Parking for a New Orleans cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you want the convenience of parking at the port or you want to save money by using an outside parking lot, there are options for you.
That said, there aren’t as many cruise parking options in New Orleans as you’ll find in other places like Galveston or Port Canaveral. Still, with official port parking, independent lots, and hotels with cruise parking, you do have choices.
Below, we cover all of your options for parking for your cruise…
In This Article...
Official Port of New Orleans Parking (Recommended)
For most passengers, best option is to simply use the official port parking garages. The port offers ample parking for cruisers for both the Erato Street and Julia Street cruise terminals. No matter which cruise line you sail, you can park right near the ship. However, that comes at a cost.
Cruise parking at the port is a flat fee of $25 per day with the total cost depending on the length of the cruise. Cash, credit, and debit cards are taken for payment.
Carnival Passengers: The Erato Street Terminal parking is in a garage that sits above the terminal. You simply can’t park closer to your ship. No reservations are needed (in fact, you can’t even reserve a spot) and a parking space in guaranteed.
Royal Caribbean/NCL Passengers: The Julia Street Terminal parking is at the 100 Poydras Garage. It’s address is 100 Poydras St. New Orleans, 70130. From here it is a short walk to the Julia Street Terminal, and there is a free shuttle that runs if you need help getting to the ship.
Drive an oversized vehicle? (Taller than 6’4″ for 100 Poydras Garage or 8’4″ for Erato, or longer than 22′ for either garage.) Contact the port at 504-528-3318 for your options.
Are you a disabled veteran? If you have documentation of at least 50% disability (VA letter, disabled veteran license plate, etc.) then the port offers free parking for up to 7 days. Bring your documentation to the port on cruise day.
- Cost: $25 per day
- Distance: At terminal
- Website: https://portnola.com/cruise/parking-directions
Independent Parking Lots
New Orleans Parking
If you’re looking for a sharp discount, you might want to try New Orleans Parking. This company has different options right near the cruise port, including some with very cheap cruise parking rates, compared to the official port parking.
In particular, its Fulton Place Garage is located very close to the terminal, just on the other side of the convention center. There is a shuttle that will take you over to the ship.
The garage lot costs as little as $14.50 per day (there is also a $5 service fee on top of that.) That’s roughly 40% less than parking at the cruise port.
- Cost: $14.50-$16.50 per day (plus $5 service fee)
- Distance: 1 block (free shuttle provided for passengers)
- Website: https://www.neworleansparking.com
Machu Picchu Cruise Ship Parking
Located about 1.5 miles (5 minutes) from the New Orleans port, this lot offers an alternative to the official port parking. Parking is secured behind a barbed-wire fence. The lot is somewhat small, so spaces are limited and reservations are required.
There is a free shuttle to and from the port. Parking costs $14 per day. The facility says it is also sheltered to protect your car from the elements.
- Cost: $14 per day
- Distance: 15 blocks (free shuttle provided)
- Website: https://www.machupicchutours.com/cruise-ship-parking.html
Hotels With Cruise Parking
As mentioned at the start, New Orleans hotels with cruise parking are also an option. Many of the hotels in the area cater to cruisers. If you want to save the most money and plan to stay in the area the night before your cruise, then New Orleans hotels with park & cruise packages are your best bet.
These hotels will let you park at a discount (or free) while you cruise just for staying a night with them. For more information and details on each hotel, visit our page on New Orleans hotels with cruise parking here.
Here are a few hotels from our list:
In addition to our list of hotels with cruise parking, we also have New Orleans hotels with shuttles to the cruise port.
Questions and Answers About New Orleans Cruise Parking
Do I need a reservation to park?
If you are parking at the official cruise lot, then you don’t need a reservation. A parking spot is guaranteed. If you are using an independent lot, then you will want to reserve online ahead ahead of time. This also gives you a chance to pay ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about on cruise day.
Is there free parking anywhere for my cruise?
The only place we’ve found with free parking is at a number of hotels around the city that offer parking for guests that stay with them before their cruise. Apart from that, you’ll have to pay for your parking during your trip.
More on Cruising From New Orleans
Transportation to the New Orleans Cruise Port — If you need a ride to get to the cruise terminal, all of your options are here. From Lyft to taxi to shuttles, here’s how to get there.
New Orleans Cruise Hotels — Getting in late? Leaving early? Simply need a place to rest your head? We’ve rounded up the options for places to stay near the port.
New Orleans Park & Cruise Hotels — Looking for a hotel that offers cruise parking while you set sail? We have you covered.
We are going on a 14 day cruise on Carnival in Nov 2021. What is the cost to park? Is it just double the 7 day cost, or is it cheaper?
Not many 14-day cruises usually sail from there, so not sure. It’s likely best to assume it’s double the 7-day rate and if it turns out cheaper, then that’s great!
We are going on a cruise and need parking for 2 over sized vehicles. I was thinking of booking with Cummins parking, however I have been unable to locate any reviews with regards to this garage. I have read some awful stories about other garages (over charging, booting their vehicles etc.) and the last thing any one wants is to find their car vandalized, booted, etc. Does anyone have experience with Cummins?
I am a disabled 48 yr old woman taking a cruise with Norwegian. I require a mobility scooter to get around. I will be driving into New Orleans and parking at the port. I will be renting the scooter in New Orleans. Can you tell me where there is a handicapped spot near the Norwegian dock and where I should ask for the scooter to be delivered to me there at the port? I cant walk for any distance at all so your help would be so much appreciated, thank you very much 🙂
Just head to the port and ask the staff working where to park. We aren’t sure exactly where the handicapped space is, but there will be space for those who need it.
Can I continue parking there after my cruise is over? Staying 2 more nights.
Shouldn’t be an issue, but we’d suggest talking to an attendant just to be sure.
Is there a lot or section someone can drop you off and pick you up for a cruise. Also could they just park at a lot to wait for us (of course paying for it) and can we get a shuttle back and forth if we are not parking for the whole week.
Yes, there’s a spot for drop-off and pick-up. Just head to the port and follow the signs.
Are there any lots that takes RVs?
Yes, there is an oversized lot. It costs $40 per day.
If we are on a Norwegian cruise can we choose to park in the cover parking garage even thought it says its for Carnival?
I believe they might check to make sure you are boarding a Carnival ship when you enter the garage. But it’s worth a shot! The worst they can tell you is no.
Fulton Street appears to no longer cater to cruisers.
“Fulton Place Parking – Garage Covered (Overnight)
THIS OPTION IS NOT FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS. ”
“No shuttle for this parking option. This option is for hotel guests/city parking in the area.”
We actually called the lot after seeing the same message. We were told the Fulton Place Garage has several options. There is still cruise parking at the garage. If you click “Reserve” and enter your dates, it will show the options at the garage.
Do you get a discount for handicap parking?
No, there is no discount.
I just checked Fulton street parking and it cost $139.something for a week. WHERE IS THE SAVINGS?
It looks like the rate has risen for cruise season. According to the website “Please note: season rate of $15.00 per day in affect from 01/03/2019 to 05/05/2019.” Along with tax and a $5 service fee, the total price is $122.60 for garage rooftop parking ($134.36 for covered garage parking). That’s not as much savings as it used to be.
fulton street parking was (as of this morning the 24th) $12 for rooftop and $14 for below.