cozumel cruise out of new orleans

Cruises to Cozumel from New Orleans

Cozumel is the most frequent destination of cruises out of New Orleans. Two cruise lines offer cruises to this popular port in Mexico. See the full schedule of departures below.

Cozumel is an island off the coast of Mexico, and its tropical climate is always warm so any month is good for a cruise. The average high temperature in January is 83 degrees, and 91 degrees in August. The dry season is from December to April, so that is the best time of year to visit.

View Cozumel on Google Maps . Zoom in on the satellite image to explore the island.

Learn more about cruises from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean that often also include a stop at Cozumel.

Cozumel Shore Excursions

Coral reefs around the island make snorkeling and scuba diving favorite shore excursions on Cozumel. Other things to do include para-sailing, kitesurfing, and swimming with dolphins. So many excursions to enjoy in Cozumel .

Touring Mayan historic sites is another top thing to do. San Gervasio is the main site on Cozumel itself. Lots of cruise passengers take an excursion to Tulum, a Mayan walled city on the nearby Yucatan Peninsula. It's a spectacular site.

4-day cruises to Cozumel on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from New Orleans to Cozumel (Mexico). • 2024 departures: January 4, February 1, February 15, February 29, March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, September 26, October 10, October 24, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 19.

4-night cruises to Cozumel on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from New Orleans to Cozumel (Mexico). • 2024 departures: January 31, March 1.

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Cheap Cozumel Cruises from New Orleans

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Cruises from New Orleans to Cozumel

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4 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You like big ships with plenty of fun activities for all ages
• You want to visit some of the most-popular Caribbean ports
• You want extremely varied dining and entertainment options
• You prefer a quiet, less-crowded cruise with few children
• You want to have authentic, locally inspired dining options
• You are in the market for larger and more lavish suites

7 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want a variety of dining and entertainment options
• You're looking for a value-packed cruise to the Caribbean
• You're traveling as a group with varied likes and interests
• You want a less-crowded, adult-oriented cruise experience
• You don't care about waterslides or poolside activities
• You are looking for a longer cruise to more out-of-the-way ports

5 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

7 night cruise to the western caribbean.

• You want a bevvy of dining, lounge and entertainment options
• You love being outdoors; The Waterfront promenade is a winner
• You like lavish suites and well-appointed cabin options
• You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best features
• You dislike crowds for shows and popular top-deck activities

14 Night Cruise to the Panama Canal & Central America

14 night cruise to the caribbean.

• You want a cruise with tons of fun for the entire family
• You like dining outdoors and chilling out by the pool
• You want some of the best cruise entertainment options at sea
• You dislike crowds or lines; you can find both on Norwegian Escape
• You don't want to pay extra for the ship's coolest features
• You're after a romantic couples cruise or a laid-back trip

11 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want a cruise with plenty of wow but on a smaller scale
• You appreciate bright, airy public rooms and lots of open decks
• You dislike the look and feel of the newest mega-cruise ships
• You need ziplines, thrilling waterslides or active diversions
• You want wall-to-wall entertainment; these ships are quieter

5 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

6 night cruise to the caribbean, explore new orleans.

Cruises from New Orleans to Cozumel

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $205 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $153 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $131 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $110 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $217 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $90 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $276 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $193 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $149 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $156 pp not included.

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4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Explore the Audubon Zoo, featuring over 2,000 animals in their natural habits
• Celebrate jazz at The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
• Visit the most popular destination in New Orleans, the open-air French Market
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Scuba dive at Playa San Francisco Beach
• Shop for handmade jewelry at the duty-free Port Shopping District
• Trace the history of Cozumel at the Museo de Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula sits Cozumel, a tropical oasis in the Caribbean Sea. The island often is considered one of the world's best snorkeling and scuba diving spots due to its clear, warm water, dazzling coral reef and an abundance of marine life. Popular Palancar Reef delights divers with its swim-through tunnels and caves, and beginners can encounter eels and rays at Paradise Reef. Additional shore excursions include Jet boat tours, fishing trips and expeditions that explore the island's cenotes and Mayan ruins by Jeep, horseback or electric bike. Tequila and salsa tastings embrace local culture, and Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park thrills with ziplines, glass-bottom kayaks and a crocodile exhibition.

