Best Cruises Out Of New Orleans: Choose Your Ideal Itinerary

The Port of New Orleans has been making waves as a popular departure point for affordable Caribbean cruise vacations. The Bayou City is a must-visit destination in its own right and also serves as an ideal launching pad for trips to The Bahamas and the western Caribbean. We’re talking destinations like Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City, Key West, Nassau, Costa Maya and the top-rated Royal Caribbean private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Level up your vacation game; read on for more information on amazing tropical destinations you can check off your travel list when you choose the best cruises out of New Orleans.

Key Takeaways

● Cruises out of NOLA give travelers easy access to the Western Caribbean, The Bahamas and Key West.

● With Royal Caribbean, you can opt for cruises from Louisiana and choose cruise stops at Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

● Each destination blends beaches, culture and adventure — from diving Belize’s Barrier Reef to exploring Mayan ruins in Costa Maya.

● Choosing the right ship size and amenities is key to matching your cruise experience with your unique travel style.

● Extend your trip by sampling iconic New Orleans restaurants and local culture before or after your sailing.

● Find your ideal cruise from New Orleans today.

1. Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas

You can cruise from New Orleans to The Bahamas and visit a private island destination by Royal Caribbean that has always been a hit among cruisers. Now, it’s one of the top-rated cruise destinations to sail to in the world. Recently reimagined with all-new attractions, including a helium balloon ride and the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, Perfect Day at CocoCay brims with so much to see and do.

You really have to go with a game plan, unless you plan to just kick back and soak up the sunshine. You’ll find a range of tranquil shorelines to unwind along, not to mention the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas.

2. Cozumel, Mexico

As far as tropical destinations go, Cozumel has it all. Its white sand beaches are legendary, and its extensive network of coral reefs draws visitors from around the world. There’s also a rich history here. The ancient Maya ruins of Tulum are just about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cozumel, nestled atop a rugged cliff that offers incredible views of the Caribbean Sea.

When you’re craving a beach break, just hit San Miguel, home to a colorful town square that bustles with tiny souvenir shops, street vendors and many spots serving delicious bites and ice-cold micheladas.

3. Roatan, Honduras

The largest of Honduras’s Bay Islands, Roatan is a true tropical paradise teeming with natural beauty. Emerald green pine forests blanket its hills, and sun-kissed beaches dot the coastline. It’s surrounded by coral reefs, making it one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving.

If it's culture you crave, you’ll find it here, too. Just head to sleepy Punta Gorda, a Garifuna community with a rich history and heritage, where you can sample traditional food and drink, like hudut and sahou. Or chase adventure into the wild on a tour of Roatan’s jungles, home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas and more.

4. Belize City, Belize

Belize City teems with history, culture and all kinds of great outdoor activities. Onshore, you’ll find charming colonial houses and some of the best global cuisine in the region. If you venture off the beaten path, there are plenty of natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

This tiny Central American country was once the center of the Maya empire, and you can still visit the ruins of ancient Maya cities and temples on guided tours. If you prefer to spend your day in the water, dive Belize’s Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Or hit the trails on an outdoor adventure through the nearby rainforests.

5. Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is no hidden gem — its beautiful stretches of shoreline, Mayan sites and lush jungles are known around the world. It totally lives up to all the hype as a go-to getaway spot for sun seekers and beachcombers. Costa Maya still feels a world apart from the crowded beaches and non-stop party scene you’ll find at its coastal counterpart, Cancun.

Here, you can enjoy your fair share of great nightlife and beach clubs. The best way to experience this popular destination is to venture out into its wild places, like the nearby Cenote Azul or the underwater Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere.

6. Key West, Florida

When you wander along buzzing Duval Street or past Key West’s leafy, candy-colored historic estates, it’s impossible to imagine a hurricane passing through here just a few years ago. In keeping with the locals’ always-sunny, “keep-on-trucking” attitude, this idyllic island city has bounced back even better than before.

Hop on a trolley and spend some time exploring postcard-pretty Mallory Square, snack on some world-famous conch fritters and cool key lime pie or join a kayak tour and paddle out to the nearby mangrove islands for a look at the native wildlife. Even if all you’re after is a margarita paired with live music and waterfront views, you’ll find it in beautiful Key West.

7. Nassau and Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas

Royal Caribbean offers lots of affordable cruises to The Bahamas from New Orleans. Most include either a stop at fun-loving Nassau, or its more laid-back sister port, Grand Bahama Island. Both are home to stunning beaches, an abundance of family-friendly activities, great food and incredible snorkeling.

Honeymooners usually opt for Grand Bahama’s more secluded shores, while those in search of lively beach bars head straight for Nassau’s much-loved Junkanoo Beach and Cable Beach. No matter which of the two is on your New Orleans cruise itinerary, you can look forward to blue skies, an abundance of sunshine and an unforgettable day.

Tips for Cruise Travelers Departing New Orleans

Before you set sail, it’s worth knowing how to make the most of your trip. From choosing the right itinerary to sampling the best New Orleans restaurants, these quick tips will help you plan with confidence:

● Review your itinerary carefully: Decide if you want a Western Caribbean route with Cozumel, Roatan and Belize, or a The Bahamas sailing that includes Nassau, Key West and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

● Match your ship to your style: Larger Royal Caribbean vessels, like Oasis Class ships sailing from other ports, cater to those craving mega-resort experiences.

● Consider ship amenities: From kids’ clubs to adults-only solariums, choosing the right ship ensures you get the experience you want on board.

● Pack smart for your cruise: Bring casual resort wear for island excursions, formal outfits for dining nights and lightweight layers for New Orleans’ humid climate before boarding.

● Arrive early to explore New Orleans: Spend extra time in the Bayou City and try authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine at top-rated New Orleans restaurants before embarkation.

● Think about food before and after: From gumbo and beignets to po’boys, dining in New Orleans is part of the adventure — so don’t skip it.

● Use port time wisely: In destinations like Cozumel and Costa Maya, explore beyond the beach with cultural tours. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, map out your top activities in advance so you can experience exactly what you’ve been dreaming of for such a long time.

Cruise Out of New Orleans to Your Next Great Vacation

Ready to sail away on an island getaway? Take a 4-day cruise from New Orleans to sun-soaked destinations. Start browsing New Orleans cruise itineraries to The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay and the western Caribbean now — you’ll find lots to choose from here.

You can visit the most breathtaking locations on a Caribbean cruise from New Orleans. Remember, beyond the highlighted ports, you may also encounter itineraries that include stops like Falmouth, Jamaica, known for its Georgian architecture and cultural tours, or George Town, Grand Cayman, a favorite for its Seven Mile Beach and duty-free shopping.

Splurge a little and do one better than just weekend cruises from New Orleans. Add any of these destinations to your cruise and elevate the journey with even more variety. That way, you can get your dose of history, beach relaxation and adventurous excursions.

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