Plan a CruiseNew Orleans Cruise Port Guide
New Orleans offers a vibrant and unique experience for cruise passengers, with ships docking at the adjacent Erato Street and Julia Street Cruise Terminals. These terminals are conveniently located on the Mississippi River, placing you within easy reach of the city's main attractions. While the Riverwalk shopping complex is just a few minutes' walk away, the historic French Quarter is a little further but still accessible. The city is renowned for its cultural richness, sensual indulgences, and historic areas like the Faubourg Marigny, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo, and St. Charles Avenue, all of which are thriving and ready for exploration during your 8-10 hours in port.
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminals are well-connected to the city's main attractions. The Riverwalk shopping and dining complex is only a few minutes' walk from the terminals. The iconic French Quarter is a bit further but still walkable, or you can opt for the RiverFront streetcar (trolley) line, which has two stops right next to the cruise terminals. A 10-minute streetcar ride costs $1.25 per person and can take you to the Aquarium of the Americas, IMAX Theater, Harrah's Casino, or the French Quarter.
If you're heading to the airport (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport), it's about 17 miles from the port, requiring approximately 45 minutes of driving time. Airport shuttles cost $20 per person. Taxis offer a flat fee of $33 for up to two passengers, or $14 per person for three or more passengers, plus a $1 fuel surcharge per trip. Port parking is available for $16 per day.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have several excellent options for independent exploration:
- French Quarter: The historic heart of New Orleans, known for its unique architecture, vibrant street life, and rich history. Easily accessible by the RiverFront streetcar (10 minutes, $1.25 per ride) or a slightly longer walk from the cruise terminals. Explore Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Royal Street.
- Riverwalk Shopping Mall & Nearby Attractions: Located within the Julia Street Cruise Terminal complex, the Riverwalk offers a variety of shops and a food court. Just a 10-minute streetcar ride ($1.25) away are the Aquarium of the Americas, the IMAX Theater, and Harrah's Casino, offering entertainment close to the port.
- Magazine Street & Garden District: For a different shopping experience and a glimpse of stunning antebellum architecture, explore Magazine Street with its hundreds of shops and boutiques, and the adjacent Garden District. While not directly on the streetcar line from the port, these areas are easily reachable by taxi or ride-share from the French Quarter or Central Business District.
- Hop On Hop Off Tours: Consider a Hop On Hop Off tour for a comprehensive overview of the city's main sights, including areas like the Garden District and St. Charles Avenue, allowing you to tailor your sightseeing to your interests and time constraints.
Dining & Shopping
For convenient dining and shopping, the Riverwalk Shopping Mall is integrated directly with the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, offering a food court, popular stores like Victoria's Secret, Gap, and Limited, and various other shops. It's a great place for last-minute purchases or a quick meal before or after your cruise.
Beyond the terminal, Magazine Street is famous for its "hundreds of shops and boutiques," offering a more local shopping experience. While the guide doesn't list specific local food specialties, New Orleans is renowned for its unique cuisine, which you'll find throughout the French Quarter and surrounding areas. Prices can vary widely from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Currency and Language
The official currency in New Orleans and throughout the U.S. is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small purchases.
Important Notes on Prices and Tipping:
- Taxes: Posted prices for goods and services almost never include sales tax (typically 4-6% in New Orleans, but can range from 2.9% to nearly 10% in other states), which will be added at checkout.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected for most services.
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% is standard. Always check your bill, as a service charge is occasionally added automatically.
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive drinks, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag (with a $3-5 minimum).
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours, $10-20 per person for longer tours.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping: $1-2 per day for longer stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery: $2-5, potentially more for large orders.
Language: While English is the standard for everyday use, French is an official language in Louisiana for historical reasons, though it's not widely spoken in daily interactions. Wi-Fi is available in both the Julia Street and Erato Street cruise terminals. For emergencies, dial 911.