Best time to arrive at New Orleans port?

[crmc]

We are cruising on the Norwegian Jewel out of New Orleans in Jan. What is the best time to arrive at the port for the shortest lines?

[Cubechick]

At any port we usually arrive between 10:30 and 11:00 and have found the lines to be manageable for the most part.

[russianmom]

I usually get there at 10:30.

[jdvmd]

I like to arrive later but that is only because we usually fly in the day of the cruise. The lines usually move pretty quickly.

[kcwingwalker]

Early is usually better than later. New Orleans can have some major traffic jams and if there is a big event in town things can really slow down.

 

Better to have some extra waiting time at the terminal than being stuck in traffic and hoping you'll make it in time.

[hutt]

Do you have to drive past carnival parking lot to get to ncl parking lot

[kcwingwalker]

Do you have to drive past carnival parking lot to get to ncl parking lot

 

I believe you do, but have not yet done it myself. Parking for NCL is in the "Whale Lot".

 

Parking for Julia St. Cruise Terminal

Once entering Port of New Orleans Place, proceed past the Erato Street Terminal to Julia Street. There you will be directed to the Julia St Terminal drop-off area where you will be assisted with your luggage by Seacaps. You will then be directed down Julia St. where you will take a right turn onto the Service Roadway into the "Whale Lot." Parking costs $16 per day. Before leaving your car make sure that you have both parking tickets accounted for because they will be needed on the way out of the facility. A shuttle is provided back to the terminal if needed. Parking lot is secured, lighted and patrolled.

 

http://www.neworleanscvb.com/travel-professionals/cruises/cruise-parking/

[Da-Painter]

In November we parked at Fulton Garage Roof Top, for $8/day. Register & pay ahead of time at www.neworleansparkinig.com , shuttle to and from cruise ship terminal.

Leaned this from CC. Would recommend it. :)

[MagnoliaBlossom]

For whale lot parking (NCL) get into the left lane after you turn toward the pier. The right lane will go to the Carnival garage and is usually backed up, but the NCL line moves quickly. There will be a policeman directing traffic and just tell him you are going to the wh ale lot. After passing the garage, there will be a spot for you to pull off, to the right, and drop baggage, if necessary. If you have no such need, just head on in the left lane. The exit for passengers will be to your far left after entering the lot, so park as far down as possible to shorten your walk.

[hutt]

For whale lot parking (NCL) get into the left lane after you turn toward the pier. The right lane will go to the Carnival garage and is usually backed up, but the NCL line moves quickly. There will be a policeman directing traffic and just tell him you are going to the wh ale lot. After passing the garage, there will be a spot for you to pull off, to the right, and drop baggage, if necessary. If you have no such need, just head on in the left lane. The exit for passengers will be to your far left after entering the lot, so park as far down as possible to shorten your walk.

Ok, thanks, thats what i wanted to know