Embarking on a cruise from the vibrant city of New Orleans offers a unique blend of Southern charm, rich cultural experiences, and exciting itineraries. As you prepare to set sail from the "Big Easy," it's essential to choose the best cruise ship that suits your preferences and ensures an unforgettable voyage. New Orleans is a gateway to a variety of exceptional cruise ships that cater to different tastes and desires. Whether you seek a Caribbean adventure, or a thrilling exploration of exotic destinations, the best cruise ships from New Orleans offer a perfect balance of comfort, entertainment, and exploration.
If you're considering a cruise aboard the Disney Magic, here's what you need to know. This ship, with a capacity of 2,713 passengers, is the oldest in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, having first set sail in 1998. Its most recent refurbishment in May 2023 brought exciting updates, including a "Soul"-themed lounge, enhancements to concierge-level offerings, and the introduction of a new "Encanto" live show. The ship offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including the thrilling AquaDuck waterslide, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for dress-up fun, and Edge, an interactive game center for tweens.
Entertainment options are diverse and include live shows, an open-air Wide World of Sports deck, three pools, and a splash area for young children. One unique feature is the teens-only Chill Spa. Dining on board offers a variety of choices, including eight eateries, an adults-only specialty restaurant, and buffet options, although recent reviews have been mixed regarding food quality.
Accommodation-wise, around 70% of cabins offer ocean views or verandas. All cabins are equipped with flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suite accommodations come with extra perks such as concierge service and media libraries. Service on this ship is reported to meet Disney's high standards, but it's worth noting that this level of quality comes with a corresponding price tag.
The Disney Magic departs from various ports, including Galveston, Texas; San Diego; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; New Orleans; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering itineraries to destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Panama Canal.
Launched in 2014, the Norwegian Getaway accommodates 3,963 passengers and a crew of 1,646, with a recent renovation in 2020 that introduced a full-service Starbucks, a new live music venue, and more. What sets this ship apart is its expansive "Waterfront" area, stretching a quarter of a mile and featuring a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.
The Norwegian Getaway caters to a diverse range of passengers, from younger crowds who can enjoy a multi-story water park and age-specific kids and teens clubs to couples seeking a romantic dining experience at venues like the Ocean Blue specialty restaurant.
Accommodation options include Studio cabins for solo travelers, as well as Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Club Balcony Suite category cabins for groups. For those seeking added luxury, The Haven offers cabins with access to a private sun deck and 24-hour butler service.
Departing from New York City, Rome, and other ports, the Norwegian Getaway embarks on voyages to the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, and even transatlantic crossings.
Let's delve into the Brilliance of the Seas, introduced in 2002, where you'll find accommodation for 2,543 passengers and a dedicated crew of 848. While the ship underwent its last major refurbishment in 2013, it received some updates from the Oasis class in April 2018, along with new furnishings and fresh carpeting. This vessel strikes a balance, being large enough to offer a diverse range of activities yet small enough to navigate canals and offer unique itineraries not accessible to larger ships in the fleet.
Brilliance of the Seas boasts eight dining options, including five specialty restaurants. Onboard entertainment caters to all age groups, with offerings like poolside movies, a three-story theater, a rock climbing wall, and a mini-golf course. While adults can savor cocktails at various bars, kids and teenagers can engage in age-appropriate youth clubs.
Accommodation-wise, approximately 75% of cabins provide ocean views, with roughly half of them featuring balconies. For those on a budget, there are Interior staterooms measuring 170 square feet. All cabins come equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs and minibars.
Brilliance of the Seas departs from ports across North America and Australia, embarking on a variety of global voyages.
Carnival Glory, initially launched in 2003, underwent significant upgrades in 2012 with the introduction of "Fun Ship 2.0" amenities. In 2022, it received routine cosmetic enhancements, a new café, and an expanded casino. Its next scheduled refurbishment is slated for spring 2024.
For those in search of entertainment, Carnival Glory offers Playlist Production musicals and comedy acts at the Punchliner Comedy Club. The ship also provides a variety of activities, including mini-golf, waterslides, and video arcades.
When it comes to dining options, the ship boasts two main dining rooms, a specialty steakhouse (available for an additional fee), and the Lido Deck, featuring an extensive buffet, Guy’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina. For adults, there are eight bars to enjoy while kids aged 2 to 17 can engage in age-appropriate youth clubs.
In terms of accommodations, Carnival Glory offers a range of choices, from smaller Interior and Ocean View cabins to Balcony and Suite category rooms. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, terry cloth robes, and 24-hour room service. With a crew of 1,150 to serve its 2,980 passengers, the ship provides a higher level of personalization than larger vessels in the fleet.
Carnival Glory embarks from New Orleans, Orlando, and Barcelona, traveling to destinations throughout the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. It also offers transatlantic voyages.
Carnival Valor, accommodating 2,980 passengers, offers a diverse array of activities and amenities suitable for various traveler profiles and age groups. Launched in 2004 and most recently updated in 2021, the ship features the popular "Fun Ship 2.0" offerings, such as the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the Cherry on Top candy shop. Additionally, you'll find a nightclub, comedy club, and the Alchemy Bar among its attractions.
Despite its size, Carnival Valor maintains an impressive staff-to-guest ratio of approximately 1-to-3, earning praise from past cruisers for the quality of service. Dining options abound, with two main dining rooms, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Pub, a steakhouse, and more to satisfy your culinary preferences. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the ship's 214-foot-long waterslide, while children will be delighted by the Seuss at Sea experience.
When it comes to accommodations, you have a range of choices, including Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony cabins, as well as Suites. Higher-tier staterooms provide additional space and amenities, such as VIP check-in and balconies with Jacuzzi tubs. Recent cruisers have reported overall cleanliness and comfort in their rooms.
Carnival Valor sets sail from New Orleans and offers Caribbean itineraries.
The Norwegian Breakaway, constructed in 2013 and recently renovated in 2020, accommodates 3,963 passengers and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.
Onboard, you'll find two Aqua Parks, including one specifically designed for children, a three-level Sports Complex featuring a ropes course, and dedicated kids and teens clubs. The ship boasts an array of daytime activities and an impressive selection of over 19 dining options. Additionally, there are three main dining rooms, a noodle bar, and a popular steakhouse. Entertainment options range from Broadway performances to dueling piano acts.
In terms of accommodations, there is a wide range of choices, starting from small Studio accommodations for solo travelers, followed by Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Club Balcony Suite cabins. There are also Spa designated rooms with extra perks. For those seeking enhanced luxury, the Haven category cabins offer more space, a private balcony, and access to exclusive dining and lounge areas. Despite its substantial size, the presence of 1,657 crew members ensures a commitment to top-notch service.
The Norwegian Breakaway sets sail from multiple ports, including New York City, Miami, New Orleans, and Rome, offering diverse itineraries covering the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Europe.
Carnival Liberty, originally launched in 2005, welcomes 2,974 guests and is supported by a staff of 1,160 members. In 2021, it underwent a minor refresh of its public areas, along with routine maintenance. This guest-to-crew ratio sets it apart, ensuring a higher level of personalized service compared to larger cruise ships. Carnival Liberty features all the amenities of "Fun Ship 2.0," including popular dining venues like Guy's Burger Joint. Additionally, guests have dining options at various restaurants and bars, including two main dining rooms, the Lido Buffet, and a steakhouse.
Entertainment options on the ship encompass the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar, and live stage performances. Kids aged 2 to 17 can engage in age-appropriate youth clubs, allowing parents to unwind in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
Regarding accommodations, Carnival Liberty offers a range of stateroom categories, each equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The more economical choices are the modest Interior and Ocean View rooms, while those seeking more space can consider Balcony and Suite accommodations.
Carnival Liberty embarks from New Orleans, offering sailings to destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.
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