The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced this week that it had a record-breaking year in 2024, seeing more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.

“We are grateful to our cruise and hospitality partners, including New Orleans & Company, for its role in helping Port NOLA achieve a record-breaking number of passengers,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch.

“These valued partnerships continue to drive strong demand and promising growth projections for both ocean-going and river cruising from Port NOLA. We look forward to building on this momentum for another successful year in 2025,” added Branch.

“Our team at New Orleans & Company works daily to ensure New Orleans remains a highly popular cruise destination for both travelers and the cruise lines,” said Walt Leger, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company.

“We salute our partners at the Port of New Orleans for a second consecutive year of passenger growth. These results, like tourism, do not just happen. It is the result of innovative strategies and years of relationships,” Leger added.

“We work to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world, and we are pleased that visitors from around the world continue to honor us by choosing our city as its top destination for cruising, leisure visits, meetings and major events.”

The port said in a press release that in 2024, there were continued commitments from Port NOLA’s cruise line partners.

Carnival Cruise Line finalized a five-year agreement for two year-round vessels and celebrated its 30th year of cruising from New Orleans, and Royal Caribbean returned with the Brilliance of the Seas.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line is continuing with its five-year agreement with the port, adding sailings for the Norwegian Getaway.

Port NOLA will also bring port calls to New Orleans in 2025, including P&O’s Ventura, a Carnival Corporation subsidiary, and SAGA Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery.