 24 hours of the cruise.

Passengers should review all terms and conditions related to payment, cancellation, insurance, and guarantees before booking a Carnival Cruise departing from New Orleans. By doing so, they can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

When it comes to Carnival Cruise New Orleans, travelers can find a wealth of reviews and ratings on platforms such as Cruise Critic. The reviews offer valuable insights into the experiences of previous passengers, helping prospective travelers make informed decisions. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its friendly and vibrant atmosphere, receives feedback from travelers who appreciate the variety of activities and entertainment options available on board.

Cruise Critic provides a platform for travelers to share their experiences and rate their Carnival Cruise New Orleans adventures. Travelers can find detailed reviews on the ship, destinations, and overall experience, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect. The reviews cover aspects such as dining, accommodations, amenities, and the overall atmosphere, allowing prospective travelers to gauge the cruise's suitability for their preferences.

Travelers can also access ratings for Carnival Cruise New Orleans, providing an overview of the overall satisfaction levels of previous passengers. These ratings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the cruise experience, allowing travelers to assess the cruise's strengths and areas for improvement. Whether it's the lively ambiance, diverse dining options, or the quality of service, the reviews and ratings offer valuable insights for those considering a Carnival Cruise from New Orleans.