New Orleans, a culturally rich Gulf Coast city, is colourful, free and full of life. A cruise from here offers spooky folklore and cultural treasures.
Cruises from New Orleans
Your Gateway to a Deep South Cruise Adventure
New Orleans is one of America’s most atmospheric cruise departure ports, combining vibrant culture, legendary music and world-class cuisine. Most guests spend a few nights here before their cruise, exploring the French Quarter, enjoying live jazz and sampling Creole specialities. Starting your Caribbean cruise holiday in New Orleans also allows you to discover more of the Deep South, with Memphis and Nashville perfectly suited for a wider music-inspired itinerary before you set sail.
Cruise and Stay Holidays in New Orleans
Cruising from New Orleans works perfectly as part of a cruise and stay holiday. Many guests spend two or three nights in the city before boarding their ship, giving time to explore the historic French Quarter, stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront and experience the city’s famous music scene.
New Orleans also connects naturally with other Deep South destinations. Travelling between New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville creates an unforgettable journey through America’s musical heritage, from jazz and blues to country and rock and roll, before your Caribbean cruise begins.
Find your next Cruise & Stay Holiday in New Orleans ➜
Why Start Your Cruise From New Orleans?
New Orleans offers one of the most distinctive cruise departures in the United States. Ships sail down the Mississippi River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico, creating a memorable start to your journey. The city itself is compact and easy to explore, with historic neighbourhoods, vibrant nightlife and renowned restaurants all close to the cruise terminals.
Starting your cruise here allows you to combine Caribbean sunshine with an unforgettable Deep South adventure.
Top 3 Things to Do in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most distinctive cities in the United States, known for music, food and historic neighbourhoods.
The French Quarter
Historic streets, colourful balconies and lively squares make the French Quarter the cultural heart of New Orleans.
Live Jazz and Music
From Bourbon Street to Frenchmen Street, New Orleans’ legendary music scene fills the city with jazz and blues.
Creole and Cajun Cuisine
From gumbo and jambalaya to fresh seafood and beignets, New Orleans offers one of America’s most exciting food scenes.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Few celebrations across the globe compare to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This world-famous festival of parades, music and street celebrations takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, the event transforms the city with colourful floats, lively jazz bands and a festive atmosphere across the city.
For cruise guests, visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras creates an unforgettable start or finale to a holiday. Many travellers choose to spend several nights in the city during the celebrations, either before or after their cruise. Our Mardi Gras cruise and stay packages combine festival experiences with Caribbean sailings, allowing you to enjoy both the energy of New Orleans and the relaxation of a cruise holiday as part of one seamless itinerary.
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Where Can You Cruise to From New Orleans?
Cruises from New Orleans explore both the Western Caribbean and the legendary Mississippi River. Ocean itineraries typically visit destinations such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize and Roatán, combining tropical beaches, vibrant culture and relaxing days at sea. New Orleans is also a gateway to Mississippi River cruises, with sailings travelling north through historic river towns towards Memphis and beyond, offering a very different style of journey through the heart of the American South.
Cruise Lines Sailing From New Orleans
Several major cruise lines operate sailings from the Port of New Orleans, offering year-round departures and a range of Caribbean itineraries.
Cruises From New Orleans - Frequently Asked Questions
If you are planning a cruise from New Orleans, these quick answers cover common questions about visiting the city before your sailing.
Yes. Most cruise guests spend two or three nights in New Orleans before boarding their ship, allowing time to explore the French Quarter, enjoy live jazz and sample the city’s famous cuisine.
Many guests spend a minimum of two or three nights in New Orleans before their cruise. This allows time to explore the French Quarter, enjoy live jazz, try the city’s famous cuisine and experience the unique atmosphere before boarding.
Winter and spring are particularly popular, when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the city. Visiting during the Mardi Gras season adds an extra layer of excitement before your cruise.
Cruise ships depart from the Port of New Orleans, located on the Mississippi River close to the French Quarter and downtown hotels.
New Orleans is famous for Creole and Cajun cuisine, with local favourites including gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys and the city’s iconic powdered sugar beignets.
Yes. New Orleans is a gateway to Mississippi River cruises that travel north through historic river towns towards Memphis and beyond. These journeys offer a very different experience to ocean cruises, focusing on American history, culture and scenic river landscapes.
Yes. Many guests combine New Orleans with Memphis and Nashville as part of a wider Deep South itinerary exploring the roots of jazz, blues and country music.
Mardi Gras is the city’s famous annual festival of parades, music and street celebrations. Visiting during the festivities creates a lively and memorable start or finish to a cruise holiday.
Book Your Next Cruise From New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most culturally rich cities on the Gulf Coast, full of colour, music and life. From its lively festivals and legendary cuisine to its unique folklore and historic streets, the city offers an unforgettable start to a cruise holiday. The famous Mardi Gras celebrations add even more excitement, making New Orleans the perfect destination to combine with one of our cruise and stay packages before or after your sailing.
