Figuring out how to get to the New Orleans cruise port terminal doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. It all boils down to where you are coming from, how many people you are traveling with, and how much money you are willing to spend to get you and your group there.

You do want to take into account what the traffic and weather could be like, and how that will affect your traveling plans. New Orleans is a bright and busy city, and the traffic around the airport and cruise terminal can get a little testy, especially if you’re new to the area.

Below we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to get to the New Orleans cruise terminal. This includes travel tips, transportation options, and various costs that you should consider.

Address & Directions

First, address and directions. If you’re driving your own car, a rental, or paying someone to drive you, you will at least need to know where the terminal is located and a basic of idea of how to get there.

The New Orleans Cruise Terminal is located on the Mississippi River, close to the center of New Orleans. It is near both The French Quarter and the Garden District of New Orleans.

The airport closest to the New Orleans cruise port is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Driving from the airport to the cruise port will take anywhere between 25-40 minutes, depending on how bad traffic is. 

Directions from the airport to the cruise terminal:

• Exit the airport and follow signs for I-10 East
• Take exit 234A to U.S. 90 W
• Take exit 11C to Tchoupitoulas. This is the last
  exit before crossing the Mississippi River, so if you cross the river you went
  too far.
• Follow the ramp down, and turn right onto
  Tchoupitoulas Street
• Turn left onto Henderson Street
• Proceed 2 blocks, then turn left onto Port of
  New Orleans Place (after the railroad tracks)
• You’ll come up to the Erato Street Cruise
  Terminal first. The Julia Street Cruise Terminal is just beyond that.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line)

Located at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, Erato Street Cruise Terminal is the first one you’ll see when arriving at the port. If this is your terminal, there is no need to go any further.

The parking garage is located on top of the terminal, and there is an access ramp to get there just beyond the terminal drop-off area. Parking is $20 per day from August 1st through March 31st and $22 from April 1^st through July 31^st.

Inside the terminal you will find check-in kiosks, a spacious waiting area, baggage area, an elevated loading ramp, customs, and a souvenir shop.

Related: 22 Must-Know Things About the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

Julia Street Cruise Terminal

If your cruise is shipping from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruises only), the address you’ll need is 920 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Parking is available at the adjacent lot, and it costs $20 per day year round. The parking lot is secured, lit, and patrolled 24/7 by security guards.

Inside the terminal are check-in desks, ATMs, souvenir stands, a refreshment stand, elevated loading ramp, and a baggage area.

Additional Parking Information

The cruise terminal does also provide parking for oversized vehicles like RVs or buses. This lot is located behind the Julia Street Terminal Parking lot, and is $40 per day.

Parking right at the port is probably the most convenient option, but if you’d rather spend a little less on parking, we recommend security a spot through either New Orleans Parking ($10 or $12.50 per day) or New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking ($14 per day). You’ll still be super close to the port, you’ll get a shuttle from the parking lot to your cruise terminal, and you’ll save money on parking costs.

Renting a Car

After flying into New Orleans, probably the easiest way to travel to the cruise terminal is by renting a car. You don’t have to worry about waiting for someone to come pick you up, worry if they’ll help you with your luggage or not, and you’ll have full control over your drive. Renting a car can also be a great option if you’re traveling with your family and just want to keep things as simple as possible.

The only downside is that renting a car can also be the most expensive travel option from the airport to the cruise port.

After your flight lands, make your way over to the airport’s rental car facility, located just outside the West Terminal Baggage Claim area, and is within walking distance from all concourses.

For renting a car that will take you to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal, you will want to choose one of four options: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, or Budget. These are the only rental car companies located near the cruise terminal.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to car rental prices is that whether you have a car for just an hour or two, or a full 24 hour period, you will be paying the same price. So, to get the most out of your car rental, we recommend arriving at least a day before your ship leaves.

Also, the New Orleans airport is a high demand area when it comes to obtaining a rental car, so you should book your car in advance to avoid any issues.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise is one of the most popular rental car companies around, and as such there are more than a dozen locations in and around New Orleans. The one that is closest to the cruise port is on 1019 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113, and their phone number is 504-593-9068.

Prices are going to vary depending on the time of year you are traveling and the type of car you choose. Be prepared to spend anywhere between $80 and $120, including taxes and fees.

Hertz

Hertz has a location in New Orleans that is literally within walking distance of the Erato Street Cruise Terminal. Located at 901 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130. Drop your car off here and then simply walk to your terminal if you wish. If you have a lot of luggage, though, you should be able to call a cab or Uber easily enough to drop you off at your terminal.

Once again costs will vary. Including fees you may be looking at a total cost of $100 and up.

Avis Rent-A-Car

If Julia Street is your terminal, Avis is a good choice as they have an office at 2 Poydras Street, just down the road from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

Avis is also the cheapest option so far, compared to Enterprise and Hertz. Including taxes and fees, the total cost for our estimate came out to $60.59. As with the others, prices can vary depending on the time of year. However, if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a rental car, Avis would be an excellent choice.

Budget Rent-A-Car

The Budget location by the cruise terminal is actually in the same building as Avis, at 2 Poydras Street. You can easily walk to either cruise terminal from here, or get on the light rail streetcar at the Poydras Street stop and take that directly to Julia Street.

