Where to Stay in New Orleans before a Cruise?

New Orleans is more than just a cruise departure point, it’s a destination in itself.

If you’re cruising out of the Port of New Orleans, staying in the right area before or after your trip can enhance your entire vacation.

With two primary cruise terminals; Erato Street Cruise Terminal and Julia Street Cruise Terminal, located both near the vibrant downtown, there are plenty of lodging options for every travel style and budget.

Planning a cruise from New Orleans? You’re in for an unforgettable journey, starting with the Big Easy itself. Whether you’re sailing with Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, or another line, choosing the right place to stay before or after your cruise can make or break your trip.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly where to stay near the New Orleans Cruise Port, what neighborhoods are best, hotel recommendations for every budget, and insider tips for a smooth pre- or post-cruise experience.

Whether you’re after jazz and jambalaya or quiet strolls through mansion-lined streets, New Orleans offers a perfect base for every cruiser. Plan ahead, book early (especially during festival season), and give yourself the gift of an extra day in this magical city before setting sail.

Read also: What are the Best Hotels near New Orleans Cruise Terminals

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1. Arts & Warehouse District (Walking distance of cruise terminals)

Best for: Modern hotels, walkability to port, museums, upscale dining

Formerly a gritty industrial zone, the Arts & Warehouse District has been transformed into a sleek, artsy neighborhood known for converted warehouses turned into stylish lofts, hotels, galleries, and restaurants. It’s clean, relatively quiet, and caters to professionals, art lovers, and cruise passengers.

Expect lots of brick and cast-iron warehouse conversions, with a modern-meets-industrial vibe. This area feels contemporary, not touristy, and includes luxury condos, event venues, and boutique hotels.

For cruise passengers, this district offers an unbeatable combination: you’re just a short walk from the cruise terminals at the Port of New Orleans while being immersed in one of the city’s most vibrant creative scenes. Most accommodations in this area are within a 10-15 minute walk to the cruise port, making it an ideal home base for your maritime adventure.

When it comes to accommodations, the Arts District offers options ranging from boutique hotels to well-known chains, many catering specifically to cruise passengers.

One underappreciated advantage of staying in this district is its relatively quieter atmosphere compared to the French Quarter, especially at night.

While still lively with restaurants and bars, you’ll find the noise levels more conducive to a good night’s sleep before your early morning cruise departure. The area also tends to feel safer and more navigable for families and travelers who prefer a more relaxed environment.

2. The French Quarter

The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans and arguably its most recognizable neighborhood.

This iconic district, with its distinctive wrought-iron balconies, vibrant street life, and palpable sense of history, offers cruise passengers an immersive experience in the city’s rich cultural tapestry while still maintaining reasonable access to the cruise port.

The French Quarter sits approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the cruise terminals, making it slightly farther than the CBD or Arts District. However, this small additional distance is easily managed with a quick 10-minute taxi or rideshare journey.

Many cruise passengers find that the unparalleled atmosphere and authentic New Orleans experience of the Quarter more than compensates for this minor inconvenience.

Staying in the French Quarter means placing yourself at the epicenter of the city’s 300-year history. As you wander the streets of America’s oldest neighborhood, you’ll discover architectural treasures reflecting Spanish, French, Creole, and American influences.

The district’s buildings tell stories of the city’s complex past, from the stately St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square to the historic Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley.

For cruise passengers specifically, the French Quarter offers some practical advantages. Many hotels are accustomed to serving cruise guests and offer services like luggage storage (allowing you to explore even after checkout), transportation arrangements to the port, and concierge assistance with cruise documentation.

One consideration for cruise travelers staying in the French Quarter is the neighborhood’s sometimes uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets, which can challenge wheeled luggage. This minor inconvenience is easily addressed by taking advantage of hotel bellhop services and arranging direct transportation to the cruise terminal rather than attempting to walk with multiple bags.

Accommodation options in the Quarter range from intimate boutique properties to grand historic hotels. The Hotel Monteleone, a family-owned landmark since 1886, offers timeless elegance and houses the famous Carousel Bar, which slowly rotates as you enjoy classic New Orleans cocktails.

The Royal Sonesta on Bourbon Street places you directly in the heart of the action with its lush courtyard providing a surprising oasis of calm. For a more intimate experience, the Soniat House occupies a restored 1830s townhouse filled with antiques and offering personalized service.

The Quarter’s dining scene is unrivaled, showcasing the full spectrum of New Orleans’ culinary heritage.

3. Downtown New Orleans – Central Business District (CBD)

Just adjacent to the Arts & Warehouse District lies New Orleans’ Central Business District, often simply called the CBD by locals. This vibrant downtown area combines the polished professionalism of a commercial hub with the unmistakable New Orleans flair for entertainment and hospitality.

For cruise passengers, the CBD presents a compelling option that balances proximity to the port with excellent amenities and convenient access to the city’s major attractions.

