Carnival Valor Near Port of New Orleans
Everything you need for boarding Carnival Valor (Carnival) at Port of New Orleans. Terminal info, parking, restaurants, hotels, and pro tips.
Upcoming Sail Dates
| Date | Boarding Time |
|---|---|
| Mon, Feb 16, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Sat, Feb 21, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Thu, Feb 26, 2026 | 11:30 |
| Mon, Mar 2, 2026 | 11:30 |
Your Terminal
Erato Street Cruise Terminal (Carnival)
Drop-off: From I-10, take Exit 234A (US 90 W) at Tchoupitoulas St and follow the ramp. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas, left onto Henderson St, and left again onto Port of New Orleans Place. Cross the railroad tracks and the Erato Street Terminal will be on your right. Drop luggage curbside with porters (tip $2-3 per bag), then proceed to the parking garage.
Parking: The Erato Street Terminal has its own onsite parking garage with over 1,000 spots. Rates are $25 per day or $175 for a 7-day cruise. Credit cards and cash are accepted. No advance reservation required -- just show up. The garage is steps from the terminal entrance, making it the most convenient parking option at Port NOLA.
Check-in tips:
- Complete Carnival's online check-in and download your boarding pass to the Carnival HUB app before arrival
- Bring government-issued photo ID (passport required for most itineraries)
- Arrive during your assigned boarding window -- Carnival staggers arrival times to reduce crowding
- The terminal has limited food options, so eat before you arrive or plan to eat onboard
Getting to the Port
From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
MSY is about 20 miles west of the port, roughly a 30-minute drive without traffic. The airport completed a brand-new terminal in 2019 and is well-connected to the city via I-10.
Driving & Port Parking
From I-10, take Exit 234A (US 90 W) at Tchoupitoulas St. Follow the ramp, turn right onto Tchoupitoulas, left onto Henderson St, and left onto Port of New Orleans Place. Cross the railroad tracks to reach the terminals. Do not try to enter from Julia St or Poydras St.
Hotel Shuttle Services
Several nearby hotels offer park-and-cruise packages with port shuttles. The Mercantile Hotel, Wyndham French Quarter, and Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center all offer packages that include parking during your cruise and a ride to the terminal.
Streetcar from Downtown Hotels
If you're staying in the French Quarter or along Canal Street, the St. Charles or Canal streetcar lines can get you close to the port area. The Riverfront streetcar runs along the river near the Convention Center, dropping you within a 10-minute walk of the terminals.
Nearby Restaurants
Cafe Du Monde
Beignets and chicory coffee in an open-air French Quarter landmark -- kids lose their minds over the powdered sugar
$Camellia Grill
Old-school counter-service diner with omelets, waffles, and burgers the whole family will love
$Willie's Chicken Shack
Fast-casual fried chicken in the French Quarter -- cheap, quick, and universally liked by kids
$Mothers Restaurant
Legendary po'boy shop since 1938 -- comfort food that satisfies adults and kids alike
$-$$Nearby Hotels
Embassy Suites New Orleans Convention Center
Two-room suites, free breakfast, and evening cocktails -- room for the whole family to spread out
Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center
Award-winning hotel with free hot breakfast, pool, and spacious suites near the port
The Mercantile Hotel
Warehouse District boutique with the best Stay, Park & Cruise deal for families driving in
Homewood Suites French Quarter
All-suite hotel with full kitchens, free breakfast, and a pool -- feels like a home base
Local Tip
Carnival Valor sails from the Erato Street Cruise Terminal, which has its own parking garage with over 1,000 spots at $25/day or $175 for a full week. Download the Carnival HUB app and check in before you arrive, then enter from Tchoupitoulas Street via Henderson to Port of New Orleans Place. For a quick pre-cruise bite, Cochon Butcher is 5 minutes away with an incredible muffuletta, or grab beignets at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter if you have extra time.
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 GuideMore Port of New Orleans Guides