Budget is just a little bit cheaper than even Avis, and give you the option to prepay online and save money. The only prepay price we found for an economy car, including taxes and fees, was $52.10 ($56.79 to pay at pickup).

Taxis

Getting a taxi to take you where you need to go is probably one of the most common modes of travel between the airport and the cruise terminal.

And the best thing is you can pick one up right as soon as you land. No need to book ahead a time or call anyone. Just make your way to the taxicab booths, which are located outside of baggage belts 1 and 14. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to wait in line to get a taxicab.

The cost for a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminal will be $36 for up to 2 passengers, including luggage. If you have 3 or more needing a ride in the taxi, you’ll be paying about $15 per person.

Rideshare Options

Taxis may be the most convenient way to travel from the airport, but it can be a bit expensive when compared to ridesharing options like Uber or Lyft.

The beauty of getting a ride with Uber or Lyft, is that you just have to download the app to your smartphone and book a ride through there. New Orleans and the airport is a busy enough area that you will have no problem finding a ride.

The minimum cost for an Uber from the airport to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal is $34.65 and is good for up to 4 people (unlike getting a taxi). Lyft can cost anywhere from $32 to $36 for their basic service.

So, if you’re travelling with 3-4 people and you stick with the basic car services from either Uber or Lyft, you’ll be saving money with them as opposed to taking a cab.

Shuttle Options

Shuttles can be hit or miss when it comes to cost and convenience, and it all depends on what shuttle service you choose. We’ll provide you with all of the options available, and let you decide which would be best for your group.

Cruise Line Shuttles

The four major cruise lines that ship out from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal all offer shuttle service for passengers cruising with them. To secure a spot, you must make arrangements with your cruise line ahead of time, and the shuttles are only available the day of the cruise. They will pick you up from the airport and bring you directly to your cruise terminal, and they will even assist you with your luggage.

Cruise Line Shuttles can be extremely convenient for cruise travelers, but the price is where most people decide to go a different route.

For example, Disney charges $25 one way per guest, or $50 round trip. Norwegian charges $20 per person one way, and Carnival is $23.99 per person one way.

If you are cruising by yourself or with one other person, these prices really aren’t that bad, and is much cheaper than taking a cab or even an Uber.

But for a family or four or more, you’re looking at paying almost $200 or more round-trip, just for shuttle transportation to and from the cruise port. If that’s the case for you, we recommend choosing something else.

Also Read: Big Easy Guide on New Orleans Cruise Parking

Airport Shuttle

So, much like the cruise line transfers, the airport shuttle is only going to save you money if you’re travelling with just yourself and maybe another person.

The airport shuttle will take you to anywhere you need to go in New Orleans, including the cruise port, for $24 per person, one way. This includes no more than 3 bags per person.

If you happen to be training with an insanely large group (50 or more), you can get a special group rate for the airport shuttle, but you will need to call ahead of time to get more information about that. The phone number is 1-866-596-2699.

Independent Shuttles

If a shuttle is really what you need, but you don’t want to be paying per person prices, why not try independent shuttle companies. Many of them will give you rates for the amount of people you’ll be traveling with, which can save you money on large groups of 5 or more people.

Here are a few suggestions to look into:

Super Shuttle

Once you’re at the SuperShuttle website, you’ll be presented with a form where you’ll input your travel details. Where to be picked up, dropped off, your arriving and departing flight dates and times, and the amount of people traveling.

Click submit, and you’ll be presented with a list of options. Some options may be a shared ride, where you and your group will share the shuttle with others going the same way, or a non-stop ride that takes you directly to your destination with no interruptions.

Of the options we were given with the details we used, the cheapest was a shared ride. The round-trip cost for a group of 4 people came out to $91.20. So, depending on how many people you have traveling, and the options presented to you, expect to pay between $90 and $140 for a round trip booking.

SuperShuttle also has an app you can download for either Android or iOS. If you create an account, you can earn rewards for your choice of airline every time you book a ride with SuperShuttle.

NOLA Airport Shuttle

NOLA Airport Shuttle offers one-way transportation either from or two the airport. They have flat rate prices no matter where you need to go.

Those prices are:

• 1 person: $24
• 2 people: $18 per person
• 3-6 people: $16 per person
• 7 or more: $15 per person

You can book a shuttle online, or by giving them a call at 504-377-8146.

GO Airport Shuttle

GO Airport Shuttle is a lot like SuperShuttle. The offer shuttle service from just about any airport and will take you anywhere you need to go. They also have an app for android or iOS, and if you become a Frequent Rider, you can earn rewards for either American Airlines AAdvantage or United MileagePlus.

The prices come out to be $24 per person, no matter how many people are in your group, which is right on par with the cruise line transfers. As such we suggest you go with someone else unless you’re traveling alone.

Airport Shuttles

AirportShuttles.Com offers some very decent prices for cruise travelers trying to get a ride to the cruise terminal from the airport. You can select a car to come pick you up, or a limo, or a shuttle, whichever you want. But you can get an economy sedan that will hold up to 4 people, including luggage, for $68 one way. Or you can get a van that holds up to 6 people, luggage included, for $94 one day.