The CBD sits approximately 1 to 1.5 miles from the cruise terminals, making it a quick 5-minute taxi or rideshare journey to your ship. Many hotels in this area cater specifically to cruise passengers, offering special packages that include port transportation, a welcome convenience on embarkation day when you’re managing luggage and navigating departure logistics.

What makes the CBD particularly appealing is its central location within the city’s broader landscape. You’ll find yourself within easy walking distance of the French Quarter’s historic charm while enjoying accommodations that are typically more modern and often more spacious than those in the Quarter itself.

The neighborhood is also well-connected by public transportation, with the historic St. Charles streetcar line running through its heart, offering an authentic and affordable way to explore other parts of the city.

Accommodation options in the CBD span the full spectrum from luxury to budget-friendly.

4. Garden District / Uptown

For travelers seeking respite from the energetic pace of downtown New Orleans before or after their cruise, the Garden District and Uptown areas offer an enchanting alternative.

These neighborhoods, characterized by their oak-lined avenues, magnificent historic mansions, and more relaxed atmosphere, provide a different but equally authentic slice of New Orleans life.

Located approximately 3-4 miles from the cruise terminals, the Garden District and adjacent Uptown area require a bit more planning for port transfers than downtown options. Most travelers find the 15-20 minute taxi or rideshare journey to be a reasonable trade-off for the neighborhood’s serene beauty and distinctive charm.

Some accommodations in these areas offer cruise transfer packages, though these services are less common than in districts closer to the port.

The Garden District earned its name from the lush gardens that originally surrounded each home when the neighborhood was developed in the 1830s and 1840s. Today, many of these antebellum mansions remain, showcasing architectural styles from Greek Revival to Victorian Gothic.

Walking through these streets feels like stepping into a different era, with historic homes displaying intricate ironwork, columned porticos, and sprawling verandas set behind magnificent gardens.

Accommodations in the Garden District tend toward boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, many housed in historic buildings.

The area’s attractions extend beyond shopping and dining. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ unique burial traditions with its above-ground tombs and elaborate funerary architecture.

Architecture enthusiasts can marvel at homes once owned by Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, and John Goodman. The Audubon Park provides a 350-acre oasis with walking paths, massive oak trees, and the world-class Audubon Zoo.

5. Airport Area (MSY – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport)

For many cruise passengers, especially those with early morning flights or late arrivals, the practicality of staying near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers compelling advantages that can significantly reduce travel stress.

Located in Kenner, approximately 15 miles from the cruise port and downtown attractions, the airport area provides a strategic option for travelers prioritizing seamless transitions between air and sea travel.

The primary appeal of airport accommodations lies in their convenience for flight logistics. If your cruise ends with a same-day flight home, staying near the airport the night before your cruise begins eliminates concerns about morning traffic delays or transportation hiccups that could jeopardize your embarkation.

Similarly, for those disembarking and flying out the same day, airport hotels offer a place to store luggage if you have several hours between ship arrival and departure flight.

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate that airport area accommodations typically offer better rates than downtown or French Quarter options. Most properties offer complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport, eliminating transportation costs and logistics for this leg of your journey.

Many hotels have established relationships with transportation services to the cruise port, offering scheduled shuttles for around $20-25 (rates can change) per person each way, comparable to taxi or rideshare costs but with the convenience of prearranged timing.

Insider Tips for Cruise Passengers

1. Consider Parking Needs
If you’re driving to New Orleans, look for hotels with cruise parking packages. Some offer free or discounted parking during your cruise.
2. Pre-Cruise Tours
Use your extra day to take a walking tour of the French Quarter, visit Steamboat Natchez for a river cruise, or try a haunted ghost tour at night.
3. Getting to the Cruise Terminal
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Taxis and hotel shuttles also service the cruise terminals.
4. Check Luggage Services
Some hotels offer early luggage storage or transfer services to the port. Ask in advance to streamline your embarkation day.
5. Arrive a day early
Don’t risk flight delays. Enjoy the city the night before your cruise.
6. Dining
Try a po’boy or gumbo at Cochon Butcher in the Warehouse District or oysters at Acme Oyster House.
7. Security: As in any city, stick to well-lit areas at night. The Warehouse District and CBD are safe, but be alert around Bourbon Street late at night.

Port Address: (NOLA)
Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Carnival, others): 1100 Port of New Orleans Place
Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Norwegian, others): 920 Port of New Orleans Place

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, staying near the New Orleans Cruise Port is the smart way to kick off (or end) your voyage. The right hotel in the right neighborhood not only adds comfort and convenience, it gives you a chance to enjoy one of America’s most culturally rich cities.

Don’t just cruise from New Orleans—experience New Orleans.

✔️ Book early, especially during peak cruise season (January–April and October–December)
✔️ Prioritize location and amenities like free breakfast, parking, and easy access to the port
✔️ Allow time to explore iconic sights before or after your cruise

Disclaimer

(Latest update August 08th 2025)

Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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