New Orleans is one of America’s most iconic cruise departure cities — rich with Mardi Gras energy, jazz music echoing from Bourbon Street, and soul-comforting Cajun food everywhere you turn. Royal Caribbean continues to expand departures from this historic port, making it an increasingly popular embarkation point for travelers heading into the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Western Gulf.

Whether you're craving turquoise beaches, Mayan ruins, shipboard entertainment, or a warm escape from winter, Royal Caribbean offers a selection of itineraries perfect for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. The question most travelers ask is:

Which Royal Caribbean cruises sailing from New Orleans are truly the best?

In this comprehensive guide, we break down:

• Best ships operating from New Orleans

• Recommended itineraries for families, couples & adventure travelers

• Top ports of call and what makes each special

• Best time of year to cruise from New Orleans

• Sample 5–8 night itineraries with pricing

• Tips to save money and choose the perfect sailing

By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to select the ideal Royal Caribbean cruise — tailored to your travel style, budget, and vacation goals.

Why Cruise Royal Caribbean From New Orleans?

New Orleans offers a rare blend of accessibility, culture, history, music, food, nightlife, and warm year-round weather. It’s a destination worth exploring before even stepping onboard.

Cruising from this port means you can:

• Enjoy Bourbon Street the night before sailing

• Taste gumbo, beignets, crawfish, jambalaya & king cake

• Explore French Quarter, Mississippi Riverfront & Garden District

• Fly or drive easily — multiple highways lead into the port

When you add Royal Caribbean’s modern ships, tropical routes, and award-winning entertainment, the departure becomes part of the vacation itself.

Best Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing From New Orleans

Royal Caribbean rotates vessels seasonally, but historically, the most popular ships operating from this port include:

1. Radiance of the Seas – Best Balanced Ship for Families & Couples

Radiance-class ships blend comfort and mid-size design with plenty of windows, ocean views, solariums, specialty dining and excellent itineraries to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

Why it’s a top pick:

 Glass-focused architecture with panoramic sea views Perfect size — not crowded, but full of amenities Good for families, adults, food lovers, and explorers Excellent shore excursion variety

2. Adventure of the Seas – Best for Activities & Outdoor Fun

This Voyager-class ship brings more action onboard — popular with families, teens, and thrill seekers.

Highlights:

 Ice skating rink FlowRider surf simulator Water slides & themed pool areas Mini-golf, rock wall & sports courts Strong entertainment lineup

Many guests choose this ship when sailing with kids or large groups.

3. Brilliance of the Seas – Best for Scenic Cruising & Relaxation

A sister ship to Radiance, Brilliance offers spacious ocean views and calmer atmospheres, often with longer itineraries or unique seasonal routes.

Perfect for:

 Couples Older travelers Relaxed vacationers Fine dining fans Scenic-focused cruisers

If you enjoy peaceful sea days with beautiful Gulf waters, Brilliance is a strong contender.

Top Itineraries & Cruise Lengths From New Orleans

Royal Caribbean typically offers 4–8 night voyages. Each itinerary has a different feel depending on how much you want to explore at ports.

Below are the best itineraries available from New Orleans:

5-Night Western Caribbean to Cozumel & Costa Maya

Best for short vacations, first-time cruisers & budget travelers

Ports may include:

• New Orleans (embark)• Cozumel, Mexico• Costa Maya, Mexico• Day at Sea• Return to New Orleans

Why it’s popular:

 Two Mexico ports give variety — beaches & historical ruins Great weekend or short getaway option Plenty of snorkeling, zip lines, Mayan temples & food tours

Who should choose it: Anyone who wants fun + relaxation in a shorter time frame.

6-Night Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Roatan & Costa Maya

Best blend of nature, beaches & culture

Typical route:

• New Orleans• Cozumel• Roatan, Honduras• Costa Maya• Two sea days• Return

Why travelers love it:

 Roatan is a bucket-list snorkeling destination Mix of coral reefs, wildlife, tacos, ancient culture & beaches Enough sea days to enjoy the ship fully

Roatan alone makes this itinerary worth booking.

7-Night Grand Cayman, Cozumel & Jamaica

Best for travelers wanting a full Caribbean experience

Ports may include:

New Orleans Cozumel George Town, Grand Cayman Falmouth / Ocho Rios, Jamaica2–3 Sea Days Return to New Orleans

Why it stands out:

 Three iconic Caribbean destinations Stingray City, Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, Mayan ruins & reefs Great for adventure-seeking families & couples

A full week gives you more time onboard and in multiple cultures.

