NEW ORLEANS — Cruising from New Orleans has become increasingly popular, and the industry is experiencing a boom.

The most recent addition is the announcement by New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line Tours that they will build a new Mississippi riverboat for New Orleans. The new 600-passenger boat, which will complement the Steamboat Natchez, will offer harbor cruises, dinner cruises and private charters beginning in 2017.

New Orleans Steamboat Company’s announcement follows Viking River Cruise’s commitment to launch two new luxury riverboats on the Mississippi River in New Orleans in 2017, making New Orleans Viking’s first homeport in North America.

American Cruise Lines added a second riverboat to its river cruise offerings from New Orleans in April 2015, and Carnival Cruise Lines will expand its capacity in New Orleans by replacing the Carnival Triumph with the Carnival Elation this April.

www.neworleanssteamboatcompany.com