New Orleans Overview
New Orleans sits on the Mississippi River and the cruise terminals are very close to downtown and the historic core. It’s a walk, short streetcar ride, or quick rideshare to the French Quarter and main visitor areas. (New Orleans)
The city is known for live music, Creole and Cajun food, distinctive architecture, and a festival calendar that rarely slows down. Even a short call gives time for a museum, a meal, and a walk through the Quarter.
A Little History
Founded by the French in the early 1700s, New Orleans later passed to Spain, then back to France, then to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. Its location made it a vital port for trade along the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. African, Caribbean, European, and Indigenous influences blended into the city’s food, music, and culture, including the birth of jazz.
Museums
• The National WWII Museum – large, immersive, and widely rated one of the top museums in the country; allow at least 2–3 hours. (tripadvisor.com)
• Ogden Museum of Southern Art – modern and traditional art from across the American South.
• Cabildo and Presbytère on Jackson Square – Louisiana history, Mardi Gras traditions, and hurricane exhibits.
• New Orleans Jazz Museum – focused on the city’s music heritage.
• Tip: The WWII Museum can sell out peak days; book timed entry if that’s your main goal and check current schedule.
Major Parks and Attractions
• French Quarter – narrow streets, wrought-iron balconies, shops, and bars; Bourbon Street is only one part of it. (New Orleans)
• Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral – central postcard view, with street artists and performers.
• Streetcars – St. Charles line through the Garden District and oak-lined avenues; Canal and Riverfront lines for easier hops.
• City Park – huge green space with walking paths, live oaks, and sculpture and art museums nearby.
• Mississippi Riverfront – paved walks, steamboat cruises, and views back to the city.
Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)
From the port, longer excursions are common:
• Swamp tours in nearby wetlands, often by airboat or flat-bottom boat.
• Plantation tours along the River Road, combining house visits and history.
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Barataria unit) for boardwalks through marsh and forest.
Shopping
• French Market – open-air and covered stalls for food, spices, T-shirts, and crafts.
• Royal Street – antiques, galleries, and higher-end shops.
• Magazine Street – several miles of boutiques, decor shops, and cafes in the Garden District and Uptown. (New Orleans)
• Note: Many shops in tourist areas open late morning and stay open into the evening, especially on weekends and during festivals.
Food and Drink
Food is a major reason to step off the ship here.
Practical eating tips:
• Try at least one local classic: gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, red beans and rice, or beignets with coffee. (New Orleans)
• Popular spots near the Quarter can have long waits; lunch is often easier than dinner if you’re tight on time.
• Portions tend to be large; splitting plates is normal and often welcomed.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol, note that many dishes are rich and many streets allow go-cups, so pace yourself.
Currency, Payments, ATMs
US dollars (USD). Cards are widely accepted. ATMs are everywhere in and around the French Quarter and business districts. Some small bars or music venues may be cash-preferred for cover charges and tipping.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Bars, music clubs, and some restaurants stay open very late; some venues operate nearly around the clock. Museums and attractions keep standard daytime hours, with some extended evenings.
Holidays that may affect hours or services:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Mardi Gras season (city infrastructure is heavily affected; check parade schedule) (New Orleans)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day (4 July)
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day (USAGov)
During Mardi Gras, some businesses close or change hours while others extend them; plan around parades and street closures.
Practical City Notes
New Orleans is walkable in the core but can be hot and humid for much of the year; water and shade matter.
Petty crime happens, especially pickpocketing and phone theft in crowds and late at night; keep valuables close and stay in well-lit areas.
Open containers are allowed in much of the Quarter in plastic cups, which can change street behavior; trust your instincts and move on from uncomfortable situations.
Hurricane season runs roughly June–November; if you’re traveling then, watch forecasts and follow cruise line guidance.
Quick Plans
• 3–4 hours: Walk the French Quarter and Jackson Square, grab beignets, and stroll the riverfront.
• 6–8 hours: WWII Museum visit plus a meal and a short French Quarter wander.
• Full day: WWII Museum, French Quarter and Jackson Square, streetcar ride through the Garden District, and a relaxed dinner with live music.
