The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is set to achieve a remarkable milestone in 2024, with an anticipated 1.3 million cruise passenger movements by the year’s end, surpassing the previous record of 1.2 million in 2023. This upward trajectory not only marks a return to pre-pandemic levels but sets the port on a path to new heights in the cruise industry. As the 6th largest cruise port in the U.S., Port NOLA’s growth in both oceangoing and river cruise traffic reflects its increasing importance in the national and global market.
Cruise operations contribute significantly to the port’s revenues, accounting for over 15% of Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB)’s consolidated annual revenue. The cruise lines themselves have expressed continued confidence in the Louisiana market. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both recommitted to the port this year, with Norwegian extending its partnership for another five years and offering expanded sailings aboard the Norwegian Getaway. Royal Caribbean is returning with the Brilliance of the Seas to begin its new season in New Orleans.
Carnival Cruise Line, a long-time partner of Port NOLA, has secured a five-year deal to operate two year-round vessels—The Valor and The Liberty. Carnival recently celebrated its 30th year of cruising from New Orleans, along with the milestone of seven million passengers having sailed from the port. Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line resumed operations in January 2024 with the Disney Magic, offering cruises during the winter season.
River cruising is also booming, with six homeported vessels, including those from American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruise Line. Viking’s presence is especially notable, with the line operating its first U.S.-built vessel, launched in 2022, from Louisiana.
According to Acting Port NOLA President & CEO Ronald Wendel, Jr., the port is poised to remain a leading destination for the cruise industry, even into 2025, when another record number of passengers is anticipated. He highlighted that many travelers view New Orleans as “two vacations in one,” as the city offers a unique experience for passengers before or after their cruise. Wendel also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships with cruise lines and the local hospitality sector, which have been crucial to this sustained growth.
The economic impact of the cruise industry on the region cannot be overstated. With 90% of cruise passengers coming from out-of-state, the influx of visitors significantly boosts local tourism. Around 70% of cruise guests spend one to two days in New Orleans, creating more than 300,000 hotel room nights and generating over $125 million in local spending annually.
Port NOLA’s two modern cruise terminals, the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and the Julia Street Cruise Terminal Complex, play a key role in facilitating this growing traffic. Both terminals have undergone significant investments, ensuring they can handle the increasing demand from both passengers and the cruise lines that serve them.
