Port of New Orleans Breaks Cruise Passenger Record in 2024

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has achieved a record-breaking year in 2024, surpassing 1.2 million cruise passenger movements—the highest in its history. As the sixth-largest cruise port in the U.S. and the only one to serve both ocean-going and river cruises, Port NOLA continues to see growing demand, solidifying its role as a major hub for the cruise industry.

“We are grateful to our cruise and hospitality partners, including New Orleans & Company, for their role in helping Port NOLA achieve a record-breaking number of passengers,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Beth Branch. “These valued partnerships continue to drive strong demand and promising growth projections for both ocean-going and river cruising from Port NOLA. We look forward to building on this momentum for another successful year in 2025.”

Economic Impact and Tourism Boost

Port NOLA’s cruise industry plays a significant role in the local and state economy, with 90% of cruise guests traveling from out of state. Many of these passengers extend their stay in New Orleans before or after their cruise, contributing to over 300,000 hotel room nights and more than $125 million in local spending each year.

According to Walt Leger III, CEO of New Orleans & Company, these successes are the result of long-term strategic efforts to maintain New Orleans’ reputation as a premier cruise destination. “These results, like tourism, do not just happen. It is the result of innovative strategies and years of relationships. We work to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world,” he said.

Cruise Line Expansion and Growth Projections

Port NOLA has seen continued investments from its cruise line partners, with several major agreements and new sailings. Carnival Cruise Line finalized a five-year agreement for two year-round vessels, currently "The Valor" and "The Liberty," while celebrating 30 years of cruising from New Orleans. Norwegian Cruise Line extended its five-year agreement and introduced additional sailings for the "Norwegian Getaway." Royal Caribbean returned with "Brilliance of the Seas." Six homeported river vessels, including American Cruise Lines and Viking Cruise Lines, continue to operate from Port NOLA.

In addition to homeported ships, Port NOLA welcomed new port calls in 2025, including MSC’s Explora II luxury cruise line, P&O’s Ventura, a Carnival Corporation subsidiary, and SAGA Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery.

Looking ahead, the cruise industry is expected to keep growing, with AAA projecting 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises in 2025, a 4.5% increase from 2024. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking cruise travel, reinforcing Port NOLA’s upward trajectory.

After weathering setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry has rebounded stronger than ever, and New Orleans remains at the center of this resurgence, drawing visitors from across the country and the world.