Carnival Cruise Line New Orleans Port Guide

Carnival Cruise Line's New Orleans port is located on the Mississippi River, specifically at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in the Central Business District. This terminal is easily accessible by car or taxi.

The port offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river, making it a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Carnival Cruise Line's New Orleans port is a popular embarkation point for many cruise itineraries, including those to the Caribbean and Mexico. This means you'll have a chance to experience the city's vibrant culture before setting sail.

New Orleans is the sixth largest cruise port in the United States, welcoming over a million cruise passengers each year. The port is situated on the Mississippi River and close to the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal stop for Caribbean and river cruises.

The Erato Street Cruise Terminal serves Carnival Cruise Lines and has a dedicated parking facility with capacity for over 1000 vehicles, costing $14 per day.

Both the Erato and Julia Street Cruise Terminals are within a five- to ten-minute drive of the French Quarter and are served by the Riverfront streetcar, making it easy to get around the city.

The Port Schedule at Port NOLA New Orleans is quite extensive, with a list of ships and their arrival and departure dates. You can find the full schedule for April 2025, which includes ships like ACL American Symphony, ACL American Serenade, and Carnival Valor.

The schedule lists the day of the week, ship name, arrival time, and departure time for each ship. For example, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Brilliance Of The Seas is scheduled to arrive at 07:00 and depart at 02:00, while the Carnival Valor is scheduled to arrive at 08:00 and depart at 15:00.

Here's a breakdown of the ships and their arrival and departure times for April 2025:

You can also check the live map to see the location of the ships and the port itself. The Gulf of Mexico is approximately 110 miles from the port, and the port is located between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River.

New Orleans is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city has hundreds of options for accommodations, ranging from landmark hotels in the heart of downtown to quiet inns in beautiful residential neighborhoods.

If you're planning to stay a night or more in New Orleans, you'll find that many of the city's hotels are a short drive or walk from the cruise terminals and are easily accessible by public transit. Several hotels also offer packages with parking if you're driving and shuttle buses.

You can travel to and from the terminal by taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Public transit is also an option, including the Riverfront streetcar line. If you're driving, parking at the terminals is convenient but expensive, with rates ranging from $14 per day at the Erato Cruise Terminal.

The city's cruise terminals are close to major attractions, including the French Quarter and Central Business District. You can also explore the city on foot or by bike, especially if you're staying in the CBD, French Quarter, Uptown, or Garden District.

If you're looking for a place to stay near the Carnival Cruise Line New Orleans port, you've got plenty of options. Both Erato Street and Julia Street cruise terminals are about 7 minutes away from the hotels in the Garden District.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Orleans Warehouse Arts District is a great choice, with rooms that have a minimalist decor but a warm and welcoming touch thanks to the extensive use of wood panelling and furniture.

This hotel is within walking distance to restaurants and the River walk, making it a great value for money. You can also reach both cruise terminals on foot in approx. 15 to 25 minutes walk, or take a cab for around $10.00.

If you'd rather not walk, the Hampton Inn and Suites New Orleans Convention Center offers a free shuttle service to and from the cruise port. This luxurious hotel is located directly opposite the cruise terminal on the Mississippi River.

The Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center is another great option, located only 12 minutes walk or a 3 mins car ride from the cruise port. It's virtually right across the street from the cruise port, and you can easily walk to the CBD, French Quarter, and St. Charles streetcar.

Here are some key details to consider when choosing a hotel near the cruise port:

New Orleans is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and there's no shortage of exciting things to do during a Carnival Cruise Line port stop.

Visit the famous French Quarter, where you can stroll down Bourbon Street, explore the historic architecture, and take in the lively atmosphere.

The National WWII Museum is a must-visit, with over 250,000 square feet of exhibits and artifacts showcasing the American experience in World War II.

Take a steamboat ride along the Mississippi River, a classic New Orleans experience that's perfect for hot summer days.

The French Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and try some delicious Creole cuisine, with over 100 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to spicy gumbo.

Be sure to try some beignets at Cafe du Monde, a New Orleans institution that's been around since 1862.

New Orleans is a city that's steeped in history and culture, and there's no better way to experience it than by taking a guided tour or excursion. You can explore the city's famous French Quarter neighborhood, which is centered around Jackson Square, a charming area with a Spanish and French atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Jackson Square is the St Louis Cathedral, which has been a landmark in the city since the 18th century. Nearby, you can visit the Cabildo and the Presbytére, a museum that tells the story of Hurricane Katrina.

If you're looking for a unique perspective on the city, take a stroll along the Moonwalk, a famous pedestrian walkway that runs along the Mississippi River. It's a great way to see the city's beautiful architecture and take in the sights and sounds of the river.

For a taste of the city's vibrant nightlife, head to Bourbon Street, the busiest street in the French Quarter. You'll find everything from bars and restaurants to live music venues and shops.

If you're interested in exploring the city's history, consider visiting St Louis Cemetery #1, the final resting place of many famous New Orleans citizens, including Marie Laveau and Homer Plessey.

Here are some popular city tours and excursions to consider:

If you're looking for a unique experience in New Orleans, consider taking a cruise from the city. You can find several options departing from New Orleans.

One option is a 7-day Caribbean cruise on Carnival Valor, departing on June 30th, 2025, starting from 980.63€. Another option is a 7-day Caribbean cruise on Carnival Liberty, departing on July 6th, 2025, starting from 927.00€. If you're looking for a shorter trip, a 6-day Caribbean cruise on Carnival Liberty is available, departing on November 16th, 2025, starting from 523.98€.

Here are some upcoming cruise options from New Orleans:

Cruising from New Orleans offers a diverse range of destinations to explore.

If you're looking for a beach vacation, consider visiting Barbados, Honolulu, or Galveston, all of which offer beautiful beaches and warm weather.

From city breaks to cultural experiences, you can visit vibrant cities like Baltimore, Charleston, and New York, each with its own unique charm.

Some of the destinations from New Orleans include:

New Orleans is a great destination year-round, but some times are definitely better than others. February to May is ideal for a visit, with comfortable temperatures and exciting events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

These months are especially lively, with events drawing large crowds. Reservations during Mardi Gras and other popular events usually need to be made a year in advance.

If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, December and January are great options. The city is calmer during these months, and you'll avoid the blistering heat and humidity of summer.

October and November offer milder temperatures and are perfect for enjoying local seafood. You'll also find better rates and more availability at local hotels during these months.

If you're planning a trip from New Orleans, you have a wide range of destinations to choose from.

Baltimore, Barbados, and Barcelona are just a few of the many exciting places you can visit.

Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston are great options for those looking for a beach vacation.

Honolulu, Jacksonville, and Los Angeles are ideal for those who want to explore a new city.

Miami, Mobile, and New York are great choices for those who want to experience the city life.

Norfolk, Port Canaveral, and San Juan are perfect for those who want to visit a port city.

Seattle, Tampa, and Vancouver are great options for those who want to explore a new city or visit a nearby attraction.

Here are some of the destinations from New Orleans: