This dual ocean and river port is one of America’s most historical cities but also has throbbing contemporary excitement thanks to its music and nightlife scenes.
Who goes there
The US’s sixth-largest cruise port sees a whole variety of mostly larger ships from the likes of Celebrity and Disney call in. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean also homeport ships there seasonally, and Carnival year-round, for cruises to the Mexican coast and Caribbean. Meanwhile Viking, American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages operate river-cruise ships on itineraries upstream to Memphis and sometimes beyond.
Morning mist on the Mississippi … Port of New Orleans.Credit: Getty Images
Sail on in
The Mississippi is wide, muddy and sluggish and the landscape flat, so the arrival isn’t as dramatic as you might hope for. You’ll mostly see modern office blocks, container ships, iron bridges and, as you approach the dock, vast cruise-terminal car parks that signal America’s devotion to the automobile.
Berth rites
Erato Street and Julia Street terminals are adjacent and a short drive from the downtown French Quarter. Which one you dock at depends on your cruise line. You’ll find a small cafe, souvenir shops, ATMs and plenty of seating. A short walk takes you to a shopping mall with two-dozen restaurants and many more shops. River cruises depart from different wharfs at Thalia Street or Poydas Street.
Before and after
You’ll have abundant accommodation choices, since New Orleans is a major tourist centre. If you want to treat yourself, stay at luxury boutique Audubon Cottages or the oh-so-hip Ace Hotel. B&Bs such as the cute Chimes B&B in the Garden District are generally a more reasonably priced option.