Driving route to cruise terminal during Mardi Gras

Question

I need to get to the cruise terminal on March 1. There is a parade that day at 11 am. I am coming from Slidell and plan on taking I-10 W to US 90 BUS W and then exit 11 to the port. I plan on leaving around 9 am. Will this work or will I encounter road closures? Is there another route I should consider? Thanks!

Answer

Driving to the cruise terminal on March 1st during Mardi Gras can be a bit tricky due to the parade and associated road closures. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and some alternative routes:

1) Route to the Cruise Terminal

Taking I-10 W to US 90 BUS W and exiting at the port is a reasonable route, but you should be aware of potential delays due to parade-related road closures. Mardi Gras parades typically close down major streets, and this includes some of the routes leading to the cruise terminal. Although you may not be directly in the path of the parade route, traffic disruptions in the area are very common.

Leaving at 9 am might work, but keep in mind that depending on the parade’s timing and your location, you might run into delays as you approach the French Quarter area or closer to the port. Expect congestion, and try to give yourself more time than usual to avoid stress.

2) Road Closures and Parade Routes

For Mardi Gras parades, streets like St. Charles Avenue and other key arteries leading to the French Quarter are often closed starting around 9:30 am or 10:00 am. Parades usually start around 11 am, but street closures happen much earlier for set-up, especially along the parade route.

3) Alternative Routes to Consider

I-10 W to the Convention Center Boulevard Exit: If you're coming from Slidell, you could consider continuing on I-10 and exiting at Convention Center Boulevard. From there, you could navigate around some of the parade routes on the riverside streets and enter the port area without being directly affected by parade closures.
Use the Pontchartrain Expressway: Another option is to take the Pontchartrain Expressway. This will allow you to bypass some of the parade traffic further to the north before entering the city. After exiting, you can make your way toward the cruise terminal.
Look for alternative parking and shuttle options: If driving directly to the cruise terminal seems too risky, consider parking in a designated lot further away from the French Quarter and using a shuttle or ride-share service. This could save you time and avoid the headache of parking near the terminal.

4) Tips for Getting to the Terminal During Mardi Gras

Leave earlier: Since traffic could be heavy, especially with the parade preparations, it's recommended to leave earlier than you normally would. Aim for around 8 am or even earlier to give yourself extra time for potential delays.
Check for live traffic updates: Use a traffic app like Google Maps or Waze for real-time road closures and traffic information. These apps often update with the latest parade-related disruptions.
Be prepared for detours: Be aware that police and city officials may divert traffic unexpectedly, so stay flexible and keep an eye on detour signs as you get closer to the cruise terminal.

Conclusion

While your planned route should generally work, it's advisable to leave earlier and keep track of road closures related to Mardi Gras. If you're worried about delays, consider taking an alternate route or using a shuttle service to avoid the hassle of navigating congested streets. With some flexibility and planning, you'll be able to make your way to the cruise terminal on time and enjoy the festivities from a safe distance!

Driving route to cruise terminal during Mardi Gras

More New Orleans Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions