If you plan to sail from the Port of New Orleans for your next cruise, then there is a good chance you’ll be spending some time in town before your trip.
Not only is it a good idea to arrive to your port city at least a day early in case there are any delays in your travel, but New Orleans is a world-class city to visit for fun. From food to entertainment to culture to history, the city offers something for everyone. It would be a mistake to take a cruise from New Orleans and miss out.
That said, if you are flying in for your cruise, then there is the headache of trying to figure out transportation while you are in the city. Yes, you can rent a car to get around, but what do you do with it while you are on the ship? And you can also take taxis or Uber/Lyft your way around the city, but that can quickly get expensive.
That’s why some hotels in New Orleans offer shuttle service for their guests to the cruise port and/or airport. This can drastically cut down on the expense of getting to the port, so some hotels in the area offer transportation to entice cruise passengers to stay the night.
Other hotels are close enough to the cruise port that you can walk to the terminal come cruise day.
Put simply, if you stay at one of these hotels, you can save some decent cash on transportation costs.
To help you out, we’ve searched out New Orleans hotels with shuttles or within a short walk to the ship. We’ll be honest — while there are tons of hotels around the port, the number offering shuttle service to the port is relatively small. This is especially the case after the health crisis, when a number of hotels stopped shuttle service.
That’s why we’ve covered a number of options below, including hotels within walking distance of the cruise port. This way you have more choice in finding the perfect hotel for your cruise.
More Hotel Ideas: You can also click here to see hotels near the New Orleans cruise port or see “Park and Cruise” hotels in the port area.
Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. Review ratings come from Google and are rounded to the nearest half point.
New Orleans Hotels With Cruise Shuttles
Before the health crisis, several hotels in the city offered shuttle rides over to the cruise port. Now the numbers are far fewer. For most spots, a quick Uber/Lyft is your best option to get to the ship. We also have included hotels within a short walk of the port in another section below.
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
As for location, it really doesn’t get much better than this. While the Hampton Inn at the Convention Center is within walking distance of the port, it also offers a shuttle to the cruise terminal. While we didn’t see the offer online, a call to the hotel (504-566-9990) told us it was available.
There is not a shuttle from the airport, so you’ll need to find your own method of transportation if flying in. If driving, the Hampton Inn offers a cruise package with parking for $17 a night — a little cheaper than the parking rate at the official port parking lots — and a ride over to the ship.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hampton Inn & Suites Harvey/New Orleans West Bank
When it comes to hotel brands, Hampton Inn seems to be one that everyone can agree on. As well, we find they usually offer some of the best amenities to guests. This Hampton Inn sits about 15 minutes from cruise ships in New Orleans. We called and they allow you to park your car for free while you cruise if you stay the night before. In addition, they have a third-party shuttle to the cruise port for just $10 per person. You simply let the staff know at check-in that you’d like to leave your car.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 7 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Best Western Plus West Bank
That old New Orleans style is great, but let’s be honest. It can also be a hassle to be in the busy French Quarter. If you want a taste of New Orleans without the price or hassle, this might be it. The relatively modest hotel is built with an inner courtyard holding a pool and even wrought-iron balcony railings. The hotel offers a “Cruise Park and Stay” deal with parking included for 7 nights (extra nights are $10 each) and a one-way shuttle to the port. You will need to find a ride back to your car. If you don’t need to park, give the hotel a call (504-366-5369) regarding just a shuttle ride.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 8 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
New Orleans Hotels Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Terminal
Given the location of the cruise terminals in the heart of New Orleans, there are a number of hotels that are within walking distance — meaning you don’t even need a shuttle to get to your ship. Expect to pay a bit more to be in this location, but it’s worth it to be right next to the ships.
