Managing momentum at the Port of New Orleans

This article was first published in Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) continued its growth and popularity in the cruise industry in 2017, topping the one million cruise passenger movement mark for the fourth consecutive year. The busy US port also celebrated nine years in a row of passenger growth. As 2018 marks the tricentennial for the city of New Orleans, this tourism momentum is expected to continue.

The cruise lines are eager to meet the increasing demand, and Norwegian Cruise Line will deploy the 3,963-passenger Norwegian Breakaway to Port NOLA in November 2018. The 326-metre vessel will be the largest cruise ship in both length and passenger occupancy to ever sail from New Orleans, and her arrival will nearly double Norwegian’s guest occupancy from Port NOLA.

“The Port of New Orleans values our close partnership with Norwegian and appreciates the addition of the Norwegian Breakaway to the cruise schedule this year,” says Brandy Christian, Port NOLA’s president and CEO. “The passengers who begin and end their Norwegian Breakaway cruise from our historical city will experience Port NOLA’s commitment to high level service and the Crescent City’s vibrant energy. Our cruise business contributes significantly to the hospitality industry’s regional economic impact and we are pleased to welcome the largest ship we have ever accommodated.”

When she arrives on 11 November, Norwegian Breakaway will replace the 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl, which will homeport at Port NOLA until April 2018. Norwegian Breakaway will sail 7-, 10- and 11-day seasonal cruises to the Caribbean.

“Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest and newest ship from Norwegian to sail from New Orleans, and we are thrilled to bring our signature Breakaway-class ship to this important homeport,” says Andy Stuart, Norwegian’s president and CEO. “We want to provide more opportunities for our guests across the country to explore beautiful destinations and enjoy all the spectacular features of our newest ships, along with the freedom and flexibility that only a Norwegian cruise can offer.”

This year also brings the return of Royal Caribbean International to Port NOLA. Vision of the Seas will begin her seasonal homeported service in December. The 2,514-passenger vessel will sail seven-night itineraries to culture-rich destinations across The Bahamas in the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

“The return of Royal Caribbean to New Orleans with Vision of the Seas is excellent news,” comments Kim Priez, senior vice president of tourism at New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau. “New Orleans’ unique and authentic culture combined with these cruise offerings makes the Crescent City a world-class destination that is increasing in popularity year after year.”

Carnival Cruise Line is responding to demand by increasing capacity on its short cruise offerings from the port in 2019. Carnival Valor will shift to New Orleans for year-round, four- and five-day cruises from May 2019, becoming the largest ship to offer year-round short cruise itineraries from Port NOLA.

“Port NOLA is thrilled to welcome Carnival Valor to the year-round cruise offerings from our beautiful city,” remarks Christian. “We value our long-time partnership with Carnival and we look forward to working together to continue to provide new and varied itineraries and a top-notch experience for our guests.”

On this route, four-day weekend cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel, while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays calling at Cozumel and Progreso.

“New Orleans is one of our most popular homeports and Carnival Valor is a wonderful short option that provides a wide array of exciting dining, beverage, entertainment and activity choices that our guests are sure to enjoy,” explains Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

2018 also brings expanded options for river cruises. American Cruise Lines is adding a third vessel to its homeported fleet at Port NOLA in September with American Song. Joining the American Cruise Line paddlewheelers America and Queen of the Mississippi, the 190-passenger American Song is first in a new series of sleek, modern riverboats. The vessel features a contemporary design; the largest staterooms in the industry, each with a private balcony; and a four-storey atrium.

The American Queen Steamboat Company also offers Mississippi River cruises onboard its 436-passenger American Queen and 166-passenger American Duchess, the first all-suite paddlewheeler on the river.

Currently, Port NOLA ranks as the sixth-largest cruise port in the US, according to a Cruise Lines International Association report. The study also found that Louisiana’s cruise industry generates a total of US$432 million in direct industry expenditures and supports 8,321 jobs that provide US$347 million in personal income. Meanwhile, port studies found 80% of cruise passengers come from outside the state of Louisiana and 60% spend an average of two nights in New Orleans either before or after their cruise.