Norwegian Cruise Line says it’s expanding New Orleans service starting in November

Norwegian Cruise to expand New Orleans service

NEW ORLEANS — Norwegian Cruise Line says it will begin sailing seven-day cruises throughout the entire year from New Orleans, starting this November.

The 2,018-passenger Norwegian Spirit now sails from New Orleans every Sunday from November to April, then moves to another port. Year-round service from Louisiana will begin in November.

Company and port officials say the move will double the number of passengers that Norwegian Cruise Line can move through New Orleans. Tourism officials say about 61 percent of passengers who cruise from New Orleans spend time in the city before or after a cruise.

In 2009, the line logged more than 103,000 passengers leaving and arriving in New Orleans.