Thanksgiving Cruises from New Orleans in 2026
This Thanksgiving, you and your loved ones could celebrate while boating off to paradise. New Orleans has one of the largest cruise ports in the country, which makes it easy to enjoy a relaxing holiday cruise to the Caribbean or a day cruise on the Mississippi River.
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and several major cruise lines have trips leaving from New Orleans that week. Whether you want an eight-day trip to the Bahamas or a jazz cruise on the Mississippi River, here are some ways you can celebrate the holiday on the water.
Carnival Liberty: 8-Day Bahamas Cruise
Carnival Liberty leaves New Orleans on November 21 and comes back on November 29. This eight-night cruise visits the Bahamas, stopping at Carnival's Celebration Key, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, and Nassau. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, Carnival serves a traditional meal and hosts fun seasonal activities such as dinner-time trivia and a Thanksgiving-themed duck hunt.
Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas: 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas leaves New Orleans on November 21 and returns on November 28. This seven-night Western Caribbean cruise stops at Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in Grand Cayman, and Falmouth in Jamaica. You'll be at sea on Thanksgiving Day, with lots of time to enjoy activities including the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, mini golf, ice skating, live shows, and the adults-only Solarium.
Norwegian Breakaway: 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise
Norwegian Breakaway leaves New Orleans on November 22 and returns on November 29. This seven-night cruise stops at Cozumel in Mexico, Roatán in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, and Costa Maya in Mexico. You'll spend Thanksgiving Day at Harvest Caye, Norwegian's private resort in Belize. On board, you can enjoy the Waterfront promenade, Aqua Park, restaurants, bars, live entertainment, and more.
Carnival Valor: 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise
Carnival Valor leaves New Orleans on November 23 and comes back on November 28. This five-night Western Caribbean cruise stops at Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico, with Thanksgiving Day spent in Progreso. On board, Carnival celebrates with a traditional meal and seasonal activities. The ship also offers WaterWorks, the Punchliner Comedy Club, Dive-In Movies, Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the adults-only Serenity retreat.
Creole Queen Thanksgiving Day Jazz Cruise
The Creole Queen's Thanksgiving Day Jazz Cruise happens on November 26 and is a great choice if you want to celebrate on the water without spending several days away. Boarding is from noon to 1 p.m., and the cruise down the Mississippi River runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. During the trip, you can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with sides and desserts while listening to live jazz on the historic paddlewheeler.
