Skip to content
CruiseDayGuide
Full Port of New Orleans Guide

What to Pack for Port of New Orleans

The complete cruise packing checklist. Every essential item with explanations — so you don't forget anything for your cruise from Port of New Orleans.

18 packing items · researched from public reviews and official sources

Packing for a cruise from Port of New Orleans

Cruise terminals are not shops. Whatever you forget has to be bought before you reach the curb, so pack the checklist below and use these Port of New Orleans notes to plan the last stop on the way in.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal (Norwegian)

The 100 Poydras Garage area is closer to downtown than Erato, but still not walkable to shops. Stop at Rouses Market on Baronne Street or Walgreens on Canal Street before heading to the port.

Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Carnival)

There's nothing within walking distance of the terminal itself. Rouses Market on Baronne Street (5 min drive) is your best bet for snacks, water, or sunscreen. Walgreens on Canal Street has pharmacy items.

Forgot something? Stops near Port of New Orleans

Rouses Market — Warehouse District — Local grocery chain with deli, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a solid prepared foods section

701 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113

Walgreens — Canal Street — Pharmacy, Dramamine, phone chargers, toiletries, and snacks right on Canal

801 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112

CVS Pharmacy — Girod Street — Full pharmacy plus last-minute travel essentials in the Warehouse District near the port

939 Girod St SUITE 160, New Orleans, LA 70113

USPS — Lafayette Square — Drop your mail before you sail — closest post office to the cruise terminals

S Maestri St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Parking and transport at Port of New OrleansMSY to Port of New OrleansAll Port of New Orleans terminals

The complete cruise packing checklist

Packing for a specific itinerary or wondering what each cruise line actually lets you bring aboard? Read the full cruise packing guide, or jump to the Alaska and Caribbean lists.

Affiliate links. If you buy through Amazon we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep CruiseDayGuide free, and it never changes what we suggest packing.

Carry-On Day Bag

Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm

•
Swimsuit and flip-flops — Head straight to the pool after boarding
•
Phone charger and portable battery — You'll drain your battery exploring and taking photos on Day 1Amazon
•
Medications — Both prescription and OTC — don't risk them being in delayed luggage
•
Sunscreen (reef-safe) — The pool deck sun is intense — apply before you even get on the shipAmazon
•
Government-issued photo ID — Required for boarding — keep it accessible, not buried in a suitcase
•
Snacks and water bottles — Kids get hungry in the boarding line. Sealed snacks are allowed through security
•
Change of clothes for each kid — Pool splashes, spilled drinks, cruise ship excitement — be ready

Cruise Essentials

Things that make the whole trip better

•
Magnetic hooks (for cabin walls) — Cabin walls are metal — these give you hanging space for hats, lanyards, wet swimsuitsAmazon
•
USB multi-port charger (no power strip) — Cabins have 1-2 outlets, but most cruise lines now ban power strips and surge protectors outright — a USB-only charger is not confiscated at security
•
Packing cubes — Cabin drawers are small — cubes keep things organized in tight spacesAmazon
•
Insulated tumbler — Fill it at the buffet drink station — stays cold by the pool all afternoonAmazon
•
Lanyard for cruise card — Your cruise card is your room key, ID, and payment method — keep it around your neckAmazon
•
Night light — Cabins are pitch black. A small night light prevents midnight stubbed toesAmazon

Easy to Forget

The things people buy overpriced at the port gift shop

•
Motion sickness remedy — Even experienced cruisers can get queasy on rough sea daysAmazon
•
Wrinkle release spray — Irons aren't allowed on cruise ships — this saves your formal night outfitAmazon
•
Highlighter or pen — For marking up the daily activity schedule — old school but effective
•
Waterproof phone pouch — Pool photos, water slides, port excursions — protect your phoneAmazon
•
Small whiteboard for cabin door — Leave messages for teens: 'We're at the pool deck' — most cabins don't have cell serviceAmazon
See packing list in the full guide →

Want the complete Port of New Orleans cruise guide?

Restaurants, activities, hotels, terminal tips, parking, packing lists, and boarding advice — all in one page.

View Full Guide

More Port of New Orleans Guides

ShipsSailing ScheduleTerminalsParking & TransportRestaurantsHotelsActivitiesBoarding TipsPacking List

Flying In?

MSY to Port of New Orleans

Guides for Other Ports

Port CanaveralPortMiamiPort EvergladesPort of GalvestonPort Tampa BayManhattan Cruise TerminalCape Liberty Cruise PortPort of SeattlePort of BaltimorePort of Long Beach