[Bigh4u2]

"Send several cruise ships to the docks in New Orleans."

You're assuming, of course, that the docks are still there!

[LOC1]

The docks are still there. Look at the pictures.

[LOC1]

The Mississippi River at New Orleans is normally about 90 feet deep. A cruise ship draws about 25-30 of water, so plenty of water depth to bring them up the river. In fact, cruise ships normally dock at New Orleans. Even if the dock structures suffered, it should be possible to find some place to tie the vessels up long enough to load them.

Cruise ships are self sufficient, and have excellent communications equipment. They could supplement the facilities of the city greatly until some normal services are returned.