Just book your car ahead of time, and they’ll meet you at the airport when your flight gets in. If you decide to make it round-trip, they’ll also be waiting at the cruise terminal for you when your ship comes back, ready to take you back to the airport so you don’t miss your flight home.

Burton Transit

This locally-owned transportation service is a good option for cruises out of the Port of New Orleans. They offer a shared shuttle service which is $30 if traveling single or up to $24 for multiple passenger bookings. A privet shuttle service is ideal for groups and more unique experience is $60 for a single passenger or $30 per person for multiple passenger bookings.

There is also a chartered service for cruises which can be handy when taking advantage of New Orleans before or after a cruise. There are different vehicle types and it’s catered towards what you need with multiple drop-offs and pick-ups throughout the city.

Travel Tips to New Orleans

Here are some tips for traveling to New Orleans for your cruise. Follow these suggestions should help eliminate a lot of travel stress so that you can fully enjoy your vacation:

• Know ahead of time how you plan to get to the
  cruise port, where you plan to park (if driving yourself), and where you plan
  to stay if you arrive in town the night before.
• Have a backup plan in mind, just in case
  something goes wrong. Even if that means having extra money in your travel
  budget for contingencies.
• Always know where your identification is, and
  always have it at the ready. You will need it at the airport, at the hotel, and
  at the cruise terminal. You will also need to have your cruise information
  (proof of purchase) readily available.
• If you arrived a day early, take some of the
  extra time to explore the city a little. There are various city tours that help
  you be able to see a lot of the city in a very short amount of time.
• No matter what you do, HAVE FUN!

FAQ for Transportation to New Orleans Cruise Port

How far is cruise port in New Orleans from airport?

The airport and cruise port in New Orleans are only about 15 miles apart from each other. On a good day with light traffic, it will only take about 25 minutes to drive the distance. In heavy traffic, however, you may be looking at a 35-40 minute drive. Be sure to plan accordingly when choosing flight times.

What’s the cheapest way to get to the Port of New Orleans?

The answer to that question is contingent on how many people you will be travelling with. If it is just yourself, and you are cruising with one of the four major cruise lines (Norwegian, Disney, Royal, or Carnival), arrange to be picked by their cruise transfer.

For 2-4 people, the cheapest way to get to the Port of New Orleans, if travelling from the New Orleans airport, is by Uber or Lyft. You can get a cheap ride for up to 4 people, including luggage, and there should always be drivers available.

If your group consists of 5 or more passengers, you have a few options. You could book separate Uber or Lyft rides (which might be the easiest option), or you can plan ahead and book a shuttle. SuperShuttle or NOLA Airport Shuttle have decent prices for large groups.

When should I arrive in New Orleans for my cruise vacation?

For any cruise, we highly recommend arriving at least a day before your cruise leaves. This gives you a buffer of time just in case there are any flight delays or cancellations. This can also keep you from getting caught in heavy traffic between the airport and the cruise terminal and missing your boat.

Additionally, having an extra day also gives you time to sightsee a bit, maybe even visit Mardi Gras World which is right next to the cruise port.

Also Helpful: 26 Ideal Hotels Near Port of New Orleans

Conclusion on How to Get to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

Hopefully, after reading this article you have a better idea of the options available to you for transportation to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. Though it is up to you how you get there, our top recommendation is riding with Uber or Lyft. It’s the most convenient, is cheap, and can easily cater 2-4 people and their luggage without a problem.

If you’ve never visited New Orleans before, taking a cruise out of the New Orleans Cruise Terminal is the best way to do so. It gives you an excuse to travel to the Big Easy, the home of Mardi Gras and Cajun cooking.

New Orleans is a big city, and the cruise port is very popular, so you should know what to expect before arriving.

From the history, terminal information, to parking, transportation, and dining options, this article will give you everything you need to know about the New Orleans Cruise Terminal and the surrounding area.

History of the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

The year 1803 is when the United States government bought the colony of Louisiana from the French for $15 million.

This event came to be known as The Louisiana Purchase, and due to the colony’s easy access to commerce and travel along the Mississippi River, easily doubled the size of the United States at the time.

Over the years the Port of New Orleans serves to provide an economic boost to the region, until the Civil War when the port is closed and goes unused for over a decade.

The port is finally reopened in the late 1870s and the next hundred years is spent growing the port and adding cruise terminals. It isn’t long before the New Orleans Cruise Terminal becomes one of the most popular ports for both the transportation of goods and passengers.

Where is the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?

The New Orleans Cruise Terminal is located right in the center of the city. The French Quarter is just a short drive away, as is downtown New Orleans. Nearby cities are Gretna to the south and Metairie to the northwest.

A few landmarks to lookout for if you’re driving to the port are The National WWII Museum on Magazine St and The Louisiana Children’s Museum on Julia Street.

How you get to the port largely depends on which terminal you need to go to.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal, located at 920 Port of New Orleans Place, serves ships from Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place serves ships from Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Lines.

If you happen to be cruising with a different company, your boarding information will tell you which terminal you need to go to.

