New Orleans - The City
New Orleans, the largest city in the state of Louisiana, lies on the Mississippi river. The city hugs the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain in a ‘C’ shape, hence its popular nickname, ‘The Crescent City’.
New Orleans was originally established by Jean Baptiste La Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who in 1718 set up New Orleans as a deep water port to export produce from the surrounding lands.
In settlement of war debts, France ceded control of Louisiana to Spain, who ruled the colony for nearly 40 years from 1763 until 1801.
Nearly all of the existing 18th century architecture of the French Quarter dates back to this Spanish period.
Napoleon Bonaparte of France gained control of Louisiana in 1801, then sold it on for just $15 million to the US in the Louisiana Purchase.
Through the first half of the 19th century, New Orleans grew rich, as the premier Caribbean port city trading goods such as sugar cane, rum, tobacco and fruit.
The Civil War and Reconstruction put an end to economic success, but the city continued to grow. In the early 1900s the invention of electric pumps enabled the city’s suburbs to spread out into lower lying regions.
Throughout its history New Orleans has relied on its levees to protect the city from flooding. But catastrophe struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina brought category 3 winds and a massive tidal surge, breaking the levees, resulting in widespread flooding. The city has still not completely recovered from the hurricane’s destructive visit.
Today the visitor to New Orleans will find a city that boasts a historic charm, outstanding jazz, tasty cuisine, and a characterful Creole origin.
New Orleans was originally established by Jean Baptiste La Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, who in 1718 set up New Orleans as a deep water port to export produce from the surrounding lands.
In settlement of war debts, France ceded control of Louisiana to Spain, who ruled the colony for nearly 40 years from 1763 until 1801.
Nearly all of the existing 18th century architecture of the French Quarter dates back to this Spanish period.
Napoleon Bonaparte of France gained control of Louisiana in 1801, then sold it on for just $15 million to the US in the Louisiana Purchase.
Through the first half of the 19th century, New Orleans grew rich, as the premier Caribbean port city trading goods such as sugar cane, rum, tobacco and fruit.
The Civil War and Reconstruction put an end to economic success, but the city continued to grow. In the early 1900s the invention of electric pumps enabled the city’s suburbs to spread out into lower lying regions.
Throughout its history New Orleans has relied on its levees to protect the city from flooding. But catastrophe struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina brought category 3 winds and a massive tidal surge, breaking the levees, resulting in widespread flooding. The city has still not completely recovered from the hurricane’s destructive visit.
Today the visitor to New Orleans will find a city that boasts a historic charm, outstanding jazz, tasty cuisine, and a characterful Creole origin.
New Orleans Cruise Terminals
Originally constructed for the 1984 World's Fair, the Port of New Orleans cruise facility has been upgraded several times to match the ever increasing size of cruise ships. The port now offers two cruise terminals.
Julia Street Cruise Terminal
Since its inauguration in 1991 the Julia Street cruise terminal has undergone four major upgrades to adapt to the ever increasing size of cruise ships.
Available facilities comprise customs screening, a drive-off and pick-up area, an ATM, baggage handling, check-in and waiting areas, elevated passenger loading ramp, a refreshment stand and souvenir shop. The Julia Street cruise terminal is used by RCI and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carl parking is available in the nearby Whale parking area, off Convention Center Blvd.
Julia Street Cruise Terminal
Since its inauguration in 1991 the Julia Street cruise terminal has undergone four major upgrades to adapt to the ever increasing size of cruise ships.
Available facilities comprise customs screening, a drive-off and pick-up area, an ATM, baggage handling, check-in and waiting areas, elevated passenger loading ramp, a refreshment stand and souvenir shop. The Julia Street cruise terminal is used by RCI and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carl parking is available in the nearby Whale parking area, off Convention Center Blvd.
Erato Cruise Terminal
The Erato cruise terminal, finished in Oct 2006, enabled the cruise port to homeport two big cruise ships simultaneously.
