Port of New Orleans Reports Record Number of Cruise Passengers
In March 2025, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) reported a record-breaking 165,000 cruise passenger movements, surpassing its previous high of 155,000 set in March 2023. This milestone follows a record year in 2024, during which the port handled over 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.
Port NOLA is unique among U.S. ports in offering both deepwater ocean cruises and river cruises. Its two terminals, Erato Street and Julia Street, are located in downtown New Orleans, within walking distance of the French Quarter.
Approximately 90% of cruise passengers are from out of state, with 70% of those guests spending one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise. This activity generates more than 300,000 hotel room nights and contributes over US$125 million in local spending annually.
In 2024, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line finalized a 5-year agreement to base two ships—The Valor and The Liberty—year-round in New Orleans, marking its 30th year operating from the port. RCI-Royal Caribbean returned with Brilliance of the Seas and plans to begin sailings with Mariner of the Seas in 2026. NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line also extended its 5-year agreement and added service with the Norwegian Escape, in addition to sailings from the Norwegian Getaway.
The port’s river cruise activity includes 6 homeported vessels, with service from ACL-American Cruise Lines and Viking River Cruises. Viking’s North American cruise, launched in 2022, was built in Louisiana.
Port NOLA continues to expand cruise line partnerships, reflecting the growing global demand for New Orleans as a prime cruise destination.
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