An upgraded port is paying off for New Orleans, which expects one million passengers to sail from there next year.
More than $9 million has been spent by tourism officials over the past two years to upgrade its two cruise terminals. Among the many enhancements: an air-conditioned, elevated passenger gangway, and more on-site parking.
The port’s popularity has also been enhanced by its attractiveness for drive-in cruisers, according to Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA.
“A family of four can save as much as $1,000 or more by driving, rather than flying, to their port of embarkation,” he said.
CLIA-member cruise lines operating regular schedules from the Port of New Orleans include Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International.
Report by David Wilkening