New Orleans, LA

Located on the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, New Orleans lies about five and a half hours east of Houston, TX, and is within a two-hour drive of Baton Rouge, LA. While there are many sectors within the city, the French Quarter is the most visited area, and is known for its delicious Creole cuisine and toe-tapping street musicians. Grab a beignet at Café du Monde, or head out to tour the mansions that can be seen over the greenery of the Garden District. NOLA is also the home of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, so plan your trip at the right time of the year to join in the festivities of these celebrations. In addition to these large festivals, the "Big Easy" of Louisiana has many other small celebrations throughout the year. While it is mostly recognized as an adult oriented city, there are opportunities for families with children to enjoy a visit as well. The wealth of culture and art found around the Crescent City provide something for everyone to love. Whether you are having a good time down Bourbon Street or looking out for ghosts at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, a visit to New Orleans is guaranteed to leave you with memories you won't forget.

Protect Your Trip »

Icon of the seas: the best dining, amenities and more on royal caribbean's new ship.

This family-friendly megaship features plenty of activities, entertainment and restaurants.

Icon of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Key Takeaways

• Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with 18 passenger-accessible decks, eight different neighborhoods and 2,805 staterooms.
• Think of Icon of the Seas as an all-in-one adventure vacation contained on a ship. Young families and energetic travelers will enjoy it most.
• Itineraries originate from Miami , sail to destinations around the Caribbean and include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island , Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you have any degree of interest in traveling or cruising, chances are you've heard the buzz around Icon of the Seas. Another record-breaking ship by Royal Caribbean International , Icon of the Seas debuted on Jan. 27, 2024, as the largest cruise ship in the world. It is epic in every sense, featuring 18 cruiser-accessible decks and stretching 1,196 feet from bow to stern.

With greatest-of-all-time soccer player Lionel Messi as the ship's godfather, the Icon of the Seas is truly iconic. Messi brought the entire Inter Miami team along for the opening ceremony and the big reveal of the team's new Royal Caribbean-sponsored jerseys. I was fortunate enough to attend this star-studded ceremony as part of the press preview sailing in the days leading up to the ship's grand debut to the public. It was everything I thought it would be and more, and nobody could have been more appropriate than Messi to send this ship on her maiden voyage.

Boarding a ship of this size can seem overwhelming, but not when you understand the layout. Icon of the Seas is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods: AquaDome, Central Park, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Royal Promenade, The Hideaway, Suite Neighborhood and Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families looking for nonstop fun and kid-approved eats and treats.

In addition to these public areas, there are 2,805 staterooms spread across 12 decks. Icon of the Seas' capacity maxes out at 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, but with the plethora of public spaces and variety of things to do and see, you can choose your own adventure without encountering more crowds than you want to.

Find your perfect cruise

Skye Sherman

Icon of the Seas itinerary

During its inaugural 2024-2025 cruising season, Icon of the Seas offers seven-night eastern or western Caribbean adventures from Miami, stopping at a variety of tropical destinations. All sailings include a stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas . Other destinations include Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis ; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico .

During the 2025-2026 cruising season, new destinations will include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Labadee, Haiti; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands ). All sailings will originate from Miami.

No matter your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you'll visit beautiful places – but you can expect to feel torn about spending any time off the ship, because it's just that jampacked with things to do.

Who should sail on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas appeals not so much to a demographic as to a psychographic; you're going to need to be someone who likes to live life in all caps. Royal Caribbean set out to create "the world's best vacation" contained on a ship, so Icon of the Seas is for anyone who would enjoy the combination of a beach trip, a resort stay, a water park adventure and island-hopping.

Fun-loving travelers and families with kids of varying ages will do best on this ship; it feels a little bit like Disney World with over-the-top everything and a truly massive sprawl. Older travelers who prefer a more quiet, refined experience may want to opt for a less kid-friendly ship. Still, even couples without children will find plenty of fun adult-friendly things to do and romantic places to tuck in.

The Royal Promenade can be quite loud and buzzy, but simply relocating to another onboard neighborhood can completely shift the vibe. Also, keep in mind that the ship really is huge, and walking from end to end can be a hike, so those with limited mobility or endurance might want to look into a smaller ship.

Icon of the Seas prices are high in its opening season, but cruisers with big dreams and small budgets can expect rates to drop by the time the next ship in the series debuts.

