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New Orleans posts record year for cruise traffic
The Port of New Orleans had another record for cruise traffic in 2018, the fifth year running it surpassed one million passengers.
It welcomed 1,182,111 passengers, up 2.3% on a year ago.
This is partly down to a big jump in the Mississippi River cruise market, which surged 23%.
The American Queen Steamboat Co and American Cruise Lines both homeport a pair of ships at New Orleans.
"Our homeport status is important for the local economy and helps us fulfil our role as an economic engine for Louisiana," said port CEO Brandy Christian.
Ship passengers and crew generate about $129.1 million in spending according to a recent economic impact study.
The port says 90% of ship guests are from out of state and 73% spent a day or two in the city pre- or post-cruise.
"As demand for cruises continues to grow, our cruise line partners are responding by deploying newer ships with more capacity and amenities," Christian said.
It expects another record year ahead with larger ships coming, including the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway.
Next year Disney Cruise Line debuts in New Orleans when the Disney Wonder sails a short season of six cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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