If you're looking for an alternative port of departure for a 2022 Caribbean cruise, consider New Orleans, Louisiana. Norwegian Cruise Line offers several different Caribbean itineraries departing from The Big Easy. These 2022 cruises from New Orleans visit ports in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.

To help get your cruise vacation wanderlust fueled, learn what to do while you're in New Orleans and get more information about the ports you can visit with a 2022 cruise from New Orleans.

New Orleans Departure Port

If you have a few days before your cruise departs, you can get to know New Orleans. Food is an essential part of exploration here. You'll find several world-famous chefs who have restaurants here as well. Dishes reflect the Cajun, Creole, and French roots of New Orleans. Don't miss sampling dishes such as gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and andouille sausage. Be sure to save room for sweets such as beignets and Creole pralines.

For sightseeing in New Orleans, be sure to visit the French Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood. The French established this community in 1718, and it is home to famous spots such as Bourbon Street. Head here if you want to learn about the renowned New Orleans music scene and listen to some live jazz music.

Mexico Cruise Ports

Mexican ports include Cozumel and Costa Maya. Cozumel is a relatively undeveloped island not far off the Yucatan Peninsula. Diving is the main activity here since Cozumel sits along the Mesoamerican Reef. Even if you aren't a diver, you'll find plenty to see and do here. Take a city tour, spend the day on a catamaran, book a beach break, swim in a cenote (a natural pit or sinkhole made of limestone), or use your day to head to Mexico's mainland and visit iconic Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza or Tulum. You can also go kayaking or book a dune buggy or ATV tour, take a cooking class, and more. Everyone in your group can find something to enjoy on a cruise that stops in Cozumel.

Costa Maya is farther south along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. When you explore this cruise ship port, you'll witness pristine beaches and plenty of water-related fun. Costa Maya is near the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, home to hundreds of bird species, monkeys, and jaguars. You'll also be near Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve with its turtles, sharks, and dolphins. You can also visit Mayan sites such as Kohunlich, where you'll see remarkable remnants of its occupation, such as 10-foot-tall sculpted masks.

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Belize and Honduras Cruise Ports

Chill out in Harvest Caye, Belize

When you choose a cruise that stops in Belize and Honduras, you'll be visiting Harvest Caye and Roatán. Both destinations offer many eco-tourism activities, time at the beach, or adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Harvest Caye is an island off the southern coast of Placencia, Belize. Belize is home to Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's second-largest barrier reef system. The Belize section of the Mesoamerican Reef extends for nearly 190 miles. The reef is teeming with marine life and beautiful corals. If you are interested in learning more about Mayan history and Belizean culture, book an excursion to a spice farm and the ancient Mayan site of Nim Li Punit. You can also learn about the importance of cacao and chocolate making in Belize when you book a Ke'kchi Maya chocolate and culture tour. If you're an angler, consider a deep-sea catch-and-release fishing adventure.

If you aren't a certified diver but want to try, consider a discovery scuba course in Roatan. This course will give you some classroom time and allow you to practice your skills in the shallow water before enjoying a dive with a maximum depth of 40 feet. If you want to get your blood pumping, go for the Ultimate Extreme Adventure Combo excursion that takes you soaring on zip lines through the forest. You can also spend the day on the water aboard a catamaran, visit a private island resort, or have lunch at the beautiful French Key Beach. ATV tours, dune buggy tours, fishing, and two-tank dives (for certified divers) are all options in Roatan.

Jamaica and Grand Cayman Cruise Ports

Norwegian cruises to Jamaica have a port stop in Ocho Rios, known for its golden beaches and nearby jungle-covered mountains. Popular things to do in Ocho Rios include visiting Bob Marley's hometown of Nine Mile and nature-themed attractions such as the Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls. Go horseback riding, take an ATV tour, or go white water rafting down the White River.

Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands. Here you'll dock in George Town, near the island's famed Seven Mile Beach. You also have popular attractions such as Stingray City and George Town itself. Divers love the numerous shipwrecks you find here along with Grand Cayman. Take a rum tour, explore the town, go horseback riding along the beach, and more. If someone has ever told you to go to Hell, well, here you can. You can send a postcard from Hell. The area gets its name from the bizarre outcropping of jagged dark limestone. Visit the rock formations and walk over to the post office to send someone a postcard postmarked from Hell.

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