Port of New Orleans Sets All-Time Record High for Cruise Passenger Moves
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced it set a record high in March 2025 with over 165,000 cruise passenger movements- the number of cruise passengers who either board or leave a cruise ship.
The record-breaking numbers topped Port NOLA’s previous high of just over 155,000 cruise passenger moves in March 2023. This momentum comes after a record-breaking year in 2024 for Port NOLA with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.
Port NOLA is the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only port in the nation that offers both ocean-going and river cruising. Port NOLA’s two cruise terminals at Erato Street and Julia Street are located within the heart of the city, just steps away from the historic French Quarter, world-renowned restaurants, and unique cultural heritage.
“Port NOLA has set a new benchmark for our cruise industry, demonstrating the growing global demand for New Orleans as a prime cruise destination” said Port NOLA President & CEO Beth Branch. “This record momentum solidifies Port NOLA’s position as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port, offering travelers a unique blend of ocean and river cruising experiences. We are grateful to our dedicated cruise lines and valued hospitality partners, who help us make cruising from New Orleans an unforgettable two-in-one vacation experience.”
Port NOLA’s cruise business contributes significantly to the state and local economy. 90% of cruise guests travel from out-of-state – 70% of those guests spend one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise – generating more than 300,000 hotel room nights and upward of $125 million in local spending each year.
In 2024, there were continued commitments from Port NOLA’s cruise line partners. Carnival Cruise Line finalized a five-year agreement for two year-round vessels, currently “The Valor” and “The Liberty” and celebrated their 30th year of cruising from New Orleans.
Royal Caribbean returned with the “Brilliance of the Seas,” and is offering sailings on the “Mariner of the Seas” in 2026. Norwegian Cruise Line is continuing with their five-year agreement with Port NOLA with sailings for the “Norwegian Getaway” and added sailings for the “Norwegian Escape” which will be arriving later this year.
Port NOLA continues to offer sailings on six homeported river vessels, including American Cruise Lines and North America’s first Viking Cruise that was built in Louisiana and began sailing in 2022.
“We’re also seeing more port calls at Port NOLA with vessels that come to New Orleans for cruise guests to enjoy the city and its many attractions like Mardi Gras,” said Port NOLA Director of Cruise Steven Gauthier.
“That’s a testament to our unique way of life in this special city we call home. We look forward to welcoming even more cruise guests in 2025 and showing them that one-of-a-kind Big Easy hospitality.”
(Port of New Orleans Sets All-Time Record High for Cruise Passenger Moves)
