cruise to jamaica from new orleans

Cruises from New Orleans to Jamaica

Three cruise lines offer cruises to Jamaica from New Orleans, Louisiana. The island is famously laid-back and fun. Most of the cruises are one-week long, but there is also a 9-day option. See the full schedule below.

Carnival Cruises dock at Montego Bay on Jamaica. The fun beaches have all the water sports and waterfront bars. Good golf courses and shopping are nearby. The town is a hot spot for reggae music too.

Norwegian Cruises dock at Ocho Rios on Jamaica. The shore is lined with hotel resorts. Famous Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain rainforest adventure park are close. The mountainous landscape is covered by lush tropical foliage. The gritty town offers duty-free shopping and plenty of open-air places to eat and drink.

Jamaica Shore Excursions

Shore excursions on Jamaica include a Jeep safari ride, catamaran sail, Sky Explorer chairlift, zipline, swim with dolphins, kayak a two-mile course down a river, or tour a rum estate.

Explore the Good Hope Estate plantation a bird aviary, rum tavern, and an adventure course for kids. Or ride a horse in the surf.

7-day cruises to Jamaica on Carnival Cruise Line . Round-trip from New Orleans to Montego Bay (Jamaica), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Cozumel (Mexico). • 2024 departures: January 7, January 21, February 18, March 17, May 12, June 9, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 1, October 27, November 10.

7-night cruise to Jamaica on Disney Cruise Line . Round-trip from New Orleans to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Falmouth (Jamaica). • 2024 departure: February 9.

7-night cruises to Jamaica on Royal Caribbean . Round-trip from New Orleans to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands) and Falmouth (Jamaica). • 2024 departures: November 23, December 7, December 21.

Cruises from New Orleans to Jamaica

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $157 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $131 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $268 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $153 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $134 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $147 pp not included.

Priced per person, based on 2 guests. Est. tax/fees of $150 pp not included.

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Culture Watch

Heading to Jamaica Carnival 2024? Here’s your go-to guide

 Maximize your experience at Jamaica Carnival with this comprehensive guide for 2024.

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In April, as spring emerges, festival season also kicks off, bringing a plethora of top music and culture festivals to enjoy. From Coachella to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the opportunities for outdoor gatherings seem endless. However, if you’re seeking an international festival experience, look no further than Jamaica Carnival.

Held in Kingston from the first to the second week of April, Jamaica Carnival remains a top cultural extravaganza attracting revelers worldwide. Featuring vibrant breakfast parties, night fetes, dawn j’ouverts, and midday road marches, it’s an annual event that continues to evolve. To navigate the plethora of activities, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Jamaica Carnival guide.

During your time in Jamaica, it’s crucial to make the most of your experience. “I would tell anybody coming to take advantage of Jamaica,” says Kibwe McGann, director of GenXs, an in-demand carnival band renowned for hosting extravagant events. GenXs curates the unforgettable road march experience on April 7, offering carnival attendees costumes, meals, beverages, entertainment, and security. Additionally, GenXs organizes an “Immortals J’ouvert” early on Saturday, April 6, as well as “XS Street,” a post-carnival road march party. Other events hosted by GenXs include “Ocean X,” the Catamaran beach fete, and “XS Sunset,“ the finale carnival fete on Monday, April 8.

“For those coming to Jamaica for carnival in Kingston, our capital city is also known as the cultural capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason,” explains Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “Visitors can check out Devon House, which was the home of Jamaica’s first Black millionaire. Our popular Devon House I-Scream serves exotic flavors such as Devon Stout and Guava ice cream along with others. For Easter, they have created a new flavor — Bun and Cheese. Check out the street art murals by local artists along the Art Walk downtown, stop by the Bob Marley Museum to get a glimpse into the life of the legendary reggae singer in his well-preserved home, and be sure to try some of our world-famous jerk,” White adds. 

Keeping that in mind, it’s important to understand that Jamaica Carnival stands out from other carnivals due to its focus on cultural elements authentic to the region; especially its legendary music.

“Take a minute and understand why we say this is one of the ’Irie-est’ carnivals in the world— emphasis on ‘Irie,’” says McGann, referencing the fact that alongside the season’s top soca hits, Jamaica’s primary musical exports, reggae and dancehall, are also prominently featured. 

