Cruise from Louisiana

At the mouth of the Mississippi River, New Orleans, Louisiana is advantageously placed for two aspects of the cruise market: Caribbean and river cruises. Direct Line Cruises specializes in cruises from New Orleans, Louisiana on major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.

With cruise and cargo facilities, New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the world. Considered a “gateway to the global market,” the Port of New Orleans has been an international trade hub since the 18th century, in fact, when it was originally founded by the French. In more recent times, the facilities went through a $400 million upgrade over the past 10 years and encompass the world’s largest wharf – one large enough to hold 15 ships at once!

Cruises from Louisiana, once departing from the Julia Street Wharf, now leave from the Erato Street Wharf, a larger and newer terminal. The new cruise port is better-suited to accommodating larger ships and features a newer garage. Yearly, this cruise port sees 700,000 travelers pass through.

For the international cruise market, transatlantic and Caribbean cruises both depart from Louisiana. Ships, going to points in Mexico and Caribbean islands along the way, include Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

As a city, New Orleans is ideally positioned for travelers not only from the area but the entire Midwest. From states once forming the Louisiana Purchase, travel is possible via river, rail, and highway. Inside the city, the RiverFront Streetcar Line offers connectivity to the terminal from popular attractions.

For traveling into the area, the Louis Armstrong International Airport is just 17 miles away from the cruise port. A shuttle, arranged at the airport, connects passengers from air travel to the cruise terminal.

Although a Caribbean or European trip offers many beautiful sights to behold, those traveling to take a cruise from Louisiana often end up staying a few days before or after in New Orleans. Activities start practically immediately from the port, which is, in fact, connected to the RiverWalk Shopping Mall. World-renowned landmarks, including the French Quarter, as well as various midscale to luxury hotels, are just a short trip away. Along with nearby attractions are notable features of New Orleans and Louisiana: experience history with a plantation or cemetery tour or see one of the most ebullient events in the making at Mardi Gras World.