In the past four years, more than $9 million has been spent to upgrade the two cruise terminals at the Julia Street Wharf. New enhancements include an air-conditioned, elevated passenger gangway; expanded customs and baggage area; covered and lighted walkways and a vehicular drive in/drop off area. The two terminals combine for 35,000 square feet of check-in/waiting area, 46,000 square feet of baggage area, a 2,600 foot long berth (for three vessels) and 140,000 square feet of ship loading space.
The $37 million Erato Street Cruise Terminal opened in September of 2006. Located adjacent to the Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The building includes a 1,000-vehicle parking garage and state-of-the-art passenger services.
The Port is presently in the planning, design and engineering stages of developing an additional cruise terminal on the Poland Avenue Wharf, in the Bywater Area below the French Quarter.
The Julia and Erato Cruise Terminal Complexes are located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, and are conveniently situated close to hotels and for tourist activities. The terminals are directly behind the New Orleans Convention Center, adjacent to the warehouse district and central business district, and within walking distance of the historic French Quarter.
ST JAMES HOTEL - 330 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Julia Street Cruise Ship Terminal, Berths 1 and 2
Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean
River Location: Mile 95.3 AHP, East Bank
2,000 ft (609M) water frontage; 43,000 sq ft. (3,994 SQ. M) terminal at Berth 1; 27,000 sq. ft. (2,508 sq. m) terminal and Berth 2; Covered drive-in, drop-off and pick-up areas; Project Depth 30 ft. (9.1m)
Erato Street Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage
River Location: Mile 95.6 AHP East Bank
2,600 ft. (792m) contiguous water frontage for three cruise terminals; Facilities: 90,000 sq. ft. (8,361 sq. m) terminal opened in October 2006; 1,000-vehicle parking garage; covered drive-in, drop-off and pick-up areas; Project Depth: 30 ft. (9.1m)
Port of New Orleans Directions & Parking
General Directions to Erato St. Cruise Terminal and Julia St. Cruise Terminals
Take I-10 east to New Orleans, follow the signs to the N.O. Business District, US90 West, Crescent City Connection to the West Bank. Take last exit before crossing the Mississippi River, which is Exit 11C, Tchoupitoulas and South Peters St. Take downramp to ground level, go to second stoplight (Tchoupitoulas St.) and turn right. Go to next stoplight (Henderson St.) and turn left. Go two blocks, go over the railroad tracks and turn left. The Cruise Terminals are directly ahead of you and Harbor Police will be directing traffic.
Parking for Erato St. Cruise Terminal
Go directly to the Erato Parking Garage entrance. On the first floor of the garage (3rd floor of the terminal building) you will be directed to the offloading area in the middle of the floor. SeaCaps will take your checked baggage and deliver them directly to the ship. After parking, you will take Elevators #3, 4 or 5 to the second floor check in and waiting area. Parking cost $16 per day. Please have your cruise ticket available as you will need to show them to enter the garage. Maximum height is 8' 4" (limited space) on 3rd floor and 7' 6" on higher floors, and maximum 22 feet in length. Garage is secure, lighted and patrolled.
Parking for Julia St. Cruise Terminal
Parking will be in the Erato St. Garage adjacent to the Julia St. Cruise Terminal. If you prefer to carry your baggage from the parking garage(approximately 75 yards between garage elevator and Julia Terminal), upon entering Port of New Orleans Place get in right lane and go straight into the Erato St. Parking Garage and follow directions below. If you prefer to drop your bags at the Julia Terminal, upon entering Port of New Orleans Place get in left lane and go past the Erato Terminal and proceed directly to the Julia St. Cruise Terminal No. 2. Drop off all luggage except for your carry-ons, and all passengers except the driver. After dropping off all passengers and baggage, proceed to Julia St. and turn left. Go one block to Convention Center Blvd. and turn left. Go approximately one mile to the end of Convention Center Blvd., and turn left onto Henderson St. Go one block and turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place. (You have completed a circle.) Stay in right lane and proceed to the entrance of the Erato St. Parking Garage. After parking, you will take Elevator # 1 at the far end of the building, and go to the ground floor (Floor 1), and walk approximately 30 yards to the entrance for the Julia St. Cruise Terminal Complex (entrance is underneath outdoor stairway on your right). Parking cost $16 per day, cash or credit card. Please have your cruise ticket available as you will need to show it to enter the garage. Maximum height is 8' 4" (limited space) on 3rd floor and 7' 6" on higher floors, and maximum 22 feet in length. Garage is secure, lighted and patrolled.
