New Orleans cruise port guide
Which terminal is yours?
Two riverfront cruise terminals a short walk from the French Quarter: Erato Street for Carnival, Julia Street for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Here is which is yours, what the port's garages cost and how to get there from MSY.
Terminals, prices, and schedules checked . How we check
Departure day, in order
- Step 1
Get to the port
Flying in? New Orleans airport (MSY) is about 16 miles away, 25 to 40 minutes by car.
Airport transfer options - Step 2
Park or stay the night before
8 parking options. With a shuttle or a walk to the terminal, 7 days costs $119.28 to $180. 4 hotels on our list run a port shuttle.
Compare parking - Step 3
Drop your bags at the terminal
Porters take checked luggage at the curb. Keep medication, documents, and a change of clothes with you.
Find your terminal
Arriving a day early?
Flying in the day before gives you a buffer for delays and a free afternoon in New Orleans. Tours, boat trips and attractions there can be booked on Viator.
Things to do in New OrleansThe Port of New Orleans is the sixth-largest cruise port in the U.S., with just over a million passenger movements in 2025. Its two cruise terminals sit on the Mississippi riverfront behind the convention center, a short walk or streetcar ride from the French Quarter.
Carnival sails from here all year from the Erato Street terminal: Carnival Liberty on 7-night trips and Carnival Valor, then Carnival Dream from May 2027, on 4- and 5-night trips to Cozumel and Progreso. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian sail from Julia Street in winter.
Cruise lines sailing from New Orleans
| Cruise line | Ships | Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor, Carnival Dream | Erato Street Cruise Terminal |
| Royal Caribbean | Mariner of the Seas | Julia Street Cruise Terminal |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway | Julia Street Cruise Terminal |
Arrival tips
- Carnival sails from the Erato Street terminal; Royal Caribbean and Norwegian from Julia Street, next door.
- Both port garages open at 9 a.m. on cruise days, not before. Julia Street passengers park at 100 Poydras Street and take a shuttle.
- Port parking is sold as packages: $120 for 4 days, $135 for 5 and $180 for 7, cards only. Reserving online adds $1 a day.
- The Riverfront streetcar stops by the terminals, 5 minutes from the French Quarter.
- Ships return early in the morning and disembarkation takes a couple of hours, so book flights home for noon or later.
Common questions
Which New Orleans cruise terminal does my ship use?
Carnival uses the Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian use the Julia Street Cruise Terminal next door. Drivers for Julia Street park at the 100 Poydras Garage and take a shuttle.
How much is parking at the New Orleans cruise port?
$180 for a 7-day cruise, $135 for 5 days and $120 for 4 days, at both port garages, paid by card. Reserving online adds $1 a day.
How far is the New Orleans airport from the cruise port?
About 15 to 16 miles, 25 to 40 minutes by car. Taxis charge a flat $36 for one or two people to the riverfront, or $15 per person for three or more.