Mardi Gras New Orleans Cruises

If you’re planning ahead, Mardi Gras Day in 2027 will take place on 9 February 2027. Our 2027 All-Inclusive Cruise onboard Norwegian Breakaway and Mardi Gras in New Orleans package is already on sale and filling fast.

Mardi Gras Day in 2028 falls on 29 February 2028, making it especially unique as it takes place on Leap Day. Because Easter is at its latest possible date that year, the Carnival season is extended, giving revellers extra time to enjoy parades, parties, and celebrations in New Orleans. Mardi Gras on Leap Day is a rare and memorable occasion that adds even more excitement to an already legendary festival.

Not at all. While Mardi Gras Day marks the height of the celebration, the Carnival season officially begins on Twelfth Night (6 January), which also marks the end of Christmas. From that point, weekend parades and events take place right up until Shrove Tuesday, with different krewes (social clubs) rolling through Uptown New Orleans each week.

Mardi Gras parades are the heart of the celebration. Each krewe designs its own themed floats, led by a King and Queen, and joined by marching bands, performers and dance groups. With some parades featuring over 3,000 participants, it’s a dazzling mix of creativity, community and pure joy.

It’s all about the throws, the beads, cups, coins and trinkets tossed from floats to the crowd. Each krewe creates its own themed designs, turning every parade into a giant street-party treasure hunt. Daytime parades offer vibrant colour, while the illuminated night processions deliver an atmosphere like no other.

Don’t miss Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras itself. During the day, explore New Orleans or visit the nearby swamps and plantations, then head to Woldenberg Park on the Mississippi River for live music, food and festivities. As night falls, join the locals for the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, and the symbolic handover of the city’s keys, a truly unforgettable moment capped with fireworks over the river.

We always recommend the Lower Garden District along St Charles Avenue. It’s spacious, relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of room to enjoy the parades in comfort. You’ll find food stalls, local bars and an easy walk to many hotels. Grandstand seating is also available for certain parades if you prefer a guaranteed spot.

Comfort is key. You’ll be walking and standing for much of the day, so wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. Embrace the colour and fun, purple, green and gold are traditional, but costumes are always encouraged. The more festive your outfit, the better the experience (and the more beads you’ll catch).

Don’t miss king cake, a colourful pastry filled with cinnamon or cream cheese, available throughout Carnival season. You’ll also find classic New Orleans favourites like gumbo, po’ boys and beignets, perfect fuel for a day of parades and parties.

Each of these legendary cities has a vibrant local music scene beyond the famous main streets. In Nashville, step away from Broadway’s bright lights and explore East Nashville or Germantown, where intimate venues and neighbourhood bars showcase rising country and Americana talent. In Memphis, head to Overton Square or Cooper-Young for a more local vibe, with great live bands and Southern hospitality. In New Orleans, skip Bourbon Street and make your way to Frenchmen Street, where jazz spills out of every doorway and locals gather to dance beneath the stars.

There’s so much more to discover in these incredible cities beyond their legendary music scenes. In Nashville, explore the vibrant galleries and street art murals of The Gulch, stroll through Centennial Park to see the full-scale Parthenon, or sample local whiskey (or even moonshine) at one of the city’s craft distilleries. In Memphis, visit the moving National Civil Rights Museum, watch the famous Peabody Ducks march through the historic Peabody Hotel, or take in sweeping views from Big River Crossing, the longest pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi. In New Orleans, wander through the elegant Garden District, explore one of the city’s beautiful historic cemeteries, or join a voodoo and ghost walking tour for something truly unforgettable. Each city has its own stories, sights and surprises waiting to be explored.

The Deep South is as famous for its flavours as it is for its music. In Nashville, try the city’s signature hot chicken or a plate of biscuits and gravy at one of our favourite local diners, then end the evening with craft cocktails and live music in the Gulch or 12South neighbourhoods. In Memphis, nothing beats slow-smoked barbecue. Head to Central BBQ or The Rendezvous for ribs done right, then enjoy a nightcap at a soulful speakeasy in Cooper-Young. In New Orleans, indulge in Creole and Cajun classics like gumbo, jambalaya and po’ boys, and don’t miss beignets at Café du Monde or jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace. Every city serves up its own distinctive taste of the South, and our team’s recommendations will help you find the best of them.

Yes. Many of the Uptown and Mid-City parades are perfect for families, with lively yet welcoming atmospheres. The Lower Garden District is a favourite spot for those seeking a safe and comfortable environment to enjoy the festivities.

Yes. The city is well prepared for large events, with strong police and security presence along parade routes. As with any busy festival, keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice to ensure a safe, enjoyable celebration.

British travellers will need to apply for an ESTA through the US Visa Waiver Program. The process is quick and easy online, and approval is typically granted within a few days.

As an ABTA and ATOL-protected company, Paramount Cruises ensures every detail of your journey is expertly arranged and fully protected. Our team has personally travelled through Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, hand-selecting hotels, excursions, and experiences to guarantee an unforgettable and worry-free holiday.

Often imitated, never replicated. While other agents may advertise a cheaper package, they simply don’t have the same local knowledge or attention to detail that goes into every Paramount Cruises holiday. If that cheaper deal includes, as they often do, a Greyhound bus between cities, a hotel like the Millennium Maxwell in Nashville, or a room right on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, run, just run! We’ll never compromise on quality because we know how important your once-in-a-lifetime holiday really is.