“Be open to new music because this is in Jamaica; we’re the originators of dancehall, and you’re gonna get dancehall on the road. So if you’re a soca purist, you may come to Jamaica and be like, ‘How come they’re playing dancehall?’ I want people to come and be very open to embracing the culture,” McGann continues. 

If you’re considering joining this carnival extravaganza, note that Jamaica has been categorized as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” by the U.S. State Department since 2022. However, it’s important to recognize that while the advisory mainly addresses local crime, the rate of crime against visitors to Jamaica remains exceptionally low at 0.01%, according to NPR . Should you make the trip, the most convenient airport to fly into is the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. There are several excellent and accessible hotels available, including The Courtleigh , The Pegasus , AC Hotel by Marriott , Rok Hotel , Spanish Court , and The R Hotel . For those seeking short- or long-term rentals, companies like Aspen Luxury Suites offer luxurious accommodations secured within complexes near major shopping areas, business districts, colleges, and recreational attractions, boasting panoramic views of the city.

Check out theGrio’s full Jamaica Carnival guide below.

Wednesday, April 3

Illuminate : In Jamaica, soca season runs from February to April, culminating in major carnival events on the second weekend of April, often following Easter weekend. Festivities typically start on Friday evening, but arriving a few days earlier offers a lineup of fetes to get you in the spirit. 

Traditionally, Wednesday was the day for the renowned “iLoveSoca” stadium fete; it’s now moved to Monday, April 1. However, this year’s “Illuminate” party is set for Wednesday, April 3, at 8 p.m. “We have always had the idea for Illuminate and saw the opportunity to introduce it last year on Carnival Wednesday, and it was well received,” explained Andrew Bellamy, director of the YardMas carnival band and iLoveSoca, which worked in partnership with Franco and Brush1 to create Illuminate. “It was a very high-energy event with thousands of people for the first staging, so for 2024, we’re doing it again!”

Thursday, April 4

Touchdown Jamaica : An exciting and fashion-forward affair, Touchdown Jamaica embodies the quintessential soca experience of the weekend, held at Jangas, Kingston’s renowned soundbar and grill, starting at 6 p.m.

Rytz featuring Kes : The iLoveSoca and Tipsy Music Festival teams collaborate to present Rytz , an exclusive all-inclusive luxury glamour party with a live performance by one of soca’s biggest artists, Kes. Join in from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Friday, April 5

SunKissed All-Inclusive Beach Cruise Party : The Sunkissed All-Inclusive Beach Cruise Party is hailed as one of the premier beach fetes and catamaran cruise events during the season. Delight in the finest soca beats from noon to 5 p.m. while cruising on the water.

Soca Starter : Renowned DJ Private Ryan releases his soca starter playlist at the start of each year, offering insight into the major tunes he predicts will dominate international carnival celebrations. Accordingly, you won’t want to miss his annual “ Soca Starter” party from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Scorch Duck Work : Scorch Duck Work is a celebrated cooler fete that has made its mark in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. Join the Scorch team on Carnival Friday, April 5, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. to experience the sizzling Jamaican vibes.

Bacchanal J’ouvert — Paint Rave : One of the original j’ouverts, Bacchanal J’ouvert — Paint Rave , is a vibrant paint party held at Mas Camp in Kingston, starting at 10 p.m. and continuing until morning.

Saturday, April 6

Immortals J’ouvert : GenXs, the leading “ultra-premium” carnival band, continues to dominate soca season with exceptional events, including Immortals J’ouvert. Starting early Saturday at 2 a.m., this breakfast-inclusive event promises an unforgettable experience filled with paint, powder, water, and the finest soca tunes. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration!

Sunnation Breakfast Party : If you had to choose only one event to attend for Jamaica carnival season, it should be none other than the famous all-inclusive Sunnation Sunrise Breakfast Party . Coveted for its elegance, wide array of food options, top-notch performances, and infectious atmosphere, this breakfast party draws attendees bright and early on Saturday, starting as early as 5 a.m., to revel with friends throughout the day. 

Lil Strut Jamaica : When you hear of Lil Strut Jamaica , imagine boats, bubbles, and bacchanal! As the final GenXs-approved official boat cruise before masqueraders hit the road to jump on carnival Sunday, consider this an essential cruise event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 7

Carnival Glam Hub : Swing by early Sunday morning to experience Carnival Glam Hub with a reservation and indulge in hairstyling, sweat-proof makeup application, breakfast, drinks, professional photography, assistance with your carnival costume, and shuttle service, all under one roof. It’s your one-stop destination to ensure you’re at your best before joining your carnival band members to dominate Carnival Sunday.

