Cruises from New Orleans
Cruises from New Orleans are an excellent option for Caribbean adventures, with the city itself an incredible holiday destination; from flavourful Cajun cuisine to unmissable jazz, Mardi Gras, and more, New Orleans cruises are always memorable.
Top deals from New Orleans
Top destinations from New Orleans
While primarily cruising to the Caribbean, New Orleans cruises can feature stunning destinations across the Americas, and even include transatlantic voyages to Europe and the Mediterranean. So, whether you’re looking to explore South America, island-hop in the Caribbean, visit Mexico, or venture further afield, cruises from New Orleans offer a wide range of options for you to choose from.
Cruise lines sailing out from New Orleans
An alternative to Florida-based ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, several major cruise lines offer cruises from New Orleans, and even more visit the city itself as a destination on North American cruises. So, you’ll have a few options to choose from when it comes to cruise lines sailing out of this remarkable city.
Cruise ships departing from New Orleans
Several impressive cruise ships are featured on cruises from New Orleans. With each one boasting a wide variety of onboard amenities and attractions, you can rest assured knowing that the sea days on your New Orleans cruise will be anything but boring.
Types of cruises from New Orleans
When looking at all the available cruises from New Orleans, you’ll find yourself with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re after family cruises, all-inclusive adventures, or last-minute deals, Iglu Cruise will have something to suit you among the New Orleans cruises available.
Things to do in New Orleans
French Quarter
The old town of New Orleans boasts charming buildings, lively Bourbon Street with many jazz bars and a year-round Mardi Gras feel. You’ll also find the French Market with craft shops and restaurants, as well as street performers outside St. Louis Cathedral.
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Preservation Hall
Legendary live jazz music venue located in the famous French quarter. Open since 1961, here you can take in a show of guest performers or the local house band each night, but make sure to book in advance for a good spot and avoid the queue!
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Mardi Gras World
See the warehouse where all the fabulous Mardi Gras floats are made and stored for the epic annual carnival festivities. Hourly tours with an expert on all things Mardi Gras take you round the colourful props, with staff happy to answer your questions.
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New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
This quirky, two-room museum in the heart of the famous French Quarter is dedicated solely to the mysterious practice of voodoo. Open every day since 1972, the Voodoo Museum is bound to get your undivided attention with its array of vivid voodoo displays.
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Bourbon Street
The legendarily lively Bourbon Street is a must for fans of live music and new Orleans’ iconic live jazz shows. Start at one end of the street and take a stroll, soak in the atmosphere, people watch, sip cocktails and drop in for different performers in each buzzing venue.
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French Market
Originally the spot for Native Americans to meet up and trade goods, the French Market is a huge jumble of buildings and arcades selling hand-made clothing, craft wares and gourmet street food such as the famous Cajun French cuisine synonymous with Louisiana.
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Mardi Gras
Testament to New Orleans' French roots, the annual Mardi Gras celebration each February is probably the largest such celebration in the world, with numerous parades and events each day throughout the two week celebrations, with floats, dancers and plenty of music
Read moreBest time for cruises from New Orleans
With so many cruises from New Orleans visiting destinations in Central America and the Caribbean, the best time to embark on a cruise from this departure port tends to be sailings between December and April.
The winter months are the peak cruise season for the Caribbean, with the warmer weather suiting the active shore excursions available and the stunning sandy beaches you’ll encounter. Cruises from New Orleans between September and November are also a decent option, though; the weather may be a little cooler, but you might find reduced cruise fares and the tourist hotspots you visit aren’t going to be as busy.
New Orleans during Mardi Gras
There’s nothing quite like arriving in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, with its vibrant masks, elaborate costumes, and unmissable street parades. This carnival-style celebration invites tourists and locals to revel in an unrivalled party atmosphere, with almost a month of events and celebrations to look forward to.
This isn’t the only city to celebrate Mardi Gras, but New Orleans has become synonymous with the festival over the decades and now boasts one of the longest celebration periods in the United States and beyond. When you’re there, it’s time to let the good times roll. Strings of coloured beads are thrown into the crowds, bright masquerade-style masks are everywhere, and elaborate floats fill the streets – celebrating all facets of New Orleans’ culture and history.
An unforgettable experience, New Orleans cruises during Mardi Gras are unlike anything else.
