Port NOLA setting passenger records

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) - the sixth-largest cruise port in the U.S. - saw another record-breaking year in cruise passenger numbers and vessel calls. With the launch of Disney cruises, and the addition of year-round itineraries from Royal Caribbean International in 2020, Port officials anticipate another robust season. In 2019, Port NOLA recorded 1.2M cruise passenger movements, an annual record, up from 1.18M in 2018. The Port also saw an increase in cruise-vessel calls (251, up from 235 in 2018). These records “highlight the popularity and convenience of cruising from New Orleans, with more and more passengers choosing to set sail from our unique city,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President/CEO. The 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder began sailing from Port NOLA this month, and marking the first time Disney Cruise Line has had a homeport in Louisiana. Disney doubled down on the New Orleans market late last year announcing the Wonder will set sail from Port NOLA for a second season in 2021. Royal Caribbean, which previously offered seasonal cruises from New Orleans, is now offering year-round weekly itineraries on its Majesty of the Seas that began in January. Mississippi River passengers can choose from six riverboats homeported in New Orleans. The riverboats set a modern-day record at 31,306 passengers in 2019. Port NOLA also welcomed the new-modern American Harmony last August and will welcome the American Jazz in August. Port NOLA is set to homeport seven riverboat vessels in 2020. At Port NOLA, 90 percent of cruise guests travel from out of state. (Source: NOLA.com 02/13/20)