Looking for a hotle near the port. Clean, safe, inexpensive.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Convention Center Blvd. Ask for the cruise package. It's the closest one to the port.

does the cruise package include parking during the cruise?

We did not use their parking, but I think that it does. I'm not sure if it's free or if it isn't I think it cost $10 per day. You can go to their web site and get more info.

 Hampton charges a reduced rate for cruisers, but does have a shuttle to the port.

 Here are some more you can check:

http://www.neworleanscvb.com/static/index.cfm/contentID/505/sectionID/1/subsectionID/0

We stayed at the Hampton last Wed.  Our room was nice and they have a hot breakfast bar.  Ask for the Cruise rate ($89) and leave your car at the hotel, they will take you to the terminal -- at no extra charge!