Available facilities include full air-conditioning, souvenir kiosk, a drive-in/drop-off area, elevated passenger loading bridge, a refreshment stand, customs clearance and baggage area. The top four stories of the terminal serve as a parking garage for over 1,000 vehicles. The Erato Street cruise terminal is used by Carnival.
For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from New Orleans.
The Erato cruise terminal, finished in Oct 2006, enabled the cruise port to homeport two big cruise ships simultaneously.
Available facilities include full air-conditioning, souvenir kiosk, a drive-in/drop-off area, elevated passenger loading bridge, a refreshment stand, customs clearance and baggage area. The top four stories of the terminal serve as a parking garage for over 1,000 vehicles. The Erato Street cruise terminal is used by Carnival.
For a calendar of cruises, see cruises from New Orleans.
New Orleans Shore Excursions
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is at the heart of the French Quarter, one of the best conserved historical neighborhoods in the United States. The Quarter even today has a unique Spanish and French personality. A number of interesting buildings look out over the square, such as the St Louis Cathedral, first constructed in 1724, the 1850 house, authentically furnished with fixtures and fittings of the 19th century and the 1791 Presbytére, now the Hurricane Katrina museum.
St. Louis Cemetery #1
St Louis Cemetery No 1 was started shortly after the great fire of 1788 , operating as the city’s most used burial ground. The beginnings of the above ground vaulted tombs is in dispute, it may be due to the high water table, or it may be due that it was a Roman Catholic practice. The cemetery is a short walk from the French Quarter.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street, full of hotels, boutiques, adult clubs, bars, restaurants and jazz club, is the best known street in the French Quarter. Enjoy listening to jazz music at The Famous Door, the oldest jazz club on the street. Treat yourself to lunch at Galatoire’s Restaurant, founded by Jean Galatoire back in 1905, which focuses on French Creole cooking. Call at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, now a bar in a 1722 creole cottage. It was rumored that Jean Lafitte operated the forge as a respectable front for his privateer activities.
Moonwalk
The Mississippi river Moonwalk follows the west bank of the river from Jackson Square upriver to Canal street. The promenade was named after mayor Maurice Moon Landrieu, the mayor responsible for the building of the path. The Moon Walk is a favorite spot for street performers and chances are you'll hear lots of jazz, as well as seeing human statues, escape artists and stilt walkers.
Jackson Square is at the heart of the French Quarter, one of the best conserved historical neighborhoods in the United States. The Quarter even today has a unique Spanish and French personality. A number of interesting buildings look out over the square, such as the St Louis Cathedral, first constructed in 1724, the 1850 house, authentically furnished with fixtures and fittings of the 19th century and the 1791 Presbytére, now the Hurricane Katrina museum.
St. Louis Cemetery #1
St Louis Cemetery No 1 was started shortly after the great fire of 1788 , operating as the city’s most used burial ground. The beginnings of the above ground vaulted tombs is in dispute, it may be due to the high water table, or it may be due that it was a Roman Catholic practice. The cemetery is a short walk from the French Quarter.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street, full of hotels, boutiques, adult clubs, bars, restaurants and jazz club, is the best known street in the French Quarter. Enjoy listening to jazz music at The Famous Door, the oldest jazz club on the street. Treat yourself to lunch at Galatoire’s Restaurant, founded by Jean Galatoire back in 1905, which focuses on French Creole cooking. Call at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, now a bar in a 1722 creole cottage. It was rumored that Jean Lafitte operated the forge as a respectable front for his privateer activities.
Moonwalk
The Mississippi river Moonwalk follows the west bank of the river from Jackson Square upriver to Canal street. The promenade was named after mayor Maurice Moon Landrieu, the mayor responsible for the building of the path. The Moon Walk is a favorite spot for street performers and chances are you'll hear lots of jazz, as well as seeing human statues, escape artists and stilt walkers.
New Orleans Cruise News
Useful To Know
Timezone Central
Currency USD
Language English
Currency USD
Language English