GenXs Road March : It’s Carnival Sunday, and the awaited moment is here. Gear up in your costume, secure your wristbands, and join GenXs on the road at 9 a.m. to parade through the streets of Kingston, cordoned off for your enjoyment. 

Yard Mas Road March : Join Yard Mas and the vibrant masqueraders for a lively day on the road, taking a different route through Kingston from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with all-inclusive food, drinks, and snacks galore. 

Xodus Road March : Renowned for its dancehall beats and vibrant atmosphere, the Xodus Road March is a spirited carnival procession where revelers clad in costumes revel freely in the streets, dancing the day away. Join this dynamic carnival band at 9 a.m. for an all-inclusive day of festivities.

XS Street : A new afterparty brought to you by the GenXs team, XS Street is pure dancehall vibes after the Carnival Sunday road march. Join the GenXs team starting at 6 p.m. 

Monday, April 8

Ocean X : Just when you think Carnival Week is over, think again. Ocean X is the GenXs catamaran cruise that docks at Maiden Cay island in Jamaica; boarding begins at 10 a.m. 

XS Sunset : The final GenXs event of the week is XS Sunset, a cooler cool-down fete, free for GenXs Masqueraders. 

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TheGrio Staff

Noel Cymone Walker is an NYC-based writer specializing in beauty, fashion, music, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced visuals for several notable publications such as The Recording Academy/The Grammys, The Fader, Billboard, OkayPlayer, Marie Claire, Glamour, Allure, Essence, Ebony, and more.

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The Definitive Guide to the Best Food at French Quarter Festival

A comprehensive foodie's handbook to savoring french quarter fest.

Last Updated: Thursday, April 4, 2024 12:32 PM by Colton Clifford

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and flavors of the French Quarter Festival! This four-day extravaganza celebrates local music with a lineup of 1,700 musicians performing across 25 stages along the French Quarter and riverfront from April 11th to the 14th. It's a feast for the ears and the taste buds!

Back in 1984, the French Quarter Fest made its debut, and since then, it's been a staple of New Orleans culture. While the music takes center stage, let's not forget a real headliner: the food! Oh, the glorious food!

As self-proclaimed foodies, we're here to guide you through the culinary delights. But let's be clear: you can't go wrong with any of our local vendors. So, get ready to indulge in the ultimate foodie adventure while soaking in the infectious rhythms of the French Quarter Festival!

JUMP TO FOOD AREAS : JACKSON SQUARE | JAX LOT | RIVERFRONT-PALM LAWN |  RIVERFRONT-KOHLMEYER | SPANISH PLAZA  | JAZZ MUSEUM/OLD U.S. MINT

JACKSON SQUARE FOOD AREA

Boulevard crispy oysters, vendor: boulevard american bistro, location: jackson square.

Boulevard American Bistro proudly presents: crispy fried oysters nestled on a delectable bed of spinach dip, generously adorned with a tantalizing Crystal aioli. This exquisite dish promises a symphony of flavors and textures, marrying the delicate crunch of perfectly fried oysters with the creamy richness of spinach dip, all elevated by the zesty kick of the Crystal aioli.

Crab & Tuna Wonton Nachos

Vendor: nori guys, price : $12.

Nori Guys reimagines a traditional festival favorite with a creative twist. Crispy wonton chips form the perfect base for layering, topped with refreshing crab salad and zesty spicy tuna. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, from the crunch of the wonton to the succulent seafood delights.

Vendor: Pat O’ Brien’s

Location: jackson square & riverfront-palm lawn, price : $13.

This legendary cocktail is a vibrant blend of rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, and grenadine, served over ice. Let the tropical flavors and festive atmosphere transport you to the heart of the Crescent City as you savor every sip of this classic cocktail.

JAX LOT FOOD AREA

Award-winning chicken sandwich, vendor: southern’s, location: jax lot.

Southern's is back again with its renowned Award-Winning Chicken Sandwich, reclaiming its well-deserved spotlight! Nestled between two soft, pillowy buns lies a masterpiece of perfectly fried chicken that bursts with an explosion of flavor with every bite. This culinary gem has undeniably captured the hearts of many, time and time again, earning its status as a beloved favorite. Join the ranks of those who have been enchanted by the irresistible allure of Southern's Chicken Sandwich and treat yourself to a taste sensation like no other.

