Carnival Dream/New Orleans Port

Wondering if anyone can share recent experiences with the traffic getting to the port. In the past, it's been a bit hairy but I was hoping with the new check-in time frames required by Carnival that things might be better. Appreciate anything you can share.

It was bad beginning of the month but since it was our first time out of NO nothing to compare it too.

We were on the Dream out of New Orleans in January.

We had a group of 4. 2 with priority boarding and 2 without. Priority was through security and and the ship within about 20 minutes. The 2 without priority were only about 10 minutes behind us. This was about 11:00 am.

Matt & Aubry

We went in a taxi to the port in DEC and it took longer to navigate the streets near the terminal than any other place we've been. I would allow at least an additional 20 minutes to your desired port arrival time. We left on a Sunday, I don't know if that matters for planning.

It's still New Orleans and there is still only 1 way in and out of the port. No way of telling exactly what time the traffic will back up, but unfortunately it will back up at some point. The good news is the back ups never last more than 20 minutes. Staggered check in has not really helped the situation.

:o

We were on the Dream out of New Orleans in January.

 

We had a group of 4. 2 with priority boarding and 2 without. Priority was through security and and the ship within about 20 minutes. The 2 without priority were only about 10 minutes behind us. This was about 11:00 am.

 

Matt & Aubry

OP was asking about traffic getting to the port. Traffic was horrendus

We also found it was quick to get thru security and onto the ship.

I always get off US-90 at st. Charles and take back roads to the port. I stay out of the traffic jams until I get to the port entrance.

We will be travelling 8 hours to get to the port. Is there anything around there to hang out at if we get there too early?

We will be travelling 8 hours to get to the port. Is there anything around there to hang out at if we get there too early?

Can walk along the river

In general, Sunday morning traffic isn't that bad if you coming off the interstate.

Are you embarking on a Sunday? If so, are the Saints playing a home game that day? If you answered "yes" to both, allow extra time. You may also wish to leave the driving to the professionals. We do and don't have the streess the traffic and congestion in the area bring.

In February, the traffic we ran into was trying to get to the port. We left our hotel (5 mins away) and didn't pull into the parking structure for 30 mins due to all the traffic trying to make a left hand turn. I am going again in July and will be looking for an easier way to go.... if it's possible.

We were just there last week. We had 10-10:30 check in time. We got to the port about 10:15. It took about 5-10 minutes waiting in line to get into the parking ramp. We were checked in and waiting to board before 11 with boarding zone 4. We were on the ship enjoying lunch at the Italian place above the buffet around 11:30-11:45. Exiting was extremely easy. We did self-debark. They started calling floors 1-2 around 7:15. Our floor (6) was called next shortly before 8. We were on the highway headed home by 8:20.

Wondering if anyone can share recent experiences with the traffic getting to the port. In the past, it's been a bit hairy but I was hoping with the new check-in time frames required by Carnival that things might be better. Appreciate anything you can share.

Depends on what time of the year you are coming.

Someone mentioned terrible traffic when they came in February, that's Mardi Gras, traffic is awful everywhere.

Summer is typically slow in that area.

There is a lot to do in the area if you arrive too early. Shopping or walking along the river. A casino. Aquarium. French Quarter not too far away. World War II Museum very near the port.

Are you embarking on a Sunday? If so, are the Saints playing a home game that day? If you answered "yes" to both, allow extra time. You may also wish to leave the driving to the professionals. We do and don't have the streess the traffic and congestion in the area bring.

Just checked Saints schedule.....they play at home Friday August 26 against Steelers.

You can get a 24hr pass for the street cars for $3.

You can get a 24hr pass for the street cars for $3.

Website says it takes 7-10 days for them to mail it to you. Am I correct that your 24 hours doesn't start until the first time you use it? I'd like to go ahead and get them ahead of time.

Website says it takes 7-10 days for them to mail it to you. Am I correct that your 24 hours doesn't start until the first time you use it? I'd like to go ahead and get them ahead of time.

You can purchase the pass from the street car conductor. At least we did about a year ago.

They also have a 3-day pass if anyone staying longer.

Website says it takes 7-10 days for them to mail it to you. Am I correct that your 24 hours doesn't start until the first time you use it? I'd like to go ahead and get them ahead of time.

They have machines at the street car stops where you can buy them too. Cash only though, and it's 24 hours from the time stamped on the ticket when you purchase it.

Website says it takes 7-10 days for them to mail it to you. Am I correct that your 24 hours doesn't start until the first time you use it? I'd like to go ahead and get them ahead of time.

Really don't bother to buy in advance. They are readily available on every streetcar & bus from the driver. The driver will stamp at your 1st use.

Really don't bother to buy in advance. They are readily available on every streetcar & bus from the driver. The driver will stamp at your 1st use.

Thanks!

Thanks!

Just bring cash....exact change. $3 if you're buying a day pass.

Sailing out of NOLA for the first time in October.

Do you guys recommend the ship transfers from airport at $23.50 each way or a taxi? Are there private shuttle companies for less $?

Gina

Sailing out of NOLA for the first time in October.

 

Do you guys recommend the ship transfers from airport at $23.50 each way or a taxi? Are there private shuttle companies for less $?

 

Gina

$23.50. Is that per person or however many you can stuff in a vehicle? It's about 17 miles, 30 minute drive, depending on time of day.

$23.50. Is that per person or however many you can stuff in a vehicle? It's about 17 miles, 30 minute drive, depending on time of day.

$23.50 is thru the cruise line, per person, airport to port.