Mardi Gras New Orleans Cruises
Looking to pair an all-inclusive Caribbean cruise with a stay in New Orleans over Mardi Gras? We've put together the very best Mardi Gras in New Orleans cruise holidays for 2026 and 2027. Find out all you need to know about how to make the most of your time in New Orleans and taking part in the world’s biggest free party.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans Holidays 2026 & 2027
Choose from one of our epic Mardi Gras in New Orleans cruise & stay holidays. Whether you're just looking to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or have more time to spare and want to explore the incredible musical cities of Memphis and Nashville, we've got the perfect packages for you.
USA Music Cities
Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are amongst our favourite destinations here at Paramount Cruises, and we're sure you’ll soon understand why. Whether it’s the delicious food, incredible live music, or simply the warm and welcoming southern hospitality that draws you to these three unique cities we’re sure you’ll be desperate to jump on a plane and experience them for yourself on one of our above packages.
New Orleans
Welcome to the “Big Easy”! This sweaty, sultry Southern town nestled in the Mississippi River’s crescent is more than just Bourbon street. New Orleans is the cradle of American music, satisfying all tastes from jazz to rock and even sludge metal. What better time to visit than over Mardi Gras, the greatest free show on earth. If you’ve forgotten to pack your costumes make sure to at least dress in purple, green, and gold, you’ll stand a better chance of catching those all important beads.
Steamboat sailing along the Mississippi River in New Orleans
Memphis
Whether it’s the throb of blues guitars on the legendary Beale Street or the home of The King himself, Graceland, which has attracted you to Memphis, we’re sure that music lovers alike will revel in the cities unique vibe. Food lovers will not be disappointed either, from smoky bbq ribs to melt in the mouth pulled pork, this is Southern cooking made with pure love.
Paramount Cruises passenger taking a selfie outside of Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion in Memphis
Nashville
For country music fans a trip to Nashville is the ultimate pilgrimage. The city’s nightlife is a mix of equal parts whiskey, honky-tonk dancing and remarkable live music. The legendary honky tonks are no-cover-charge joints however ensure you have some change to hand in order to tip the incredible live bands.
Paramount Cruises passengers enjoying live music at the Roberts Western World honky tonk in Nashville
Mardi Gras in New Orleans Essential Info
Mardi Gras Day in 2026 falls on the 17th of February 2026. If you’re looking to plan ahead our 2026 All-Inclusive Cruise and Mardi Gras in New Orleans package is now on sale.
If you’re planning even further ahead, Mardi Gras Day in 2027 falls on the 9th of February 2027. Our 2027 All-Inclusive Cruise onboard Norwegian Prima and Mardi Gras in New Orleans package is already on sale.
Certainly not, the official start of the Mardi Gras carnival season is twelfth night, the 6th of January, which around the world is recognised as the final day of Christmas. So just as Christmas comes to an end, carnival season begins. Every weekend in the lead-up to Shrove Tuesday you'll find various Krewes rolling through uptown New Orleans.
Mardi Gras parades have their roots in Mardi Gras krewes. Krewes, or groups of revellers, band together to put on a parade or Mardi Gras ball during the Carnival season. Each parade is named for a krewe and fills its floats with members. The King and Queen of each krewe lead the parade, followed by multiple floats. Parades can also include marching bands, dancing groups, horses and riders, clowns, motorcycle units and more. It’s not uncommon for there to be up to 3,000 participants in a parade.
Mardi Gras parades are not just about the beads, although you’re sure to come home with a bag full of them! Throws turn New Orleans parades into crowd participation events. The most popular items are those that bear the krewe’s insignia, such as doubloons (metal coins), cups and medallion emblem necklaces. Many items also illustrate the parade’s theme, making them collectables. Parades take place both during the day and at night, make sure you have the chance to watch both types of parades to get the full Mardi Gras experience.
The day before Mardi Gras itself, Lundi Gras, is a day where parades only happen in the evening. Whilst many visitors take this opportunity to embark on tours around the city or out to the swamps and plantations just outside New Orleans, those looking to soak up the carnival atmosphere will have plenty to do throughout the day. Woldenberg Park, on the banks of the Mississippi River hosts live music on several stages along the riverfront as well as numerous food and drink stalls throughout the day. As the sun goes down get ready for the arrival of Rex, the King of Carnival and Monarch of Merriment. Rex is joined on stage by the King of the Zulu as well as the Mayor of New Orleans as he is handed over the keys of the city and granted temporary rule, in order to take over symbolic control of the city for this one special day. The ceremony concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the Mississippi River.