The Port of New Orleans has wrapped up 2025 with another major achievement, welcoming more than one million cruise passengers during the year.
In total, the port recorded just over 1.06 million cruise passenger movements, continuing a strong upward trend.
This milestone marks the ninth time the port has crossed the one-million mark, not counting the pandemic years. For port officials, it’s another clear sign that cruising in New Orleans is firmly back on track.
Industry leaders say the steady growth reflects renewed traveler confidence and strong demand for cruise vacations. More ships, more sailings, and popular itineraries have all helped keep numbers climbing.
Bigger Ships and Returning Cruise Lines Drive Growth
A major boost in 2025 came from the return of Royal Caribbean sailings to New Orleans. The cruise line’s comeback brought added capacity and helped attract a new wave of travelers to the port.
At the same time, Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to bring larger ships to New Orleans in the coming years. Port officials believe these newer vessels will push passenger numbers even higher.
The change follows a series of itinerary adjustments across the region, including Carnival’s recent decision to modify its Australian sailing plans after the sale of a Papua New Guinea port.
The momentum has been building for some time. In 2024, the port handled more than 1.2 million passenger movements, setting the stage for another strong year.
March 2025 proved just how busy things have become. That single month saw more than 165,000 cruise passengers, the highest monthly total in Port NOLA’s history.
Cruising’s Growing Impact on the Local Economy
Port leaders say cruising plays a key role in supporting the New Orleans economy. Cruise activity contributes an estimated $445 million each year through tourism spending and related industries.
That impact reaches far beyond the port, supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and local jobs. It also helps keep tourism strong throughout the year.
Another advantage for New Orleans is its mix of cruise options. The port handles both ocean cruises and river sailings, allowing for steady, year-round activity.
With more ships returning and larger vessels planned for the future, port officials remain optimistic. They believe New Orleans is well positioned to keep growing as one of the country’s leading cruise gateways.