8-Night Western Caribbean Ultimate Coastal Explorer

Best for extended vacations & grand island hopping

Example route:

New Orleans Cozumel, Mexico Costa Maya Mexico Roatan Honduras Belize City, Belize 2–3 Sea Days Return

Why it’s "the best of everything":

 Four different countries in one sailing Exceptional reef diving in Belize & Honduras Ranges from archaeological ruins to beach clubs to jungles More time to unwind + enjoy specialty dining & shows

Perfect for travelers wanting a multi-country journey without rushing.

Best Ports You Can Visit From New Orleans

Below are the most memorable and rewarding cruise destinations accessible from this port:

 Cozumel, Mexico

Snorkeling, Mayan ruins, tequila tasting, white-sand beaches. A classic and always fun.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Mahahual beach town, water parks, ancient ruins, wildlife sanctuaries.

 Roatan, Honduras

World-famous coral reef for scuba & marine life lovers.

 Belize City, Belize

Lush jungles, caves, Mayan pyramids, world-class adventure excursions.

Grand Cayman

Crystal-clear water, stingray tours, luxury beaches, duty-free shopping.

 Jamaica

Reggae culture, waterfalls, river tubing, jerk chicken, mountain views.

Each stop offers something unique — from food to archaeology to relaxation.

When Is the Best Time to Cruise Royal Caribbean From New Orleans?

Cruising is technically year-round, but some seasons are better depending on your priorities.

SeasonBest ForNotes

December–AprilBest weather, low rainfallPrices slightly higher

May–AugustWarm water, family seasonCan be hot & school-holiday crowds

September–NovemberCheapest faresPeak hurricane season risk

If you want sunshine + smooth sailing, choose January–April.If you want the best prices, book September–early December.

Pricing Breakdown: How Much Will It Cost?

Average cruise costs per person (varies by date/season/ship):

Cruise LengthInterior CabinBalconySuite

5 nights$360–$750$720–$1,300$1,600+

6 nights$450–$900$850–$1,500$1,800+

7–8 nights$600–$1,200$1,200–$2,200$2,500–$5,000

Ways to save:

Book 6–9 months early Sail during September–January Check resident/senior/military rates Watch price drops before final payment date💲 Skip peak holiday sailings

Who Should Choose Each Cruise?

Best for Families with Kids → Adventure of the SeasBecause of water slides, FlowRider, arcades, sports deck and big entertainment.

Best for Couples → Brilliance or Radiance of the SeasQuieter environment, romantic solarium, upscale dining, ocean views.

Best for First-Time Cruisers → 5–6 Night Mexico ItineraryShort enough yet packed with adventure and Caribbean flavor.

Best for Explorers & Nature Lovers → Roatan + Belize RouteIdeal for snorkeling, wildlife watching, cave tubing, temples and jungles.

Best for Budget Travelers → Fall Departures + Interior CabinsShoulder season offers big price drops and lighter crowds.

Tips for Booking the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans

Use these strategies to get the ideal itinerary at the right price:

1. Book early for best cabin selection

Suites and balconies sell fastest — especially midship with views.

2. Choose shoulder months for better deals

Late-November, early-December, January, March offer sweet spots.

3. Fly in the night before

Weather delays can cause missed embarkation. Arrive early, explore NOLA.

4. Consider a pre-cruise stay in the French Quarter

Turn your trip into a two-destination vacation in one.

5. Try specialty dining at least once

Chops Grille, Izumi Sushi & Giovanni's Table enhance sea days beautifully.

6. Use RoyalUp upgrade bidding

Sometimes you score balcony upgrades for a fraction of full price.

Why Cruises From New Orleans Feel Special

Many departure ports feel purely practical — but not New Orleans. Here, your cruise starts with culture, rhythm, and flavor before even touching the water.

A perfect pre-cruise day might include:

• Breakfast beignets at Café du Monde

• Sailing through the Mississippi River while jazz plays in the distance

• Seafood gumbo for dinner + Bourbon Street nightlife

• Boarding with a grin — vacation already in motion

This blend is unique. It sets the tone for a joyful Caribbean escape.

Final Answer: Best Royal Caribbean Cruises From New Orleans

After comparing ships, itineraries, and traveler styles, the best overall choices are:

7–8 Night Western Caribbean including Roatan + BelizeBest destination diversity + incredible nature experiences

6 Night Mexico & Honduras ComboEfficient, exciting, perfectly balanced

5 Night Cozumel + Costa Maya Quick GetawayFun, affordable, great for busy schedules or first-timers

Any cruise you choose will deliver Royal Caribbean's signature dining, entertainment, adventure and ocean-view bliss — but sailing from New Orleans adds an extra spark that few departure cities can match.

If you'd like, I can also write:

 Best hotels & places to stay before cruising from New Orleans Packing list for Gulf & Western Caribbean cruises Shore excursion recommendations for each port

Just say the word — I’ll create it for you.