The Port of New Orleans and Carnival Cruise Lines signed a new agreement that will keep Carnival sailing at least two ships year-round from New Orleans through 2019.
The new agreement supersedes a 2013 three-year extension and offers three one-year options that could guarantee Carnival homeports at least two ships of equal or greater size than the Dream Class and Fantasy Class ships sailing from the Port today through 2022. The new agreement began July 1, 2014.
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“This is a clear demonstration of Carnival’s belief in New Orleans as one of its top home ports,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “We look forward to helping Carnival grow its business in the Crescent City for the long-term.”
Carnival currently has two home-ported cruise ships sailing year-round from the Port’s Erato Street Cruise Terminal which was recently renovated to accommodate the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream. The Carnival Dream launched seven-day itineraries April 14 from New Orleans with eastern and western Caribbean cruises. The Carnival Dream joined the Carnival Elation, which sails four- and five-day cruises to Mexico. Together, these two ships carry more than 400,000 passengers annually from New Orleans – the most of any cruise line.
A study by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) found that spending by Carnival and other cruise operators in Louisiana tops $399 million, generating 7,548 jobs and $294 million in personal income. CLIA also ranked New Orleans the sixth largest cruise port in the U.S.