Oversized vehicles, RV's and Buses
Oversized vehicles may use the Poydras St. Parking lot which is adjacent to the Julia St. Cruise Terminal No. 2. Utilize the same directions as to Erato/Julia terminals. Go directly to the drop off areas for either the Erato or Julia terminal. After offloading all luggage and passengers, the driver should proceed past the Erato and Julia terminals and turn right into the Poydras St. Parking Lot. There will be a shuttle available to bring you back to Erato St. (You can walk to the Julia Terminal). Parking for oversized vehicles is $28 per day. Please call ahead for space. (504) 525-5476. Ask for Mr. Leonard Smith. Lot is secure, lighted and patrolled.
Poland Ave. Cruise Facility
From the west, take I-10 east to New Orleans, veer left onto I-610, go to Elysian Fields exit. At base of ramp turn right onto Elysian Fields. From the east, take I-10 west and exit at Elysian Fields. At base of ramp continue straight on Elysian Fields. Once on Elysian Fields, go approximately one mile to Rampart St. Go one block further, and make U-turn back to Rampart St., then turn right. Go approximately two miles on Rampart (the name changes to St. Claude Ave.) to Poland Avenue (do not cross bridge) and turn right. Go five blocks to dead end and turn right on Chartres St. Go over the railroad tracks and turn left up ramp to Poland Avenue Cruise Facility. Parking is in lot adjacent to terminal. Parking cost $16 per day for conventional vehicle, $28 per day for oversize vehicles. Please have your cruise ticket available as you will need to show them to enter the lot. Lot is secure, lighted and patrolled.
Delta Queen Steamboat Parking Instructions- For locations and parking instructions call (800) 543-1949
RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. - For locations and parking instructions call 1-(888) 462-2743, ext. 1
Airport Transportation
The Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is approximately 17 miles from the cruise terminal complexes. Please allow approximately 45 minutes travel time. There are three basic means of transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal. The following numbers and rates are as of August 1, 2005 for transportation between the airport and the cruise terminal complexes:
Airport Shuttle - (504) 522-3500 - Kiosks in the baggage area of the airport, walk up service. $15 per person.
Recommended - Click here to book online in advance
Airport Limousine - (504) 305-2450 - Kiosks in the baggage area of the airport, walk up service. Rates start at $35 for one or two passengers.
Taxis - Flat fee of $28 for the first two persons, $12 per person for three or more, plus a $1 fuel surcharge per trip (not passenger).
Baggage Transfer Services
Rush It Courier Service operates a baggage transfer service at the cruise terminals that will deliver your baggage from the terminal to the airport. This is a perfect service for those that have later flights and want to enjoy the sights of the City after the cruise and before departing for home. A great way to extend the vacation. We are also working on a system to deliver bags from the airport to the cruise terminal on arrival, to allow those early arrivals to start their vacations early. For more information and rates, call (504) 471-0080.
Services In Cruise Terminal
Refreshment Stand , Coffee, ice cream, assorted sweets and other snacks and services, Souvenir and Curio Stand, New Orleans keepsakes and forgotten personal items, ATM
Contact:
Robert Jumonville, Director, Cruise & Tourism Division
504-528-3230, phone
504-528-3460, fax
jumonviller@portno.com
Johnny Cefalu, Deputy Director, Cruise & Tourism Division
504-528-3219, phone
504-528-3460, fax
cefeluj@portno.com
PORT OF NEW ORLEANS CRUISE INFORMATION