Port of New Orleans Tops 1 Million Cruise Passenger Movements in 2025

The Port of New Orleans closed calendar year 2025 with 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements, marking the ninth consecutive year the port has exceeded one million passenger movements (excluding the pandemic shutdown years of 2020 and 2021). While the total came in below 2024’s more than 1.2 million passenger movements, the port said the results keep New Orleans among the nation’s busiest cruise homeports.

Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, credited both demand and coordination across the local cruise community for the continued run of one-million-plus years. “Consistently surpassing one million cruise passenger movements speaks to the strength of New Orleans as a global cruise destination and the collaborative efforts that make this success possible,” Branch said.

2025 traffic highlights and what the numbers represent

Port NOLA reports annual cruise volume using “passenger movements,” a measure that includes both embarking and debarking travelers. The port said the year-end figure reflects sustained cruise activity as major U.S. cruise gateways continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels.

• 2025 total: 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements.
• 2024 comparison: More than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.
• Milestone: Ninth straight year above one million passenger movements, excluding 2020 and 2021.

March set an all-time monthly record

Even with a year-end total that trailed 2024, Port NOLA reached a new peak month in March 2025, when it recorded more than 165,000 cruise passenger movements, the highest single-month total in the port’s history. The port said the month was boosted by spring break demand and sailings running at or near full capacity.

The March 2025 figure surpassed the previous record set in March 2023, when the port logged just over 155,000 cruise passenger movements.

Why New Orleans draws cruise demand

Port NOLA describes itself as the sixth-largest cruise homeport in the United States and highlights a positioning that blends ocean-going sailings with river cruising. The port says New Orleans is the only U.S. homeport that supports both ocean cruises and river cruises, helping drive year-round activity tied to different travel seasons and trip lengths.

On the ocean-cruise side, itineraries from New Orleans commonly include Western Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, with longer voyages reaching destinations such as Panama and Costa Rica and other parts of Central America. On the river-cruise side, the port supports Mississippi River itineraries departing from the city.

Cruise operators serving the market

Port NOLA’s 2025 cruise program included a range of brands operating from New Orleans. The port has cited major lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line, along with ships associated with Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises. The port also hosts river cruise operators offering Mississippi River voyages.

Economic impact estimated at $445 million annually

Port NOLA estimates cruise activity generates about $445 million each year in total direct and indirect economic impact for New Orleans and the surrounding region, reflecting a mix of taxes and fees, guest spending, employment, and related business activity.

The port also estimates roughly 90% of cruise guests traveling through New Orleans come from outside Louisiana, which the port says can boost hotel stays, restaurant visits, and other local tourism spending around embarkation days.

Branch pointed to expected capacity growth as a reason the port sees additional upside. “Cruising is a vital economic engine for our region, and with expanded service and larger ships on the horizon, Port NOLA is well positioned to deliver even greater value to Louisiana and the Gulf South,” she said.

More capacity ahead with returning service and larger ships

Looking ahead, Port NOLA is planning for increased capacity as cruise lines adjust deployments in Louisiana. The port said Royal Caribbean is returning to New Orleans cruising, and Carnival Cruise Line is also expanding capacity by shifting to a larger ship.

Steven Gauthier, Port NOLA’s Vice President of Cruise, tied the port’s year-end milestone to both sustained demand and future growth plans. “Reaching this milestone for the ninth time reflects both strong demand and the confidence our cruise line partners continue to place in Port NOLA,” Gauthier said. “As we welcome the return of Royal Caribbean and prepare for increased capacity from Carnival, we anticipate meaningful growth in passenger volumes over the next several years.”

As part of Carnival’s New Orleans deployment changes, Carnival Dream is expected to replace the smaller Carnival Valor, increasing berth capacity for the homeport’s cruise program.

With a million-plus year and a record-setting March in the books, the port said it is entering its next planning cycle focused on accommodating returning itineraries, larger ship deployments, and the operational steps needed to support higher passenger volumes in 2026 and beyond, even as New Orleans faces seasonal challenges tied to hurricane risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “cruise passenger movements” mean at Port NOLA?

Passenger movements include both embarkations and debarkations. That means one traveler can be counted twice on a round-trip sailing that starts and ends in New Orleans.

How many cruise passenger movements did New Orleans record in 2025?

Port NOLA reported 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements in calendar year 2025, marking the ninth straight year above one million passenger movements (excluding 2020 and 2021).

Why was March 2025 notable for Port NOLA?

March 2025 was the busiest month on record for New Orleans cruising, with more than 165,000 cruise passenger movements, surpassing the previous monthly record of just over 155,000 set in March 2023.

What makes New Orleans unique among U.S. cruise ports?

Port NOLA says New Orleans is the only U.S. homeport that supports both ocean-going cruises and river cruises, combining Caribbean and Bahamas-style itineraries with Mississippi River sailings.

What is changing for New Orleans cruise capacity in the coming years?

The port expects additional capacity as Royal Caribbean returns to cruising from Louisiana and as Carnival shifts to a larger ship in New Orleans, with Carnival Dream expected to replace Carnival Valor.