Where Can You Park?

There are three parking options located right at the port. Each terminal has their own parking area and there is a lot adjacent to the Julia Street Parking lot that provides parking for oversized vehicles (RVs, buses, etc.).

Related: Big Easy Guide on New Orleans Cruise Parking

Ideally, unless you have a bus or an RV, you will want to park in the lot or garage for your terminal, as it will make boarding much easier on you and your family.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal Parking

The garage for the Erato Street Cruise Terminal is located above the terminal. As you approach the terminal you will see a circular ramp that will take you up to the garage. 

SeaCaps will take your checked baggage directly to the ship for you, then once you park just take the convenient elevator down to the terminal to board.

Parking is $22 between April 1 and July 31, and $20 between August 1 and March 31. To be allowed access you must have your boarding information printed out and available to show. The garage is secured, well-lit, and patrolled by security officers 24/7.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal Parking

If you’re arriving to the terminal from the south, drive right past the Erato Street Cruise Terminal to get to the Julia Street Terminal.

Stop at the terminal first and SeaCaps will assist you with your luggage and passengers, then you’ll be given directions to the uncovered parking lot located right next to the terminal.

After you park a shuttle will take you back to the terminal if you need it. Just like the Erato Street Garage, this parking lot is patrolled 24/7, well lit, and secured. Parking at Julia Street is $20 a day year-round.

Oversized Parking

If you know you’ll be driving an oversized vehicle, you will need to make reservations in advance to park at the oversized lot located on Poydras Street next to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal. Check the port website for more information.

After offloading all luggage and passengers at the appropriate terminal first, someone will direct you to the oversized lot, or you can call for Mustafa Yucesoy at 504-609-9559 to assist you. The cost for oversized parking is $40 per day year-round.

Overflow Parking

During the spring and summer cruise seasons there tends to be a much higher demand for parking.

If this is the case for you upon arriving, you will likely be directed to one of various overflow parking sites located around the city. The port will also provide shuttle transportation to and from these overflow parking lots.

Are There Any Off-Site Parking Options?

You can’t beat the convenience and ease of parking right at the cruise terminal. All you have to do is park and then walk right to the terminal to board your ship.

But what if spending $140 for a week of parking isn’t in your travel budget? Or you don’t want to spend $40 a night for your RV or bus?

Well, luckily for you, New Orleans has a few off-site parking options with drastically lower costs that will be much easier on your budget.

New Orleans Parking

New Orleans Parking offers parking at one of four locations right next to the New Orleans Cruise Port, and all of them are significantly cheaper than parking on site.

Three of these options is with Fulton Place Parking, the best place to park in New Orleans whether you’re going on a cruise, or just need to park in town for the day.

For cruise passengers you can park on the garage rooftop (uncovered), a covered level of the garage, or in their oversized lot.

Be sure when you’re making your reservation online to select “cruise parking” to get the appropriate results.

The three Fulton lots do provide shuttle service, but ONLY for Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal passengers.

Prices for Fulton are:

• Rooftop: $10 per day (plus $5 service fee and
  sales tax)
• Covered: $12.50 per day (plus $5 service fee and
  sales tax)
• Oversized lot: $16 per day per space the vehicle
  takes up (plus $5 service fee and sales tax)

The fourth location you can book parking at through New Orleans Parking is the Cummins Parking Lot. $12.50 per day (plus sales tax and a service fee), and they provide shuttle service to and from the cruise port. To book your spot in advance visit https://neworleansparking.com/.

New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking

New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking isn’t as close to the port, but they do provide free shuttle service to and from the cruise port. To park here you must book in advance at http://www.nocruiseshipparking.com.

Parking costs $14 per day. If you will be staying in a hotel that doesn’t provide parking, New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking will charge you $30 the night you stay at the hotel, and then $14 each night after that. And they’ll gladly shuttle you between the hotel, parking lot, and cruise port.

What Types of Cruises Can You Take from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal?

The New Orleans Cruise Terminal offers Caribbean cruises through Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Disney.

The average length of these cruises is 7 nights, but some are shorter at 4 or 5 nights. Carnival and Royal have year-round cruises, while Norwegian and Disney are seasonal.

You can also take cruises along the Mississippi River from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. These cruises are provided through American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company and can last anywhere from 7 nights to 21 nights long. For more information about ships and itineraries, visit the port itinerary page.

Transportation Options to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

If you’ve decided that driving to New Orleans and trying to find parking is just too much work, there are other ways of getting to the cruise port.

First, the best way to get to New Orleans is to fly. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is only about 15 miles from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. So by car or taxi, it should take roughly 20-25 minutes to get to the cruise port.

Cruise Line Shuttles

Many of the major cruise lines offer shuttle transfers for their passengers either from the airport, or from whatever hotel they happen to be staying in.

While this can be extremely convenient, this is the single most expensive way to get to the cruise terminal unless you’re traveling by yourself.

For example, Disney charges $25 one way per guest. So even if it’s just two of you, that’s $100 round trip. $200 for a family of four. 

