Norwegian Escape Near Port of New Orleans
Everything you need for boarding Norwegian Escape (Norwegian) at Port of New Orleans. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.
Upcoming Sail Dates
| Date | Boarding Time |
|---|---|
| Sun, Feb 15, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Feb 22, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Mar 8, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Mar 15, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Mar 22, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Mar 29, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Apr 5, 2026 | 12:00 |
| Sun, Apr 12, 2026 | 12:00 |
Your Terminal
Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Norwegian)
Drop-off: Follow the same route as Erato -- from I-10, take Exit 234A (US 90 W) at Tchoupitoulas St. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas, left onto Henderson St, and left onto Port of New Orleans Place. Julia Street Terminal is just past Erato. Do not try to access the terminal from Julia St or Poydras St entrances. Drop luggage curbside with porters.
Parking: Julia Street Terminal does not have its own garage. Passengers park at the 100 Poydras Garage (about 500 spots), and a shuttle takes you to the terminal. Rates are $25 per day or $175 for a 7-day cruise. Keep your parking confirmation handy. The shuttle runs frequently on embarkation days.
Check-in tips:
- Complete Norwegian's online check-in and download your boarding pass to the NCL app before arrival
- Bring your passport -- all Norwegian sailings from New Orleans require one
- Plan to arrive during your assigned check-in time to avoid long lines
- The terminal is smaller and more intimate than Erato -- check-in tends to be quicker
Getting to the Port
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY is about 20 miles west of the port, roughly a 30-minute drive without traffic. The airport completed a brand-new terminal in 2019 and is well-connected to the city via I-10.
Driving & Port Parking
From I-10, take Exit 234A (US 90 W) at Tchoupitoulas St. Follow the ramp, turn right onto Tchoupitoulas, left onto Henderson St, and left onto Port of New Orleans Place. Cross the railroad tracks to reach the terminals. Do not try to enter from Julia St or Poydras St.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several nearby hotels offer park-and-cruise packages with port shuttles. The Mercantile Hotel, Wyndham French Quarter, and Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center all offer packages that include parking during your cruise and a ride to the terminal.
Streetcar from Downtown Hotels
If you're staying in the French Quarter or along Canal Street, the St. Charles or Canal streetcar lines can get you close to the port area. The Riverfront streetcar runs along the river near the Convention Center, dropping you within a 10-minute walk of the terminals.
Nearby Restaurants
Cafe Du Monde
Beignets and chicory coffee in an open-air French Quarter landmark -- kids lose their minds over the powdered sugar
$Camellia Grill
Old-school counter-service diner with omelets, waffles, and burgers the whole family will love
$Willie's Chicken Shack
Fast-casual fried chicken in the French Quarter -- cheap, quick, and universally liked by kids
$Mothers Restaurant
Legendary po'boy shop since 1938 -- comfort food that satisfies adults and kids alike
$-$$Nearby Hotels
Embassy Suites New Orleans Convention Center
Two-room suites, free breakfast, and evening cocktails -- room for the whole family to spread out
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
Award-winning hotel with free hot breakfast, pool, and spacious suites near the port
The Mercantile Hotel
Warehouse District boutique with the best Stay, Park & Cruise deal for families driving in
Homewood Suites French Quarter
All-suite hotel with full kitchens, free breakfast, and a pool -- feels like a home base
Local Tip
Norwegian Escape boards at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, which does not have its own parking garage. Passengers park at the 100 Poydras Garage for $25/day and take a shuttle to the terminal. Complete check-in through the NCL app beforehand, and enter the port area from Tchoupitoulas Street via Henderson Street, not from Julia or Poydras. For a pre-cruise meal, Cochon in the Warehouse District is a 5-minute drive and serves James Beard-winning Cajun food.
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