The stateroom

With a ship this overstimulating, it's imperative that your stateroom is a haven. Luckily, Icon of the Seas offers peaceful rooms, many of which feature ocean or Central Park neighborhood views. Cruise ship accommodations are stereotypically compact – even cramped – but the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in Icon of the Seas' cabins (with the exception of the windowless interior rooms) lend an airy, open feel. The cabin layouts are also optimized to provide the maximum amount of storage, floor space and comfort.

Stateroom decor is mildly nautical- and tropical-themed, with calming hues that mimic the scenery outside your window (think blues, beiges and whites). High-tech elements include smart TVs, LED mirrors and the ability to control many aspects of your room from an app.

My husband and I stayed in an Ocean View Large Balcony Stateroom, a 204-square-foot refuge from the hustle and bustle of the ship (the balcony adds another 65 to 70 square feet). This room type can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed for one or two; the room also features twin beds that convert to a king bed for couples.

My husband is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and we were comfortable in our room, even though our quarters included a large bed, a bathroom, a sofa and a desk. We loved sitting on our private balcony and watching the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean flow by.

If money is no object, the Ultimate Family Townhouse – an over-the-top eight-guest, three-story pad with a private whirlpool on the balcony, three bathrooms, a slide that connects the second and main levels, an in-suite cinema, a dining room and a kitchenette – looks epic. But keep in mind, it costs nearly $100,000 for the week.

The Sunset Corner Suites (about one-fifth of the cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but still expensive) are also pretty sweet, with a wraparound balcony and a bed facing the sea.

Luckily, not all rooms break the bank; with four main stateroom categories (suite, balcony, ocean view and inside) and 28 subcategories, there's something for everyone.

Best amenities on Icon of the Seas

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do aboard Icon of the Seas.

For thrill-seekers, the largest water park at sea – Category 6 – features the Frightening Bolt (the tallest waterslide on a ship) and the Pressure Drop (the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise vessel).

If you've tired of the seven swimming pools, six waterslides, laser tag, mini-golf, rock climbing wall, escape room, sports courts, outdoor decks, theater, spa and all-day programming, simply take a stroll down the Royal Promenade for Las Vegas -style people-watching. The Royal Promenade has 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a Starbucks that seems to have a line no matter what time you go. The neighborhood feels a bit like a shopping mall … if a shopping mall had floor-to-ceiling ocean views made possible by the world's largest kinetic art sculpture.

The Pearl, a feat of engineering, is one of the most unique aspects of the ship's design. This art piece is actually a load-bearing structure supporting three decks, but it looks and feels like an interactive art experience designed solely for the enjoyment of guests. The multisensory immersive structure has 3,000 kinetic panels and moody ever-changing lighting. It is one of the first things guests will see when they walk on board, as it stretches from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park.

My husband and I spent most of our time at the FlowRider surf simulator – his favorite amenity – but we made sure to leave time for Taylor Swift trivia at Spotlight Karaoke and the superhuman stunts of the Aqua Theater show, a must on any Icon of the Seas voyage. The ship even has a massive ice arena called Absolute Zero for ice skating (the 20-minute sessions are complimentary) and impressive shows.

We also loved lounging in The Overlook Bar & Pods, an area at the very front of the ship (behind the AquaDome) that features two levels of floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. It felt airy and open, which can't be said about many cruise ship interiors.

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Best dining venues on Icon of the Seas

There are more dining options aboard Icon of the Seas than you can fit in on a seven-night cruise – but you can give it the old college try. Thirteen of the dining venues are complimentary, while 14 are specialty restaurants (which cost extra; fees vary). There are also 18 bars and lounges.

The best meal we experienced on the ship was at the Chops Grille specialty eatery. When we spotted Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and a group of bigwigs at a table next to us, we knew we were in the right place. We loved sitting outside and enjoying the breezes of Central Park while we chowed down, but you can eat indoors for an elegant steakhouse experience and a view of the open kitchen and butcher's display, which shows off specialty cuts like high-grade wagyu and bone-in tomahawks.

While I'd never turn down a swanky steak dinner, grabbing quick poolside bites at El Loco Fresh and indulging in some food hall-style grazing at AquaDome Market were equally enjoyable. We also had no complaints eating several meals at Windjammer, the classic complimentary cruise ship buffet.

Even though we don't have children, we stopped into Surfside Bites for a very kid-friendly meal, complete with soft serve ice cream cones from Sprinkles (because no cruise is complete without soft serve). We didn't try anything from the open-air, lemonade stand-inspired Lemon Post bar, but its menu of cocktails and mocktails looked delicious.

