Terminals and which lines use them
Both terminals are on Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, on the riverfront streetcar line, about 5 minutes from the French Quarter, per the port.
- Erato Street Cruise Terminal, 1100 Port of New Orleans Place: Carnival Cruise Line.
- Julia Street Cruise Terminal, 920 Port of New Orleans Place: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. It sits between Erato and the Riverwalk Outlet Collection.
- The port also lists Mississippi River cruises with American Cruise Lines.
Ships change by season, so check your cruise documents for your terminal and check-in time.
Getting there
- From I-10 (east or west): Exit at U.S. 90 W (Exit 234A), then take the Tchoupitoulas exit (Exit 11C), the last exit before the Crescent City Connection bridge. Turn right at the second light onto Tchoupitoulas St, left at the next light onto Henderson St, go two blocks, and turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place after the railroad tracks.
- Erato (Carnival) is just past the bridge pier; Julia Street (Norwegian and Royal Caribbean) is just beyond Erato.
- Don't try to reach the terminals from the Port of New Orleans Place entrances at Julia St or Poydras St, the port says.
- Streetcar: Both terminals are on the riverfront streetcar line.
Parking
- Carnival: The Erato Street Parking Garage opens at 9 am (Central) and has over 1,000 covered, secured spaces. The entrance is on top of the terminal by a circular ramp. Height limits are 8'4" (limited space, third floor) and 7'6" on higher floors, with a 22-foot length limit. You'll need your boarding information to enter.
- Norwegian and Royal Caribbean: The 100 Poydras Garage (100 Poydras St) opens at 9 am (Central) and has over 500 covered spaces. Height limit is 6'6" and length limit 22 feet. The entrance is off Poydras St next to the Hilton self-parking garage. The port says the Hilton "Whale Lot" is no longer used for cruise parking.
- Reservations aren't required but space is limited, so the port highly recommends them. Payment is by credit or debit card.
- Qualifying Louisiana disabled veterans can get free terminal parking under the port's rules; don't prepay if you qualify.
Current rates and reservations: Port of New Orleans parking and directions.
Where to stay the night before
The terminals are minutes from the French Quarter, the Warehouse District and the Central Business District, so a pre-cruise night downtown means a short ride to the pier and a night of New Orleans food and music. Ask us to match a hotel to your sailing.
At the terminal
1. Before you go: Check your terminal (Erato for Carnival, Julia Street for Norwegian and Royal Caribbean). 2. Carnival drivers: Drive up the ramp to the garage on top of Erato, follow directions to the luggage offload, and hand checked bags to the porters. Then take the elevator down to check-in. 3. At check-in: Have your boarding pass and ID ready. 4. Inside: The port says there's a refreshment stand and a souvenir stand with forgotten personal items and an ATM.
FAQs
Which terminal does Carnival use in New Orleans?
The Erato Street Cruise Terminal at 1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Which terminal do Norwegian and Royal Caribbean use in New Orleans?
The Julia Street Cruise Terminal at 920 Port of New Orleans Place, right next to Erato.
Where do Carnival passengers park in New Orleans?
In the Erato Street Parking Garage on top of the terminal. It opens at 9 am Central and has over 1,000 covered spaces.
Where do Norwegian and Royal Caribbean passengers park in New Orleans?
At the 100 Poydras Garage, 100 Poydras St. It opens at 9 am Central. The height limit is 6'6".
Do I need a parking reservation at the Port of New Orleans?
No, but space is limited and the port highly recommends reserving.
How do I drive to the New Orleans cruise terminals?
From I-10 take U.S. 90 W (Exit 234A), then the Tchoupitoulas exit (11C), Tchoupitoulas St, Henderson St, and left onto Port of New Orleans Place after the tracks. Don't use the Julia St or Poydras St entrances.
Can I store luggage at the New Orleans cruise port?
The port says a luggage operator at the terminal handles baggage storage and transfers. Call ahead for details.
Does the Port of New Orleans have river cruises?
Yes. The port lists American Cruise Lines Mississippi River cruises alongside Caribbean sailings.
Plan it with us
Sailing Carnival, Norwegian or Royal Caribbean out of New Orleans? We'll match the right sailing, cabin and a French Quarter hotel night to your dates, with no Book with the Captain planning fee on cruises and hotels.
Get my free quote