Beef Yakamein

Vendor: miss linda the yakamein lady, price : $14.

Satisfy your craving for soulful flavors with Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady's Beef Yakamein! This dish is a beloved staple of New Orleans cuisine, offering a hearty blend of tender beef, noodles, and savory broth infused with a medley of spices. Each spoonful carries the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking, reflecting Miss Linda's dedication to her craft.

Butter Chicken Bowl

Vendor: lufu nola indian kitchen, price : $16.

A tantalizing blend of tender, succulent chicken simmered in a velvety, buttery tomato-based sauce, infused with a harmonious blend of traditional Indian spices. Experience the rich and authentic taste of Indian cuisine with LUFU NOLA Indian Kitchen's Butter Chicken Bowl, a satisfying and flavorful choice for any discerning palate.

Bulgogi Fries

Vendor: bao mi.

Bulgogi, meaning "fire meat" in Korean, is a beloved staple of Korean cuisine. But how do you elevate it to festival icon status? Simple. By combining this delectable meat with another festival favorite: fried potatoes! Tender, savory bulgogi piled high atop crispy, golden-brown French fries. It's a culinary marriage made in heaven, bringing together two iconic dishes into one irresistible fusion of flavors and textures.

Mango Freeze

Vendor: wwoz.

Quench your thirst and invigorate your senses with the perfect festival companion: the Mango Freeze. On a festival day nothing compares to its sweet, tart, and icy-cold allure. With its blazing shade of orange, this refreshing treat revitalizes festival-goers, offering a burst of tropical flavor that soothes the soul.

Snoball w/ Condensed Milk

Vendor: plum street snoballs, location: jackson square & riverfront-palm, price : $6+.

Snowballs are a cherished heartwarming delight in our city, a beloved treat that captures the essence of the warmer months. With an array of flavors to tantalize your taste buds, Plum Street is proud to serve up these frozen wonders at two locations during the festival this year. Don't let the opportunity pass you by – be sure to carve out some time to indulge in this icy treat! And for an extra touch of indulgence, why not add a drizzle of condensed milk? If you know, you know.

RIVERFRONT-PALM LAWN FOOD AREA

Surf & turf hamburger w/ crawfish cheese sauce, vendor: desire oyster bar, location: riverfront-palm lawn.

Traditionally, a hamburger lacks cheese, while a cheeseburger boasts that cheesy goodness. But what happens when you take a hamburger and elevate it with a luxurious crawfish cheese sauce? Suddenly, the lines blur, and you find yourself in uncharted territory. Yes, technically, it might now fall into the cheeseburger category, but this isn't your ordinary cheeseburger. This is a tantalizing fusion of flavors where succulent crawfish meets creamy cheese sauce atop a juicy hamburger patty.

Sweet Fried Plantains

Vendor: 14 parishes jamaican restaurant.

These golden slices of perfection offer a symphony of flavors, expertly balancing sweetness with a tantalizing crispiness. Whether as a delightful snack or a flavorful side, each bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica!

Frenchie Sliders

Vendor: couvant, price : $15.

Each slider features a succulent Wagyu patty, expertly cooked to perfection, complemented by the rich and savory notes of bacon jam. The addition of tomato confit offers a burst of freshness, while the arugula adds a delightful crunch. With every bite, savor the harmony of flavors and textures, making Cochon's Frenchie Sliders a must.

RIVERFRONT-KOHLMEYER LAWN FOOD AREA

Cochon de lait po-boy, vendor: walker’s southern style bbq, location: riverfront – kohlmeyer lawn.

Walker's Southern Style BBQ is setting taste buds ablaze with their irresistible Cochon De Lait Po-Boy! Curious what it entails? Picture this: a generous portion of slow-smoked pork nestled within a hearty Dong Phoung French bread, adorned with crisp, fresh cabbage, and drizzled with their signature wertie sauce. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, but the true star of this culinary masterpiece is undoubtedly the tender, smoky pork that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Cajun Seafood Eggrolls

Vendor: café dauphine.

Fusing the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of classic eggrolls. Stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of cabbage, crawfish, and shrimp, each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. To elevate the experience further, they are delicately drizzled with sweet chili sauce, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. 

Deep Fried Whole Snapper & Seafood Gumbo

Vendor: monday, location: riverfont-kohlmeyer, price: snapper $25 seafood gumbo $14.

