New Orleans tourism sets sail once again

[JoeyandDavid]

NEW ORLEANS  The answer to a big question  what the future holds for New Orleans' cruise ship industry  will begin to unfold today when the first regularly scheduled liner to sail since Hurricane Katrina leaves the city's docks.

Before Katrina, four cruise ships were homeported in the city. The industry was rapidly expanding, with more than 700,000 passengers leaving and arriving in 2004 through the Port of New Orleans.

But Katrina, which struck in August 2005, wiped away the usually strong fall season. Only 308,000 passengers sailed from New Orleans during the first eight months of the year, according to the International Council of Cruise Lines, an industry group.

Now, nearly 14 months since the last regular voyage  the Carnival Sensation just before Katrina hit  the business is starting over. Today, the Norwegian Sun, an 853-foot Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel that can handle 2,000 passengers, leaves for the Caribbean. Three other ships are expected to return later this year and in 2007.

There have been several one-time liner stops at New Orleans since Katrina, but today's voyage marks the return of regularly scheduled service of four- to seven-day voyages.

The port is opening a third cruise terminal and a 1,000-vehicle garage at a cost of $38 million to give the facility the ability to handle two large passenger ships at once  and is bullish enough to be making plans for a fourth terminal.

[Mebert]

Let's go, New Orleans!!!