Port of N.O. handled 736,908 passengers last year
A study commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association finds that the industry accounted for $281 million in direct spending in Louisiana last year, up 35% from 2010 as passenger traffic increased in New Orleans.
The Port of New Orleans handled 736,908 passengers in 2011, putting the port in the top 10 cruise ports in the nation. This year, the number may reach 1 million.
In 2011, passengers spent an average of 1.8 nights in the city either before of after their cruises, and spent $27.9 million on lodging, food and beverages.
Cruise ship employees spent $8 million while ships were docked in New Orleans, buying electronics, clothing, food and beverages, roughly 26% above the national average.
Both the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Elation sail out of New Orleans. The Norwegian Star will sail her maiden voyage out of the city on November 4 and on November 17, the port will welcome Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, a vessel that can accomodate 3,114 passengers.
