Port of New Orleans Sets New Record for Cruise Passenger Movements

In March 2025, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) set a new record with 165,000 cruise passenger movements, surpassing its previous record of 155,000 from March 2023. This achievement comes after an impressive year in 2024 when the port welcomed over 1.2 million cruise passengers.

What sets Port NOLA apart from other U.S. ports is its dual offering of deepwater ocean cruises and river cruises. The two terminals—Erato Street and Julia Street—are conveniently located in downtown New Orleans, within walking distance of the vibrant French Quarter.

Interestingly, around 90% of cruise passengers come from out of state, with 70% of these visitors choosing to spend one or two days in New Orleans before or after their cruise. This influx generates over 300,000 hotel room nights and contributes approximately $125 million in local spending annually.

In a strong development for the port, Carnival Cruise Line entered a five-year agreement to base two ships, the Valor and the Liberty, year-round in New Orleans, celebrating its 30th year of operations from the port. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has made a comeback with the Brilliance of the Seas and plans to introduce the Mariner of the Seas in 2026. Norwegian Cruise Line has also extended its five-year agreement and added service with the Norwegian Escape, along with sailings from the Norwegian Getaway.

The river cruise segment is thriving as well, with six homeported vessels providing services from American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises. Notably, Viking’s North American cruise, which was launched in 2022, was constructed in Louisiana.

Port NOLA’s increasing partnerships with cruise lines reflect the growing global interest in New Orleans as a premier cruise destination.

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