The Port of New Orleans is sailing on smooth water. For the first time in its history, the Port of New Orleans cruise terminals handled more than 1 million cruise passengers in 2014. This is an increase of 180 percent since 2001.
The Port has a known reputation for cargo exports like steel, natural rubber and coffee, President and CEO Gary Lagrange attributes cruising success to improved infrastructure and smart marketing. "We market cruising from the Port as two vacations in one," LaGrange said. "New Orleans is a world-class destination City. Cruise passenger on average stay two nights either before or after their cruise - it's like an additional port of call."
The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOCVB) works with the Port to entice cruising from New Orleans by offering Travel Agent-specific deals. Working with local hotels, The NOCVB compiles pre- and post- cruise commissionable hotel packages. These range from a discounted rate, to perks like free parking for the duration of the cruise, free breakfast and complimentary shuttles to the terminal.
Additionally, the NOCVB coordinates deals and discounts with area restaurants and attractions, exclusively for travel agents to provide for their clients. Visitors can enjoy the Crescent City whether they have two days or two hours to spare.
This comes as the Port of New Orleans is receiving a lot of attention. Cruise Lines International Association recently named the Port of New Orleans the sixth-largest cruise port in the United States, and Cruise Critic named them Best North American Homeport. Carnival Cruise Lines hosts two ships year-round offering four-, five- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian host one ship each seasonally offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas respectfully.
River cruising through American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company is also available, with American Cruise Lines expanding their cruise offerings from New Orleans in March 2015.
For more information on the Port of New Orleans, please visit: http://portno.com/
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