And since you're on vacation, be sure to check out the milkshake bar Desserted, where the sugary creations are as photo-worthy as they are decadent. They're worth the upcharge.

Best excursions on Icon of the Seas

Depending on what's on your Icon of the Seas itinerary, you may be able to book activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, tropical jungle adventures, visits to Mayan ruins, volcano hikes, rainforest zip lining, relaxing beach days or cultural immersion tours.

Note that Royal Caribbean features the same options on many of its other Caribbean cruises; none of the excursions on offer are exclusive to Icon of the Seas.

Because our press preview sailing only visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, we did not experience any of the shore excursions. Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas was plenty of fun, even though we didn't plan anything in advance.

If we had made plans, we would have liked to check out the Up, Up and Away tethered hot air balloon, which wasn't running that day, and the overwater cabanas at Coco Beach Club, which were all booked. Thrill Waterpark (which features the tallest waterslide in North America), Oasis Lagoon (the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean) and the adults-only Hideaway Beach are other highlights of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Overall impressions of Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean seems to be focused on superlatives. It has the biggest, best, tallest, largest and most of everything – especially when it comes to Icon of the Seas. If you like jampacked, adventurous vacations that squeeze a lot of adventure and relaxation into one memorable week, Icon of the Seas is probably for you.

While I love seeing Royal Caribbean push the limits of what cruises can be, the ship may almost be too big for some. It's an all-out Vegas-esque vessel that feels more like a floating city; you will probably forget (more than once) that you're not on dry land.

That's not necessarily a bad thing – if Icon of the Seas looks fun to you, it probably will be – but my husband and I tend to gravitate more toward authentic, immersive, on-the-ground cultural experiences when we travel. While Icon of the Seas is a lot of things, it's not that. We had a fantastic time and have already started planning a future Royal Caribbean cruise with a group of friends and family, but we also sympathize with the anticruisers of the world. Vacationing does not a traveler make.

Still, the shows are entertaining, the service is attentive, the music is jamming, and the architecture and design are incredibly impressive. I have no real complaints and suspect that most cruisers will have the time of their lives on Icon of the Seas – exactly as the minds at Royal Caribbean envisioned when they dreamed up this iconic ship.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Skye Sherman has been cruising since childhood, when her parents took her on her first cruise through the Caribbean. She has sailed various ocean cruise lines, gone off the grid for a six-day riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon River and even planned a European river cruise with 48 of her closest family and friends. She's a fourth-generation Floridian and hopes to visit every country in the world during her lifetime. She covers travel and lifestyle topics for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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7 Amazing Destinations to Visit When Sailing from New Orleans

By Carnival Cruise Line

When planning your next escape, consider a cruise from New Orleans ! The Big Easy is a convenient port with plenty of old world charm and the perfect place to kick start your trip in style. Check out these seven amazing options for your next cruise from New Orleans to the Caribbean:

Located in the crystal clear waters off the coast of Mexico, the island of Cozumel is one of the world’s top destinations for diving and snorkeling. Embrace your adventurous side on the Adventure Jeep, Snorkel and Tequila Tour at Punta Sur .

You’ll get to drive through the Mexican jungle, take a guided underwater snorkeling tour of Punta Sur Marine Park, and wrap up the day with a snack buffet and tequila tasting. Non-alcoholic beverages are available as well, making this a wonderful opportunity for the whole family.

2. Montego Bay

Montego Bay is synonymous with laid-back Jamaican fun and is a stellar destination for hitting the beach, relaxing or participating in some of the most popular activities in the Caribbean. The Bobsled Jamaica and Dunns River Falls Tour packs three activities into one incredible day.

Climb up the terraced rock steps of Dunn River Falls or soar above the jungle on the Sky Explorer chair-lift. Finish your adventurous day with a trip on a Jamaica bobsled to get back down to the beach.

When taking a family cruise from New Orleans, consider the hidden gem of Belize . This tiny, gorgeous country has a lot to offer, including the sacred crystal caves of the ancient Mayan people. The best way to see these unique geological formations is on a Private Crystal Cave Tubing and Zipline Tour , where you’ll soar above tropical trees and float through an amazing cave.

