Cruises Departing from NOLA this Summer
This summer, major cruise lines are offering Caribbean cruises directly from New Orleans, giving travelers a chance to combine the culture, food, and nightlife of New Orleans with tropical destinations across the Gulf and Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises from New Orleans has voyages through the Mariner of the Seas, a ship packed with attractions designed for both families and adults. Travelers can expect features such as the FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, laser tag, rock climbing walls, live entertainment, and restaurants ranging from casual cafés to upscale steakhouses. Royal Caribbean itineraries departing from New Orleans focus on Western Caribbean destinations including Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line will sail out of New Orleans this summer, offering a mix of shorter getaway cruises and weeklong Caribbean adventures through ships such as the Carnival Liberty and Carnival Valor. Travelers can choose itineraries ranging from four-night Western Caribbean trips to seven-night Bahamas and Caribbean sailings with stops in destinations such as Cozumel, Belize, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, and Nassau. Onboard, Carnival markets its signature "Fun Ship" atmosphere with waterparks, casinos, comedy clubs, live entertainment, pools, spas, and dining options designed for families and young travelers.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is also expanding its presence in New Orleans this summer with Caribbean sailings aboard the Norwegian Escape, one of their large and modern ships. They market its signature "freestyle cruising" experience, allowing guests more flexibility with dining, entertainment, and scheduling compared to traditional cruise formats. Departures from New Orleans feature seven-day Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel, Harvest Caye in Belize, Roatán, and Costa Maya. Norwegian also emphasizes New Orleans itself as part of the experience, encouraging travelers to explore the French Quarter, Garden District, and local Creole cuisine before embarking.
American Cruise Line
American Cruise Lines offers an intimate Mississippi River experience departing from New Orleans, focusing on history, culture, and small-ship luxury rather than massive onboard attractions. The company operates several riverboats from Port NOLA, including the American Heritage, American Symphony, American Serenade, and American Splendor, with itineraries ranging from 7 to 21 nights. Cruises travel between New Orleans, Memphis, and even St. Paul, stopping in historic river towns such as Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville.
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises has brought its cruises to the Mississippi River with the Viking Mississippi, a modern luxury ship sailing from New Orleans through the American South and Midwest. The ship accommodates nearly 400 passengers and features Scandinavian-inspired design, balcony staterooms, lounges with river views, an infinity plunge pool, specialty dining, and excursions based on destination. Viking itineraries departing from New Orleans include routes to Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, with stops in Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, and other historic river communities along the Mississippi.
