New Orleans is perhaps the most culturally rich city on the Gulf Coast as it sums up the essence of what it means to be American: colourful, free and full of life! If you’re looking for the experience of a lifetime, a cruise from New Orleans will check all the boxes. Even if you arrive in the city with some time to spare until your cruise departs, New Orleans has so much to offer that you’ll never regret picking it as the starting point of your next cruise holiday. From the spooky folklore to its daring diners and cultural treasures, every attraction in the city gravitates you toward itself.
When is the best time to cruise from New Orleans?
The best time to plan a cruise from New Orleans, vis-à-vis weather and event calendars, is between the fall and winter seasons. Although cruises depart from the Port of New Orleans all year round, the months between November to April are ideal for a New Orleans cruise trip, thanks to a combination of great weather and upcoming local events.
For starters, the fall and winter seasons in New Orleans are far better than in most parts of the US. The weather is usually around 23 degrees Celsius — ideal for most casual wear and formals, as well as for attending festivals or eating meals and enjoying the sunset outside.
The eye-popping festivities at the very heart and soul of the city also take place during this period. New Orleans has an overall creepy vibe that natives and visitors thoroughly enjoy. The famous Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday, is celebrated in a carnival-type theme to mark the coming of Ash Wednesday when fasting begins for Christian communities.
Which cruise lines sail from New Orleans?
The Port of New Orleans harbours many renowned cruise lines that deliver one-of-a-kind experiences in their own style. You will find some of the best New Orleans cruise trips with the following cruise lines:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise
- American Cruise Line
These are some of the top-notch cruise lines that you can go for if you’re cruising from New Orleans. A Norwegian Cruise Line trip would be perfect for relaxed all-inclusive getaways. Disney Cruises are designed to be kid-friendly and have all those Disneyland vibes onboard. A journey with American Cruise Line is the go-to for solo trips, while the Carnival Cruise Line is great for having friends and family onboard.
Where do cruises from New Orleans go to?
One thing is for sure: a cruise from New Orleans will be an eventful, colourful affair from start to finish. If you’re cruising in February, once you’ve finally wrapped up after the festivities of Mardi Gras and boarded your cruise ship, you’ll be thrilled to land on your next destinations, which are usually in the Western Caribbean. So prepare yourself for some island-hopping: you can find your perfect thrill at the adventure rides in CocoCay or lounge on unspoiled beaches at Cozumel, Mexico. Popular among nature explorers and history enthusiasts are Roatan, the largest of the Honduras Islands, and Belize City, where you can find ancient ruins attributed to the Mayan civilisations.
Cruises from New Orleans also hit the Nassau and the Grand Bahama Island, the former a lively hotspot of upbeat vacation lovers and the latter a more mellow, laid-back destination for those who need some peace and quiet from all the bustle on their ship.
What should you do whilst you’re in New Orleans?
New Orleans is the melting pot of American immigrants and their histories, which means that there is always something new and exciting to try out, such as paying a visit to Mardi Gras World, where it’s Mardi Gras every day!
Venture out into the French Quarter of New Orleans to try out some of their famous Cajun eateries. Pass by Jackson Square in the centre of the French Quarter to get a taste of the city’s art scene. There, you can watch local talent work outside or even get your portrait painted. While you are in the area, you should definitely wander around the raucous Bourbon Street, which is famous for its entertainment venues. Anyone who has visited it would agree that Bourbon Street comes alive at night, thanks to its flashy bars and neon-clad nightclubs. Whilst some may say this may be the best spot if you want to listen to one of the city’s world-famous jazz performances those in the know will be heading to Frenchmen Street to one of the many live music bars.
If you need a break from the busy clubs and bars, you should pay a visit to the 1,300-acre City Park. To put this into perspective, this park is 50% larger than Central Park in New York. Here, you will find the largest collection of mature Live Oaks in the world, as well as amusement parks and a botanical garden. Make sure take stroll along the riverfront and if you feel like having a snack, you can grab a coffee at Café Du Monde, where you can also purchase a delicate handmade pastry known as a beignet, a true New Orleans speciality.
Paramount Cruises Top Tips
Check out some of the team’s top tips from our previous trips. Find out where to eat, where to drink and what to do in New Orleans in the map below:
Extend Your Stay?
If you’re planning a cruise from New Orleans, it’s a great idea to extend your stay a little and take a trip to the surrounding area as well. You can hop on an Amtrak train to Memphis Tennesse and discover the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Pressley, as well as taking a stroll down epic Beale Street in the heart of downtown. If you’re looking to venture a bit further afield why not take advantage of the great connections and take a short flight to Miami or New York and explore more of this impressive country!
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