The port is not directly adjacent to the FQ. You are a 10-15 minute walk to the beginning of the Quarter, and even then, you have to walk another good 5 blocks to get to the heart of it (Jackson Square). Certainly a do-able walk, but it could be quite warm during Spring Break.So we went from thinking about it, to booking it within a few hours. Fastest decision we've ever made, I think!
I'm trying determine what I need to plan on for arrival, also where to stay the night before. We haven't decided if we're flying or driving (from Iowa) yet. While I'd love to visit the French Quarter, I have no desire to actually stay in the FQ overnight.
Off to look at the WBPC thread! Thanks so much! If you have other tips, I'm all ears!
T
We sailed out of NOLA March 2020. The port is very convenient and easy to get to. There isn’t the full on Disney theming like at PC but that’s true for every other non Port Canaveral port. And it’s fun to get a chance to see a bit of NOLA before sailing too.Looking at a surprise trip for spring break 2023. The Magic has a 4 day out of New Orleans. I've not seen anything about the New Orleans port, though. Does anyone have reviews or better yet, pics of the port?
Thanks!
T
The port is not directly adjacent to the FQ. You are a 10-15 minute walk to the beginning of the Quarter, and even then, you have to walk another good 5 blocks to get to the heart of it (Jackson Square). Certainly a do-able walk, but it could be quite warm during Spring Break.
There are plenty of hotels near the port, as it’s right next to a huge convention center. Mostly super-chains (Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG) and their sub-brands. No need to stay in the FQ.
But the port is almost directly beneath the Crescent City Connection bridge, going over the Mississippi River, so you may catch some traffic noise in your room if your hotel is right next to the port.
The port itself is decidedly not on the level of Port Canaveral Terminal 8. It is multi-use for several cruise lines, so no Disney theming. Nothing wrong with it per se, but very utilitarian compared to PC.
That said, when we sailed (right before COVID shut everything down), the parking, security, check-in and boarding processes were all very smooth, as was debarkation. It isn’t pretty, but it gets the job done.
When we sailed in 2020, the Wonder was using the Erato port, and I think it's still using Erato vs. Julia. We used the port garage itself. Super-convenient, especially if you have little kids.Planning on driving 8+ hours. So booked a stop outside of New Orleans and will finish the last 1 hour in the morning. Have little kids so wasn't planning on staying on site. The Friday getting off, planning on checking out thr city before leaving.
With that said, what are the best parking options at the port?
Just follow the Mississippi out to the Gulf.Can anyone show me a map of the cruise direction out to the Golf? I’m messing something up because I always end up running out of water for the ship and can’t find my way out. I’m thinking we might want to watch the sail out. But could be helpful to know what we are passing on the way.
Is there a map?
About how long does that take?
Takes about 8 hrs I believe. Yes, it's a shame it is at night. I got up at 3am coming back to NOLA and really enjoyed the scenery (mostly ships and industry) and sunrise coming into NOLA.About how long does that take?
I don’t see how they do that in the dark both coming and going? February it’ll be dark around 4:30 in the evening which I think is before we even sail out.
Thank you your comments are always so helpful to me.
How did you get to the port? Uber ? Taxi? Walk? Any hotels that are close walking distance?We sailed out of NOLA March 2020. The port is very convenient and easy to get to. There isn’t the full on Disney theming like at PC but that’s true for every other non Port Canaveral port. And it’s fun to get a chance to see a bit of NOLA before sailing too.