Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

New Orleans tops 1.1m passenger movements

(Photo: Port of New Orleans)
Carnival Dream in New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans set a new record of 1,150,172 passenger movements at its Erato Street and Julia Street cruise terminals in 2017, the fourth consecutive year of more than 1m passenger movements.

'We expect additional growth in 2018 and will continue to provide high-level service that complements New Orleans’ natural hospitality and vibrant energy. We hold ourselves to high standards and work to exceed expectations,' port president and CEO Brand Christian said.

The port offers two modern cruise terminals located close to the historic French Quarter and other attractions, and a majority of passengers add a night or two before or after their trips, making a cruise from New Orleans 'two vacations in one.'

Newer, larger ships are on the way.

Royal Caribbean International will deploy Vision of the Seas on seasonal, seven-night cruises starting in December.

Norwegian Cruise Line will replace Norwegian Pearl with Norwegian Breakaway in November as the largest cruise ship ever to sail from New Orleans.

Carnival Cruise Line will add more capacity for short cruises in 2019 when Carnival Valor replaces Carnival Triumph. Carnival Dream will also take over from Carnival Glory next year.

And Norwegian Getaway will replace Norwegian Breakaway in 2019.

When it comes to river cruises, this year in September American Cruise Lines will introduce its new American Song to New Orleans.

'Homeporting newer and larger cruise ships in 2018 adds to our city’s excitement as we celebrate our 300th birthday,' Christian added. 'This is great news for tourists, residents and the region’s hospitality industry.'