Port Area Snapshot
The Port of New Orleans sits right on the mighty Mississippi River, just a few blocks from the French Quarter’s jazz‑filled streets. Two modern cruise terminals—Erato Street and Julia Street—welcome ships from Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, sending more than a million passengers a year sailing to the Caribbean and beyond. Travelers love the quick ride from Louis Armstrong Airport, the easy streetcar connections, and the lively warehouse district packed with museums, music, and mouth‑watering Creole food. With warm winters, steamy summers, and famous Southern hospitality, New Orleans cruise days feel as festive as Mardi Gras itself.
Port Overview
Port Name: Port of New Orleans (Erato Street & Julia Street Cruise Terminals)
Address: 1100 & 920 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70130
Terminals: 2 modern terminals
Major Cruise Lines: Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney (seasonal)
Annual Passengers: ≈ 1 million+
Port Highlights: Secure parking garage over Erato terminal • Covered walkways • Nearby Riverwalk Mall • Close to French Quarter
Typical Weather:
• Winter highs mid‑60s °F / lows 50 °F, mild with light jackets
• Summer highs low‑90s °F / lows mid‑70s, very humid with frequent afternoon showers
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int’l (MSY) – 15 mi / 25 min taxi | https://flymsy.com |
| Public transit | RTA Bus 202 Airport Express; historic St. Charles streetcar stops 0.6 mi from port | https://www.norta.com |
| Rail | Amtrak Union Passenger Terminal – 1.2 mi, 5‑min taxi | https://www.amtrak.com |
| Shuttles | Cruise‑line & private shuttles from MSY ($25–$30 pp) | |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft MSY‑to‑port about $35–$45; port pick‑up zone signed | |
| Accessibility | Elevators, ramps, ADA restrooms; wheelchairs for rent at terminal security |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Quarter & Jackson Square | Iconic balconies, live jazz, street artists | 24/7 • Free | https://www.neworleans.com |
| National WWII Museum | Award‑winning interactive exhibits | 9 am‑5 pm • $32 adults | https://www.nationalww2museum.org |
| Garden District Tour | Grand mansions & live‑oak streets | Daylight • $25 walking tour | https://www.gardendistrictwalks.com |
| Audubon Aquarium | Gulf & Caribbean sea life | 10 am‑5 pm • $30 | https://audubonnatureinstitute.org |
| Steamboat Natchez Cruise | Paddle‑wheel jazz cruise on river | 2‑hr sail • $39 | https://www.steamboatnatchez.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emeril’s | Celebrity‑chef Creole classics | Contemporary Creole • $$$ | https://emerilsrestaurant.com |
| Cochon | Modern Cajun small plates | Cajun‑Southern • $$ | https://cochonrestaurant.com |
| Commander’s Palace | Special‑occasion splurge | Haute Creole • $$$$ | https://commanderspalace.com |
| GW Fins | Fresh Gulf seafood | Seafood • $$$ | https://gwfins.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café Du Monde | Breakfast & Late Night | Beignets & Coffee • $ | https://cafedumonde.com |
| Central Grocery | Lunch | Original Muffuletta • $ | https://centralgrocery.com |
| Mother’s Restaurant | Breakfast–Dinner | Po‑boys & Jambalaya • $ | https://mothersrestaurant.net |
| Dat Dog (Magazine St.) | Lunch & Dinner | Gourmet Hot Dogs • $ | https://datdog.com |
Safety & Local Tips
- Stay on well‑lit streets at night; use rideshare after 10 pm.
- Carry small bills for streetcar fares and tipping musicians.
- Summer heat is intense—pack water and sunscreen.
- Streetcars require exact change ($1.25); day passes sold via RTA GoMobile app.
- Hurricane season runs June‑Nov; check cruise line alerts if storms brew.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Port garage parking sits directly above Erato terminal; pre‑pay online to secure a spot.
- Luggage drop‑off curbside on Port of New Orleans Place before entering garage.
- Security & check‑in usually open 11 am; earliest boarding around noon.
- Post‑cruise taxis and rideshares queue beside Julia terminal—follow sidewalk signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should passengers arrive for embarkation?
A: Boarding groups start about 11 am; arriving 30 minutes before your assigned time keeps lines short.
Q: Is there parking for oversized vehicles?
A: Yes, surface lots across the street accept RVs and high‑roof vans for an extra fee.
Q: Can luggage storage be arranged after disembarkation?
A: The port does not offer storage, but nearby hotels and Bounce luggage service do.
Q: Are there hotels within walking distance?
A: Multiple hotels line Convention Center Boulevard, 5‑10 minutes on foot.
Q: What’s the best way to reach the French Quarter?
A: A $7 rideshare or a 15‑minute walk along the scenic Riverwalk.
Q: Do terminals provide Wi‑Fi?
A: Complimentary basic Wi‑Fi is available in both cruise terminals.
Q: Which cruise lines sail year‑round?
A: Carnival and Norwegian offer year‑round departures; Royal Caribbean and Disney operate seasonally.