To learn more about transportation options with the cruise lines at the Port of New Orleans, click one of the links below:

• Carnival Cruise Line Transport Options
• Norwegian Cruise Line Transport Options
• Disney Cruise Line Transport Options
• Royal Caribbean Transport Options

Rental Car

Renting a car for just a few hours is a great way to get from the airport to the cruise terminal, and you don’t have to worry about parking anywhere during your cruise.

It’s important to note that the only car rental companies with rental stations near the New Orleans Cruise Terminal are Avis, Hertz, and Budget. All three of them are also located at the airport so you can pick up your car shortly after arriving.

Renting a car one way will give you control over your transportation options to the cruise port. Be prepared to pay about $60 to rent a car for a day.

Taxis

Taxis are really easy to pick up from the airport and they’ll drive you right up to your cruise terminal. What makes these easy is you don’t have to book anything in advance, and they’ll easily take 1-2 people from the airport to the cruise terminal for a flat rate of $36.

If your group consists of 3 or more people, taxis will charge you an extra $15 per person, so you might want to try something else for larger groups.

Uber/Lyft

Ridesharing services are the prime way to travel around any city these days, and New Orleans is no exception.

Both Uber and Lyft provide rides from the airport to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. From Uber you’ll be looking at paying $34.65, and from Lyft the cost would be $32-$36.

One of the best things about taking Uber or Lyft is the price covers up to 4 people riding in the same car.

What Hotels in New Orleans Provide Parking or Shuttle Service?

If you plan to arrive in New Orleans a day or two before your ship leaves (which we highly recommend that you do), you won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay as there are hundreds of hotels located all around the city.

Also Read: 26 Ideal Hotels Near Port of New Orleans

For those driving to the port, book your stay at a hotel that provides parking. This eliminates to need to also secure parking.

Hotels with parking availability during your cruise are:

• Hilton New Orleans Riverside
  • $170 average nightly rate
  • 0.3 miles from the port
  • You get a 20% discount on your room and parking for $13 per night
• Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome
  • $104 average nightly rate
  • 1 mile from the port
  • Free parking for 8 nights
• Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center
  • $110 average nightly rate
  • 0.6 miles from the port
  • Parking for $14 per night
  • Free shuttle to and from the port
• The Queen Anne Hotel
  • $91 average nightly rate
  • 1.3 miles from the port
  • Free parking for 7 nights (must book 2 nights)
• Maison St. Charles
  • $111 average nightly rate
  • 1 mile from the port
  • Free parking for 7 nights
• Courtyard Marriott New Orleans Westbank/Gretna
  • $107 average nightly rate
  • 3.5 miles from the port
  • Free parking for cruise duration
  • Free shuttle

Must-Try Restaurants Near the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

Even if have just a few hours to kill before your ship takes off, you are likely going to be hungry. Why not spend some of that time sampling some of the excellent cuisines that New Orleans has to offer?

Here are some restaurants within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Most of them are located right in the French Quarter, so you’ll get a unique blend of French and Cajun cooking that you’ll only find in Louisiana.

So park your car, then head on over to one of these amazing places for a tasty treat you won’t forget.

Barcadia Bar & Grill: Step into some nostalgia in this casual bar and arcade room, featuring dozens of arcade games from the ’80s. Serving some of the best burgers and sandwiches around, this is a great place for the kids in your group (or the kids-at-heart) to enjoy.

Cochon Butcher: Both a local butcher and sandwich shop, Cochon has delicious food to offer any meat lover. They work with a large network of local farms to provide their customers with the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Try a Cajun Pork Dog on Pretzel Bun, Moroccan Spiced Lamb on Flatbread (with cucumbers, tzatziki, and chili oil), or their Le Pig Mac.

Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ: If BBQ is your favorite, then be sure to stop by the Ugly Dog Saloon. Serving customers in the Warehouse District since 1998, they serve Cajun smoked sausages, St. Louis style ribs, and spicy alligator chili. This isn’t your normal BBQ joint.

They bring a little extra flavor and kick to everything they serve. You may want to have your favorite antacids on standby when you eat here.

Emeril’s: Heard of Chef Emeril “BAM!” Lagasse? This is his flagship restaurant, located right in the heart of New Orleans. Expect to pay roughly $30 per person here, but your taste buds will thank you.

This restaurant serves New Orleans Barbequed Shrimp, Flash Fried Creole Marinated Calamari, and a double-decker burger that Emeril’s named the “Who Dat” Burger.

What Are Some Fun Things to Do in New Orleans?

In addition to excellent dining and food options, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities to take advantage of near the New Orleans Cruise Terminal.

Shopping

Shopping is by far a favorite tourist past time. Whenever you visit a new place, you want to take something home that reminds you of where you visited. Often this results in the phenomenon of arriving home with more than you left with.

But having items you bought in far places that you’ll never visit again can hold memories of family vacations, or serve as trophies that you traveled to cool places.

New Orleans has many souvenirs to offer tourists visiting for their cruise. The French Quarter especially, which is easily within walking distance of the port, has the French Market.

Six blocks of shopping that also covers roughly three centuries of New Orleans and Louisiana history. This can be a great place to get your retail therapy going while remaining close to the port.

