With its colourful history, gourmet Creole cuisine and unrivalled music scene, New Orleans is a popular departure point for cruises to the Caribbean and Latin America. Enviably located in the centre of town, the port’s two cruise terminals are a short stroll from the city’s favourite sights, including the French Quarter – the heart and soul of the Big Easy.
(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)
Cruises can be a relaxing and convenient way to explore a handful of destinations in one go, without the hassle of interconnecting flights and a dozen different hotel check-ins. The majority of cruises from New Orleans are destined for the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean. On most itineraries, it’s possible to wake up on a new island every day too. From jolly four-day quick fixes to leisurely fortnight holidays, we’re selected seven of the best cheap and affordable cruises from New Orleans.
4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
This is a short – and very sweet – cruise from New Orleans, with two glorious days at sea aboard the Carnival Valo and a stop at Cozumel in Mexico. The ship offers floating resort-like amenities which are a big hit with kids, but it’s equally popular with young groups of friends and couples. There are multiple pools, Tiki-style bars, a handful of brilliant dining options and an impressive three-deck-high water slide. Travellers get a full day to explore Cozumel’s tropical reefs, ancient ruins and rich marine life too. This fun and affordable cruise is perfect for those looking for a quick hit of Caribbean sunshine. From $279 ($70 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)
This five-night cruise includes two luxurious days in Mexico and two days at sea, aboard the Carnival Valor. The first stop on the itinerary is Cozumel, where travellers can soak up the sun and snorkel with turtles. Then it’s on to the Yucatan coast, with a day in Progresso to enjoy its beach town vibes. The port city boasts the longest pier in Mexico, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and quirky shops. From $279 ($56 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
6 Night Bahamas Cruise
With two stopovers at Key West and Castaway Cay, the itinerary for this six-night Bahamas cruise is good – but really it’s the onboard experiences that sell this cruise. The Disney Wonder brings the best of Disney’s shoreside experiences onboard, with award-winning productions of Frozen, 3D Disney movie showings in the Buena Vista Cinema and breakfast with your favourite characters. There are 11 decks of themed swimming pools, restaurants and spas too. Little ones will love the Oceaneer Club – four themed multi-dimensional spaces ranging from the MARVEL Super Hero Academy to Andy’s Room from Toy Story. A real family treat. From $1110 ($185 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)
If you’re dreaming of palm-fringed beaches and Pina Coladas, this action-packed seven-night itinerary is for you. You’ll get to visit three different countries in as many days, plus two different locations in Mexico. The cruise hops from island to island, with full-day trips to Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye, Belize and Costa Maya. Onboard, the Norwegian Breakaway offers 27 dining option, 22 bars and clubs, three broadway shows and a spa with two dozen treatment rooms. From $496 ($71 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
If the Norwegian Cruise itinerary sounds a little too busy for you, this seven-night cruise aboard the Carnival Glory will be more up your street. The itinerary features three full days at sea, with leisurely stops at Roatan in Honduras, Belize and Cozumel in Mexico along the way. Active families will be blown away by the amenities onboard, which includes WaterWorks – featuring twin racing slides and a giant tipping bucket. It’s not all built for kids though and those looking to escape can head to the Serenity Adults Only Retreat. Dive-In Movies under the stars makes for a great date night too. From $449 ($64 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
8 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)
This lovely, lively cruise ticks off three different Caribbean destinations along the way: Mexico, Cayman Islands and Jamaica. The final stop at Montego Bay is sure to be a big hit with everyone, thanks to its powdery beaches, rum bars and trendy eateries. You’ll get four full days at sea to make the most of Carnival Glory’s top-notch amenities and facilities. There’s also one day dedicated to the Ship Meetup, where the Carnival Glory joins its sister ships for a big celebration at sea. Each ship hosts its own party, with DJs and dancing. From $894 ($112 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com
14 Night Panama Canal Cruise
At just over $1,000, this cruise is one of the most expensive entries on our list, but you still get a brilliant bang for your buck. The round-trip packs in a handful of Caribbean islands, including Montego Bay in Jamaica, Aruba and Bonaire. From here, it’s onwards to Cartegena in Colombia, with a day to explore the city’s colonial architecture and the sparkling Caribbean coast. Then it’s an iconic 40-mile trip along Panama Canal, before your penultimate final stop – Costa Rica. You’ll get one final day to stretch out in the sunshine at Cozumel as you wind your way back. From $1,199 ($86 per night)
Book now at CruiseDirect.com