New Orleans: What to Do Before and After a Disney Magic Cruise

In early 2023, the Disney Magic made its first-ever call from New Orleans, offering families a unique chance to combine a Western Caribbean cruise with time in one of America's most vibrant cities. From the French Quarter's live jazz scene to Rapunzel's Royal Table aboard the ship, both destinations deliver distinct experiences across food, culture, and entertainment.

In February and March 2023, the Disney Magic sailed from New Orleans for the very first time, giving families an opportunity to pair a Western Caribbean cruise with time in one of America's most celebrated cultural cities. These four-, five-, and six-night sailings visit ports of call including Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico, while the city of New Orleans itself provides a rich backdrop for pre- and post-cruise exploration.

Eating and Drinking in New Orleans

New Orleans carries a well-earned reputation for its culinary scene, and visitors are unlikely to run short of options. Beignets, gumbo, and po'boys represent just a starting point for families looking to explore the city's flavors. Once aboard the Disney Magic, the dining continues — the ship features three family dining venues, including Rapunzel's Royal Table, an enchanting restaurant exclusive to the Magic that transports guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive storytelling.

History and Family Learning

New Orleans is a city layered with history. The Louisiana State Museum and the Backstreet Cultural Museum offer windows into the city's deep cultural past, while the Louisiana Children's Museum provides hands-on, play-based experiences for younger guests. On board the Disney Magic, children can keep the learning going through dedicated youth activity spaces like Andy's Room and the Marvel Super Hero Academy.

Live Music and Entertainment

New Orleans is inseparable from its music heritage. The New Orleans Jazz Historical Park and the streets of the French Quarter are natural starting points for families wanting to experience the city's signature jazz sounds. Aboard the Disney Magic, entertainment carries the same energy — three Broadway-style productions include Tangled: The Musical, performed exclusively on this ship. A Pirates in the Caribbean deck party and live music throughout the voyage round out the onboard lineup.

Water Experiences On Shore and At Sea

A Mississippi River boat tour offers a distinctive way to take in New Orleans from the water. Once at sea, the Disney Magic delivers a full range of aquatic amenities — multiple pools, hot tubs, and the AquaDunk, a three-story body slide reaching the ship's highest point. Caribbean port stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel provide additional beach and water recreation opportunities.

What This Means for Cruise Guests

The Disney Magic's debut from New Orleans gave families a rare combination: a city with its own world-class entertainment and food culture serving as both a pre- and post-cruise destination, layered on top of a Caribbean itinerary already packed with onboard programming. For guests who have always sailed from Florida ports, these New Orleans sailings represented a genuinely different way to experience a Disney cruise. Browse available itineraries at DisneyCruise.com.