Mardi Gras World

This fun attraction educates you on the history of Mardi Gras and what it means. It’s available year-round with floats, tours, and King Cake. And the best part is they’ll pick you up from anywhere for free! Just call them at 504-361-7821 when you’re ready to visit and they’ll come to get you. Find more details right here.

The National WWII Museum

Just a few blocks down the road from the cruise port is an extensive National World War II Museum down on Magazine St. Learn more about World War II than you ever did in school and what it really means to people today. They have numerous exhibits, movies, and lectures to tell the story.

The museum also has a restaurant on campus that embraces the history and memories of the WWII era called BB’s Stage Door Canteen, complete with entertainment. Be sure to stop in here for a history lesson or two and get some lunch while you’re there.

City Tours

Don’t know what you want to do in New Orleans? That’s okay! If you’re new to the city, it can be tough to know where to go and what to see.

One way to experience New Orleans is to go on a tour. There are various types of tours that will take you to various areas of the city. They have everything from rides on the bayou, cemetery tours, carriage rides, walking tours, and more.

Conclusion on Must-Know Things About the New Orleans Cruise Terminal

New Orleans is a city that’s full of life, spice, and fun. If you’ve never been before, we highly suggest arriving a day or two before your cruise leaves to fully experience everything the city and cruise port has to offer you.

Giving yourself a buffer of time can also come in handy should there be any flight delays, traffic, or any issues with the cruise ship.

From details about the cruise port, to parking, hotels, and things to do in the area, it is important to be informed before you arrive in the city. Plan as much as you can ahead of time, but also allow for the chance to have some spontaneous fun while you’re there.

New Orleans, Louisiana, is a fun place to visit for its food and culture and is filled with history. It’s no wonder that so many people decide to take a cruise from the Port of New Orleans, as it gives them a chance to visit the home of Mardis Gras and spicy New Orleans cuisine.

If you choose to drive to New Orleans rather than fly, one piece of logistics you now have to figure out is where to park your car while you’re on your cruise. Finding the right parking lot can be tricky, as it all comes down to whether you prefer convenience or paying cheap rates.

How Much is Parking at the Cruise Terminal in New Orleans?

As of July 1, 2023, the prices at the cruise terminal are $25 a day for regular vehicles. From what we’ve seen of other cruise ports, that’s not a bad price if you can fit it into your budget.

Still, there are many options in the area that offer prices as low as $10 or $12 per day, so you might want to look at those if you wish to save money on your trip.

In this article, we’ll go into more detail about parking at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal, some off-site parking lots, and nearby hotels that offer either free or discounted parking for cruise passengers (which might be your best option).

There may not be many parking options available, but you should be able to find something that fits with your plans.

Cruise Terminal Parking

• Cost: $25 per day ($40 for RVs, oversized vans, or buses)
• Website: https://www.portnola.com/cruise/parking-directions

There are three on-site official parking lots available to passengers cruising out of the Port of New Orleans. If your cruise is with Carnival or Disney, you’ll park at the Erato Street Terminal, and if it’s with Norwegian or Royal, you’ll park at the Julia Street Terminal.

If you are with a different cruise line, you’ll park at whichever terminal is listed on your cruise ticket.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal

1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Erato Street Cruise Terminal is for cruises with Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. It has over one thousand covered and secured spaces and offers luggage assistance. There is an elevator that will take you from the garage to the embarkation deck.

The garage is climate controlled and ADA-compliant and is located only five minutes from the French Quarter and I-10. If you arrive too early to check-in, this makes it super easy to stop into the city for lunch or a little bit of sightseeing before your ship leaves.

SeaCaps luggage assistance will take your checked luggage directly to the ship when you arrive.

Till the end of July 2019, parking prices were $22 per day. On August 1, 2019, until March 21, 2020, the parking rate was $20 per day. Since July 1, the new rate is $25 for a regular vehicle. Make sure you have your cruise boarding information ready, or you won’t be able to enter the garage.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal

920 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Julia Street Cruise Terminal is where you’ll go if you’re cruising with either Norwegian Cruise Lines or Royal Caribbean International. The parking lot is directly adjacent to the terminal and also offers luggage assistance through SeaCap, which will take your luggage to the ship for you.

The Erato Street Cruise Terminal Complex is located on one side, while the Riverwalk Outlet Collection is on the other. The French Quarter and I-10 are both also nearby, so there are plenty of places to go do some shopping or sightseeing should you be too early to check-in.

When you arrive at the port, you’ll drive past the Erato Street Terminal to get to Julia Street. Someone should be there to direct you to the drop-off area for luggage and passengers, then you’ll be shown how to get to the parking lot.

Parking at the Julia Street Terminal is $20 a day year-round. Even though it’s located right next to the terminal, there is shuttle service available should you need it.

Oversized Vehicles, RVs and Buses

If you’ll be arriving with an oversized vehicle, you won’t be able to park at either Erato Street or Julia Street Terminals. Instead, there’s a special lot for RVs and buses located on Poydras Street, which is next to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

It’s highly recommended that you drop off all luggage and extra passengers at your appropriate terminal first (whether it’s Erato or Julia). Then call Mustafa Yucesoy at 504-609-9559 to direct you to the oversized parking lot area.

