Port of New Orleans Achieves Milestone with 9th Consecutive Year of Million-Plus Cruise Movements

At the end of 2025, the Port of New Orleans recorded 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements, marking its ninth consecutive year of exceeding one million cruise passengers, excluding the unusual pandemic years of 2020-2021. This statistic combines both embarkations and disembarkations at the port, showcasing the continuous growth of the local cruise industry as ships enter and leave this vital Mississippi River gateway.

This trend aligns with an uptick in U.S. cruise ports overall, where passenger numbers have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, the Port of New Orleans welcomed over 1.2 million passengers, and March 2025 saw a monthly record of more than 165,000 passengers at its terminals, indicating a rise in ship capacity and ongoing demand.

New Orleans distinguishes itself by accommodating both ocean-going and river cruise vessels, which fosters year-round tourism and sustains the local economy. With major cruise lines recommitting to the port and planning to introduce larger ships in the near future, the Port is strategically poised for continued growth in passenger numbers and economic contributions through increased calls and homeport activities.

For more information on cruise movements and the cruise industry, visit CruiseMapper.

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