First cruise from New Orleans: common questions

How early should I get to the terminal?

Not much earlier than your line asks. Royal Caribbean says guests who arrive before their slot won't be able to start boarding, and Norwegian asks you not to come more than an hour before the embarkation time in your documents. Carnival gives each cabin an Arrival Appointment once you finish online check-in, which it needs by midnight Eastern time the night before. The port's two cruise garages open at 9 a.m. Central time.

The latest you can turn up is set by the line too. Carnival's porters take checked bags until two hours before the published departure time. Royal Caribbean wants pier check-in finished two hours before sailing, and Norwegian wants everyone on board an hour before departure.

Which terminal am I sailing from?

Carnival sails from the Erato Street Cruise Terminal, 1100 Port of New Orleans Place. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean use the Julia Street Cruise Terminal next door, at 920. The terminal guide has the driving route.

What happens to my bags?

Porters take them at the terminal and they are delivered to your cabin. Carnival asks for luggage tags to be on before you arrive. At Erato Street, porters work from the first floor of the garage; at Julia Street, they meet you at the drop-off. If you park at the 100 Poydras Garage, the port's shuttle carries you and your bags to Julia Street. Keep documents, medication and valuables in your carry-on.

If you need to store bags before or after the cruise, the port says a luggage operator works at the terminal, on 504-471-0080.

Do I need a passport?

Not on a round trip that starts and ends in New Orleans, if you are a U.S. citizen with a birth certificate and a photo ID. Carnival accepts a photocopy of the birth certificate; Royal Caribbean and Norwegian don't. One-way sailings need a passport. The documents guide has the details by line.

Where do I park, and what does it cost?

Carnival passengers park in the Erato Street garage, on top of the terminal. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean passengers park at the 100 Poydras Garage. On October 23, 2026 both charged $180 for a seven-day cruise, plus $1 a day if you reserve online, and prepaid parking can't be refunded. The parking guide has every length and the height limits.

Should I fly in the day before?

Most people do something like it. The port said in January 2026 that 90% of its cruise passengers come from out of state and 70% of those spend one or two days in the city. If you fly in on sailing day with Carnival, its airport transfer needs your flight to land by 1 p.m. The airport guide compares taxis, the bus and transfers, and the hotel guide lists hotels within walking distance.

Is a Viking river cruise any different?

Yes, in a few ways. Viking doesn't take children under 18. Viking Mississippi carries 386 guests, and its ship page lists embarkation at 12 p.m. with cabins ready from 4 p.m. It doesn't use the two ocean terminals, and the port has no parking for river cruise passengers, so ask Viking where to go and where to park. Because the cruise never leaves the country, Viking asks for government-issued ID rather than a passport.

How do I find a cheaper sailing?

Start with the cheap cruises page, which ranks sailings by fare per night, so a four-night trip and a seven-night trip can be compared fairly. Fares on this site include taxes and port fees, and each shows the date we checked it. Prices move every day, so treat them as a guide and check the current price before you book.