Cruise ships sail back into New Orleans

Before Katrina, New Orleans was one of the fastest-growing cruise ports in the country, Major said. That was fueled by the attraction of the city itself. Passengers often toured the French Quarter and other attractions before or after a cruise, he said. No figures are available on collateral spending specifically by cruise passengers. However, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau said the average domestic visitor spent $196 per day in the city in 2004, the latest year for which figures are available, while an international visitor put down $244 per day on average.

But that was before Katrina. Since the storm, the city has struggled with losses in its convention business and a very slow summer, in part affected by widespread concern outside the region about the city's condition.

Wall said Sunday's cruise was near capacity, but like airlines, cruise companies offer various ticket deals in hopes of filling up all the cabins. "The question is on-board revenue, such as shore excursions, the casinos, the bars," he said.

Ticket prices for the cruise were the lowest in several years, Wall said, ranging from about $500 per passenger for an interior cabin to $1,200 for luxury accommodations. "That's great for the consumer, though, of course, it keeps the cruise line officials nervous," he said.

Norwegian Cruise Lines in an e-mail would only say that bookings on the Norwegian Sun were strong.

One of those booked for the cruise is retired airline employee and travel agent Carl Ricketts of New Orleans, who put together a group of about a dozen friends from all over the South to join him.

"One of the big reasons we're going now is to help the city and the cruise lines," said Ricketts.

As the cruise ships start returning, another cog in the people-moving business is still lagging: airline service at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has not rebounded to pre-Katrina levels. The number of flights is now about 65 percent of pre-storm levels, indicating steady growth, but not enough to keep Microsoft Corp. from recently canceling three meetings that were expected to bring 30,000 people to New Orleans in 2007.

Wall said cruises typically are sold on a nationwide basis, including air fare. Currently, the airport has restored 105 of its 162 daily pre-Katrina flights with another four to start by the end of October. Airport spokeswoman Michelle Duffourc said the return of the cruise industry could further boost flight service.

"We're expecting that once the airlines see demand because of the regular cruises, they'll be adding more flights," Duffourc said.

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