Deep-fried whole snapper paired with a steaming bowl of seafood gumbo. Can you feel the excitement? Because we certainly can! This dynamic duo epitomizes the essence of spring festivals with its vibrant flavors and tantalizing aromas. It's a celebration of seafood at its finest, a feast that beckons to all seafood lovers near and far.

Oysters Morrow w/ Garlic Bread

Vendor: morrow’s.

Allow us to introduce you to the culinary marvel known as Oysters Morrow. Imagine a plump, fresh oyster, lovingly nestled in its half shell, generously stuffed with succulent crab meat. But that's not all – it's accompanied by a side of garlic bread, perfectly poised to soak up every last drop of the mouthwatering flavors the dish has to offer.

Praline Beignet

Vendor: loretta’s authentic beignets, location: riverfront - kohlmeyer.

Beignets! Beignets! Beignets! Choose between the original version for a classic taste or opt for the decadence of chocolate-infused bliss. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. Treat yourself to the irresistible allure of Loretta's Praline Beignets, a true delight for the senses.

Spanish Plaza Food Area

Yakiniku po-boy, vendor: ajun cajun, location: spanish plaza.

If there's one thing you can count on, it's that anything delicious deserves a place on a po-boy. It's practically a rule of thumb, and we're more than happy to abide by it. So, allow us to introduce the Yakiniku Po-Boy!  Succulent garlic ribeye beef, expertly cooked to perfection, piled high on po-boy bread. It's a sight to behold and a flavor that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

Vendor: Miss River

This iconic sandwich is a flavorful masterpiece, boasting layers of savory cured meats, tangy giardiniera, and aged provolone cheese, all nestled within a freshly baked muffuletta bread. What sets Miss River's creation apart is the Sicilian oregano dressing, adding a burst of herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the ingredients. With each bite, savor the harmonious blend of textures and tastes that have made the muffuletta a beloved classic.

Watermelon Blast Italian Ice

Vendor: etalian happy ice.

This icy treat is a burst of summer flavors, featuring the natural sweetness of watermelon blended with pure cane sugar and purified water. Alternatively, indulge in the tantalizing Blue My Mind Raspberry Italian Ice, which combines blue raspberry puree with fresh raspberries, pure cane sugar, and purified water. Whichever flavor you choose, each spoonful offers a cool and invigorating sensation, making it the perfect companion for a stroll through the festival.

JAZZ MUSEUM/OLD U.S. MINT FOOD AREA

The lambeaux, vendor: smoke & honey, location: jazz museum, price : half $9 whole $16.

Tender and succulent slow-braised lamb leg takes center stage on this sandwich, complemented by creamy whipped feta, rich onion garlic jam, and crisp red onions. The addition of refreshing cucumbers adds a delightful contrast, all nestled within John Gendusa French bread. Whether you opt for a half or whole portion, each bite of The Lambeaux is better than the last.

Key Lime Mouse Tart

Vendor: chef shonda.

Say hello to the tangy richness of key lime mousse nestled within a crisp graham cracker tart shell, perfectly balanced with a refreshing mint leaf garnish. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and citrusy goodness.

Author: Colton Clifford

Colton Clifford (Them/They) is a visual artist, illustrator, stage performer, and content creator at New Orleans & Company for @visitneworleans. They find great bliss in the celebration of the people, culture, artistry, food, and sounds that make visiting New Orleans the most unforgettable experience in the world.

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A Carnival cruise from New Orleans is your chance to discover the unmistakable charm and flavor of the Crescent City. Before or after you cruise, take a little time to explore the French Quarter — romantic as ever, with restaurants serving up heaping helpings of savory Creole cuisine, and nightclubs and street musicians playing the kind of jazz that gets your toes tapping. The best part is, you can soak up some of this flavor before sailing on one of our cruises out of New Orleans.  Whether you’re whooping it up on Bourbon Street, listening to the Jackson Square trumpeters, or hearing the ghosts whisper at eerie St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, spending extra time in the Big Easy is a must when cruising from New Orleans. Time your NOLA cruise right, and you can step out with the parades of Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras.

• Eat, drink, and revel in the lively French Quarter.
• Spot mansions peeking out from lush greenery in the Garden District.
• Dunk sugary beignets in your café au lait at Café du Monde.
• Celebrate the history of Mardi Gras before you cruise from New Orleans.

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See it all from new orleans..

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