The Julia Street Terminal should be within walking distance from the oversized lot, while shuttle service is provided for the Erato Street Terminal. The cost for oversized vehicles is $40 per day, and reservations must be made ahead of time with Mustafa Yucesoy.

Overflow Parking

If both Erato Street or Julia Street parking lots are full (which can happen during the spring and summer), you may be redirected to overflow parking lots that are located near the cruise terminals. You won’t have to pay anything extra, and shuttle transportation to and from these parking lots will be provided.

Off-Site Parking Options

Parking right at the port may be extremely convenient, but it is also costly, running you a minimum of $140 per week just to park (twice that if you have a bus or RV).

Luckily, there are a couple of options nearby for New Orleans cruise parking, with multiple lots available and amenities for cruise passengers. All of these have steep discounts and are great cheap alternatives to parking at the official port.

New Orleans Parking

• Price: $10/$12.50 per day, more for oversized parking
• Website: https://neworleansparking.com/

New Orleans Parking is an excellent alternative to parking at the official port. They have multiple parking lots located around the city, two of which are within walking distance of the New Orleans Cruise Port.

A word of advice: When you go to their website to check on rates, be sure to select “Cruise” from the dropdown where you put in your dates. This will give you the most accurate results possible.

Fulton Place Parking – Garage Rooftop

This option is ONLY for cruise parking and is clean, safe, and secured with 24-hour attendance. Be sure to bring a printed copy of your parking reservation upon arrival, or you won’t be allowed to park.

Shuttle transportation is provided only for passengers cruising with Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal and runs every 5-10 minutes between 7 AM and 3 PM.

If you’re cruising with a different cruise line, you’ll need to find your own transportation. However, the lot is only a block away from the terminal so it’s easy enough to walk there.

Daily rate for the rooftop is $10 per day plus a $5 service fee and sales tax, so for one week you’ll be looking at a total of $83.40 (which is a steal compared to the official parking prices). No oversized parking allowed.

Fulton Place Parking – Garage Covered

Down below the rooftop parking is the covered lot at just $12.50 per day. With the service fee and sales tax, the total cost for a week would be $103. Everything else about this lot is just as it is for the rooftop lot.

Fulton Place Parking – Oversized Uncovered Lot

This lot, which is directly across the street from the Fulton Parking Garage, is meant for oversized vehicles (large vans taller than 6 feet 7 inches, RVs, and buses).

Pricing is a little different for this lot. The cost is $16 per day per space that your oversized vehicle takes up. For example, if your RV takes up two normal parking spaces, you would be paying $32 per day, plus tax and a $5 service fee.

If your car takes up more than that, we recommend using the official port’s oversized parking.

Shuttle service runs the same here as from the other lots: Only to Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean.

Cummins Parking Lot

This open lot has 24/7 security and can be used for cruise or city parking. This lot is also just a block from the port, and the shuttle runs from 7 AM to 3 PM every day.

There is no stipulation about which cruise lines this lot provides a shuttle for, so if you want shuttle transportation for a cruise line that Fulton doesn’t include, this lot is a good alternative. Pricing is $12.50 per day, so the total for a week (with service fee and tax) would be $103.

New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking

• Price: $14 per day
• Website: http://www.nocruiseshipparking.com

If you’re looking for a cheaper option and don’t mind being a little farther away from the cruise port, New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking provides an excellent alternative, complete with a free shuttle to the port.

This lot is small but secured, and you must reserve your spot ahead of time on their website or over the phone. Parking costs $14 per day.

They even offer parking if you’ll be staying at a hotel the night before your cruise. The first night costs $30, and then it’s $14 per night after that. They will provide you with a shuttle to the hotel, from the hotel to the cruise port, and then from the cruise port to your parking spot upon your return.

ParkingPanda.com/SpotHero.com

• Price: Starts at $12 per day
• SpotHero Website: https://spothero.com (and then search for Port of New Orleans)

Parking Panda, which is run by SpotHero, is a directory of all of the parking lots in the New Orleans area that you can book for the duration of your cruise. When you book your parking with them, your receipt and parking pass will come from SpotHero.

Booking through either site is like using a directory for finding flights and hotel deals, and sometimes you can get discounts that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

The link above will take you directly to their list of available parking lots near the Port of New Orleans, and all you need to do is put in the dates you’ll need parking for.

We put in a random week to get an idea on prices. The cheapest option that came up was for $84, which comes out to about $12 per day, and then the rates go up from there.

Some of the more expensive options include valet parking and cost even more than parking at the port, so unless you really like valet parking, we suggest sticking with the cheaper options.

Both ParkingPanda and SpotHero have mobile apps with which you can book your parking if you prefer. You can download the apps from your phone’s app store.

ParkWhiz.com

• Price: Starting at $5 per night
• Website: https://www.parkwhiz.com/port-of-new-orleans-parking

Just like ParkingPanda and SpotHero, ParkWhiz is a service through which you can book your cruise parking anywhere in the city.

Here we found a couple of cheaper options than the other two had, the cheapest being $35 for 7 days of parking. The next one up from that was $70 for a week. These are excellent rates and certainly worth checking into if you’re trying to stay on a budget for your trip. ParkWhix also has an app right here.

