It's a cruising comeback: Now that cruise passenger numbers at the Port of New Orleans have hit pre-pandemic levels, port officials are setting their sights higher.
"We are projecting the next year to be our best yet," said PortNOLA press secretary Kimberly Curth.
Curth says after nearly 1.2 million cruise passengers came through the Port of New Orleans in 2023, it is clear that the cruise industry is bullish on the Crescent City.
"Carnival commits to at least five more year of two year-round vessels, and this year Carnival will also celebrate its 30th year cruising from New Orleans," said Curth. "Norwegian cruise line will also renew for five more years with additional sailings and a new ship; Norwegian Getaway, to replace the Norwegian Breakaway."
And it's not just the tropics that cruise passengers are getting away to. Curth says the growing popularity of Mississippi River cruising is helping fuel their expansion.
"We are seeing record growth in river cruises, with nine home-ported vessels including American's first Viking cruise, that began sailing from PortNOLA in 20222. that vessel was built right here in Louisiana so our river cruising is extremely popular."
According to the port, 90 percent of passengers cruising from New Orleans come from out-of-state, and 73 percent stay in New Orleans one to two days either before or after their cruise.
