New Orleans serves as the starting point for cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. The city is more than a port; its vibrant history and opportunities for Creole cooking, fiery jazz and French Quarter culture often seduce people into staying an extra night before or after their cruise. When you book a room in New Orleans, look for a hotel with parking packages. The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains a list of cruise and parking deals.

Free Parking Packages

The Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome is in the French Quarter and offers free parking for up to eight days when you book a room. To take advantage of the Cruisin and Park package, you'll need to present your cruise documents when you check in. In the same neighborhood, you'll find the Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, a mile from the Port of New Orleans. Their cruise package includes parking for up to seven days in an indoor garage. A bit outside of the city is the Ramada Metaire, with a cruise package that includes free parking for up to 14 days and a complimentary shuttle ride to the cruise terminal.

Discounted Parking Packages

Several New Orleans hotels offer discounted parking for cruise passengers. These hotels include the Hampton Inn, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the Maison Dupuy Hotel, the Downtown Marriott, the Westin New Orleans Canal Place and Springhill Suites New Orleans Downtown. Some hotels will offer a discounted parking price per day or will provide you with a flat rate to park for the duration of your cruise.

Gamble, Park and Cruise

Two vacations in one are possible when you spend a night in a hotel that's close to Harrah's Casino in New Orleans. The Ambassador Hotel offers a parking package when you present your cruise documents and it's right next door to the casino. The Royal St. Charles Hotel is only two blocks from the casino, and there are parking and shuttle packages available to guests who are cruise passengers.

Location, Location, Location

The New Orleans Downtown Marriott Convention Center is close enough that you could walk to your cruise ship. You can get a deep parking discount while you're a guest of the hotel and for five additional days while you're on your cruise. The Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center is also in the neighborhood of the port, and their cruise parking package includes free shuttle service to your ship.

About the Author

Cari Oleskewicz is a writer and blogger who has contributed to online and print publications including "The Washington Post," "Italian Cooking and Living," "Sasee Magazine" and Pork and Gin. She is based in Tampa, Florida and holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and journalism from Marist College.

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