There’s also a swimming hole and lunch is included, making this the perfect experience if you’re looking for a well-rounded adventure that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

4. Grand Cayman

In the heart of the Caribbean you can find Grand Cayman , a natural wonderland of fine sand beaches and incredible sunsets. It’s also a special place to get up close and personal with sea creatures. On the Dolphin Swim and Stingray City Excursion , you can ride a boogie board pushed by a friendly dolphin.

Your adventure continues as you cruise to Stingray City, where you can interact with stingrays as they glide by you. This is an excellent way to relax and feel more connected to the marine life on your trip.

5. Mahogany Bay

Looking for a cruise destination that’s off the beaten path? Mahogany Bay in Honduras might be the best-kept secret in the Caribbean.

The name “Honduras” in Spanish means deep waters, and what better way to explore those waters than by sailing on the Jolly Roger Catamaran ? On this balmy, breezy trip to Isla de Roatan, you can snorkel around the reef and explore the beach before enjoying a buffet lunch. With music, dancing, and an open bar, this is a party you won’t want to miss!

6. Costa Maya

Costa Maya , located on the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula, is a beautiful destination steeped in rich history. The Mayan people built their civilization here, and today many of their pyramids and other architectural feats are hidden in the lush jungle.

You can see and climb a few steps of the ruins just like the early explorers did when you take a tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins . The site is largely not excavated, so you’ll have a chance to experience the thrill of discovery.

When you cruise to the Yucatan peninsula , get ready to explore its vibrant culture and warm hospitality! Make sure to stop by Merida, a major cultural center and prime example of Spanish colonial city planning, Merida is at the heart of it all.

One of the best ways to experience Merida is on a Mexican Beer Tasting and Pub Crawl Tour , where you’ll get to see how local beer is made and sample some tasty hand-crafted beers as you walk through town. This is a great way to taste the local flavors and sip brews that are exclusive to the region.

Ready to set sail from New Orleans? It’s time to book your trip! Explore Carnival cruises to the Caribbean to get an idea of all the fun you can have when you sail out of New Orleans. From world-class dining to adrenaline-pumping shore excursions, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation on a Carnival Cruise ship!

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Carnival Cruise Line brings new ship to New Orleans, celebrates 30th anniversary in Port N.O.

C arnival Cruise Line celebrates 30 years of sailing out of the Port of New Orleans with the arrival of a ship new to the port and making New Orleans its permanent home.

The Carnival Liberty will make a berth in New Orleans and sail out of the port year-round along with the Carnival Valor.

The Liberty arrived in port Monday and was welcomed in by Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer and New Orleans icon Emeril Lagasse, Port NOLA President and CEO Brandi Christian, and Carnival Cruise Line executives.

“Even before joining the team, I knew well that Carnival has been a great partner to our incredible city. We’ve all seen and enjoyed the growing popularity of cruising from our port over the years, which continues to bring more people here to enjoy all the rich culture our city has to offer,” said Lagasse. “My restaurants, Emeril’s and Meril, are just a few blocks from the pier, and it’s also special getting to welcome a ship docking here for the first time. We’re proud Carnival Liberty and her great team are now calling New Orleans home.”

Carnival says passengers aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty can enjoy signature burgers designed by Guy Fieri, right at Guy's Burger Joint, drinks and sports at the ship’s SkyBox Sports Bar, and eat fresh cantina-style food at the Blue Iguana Cantina. The Carnival Liberty will sail 6, 9, and 10-day cruises to the Caribbean and Panama Canal.

Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from New Orleans in 1994 and over the years has expanded the number of ships, capacity, and cruise options, carrying approximately 5 million guests.

Carnival says its cruise ships have carried an estimated 400,000 passengers each year from New Orleans.

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Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 30 years of Saliling from New Orleans

