The Best Way To Experience New Orleans And Its Cruise Port

If you're seeking a destination on your cruise holiday that offers a lively yet laid-back culture and rich, fascinating history, then the soulful sensation of New Orleans is a top choice. The New Orleans cruise port serves as a gateway to this captivating city, offering easy access to its famed French Quarter, world-class cuisine, and dynamic creativity.

In this New Orlean cruise port guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about this incredible destination, answering questions such as:

• Where do cruise ships dock in New Orleans?

• How far is New Orleans from the cruise port?

• And what is there to do in the New Orleans cruise port?

So, read on to discover how to enjoy a seamless port day in New Orleans and make the most of all the charm this Deep South city has to offer.

First, let's start with a bit of background on the New Orleans cruise port.

Why is the port of New Orleans important?

Located on the Mississippi River, around 100 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of New Orleans, also known as Port NOLA, is an important transport hub for the state of Louisiana. It generates approximately $100 million from various sectors, including the cruise industry. 

The modern port of New Orleans was built in 1879, becoming a major US passage for grain and facilitating worldwide export of a range of other agricultural products, metals and chemicals, among other things. 

The first New Orleans cruise terminal was opened in 1984, and it has since become the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States, accommodating ships from cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. It welcomes well over a million cruise guests a year, often en route to the Caribbean or river sailings along the Mississippi River.

Where do cruise ships dock in New Orleans?

The New Orleans cruise port is conveniently located near the heart of the city. When your ship sails into the port, it will dock at one of two New Orleans cruise terminals: the Julia Street Cruise Terminal and the Erato Street Cruise Terminal. 

Both New Orleans cruise terminals sit adjacent to one another on the western side of the Mississippi River and near New Orleans downtown. Nonetheless, it is worth noting which terminal you arrive at to ensure a smooth embarkation on your return to your cruise ship.

Having dedicated cruise ship berths rather than piers, Erato Street Terminal can accommodate just one full-size cruise vessel, while Julia Street Terminal has space for two smaller cruise ships. Despite these space constraints, the efficiency of New Orleans’ cruise terminals ensures a fast turnaround of cruise vessels.

Both cruise terminals offer modern guest facilities, including tourist information, comfortable waiting areas, toilets, vending machines and WiFi.

What is the distance from the New Orleans cruise port to the centre, and how do you get there?

Getting from the New Orleans cruise port to the centre of the city is quick and convenient. You can walk to the infamous French District in less than half an hour, with the distance from the New Orleans cruise port to the centre of the city being little more than a mile.

If walking is not for you, there are other transport options available:

Streetcar

The illustrious New Orleans Streetcars are a unique and charming choice when looking for how to get to New Orleans from the cruise port and around the city. Look out for the Riverfront Streetcar Line, which stops near the New Orleans cruise port and can take you to various points of interest, including the French Quarter and the Garden District. 

Make sure you have the correct change for your fare if you are paying by cash. You can also download the official app to purchase passes and check routes.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services are another way to get from the New Orleans cruise port to the centre of the city. These are readily available at the port but can be in high demand during peak disembarkation times. Taxis are relatively affordable, but be aware that a 10% tip is typically expected.

New Orleans Cruise Port Shuttle

Some cruise lines will offer a New Orleans cruise port shuttle service to take you from the port to popular attractions in the city. Check with your cruise line to see if this service is available during your visit. 

What are the best activities by the New Orleans cruise port?

The 'Big Easy' of New Orleans offers a fascinating array of attractions and activities. In this part of our New Orleans cruise port guide, we share five of our favourites:

1. Explore The French Quarter

If you are wondering if there is anything near the New Orleans cruise port, the proximity of the French Quarter will be a pleasing surprise, being just over a mile away.

You can wander through its narrow streets lined with centuries-old architecture, vibrant cafes, and eclectic shops. Don't miss Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark, where you can admire the imposing St. Louis Cathedral and catch one of the city's many events, celebrations and street performances. Also, be sure to visit the open-air market, where shopping, dining and music provide an authentic insight into the city's culture. 

2. Try The Local Cuisine

New Orleans is famous for its food. With its diverse dining being a fitting reflection of the city's history and culture, indulging in some local delicacies is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in New Orleans. 

Try beignets at Café du Monde and Cajun gumbo, jambalaya or po'boys – French bread sandwiches stuffed full of a variety of fillings - at one of the many local eateries. 

3. Experience Live Music

When you’re looking for what to do in New Orleans on port days, catching a live performance will be a unique and memorable experience. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and music is woven into the city's fabric!

Head to Frenchmen Street to catch live performances at one of the many music clubs. Whether you enjoy jazz, blues, reggae or something in between, you'll find plenty of venues showcasing local original talent.

4. Visit Local Museums

If you're a history buff, one of the best activities by New Orleans cruise port is to explore its museums. The world-class National WWII Museum is located just over a mile from the New Orleans cruise port and offers a fascinating deep dive into the history of World War II. Meanwhile, the Louisiana State Museum is home to many exhibits on the state’s history, industry, and culture.

If you’re an art lover, check out the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which showcase impressive collections of artwork and objects.

5. Stroll Through the Garden District

If you want a change of pace when looking for what to do in New Orleans on port days, head to the Garden District. This area is well-known for its picturesque oak-lined streets, where stunning historic mansions showcase Italianate, colonial revival, and Greek revival styles. The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also located here and is known as one of the city's famous "Cities of the Dead."

A stop at the New Orleans cruise port will give you a glimpse into one of America's most unique and enchanting cities. Its welcoming vibe and vibrant energy will see you immersed in its culture and history from the moment you dock and help you discover why this city is regarded as one of the best in the world to visit.