Hotels with Cruise Parking

While New Orleans Cruise Ship Parking offers hotel parking, there are numerous hotels in the area that provide free or discounted parking just for booking a room with them. A few of them even provide a shuttle to the port on cruise day.

Related: 26 Ideal Hotels Near Port of New Orleans

If you need a place to stay and don’t want to have to pay extra for cruise parking, consider staying at one of these hotels.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

This hotel is literally within walking distance of the cruise port, which is why you won’t find a shuttle from this hotel. While they don’t have a specific cruise package, they do cater well to cruise passengers.

First, you get a 20% discount on your standard rate room. You also get a huge discount on parking at the hotel. Their parking rate is normally $44 per night, but cruise passengers only pay $13, which is so much cheaper than official port parking.

• Average starting rate: $170
• Distance from port: 0.3 miles
• Shuttle: No

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center

Another great hotel right near the port, they have a cruise package that gives you a big discount on parking ($14 per night plus tax), as well as a shuttle to and from the port.

• Average starting rate: $110
• Distance from port: 0.6 miles
• Shuttle: Yes

Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome

The Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome hotel has a “Port of New Orleans Cruise Package” that provides 8 nights of parking for free during your cruise. No shuttle, but they are only about a mile from the port so if you don’t have a ton of luggage, walking to your terminal is a possibility.

• Average starting rate: $104
• Distance from port: 1 mile
• Shuttle: No

Maison St. Charles

Book your stay at Maison St. Charles using their Park & Cruise package for 7 nights of free parking. You can park for additional nights if you need to, but each extra night will cost $15.

• Average starting rate: $111
• Distance from port: 1 mile
• Shuttle: No

Garden District Hotel Collection

These three hotels located in the Garden District are only about 1.3 miles from the cruise port. Each one offers a unique hotel experience, allowing you to enjoy staying in historic buildings, with service that will make you feel like a guest at someone’s house rather than a standard cookie cutter hotel room.

The hotels in this collection are The Queen Anne Hotel, Prytania Park Hotel, and Prytania Oaks Hotel. All three are located on Prytania Street, a very short drive from the New Orleans Cruise Port.

To book their cruise package you must stay a minimum of two nights, and you get free parking for up to 7 nights.

• Average starting rate: $91 – $115 (depending on which one you go with)
• Distance from port: 1.3/1.5 miles
• Shuttle: No

Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter

The Wyndham in the French Quarter hotel is in a great location if you want to do some dining or shopping in the French Quarter, and it’s very close to the cruise port as well. Their cruise parking package will let you park your car there for 7 days.

• Average starting rate: $144
• Distance from port: 1.5 miles
• Shuttle: No

Courtyard Marriott New Orleans Westbank/Gretna

To get their cruise parking package, you need to give them a call ahead of time and book over the phone at 504-366-1010. The cruise package will provide free parking during your cruise and complimentary shuttle service. More booking details can be found here.

• Average starting rate: $107
• Distance from port: 3.5 miles
• Shuttle: Yes

Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower

Their Family Cruise Package at Holiday Inn West Bank Tower comes with free parking during your cruise, and a hot breakfast buffet.

• Average starting rate: $85
• Distance from port: 4 miles
• Shuttle: No

Comfort Suites Harvey – New Orleans West

A nice affordable option, book with their cruise package for free parking and shuttle to and from the cruise port. Find booking details right here.

• Average starting rate: $89
• Distance from port: 8 miles
• Shuttle: Yes

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Metairie

This hotel’s “Cruise and Park” package provides 7 free nights of parking and one-way transportation to the terminal. The shuttle is free for up to 4 people, and $10 for each additional person. More details about the Country Inn & Suites can be found here.

• Average starting rate: $86
• Distance from port: 8.5 miles
• Shuttle: Yes (one way)

Extended Stay America – Metairie

In order to get free parking during your cruise, just let the front desk know at the hotel when you check-in and they’ll tell you where to park. They don’t provide shuttle service to the port, so you’ll need to secure your own transportation.

• Average starting rate: $76
• Distance from port: 9.5 miles
• Shuttle: No

Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport

If your cruise is going to be longer than a week, this hotel will give you 14 days of free parking with their Park & Cruise package. They do also provide transportation to the port but only one way. You’ll need to find other transportation upon returning.

• Average starting rate: $159
• Distance from port: 14.5 miles
• Shuttle: Yes (one way)

Conclusion on Parking Near the New Orleans Cruise Port

As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to finding parking for your car during your cruise.

If you prefer convenience over anything else, parking right at the port is going to be your best option. You don’t have to walk far, depending on which of the three lots you’re in, and there’s shuttle service if you need it.

Also, if the official lots do get completely filled, they have overflow lots available, so you’ll never have to worry about having to find parking at the last minute.

The official port can be a little hard on the budget, however, so if you want to save money for souvenirs and food, there are plenty of options near the port with significant discounts.

And lastly, should you decide to stay in a hotel the night before your ship leaves, many hotels in the area provide free or discounted parking for cruise passengers. Wherever you decide to park your car, be safe and have fun.