Carnival Liberty Arrives to Welcome First Guests from New Homeport, Solidifying Carnival’s Year-Round Commitment in Port NOLA   NEW ORLEANS – May 6, 2024 – Trumpets blared aboard  Carnival Liberty  today as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated its  30th year sailing from  New Orleans . Community leaders and the cruise line’s Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, world-famous for his New Orleans cuisine, were on board to mark the important milestone just after the ship arrived in its new home of Port NOLA for the first time.              Carnival’s Chief Communications Officer Chris Chiames and former Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald, a New Orleans native, thanked local leaders for their longstanding partnership. Carnival is the top cruise operator in New Orleans and the only ocean cruise line to homeport in the city year-round. Nearly seven million guests have cruised from Port NOLA on a  Carnival ship  since the cruise line began the port’s first year-round service from the city in 1994.             “It’s an honor to share this great milestone and build on our successful partnership with the city and the port of New Orleans. We sail more than 400,000 guests from Port NOLA annually and for every one of them, our goal is the same: providing a fun and memorable vacation. That’s certainly a shared objective with the City of New Orleans, for all its visitors, which drives our partnership’s continued success,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. In the spirit of marking the special 30-year milestone, Carnival donated $30,000 to the  Emeril Lagasse Foundation   to support New Orleans’ education and culinary programs for youth. Lagasse led a tour of the ship’s main galley for a group of kids from the Belle Chasse Academy, a local school partner of Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, shortly after making the first cut of a special anniversary cake created by Carnival Liberty’s culinary team. “Even before joining the team, I knew well that Carnival has been a great partner to our incredible city. We’ve all seen and enjoyed the growing popularity of cruising from our port over the years, which continues to bring more people here to enjoy all the rich culture our city has to offer,” said Lagasse. “My restaurants, Emeril’s and Meril, are just a few blocks from the pier, and it’s also special getting to welcome a ship docking here for the first time. We’re proud Carnival Liberty and her great team are now calling New Orleans home.”             Carnival Liberty’s arrival maintains Carnival’s two-ship, year-round deployment strategy in New Orleans. The ship offers a variety of sailing options, with mostly week-long cruises visiting popular destinations in the  Bahamas ,  Mexico  and the  Caribbean .  Two unique 14-day  Panama Canal  cruises are also open for sale and next year, Carnival Liberty will sail several voyages visiting  Celebration Key , Carnival’s all-new, exclusive destination on the island of Grand Bahama. The ship shares its new home with  Carnival Valor , which also offers an array of four- to seven-day cruises. “We are thrilled to celebrate this monumental milestone with our valued partner, Carnival Cruise Line,” said Brandy D. Christian, President & CEO, Port of New Orleans and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. “For 30 years, Carnival has shown an unwavering commitment to the New Orleans cruise market, and we are most grateful. Our cruise industry is thriving – and on track to exceed pre-pandemic numbers with the support of Carnival’s two year-round homeported vessels. We look forward to many more years of partnership and successes.”             Guests departing from New Orleans on Monday afternoon will sail on a six-day Western Caribbean cruise, visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico as well as Belize City, Belize.             For additional information on  Carnival Cruise Line  and to book a cruise vacation, call  1-800-CARNIVAL , visit  www.carnival.com , or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. # # # ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports as well as seasonally from Europe and employs more than 48,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival’s fleet of 27 ships reflects an exciting, continued period of growth with two new additional Excel-class ships scheduled to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. Carnival’s next new guest offering will be the all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama in summer 2025.   MEDIA CONTACT:   [email protected]

• May 09, 2024

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Cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana

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New Orleans Shore Excursions

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EASY STREETS

Jackson Square Church, New Orleans, Louisiana

No visit to New Orleans is complete without a walk through the French Quarter. Start at St. Louis Cathedral in historic Jackson Square. Stroll along the Mississippi River and through the French Market. Then pass the bohemian charms of Royal Street before topping off with the buzz of Bourbon Street.

St. Charles Streetcar, New Orleans, Louisiana

Hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar— the world’s oldest in continuous operation— for a relaxing ride from bustling Canal Street to the oak-lined Garden District. You’ll pass downtown scenes and antebellum mansions en route to Audubon Park, a beloved green space and home to the city zoo.

Venture 20 minutes outside the city to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve to explore southern Louisiana swamplands during your New Orleans cruise. Airboat and sightseeing boat tours offer an up-close look at vast wetlands, plus its local residents— alligators, turtles and snakes included.

LOCAL CUISINE

New Orleans is world-renowned for its seafood and spicy Creole flavors. Here they eat sugar-sprinkled beignets for breakfast. Lunch means fried seafood po’ boys and meaty muffulettas. Gumbo, jambalaya and boiled crawfish are savory dinner options— and you must try an authentic NOLA sno-ball for dessert. “America’s first cocktail”, the bourbon-based Sazerac, was also created here.

Magazine Street spans six miles of boutiques and antique shops. Cruise from New Orleans and pick up fine art and funky works in the galleries along Royal Street in the French Quarter. And with six blocks of shops, the French Market is your best bet for Louisiana cookbooks and hand-painted items displaying the city’s fleur-de-lis emblem.

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