All Aboard: The Port of New Orleans Successes

All, Community & Culture, Economic Development

From meticulously restored theaters to storied art museums to thriving nature institutes, New

From meticulously restored theaters to storied art museums to thriving nature institutes, New Orleans is home to a variety of assets that contribute to the city’s economy and cultural capital.

Did you know that without New Orleans, the United States would have to find alternative suppliers for many of the country’s important consumer products? The Port of New Orleans is crucial not only to the city itself, but also to the entire country and the world.

Moreover, it has a direct connection to tourism: the Port of New Orleans attracted more than 1 million cruise passengers last year. Cruising from New Orleans is two vacations in one. Cruise passengers stay an average of two extra nights in the city to enjoy our restaurants, music and culture before disembarking to their next port of call.

New Orleans’ strategic location along the Mississippi River has made it an important port city throughout history – and today, it’s also a starting point for unforgettable vacations for cruise ship passengers.

carnival cruise

A Carnival cruise ship makes its way down the Mississippi River in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy Flickr user Michael Hicks)

Porthole Cruise Magazine named the port the No. 1 Friendliest Home Port in the United States, and the accolades don’t stop there.

More Port of New Orleans Successes

  • Named the No. 1 North American Cruise Homeport by Cruise Critic in 2014
  • The country’s sixth-largest port based on volume of cargo
  • Surpassed 1 million cruise passengers for the second year straight
  • Arrival of Carnival Triumph, New Orleans’ newest cruise ship

Considering these important designations, it’s no wonder the cruise industry also has a major economic impact in New Orleans. For example, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, the Port of New Orleans generated $406 million in state spending, $323 million in income, and more than $78 million in out-of-pocket spending by passengers and ship crew in the city of New Orleans. All in all, the cruise industry means more than 8,000 jobs for New Orleanians.

Investments and Enhancements

The Port continues to position itself as a sought-after destination for cruise passengers.

  • $20.1 million to renovate the Julia Street Cruise Terminal in 2012
  • $2.3 million upgrade to Erato Street Cruise terminal in 2014 to accommodate the Carnival Dream; one of the largest vessels in the Carnival fleet

Additions near the port, such as the Riverwalk Outlet Collection, are also indicative of economic success: Riverwalk is the nation’s first downtown outlet center and represents a $70 million investment by the Howard Hughes Corporation. Proposed developments are in the works, too, including a $35 million additional cruise terminal on Poland Avenue expected to be completed in 2017.

Other Recent Announcements

  • New, four-year berthing agreement with Norwegian Cruise Lines.
  • Viking Cruise Lines’ first River Cruises in North America are coming to the Port of New Orleans 2017
  • Viking will build six new vessels at $100 million each, creating an estimated 800 new jobs according to Louisiana Economic Development.

We’ve known New Orleans offers a world-class experience in dining, music, and hospitality – and with the Port of New Orleans, our city also serves as a gateway to unforgettable cruise vacations.