Brand New Gulf Coast Cruise Adventure Reveals Ports of Call

(KMDL-FM) The cruise industry has exploded all over Texas and Louisiana in the past few months. You're probably aware of the amazing itineraries that are available for travelers out of the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana. And in Texas, the Port of Galveston is growing by leaps and bounds, making it the fourth busiest passenger port in the United States.

Cruises out of NOLA and Galveston often head across the Gulf and toward destinations in the Caribbean or South America. I have often wondered on a personal level if there wasn't some kind of cruise market for Gulf Coast ports. You know, take the ship at night, tour Gulf Coast destinations by day. Think of it as a river cruise, but you're on the ocean.

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You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that American Cruise Lines, they do a lot of river cruises out of New Orleans and along the Mississippi River, now has a Gulf Coast cruise that sails from New Orleans to Pensacola.

The inaugural sailing is set for March 2026. The destinations include time in Pensacola, where you can explore the culturally significant downtown area and tour Pensacola Naval Air Station, Home of the Blue Angels.  From Pensacola, you'll leisurely sail to the Port of Mobile, Alabama.

What Ports of Call Are Included in the Gulf Coast Cruise Packages?

In Mobile, you'll see visions of the "Old South" come alive with historic mansions and expertly maintained gardens. You'll also have a tour of the USS Alabama and see what people in Mobile think is the beginning of Mardi Gras in America.

You will make three stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The first one will be in Ocean Springs. This quaint, restful, and relaxing spot on the water is just what you've been craving if you've been wanting to unwind in the middle of it all.

There are plans for the cruise to stop in Gulfport and Biloxi. Both of those destinations offer the excitement of casino gaming onshore as well as the amenities that go with that kind of fun. There is also shopping, food, tours to Ship Island, and more for your stop in Mississippi.

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Eventually, you will wind up sailing up the Mighty Mississippi to the Port of New Orleans, where your cruise will disembark into the uniqueness that is the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the shops and restaurants on Magazine Street.

That's where you'll also see some of the larger ocean-going ships. The ships on the American Cruise Line are much smaller than their big water counterparts. The vessels they plan to use for these Gulf Coast cruises only carry 180 guests.

How Can I Book a Cruise Along the Gulf Coast of the United States?

As of now, I am seeing several confirmed sail dates on the American Cruise Line website. You can choose from spring getaways in March or holiday getaways in December. At least one sailing has already sold out.  Remember, the itineraries are still being planned, but they are booking for cruises for March of 2026, right now.