Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, USA · Caribbean
New Orleans is a growing US cruise port — Carnival + Norwegian + Royal Caribbean home ships here for Western Caribbean + Bahamas itineraries. Also the base for American Cruise Lines Mississippi paddle-wheelers. Uptown location on the Mississippi River — walkable to French Quarter + Warehouse District. MSY airport is 25 min west.
How to get here from the airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
MSYRecommended 20 km from port · 25 min transit
Transit options: Uber $30-45 · Airport Shuttle $25 · New Orleans RTA E-2 bus $2
25 min to cruise terminal. Uber is standard.
Cruise lines + terminals
Carnival Cruise Line
Julia Street Terminal
Carnival Valor + Glory Western Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Erato Street Terminal
Royal Caribbean
Poland Avenue Terminal
American Cruise Lines
Riverwalk
Mississippi paddle-wheeler departures
Peak season: October-April · Mardi Gras + French Quarter Fest add spikes
Pre-cruise tips for New Orleans
- 1Stay pre-cruise in French Quarter for maximum NOLA experience.
- 2Julia Street Terminal is walkable to Warehouse District hotels.
- 3Poland Avenue Terminal is 5 km east — Uber from most hotels.
- 4Mardi Gras + Jazz Fest weeks = book cruise 6+ months ahead.
- 5Combine cruise with 3-4 days French Quarter — best-value US cruise base.
Where to stay pre-cruise
French Quarter (walkable/short cab to port)Warehouse DistrictCBD near cruise terminalUptown
Find hotels in New Orleans
1.4M+ properties · Trip.com
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FAQs — New Orleans cruise port
MSY airport to New Orleans cruise port?
Uber ($30-45, 25 min) is standard. RTA E-2 bus to French Quarter + short cab to terminal is cheaper ($2 + $10).
French Quarter walking to cruise port?
Julia Street Terminal is 10-15 min walk from Warehouse District/Central Business District hotels. Poland Avenue Terminal (5 km east) needs cab.