Note that prices can and will change depending on what is happening at the Convention Center.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
One of the closest hotels to the cruise terminals, the Hilton overlooks the Mississippi River and is within walking distance of not just the port but also the French Quarter, Harrah’s Casino, and more. How close is it? The cruise parking lot for the Julia Street Terminal is just a couple of hundred feet away.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District
This Marriott is literally across the street from the Convention Center, with the cruise terminal on the other side. A quick walk around the end of the building puts you at the cruise terminals on embarkation day. In addition, the stylish hotel also earns rave reviews from travelers and puts your right in an area with tons to do nearby.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center
Next door to the Marriott Warehouse Arts District, Hyatt Place is another solid option that’s just a few minutes walk to the cruise ships. Guest reviews on Google provide a 4 out of 5 stars, and you have a number of amenities like free breakfast, Internet, and fitness center.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
As with most hotels located near the Convention Center, the Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the cruise ships. You’re also near the National WWII Museum and tons of restaurants. With nearly 300 rooms, this hotel is also a good choice if looking for a place on a busy weekend.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Omni New Orleans Riverfront
It’s hard to get closer to the cruise port than the Omni. It’s across the street from the Julia Street Terminal parking and only about a 10-minute walk to the Erato Street Terminal. Of course with this location there are also a ton of restaurants and shops around as well for before your cruise.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
SpringHill Suites Downtown/Convention Center
SpringHill Suites sits just a couple of blocks from the Convention Center, and then the cruise terminals. The walk should only take about 15 minutes, meaning you don’t need a shuttle or other transportation to the port. Meanwhile, it’s a highly rated and relatively affordable hotel given the popularity of the area.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 0.4 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Courtyard New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center
Stay here when you cruise, and when you’re ready to head to your ship, just walk out to Julia Street, head toward the Mississippi and you’ll be at the port in about five minutes. That’s convenient given that we found some nights with rooms around $100 a night in a location right across from a ton of restaurants and near the port. The pool in the courtyard also a neat feature.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Embassy Suites New Orleans Convention Center
Right across from the Courtyard listed above, the Embassy Suites is another option that’s just down Julia Street from the ships. You can be at the Royal Caribbean or Norwegian terminal in about five minutes and to the Carnival ship in about 10 minutes.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Distance to Port: 0.3 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
New Orleans Hotels With Airport Shuttles
In addition to the hotels we found offering a shuttle to the Port of New Orleans, there are many that offer shuttle transportation between the hotel and the airport. If flying in, this saves you some money getting between the airport and where you’re staying. A quick Uber/Lyft can then get you to the cruise port.
La Quinta Inn New Orleans Airport
A name that’s long known for offering comfortable — yet affordable — accommodations, the La Quinta near the airport offers a free shuttle that runs between your flight and the hotel. You would still need to find transportation to the cruise port. Other amenities include a bar, pool, and fitness center. Suites are also available.
- Price: $-$$
- Distance to Port: 13.5 miles
- Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Hilton New Orleans Airport
Literally right across from the airport, the Hilton New Orleans has a 24-hour shuttle. It’s also higher-end than other hotels right around the airport, so it might be up your alley if you’re looking for somewhere a little nicer to stay. It simply doesn’t get more convenient than this location if you have a late flight into New Orleans for your cruise.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 13 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Comfort Inn & Suites New Orleans Airport North
With a location just north of the airport, if you are flying in it’s hard to get closer than this hotel. It features all the classic amenities you’d expect in a hotel, including pool and breakfast. In addition, it has a 24-hour airport shuttle. A ride to the cruise port with Uber or Lyft would run about $30-$35 each way.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 14 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans Airport
Minutes from the airport, the DoubleTree is a great idea if you’re flying in for your cruise. It features a 24-hour shuttle back and forth from your flights. In addition, it’s a higher-end hotel with solid reviews. With fitness center, pool, and even an on-site restaurant, it has everything you need for a nice stay. You’re about 20-25 minutes from the port at this location.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 12 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Best Western Plus New Orleans Airport
A newer hotel, this spot sits on the south side of the New Orleans airport. To be sure if you’re coming to the city for the New Orleans experience, this might not be your first choice. But if you want something close to the airport that’s new, comfortable, and offers shuttle service, this is a good option. The shuttle runs from 4 a.m. to midnight, meaning you should be able to catch a ride no matter the time of day.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 14.5 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport South
Sometimes you just need something easy and basic for a place to stay. If you’re wanting that, then you might be interested in this Comfort Inn. It features a free airport shuttle, along with things like free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Get a good night’s sleep and then on cruise day it will be a 30-minute ride over to the port.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 15 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Orleans Airport South
This hotel located southwest of the airport offers a free shuttle around the clock. In addition, if driving in they also offer parking during your trip for $12 per day. As a bonus this hotel might be a good idea if traveling with a larger group as the suites offer more space.
- Price: $$
- Distance to Port: 15 miles
- Review Rating: 4 out of 5
More on Cruising from New Orleans:
- 15 Best New Orleans Park and Cruise Hotels (Free/Discounted Parking)
- 18+ Top-Rated Cruise Hotels Near the Port of New Orleans
- Uber & Lyft to the New Orleans Cruise Port (Service Area, Prices, and More)
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The Country Inn in Metairie no longer has any shuttle service to the airport or cruise port. Just spoke with the front desk.