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Mississippi river dinner jazz cruise.

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

Historical River Cruise

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore. See details

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Riverboat Cruises

The 880 passenger Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is New Orleans’ most luxurious daily excursions riverboat on the Mississippi River. The Creole Queen is an traditional riverboat powered by a 24-ft diameter paddlewheel. She has three private dining rooms giving her the largest indoor capacity available on excursion vessels in New Orleans. Enjoy a Dinner Jazz Cruise, a Historical Cruise, or even one of our Special Event Cruises.

Looking to host a wedding or special event? Private rooms & full boat charters are also available.

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore.

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes.

Have a true New Orleans style Christmas aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with a special Christmas Eve celebration.

Spend a romantic evening with your special someone aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen this Valentine's Day in New Orleans.

Celebrate Mom in a special way this year on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's Mother's Day Bubbly Brunch cruise!

Celebrate Independence Day on the Mississippi River!

Relax this Thanksgiving by taking the family to the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's Thanksgiving Celebration on the Mississippi River. Skip the stress of cooking a full meal and leave it to the Creole Queen.

Spend an enchanting Christmas Eve in New Orleans on the Creole Queen! Enjoy unparalleled views of the city from our elegant, garland-adorned dining rooms or from the open air of our upper deck.

Come pass a good time aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with Papa Noel, Mrs. Noel, Gaston the Gator and other jolly Cajun characters during this enchanting family festivity.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen! Ring in the New Year with a front row seat to the fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi River.

The Creole Queen is back! View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore.

Enjoy delicious brunch delicacies as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River while listening to the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band.

Join us for a Spooktacular time for the Creole Queen Haunted Halloween Cruise

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Phone 504.529.4567 or 1.800.445.4109 Corporate Office: 4220 Howard Ave. New Orleans , LA 70125 Departure Location: 1 Poydras St. New Orleans , LA 70130

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New Orleans Visitors Guide

NEW ORLEANS TOURS

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The Best Riverboat Tours To Take On Your Next Visit To New Orleans

Despite New Orleans (NOLA) being largely known for its Mardi Gras parties, Bourbon Street beverages, beignets, and po'boys, there's so much more to this dynamic city. That's especially true if you see it from the perspective of its neighbor, the mighty Mississippi River. The city's proximity to water is part of how it became such a storied metropolis, so visitors should know how vital these waterways are. What better way to experience that history than by traveling on the river itself?

For the most part, the riverboat tours you take in New Orleans will either be on the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler. Both of these paddleboat riverboats are esteemed parts of NOLA's tourist culture and provide a wide range of tour options. There are numerous ways to take on and experience the grand, muddy Mississippi, so let's dive in to our list of your best options.

Creole Queen Historic Cruise

Hop on board the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, and you can learn all about three centuries of history found in New Orleans. Enjoy the sights along the river as a local historian revels in the city's storied past. You'll hear about how NOLA was founded by the LeMoyne brothers, how the French Quarter area came to be and you'll be reminded of all those details you forgot in school about the Louisiana Purchase.

You'll feel like royalty during a ride on the Creole Queen with its bright red paddlewheel and ivory paint. From the deck, you'll get views of the city and the surrounding areas that you'll never forget. You can even get bottomless mimosas for an additional fee for a slightly more upgraded experience.

This tour option also includes a one-hour excursion and tour of Chalmette Battlefield. There, you will hear from a designated park ranger about exactly what happened on that field. You can bring your lunch on the boat or you can choose to include lunch with your ticket, which would feature options like New Orleans-style shrimp pasta, Creole jambalaya and authentic red beans and rice.

Creole Queen Jazz Brunch

There's nothing like brunch with a view, which is exactly what you'll get if you brunch with the Creole Queen. During this jazz brunch experience (brunch is optional), you can greet the midday in style, including with bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys in hand, if you wish. For NOLA party-goers, the brunch timing is perfect for a late morning after a long night. The boat doesn't board until 10-11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings with sailing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm.

Here, the jazz band is the star of the show. The sounds of trumpets and horns and unsuspecting melodies pair perfectly with the consistent views from the Mississippi River. You can still learn about the history of the town from this tour, too. A historian will be on board to offer stories and answer questions, helping create this picturesque memory of a fun morning in a history-filled part of America.

Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

You couldn't possibly visit New Orleans without enjoying the sounds of the city's jazz culture at night. The Creole Queen has a nighttime jazz option that can come with dinner or not. From on board this riverboat, you can watch the city light up as the sun sets, followed by views of the city lights and the twinkling sky. 

A longer tour than the brunch version, also with a slightly more elevated price point, the nighttime jazz cruise is a romantic exploration of the river. Accompanied by the allure of a jazz band, the cajun seafood pasta will taste like home to even first-time visitors. Like the brunch tour, you do also get some historical narration even with the jazz focus.

This is the tour for the NOLA night owls. Sailing ends at 9 p.m., which means the night is still young enough to explore the city, especially if you plan to bar hop over on Bourbon Street or find some live music to dance the night away.

Steamboat Natchez Spring Fling Option

Technically an add-on to their dinner and lunch cruises, the Spring Fling add-on can elevate a Steamboat Natchez river cruise experience. This package includes the river tour, the lunch or dinner option, a sweet snack, a decorated reserved table, as well as three alcoholic beverages from their special menu. Not to worry, kiddos aren't left out of the fun here — they get unlimited soft drinks or juice.

This deal is only offered, rightly, during the spring to help make spring breaks even more special. Usually, the package is offered by Steamboat Natchez from mid-March through most of May. If you plan on utilizing the cash bar, the package is well worth the price. You can get the Spring Fling option for lunch or dinner cruises as well as the Sunday brunch cruise. Obviously, between the three options the lunch ticket will be the most reasonable price for budget spring breakers while the dinner ticket will be more of a splurge at almost double the cost of lunch.

Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz Cruise

Available with or without dinner, this cruise showcases the Mississippi River from dusk until the stars come out to shine. Accompanied by Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland Jazz, guests will also hear the history of NOLA. Like the Creole Queen, the Steamboat Natchez cruises down the river with its vibrant red wheel and charming white paint job. A bright Steamboat Natchez sign is splashed along the side of the boat to ensure you don't accidentally board the wrong paddlewheel boat.

For those who opt for dinner, there are two dinner seatings: the first from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the second from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you want to watch the sunset glow from the boat's deck, consider doing the second dinner seating. You are welcome to leave your table before the seating time is over. Likewise, if you'd rather see the city shimmering under the stars, you'll want to eat dinner sooner to get back to the deck after sunset.

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise

For the brunch crowd, the Steamboat Natchez also offers a brunch jazz cruise along the river. Whether or not you indulge in some tasty brunch offerings, you can enjoy the historical narration, a calliope concert, and Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio. A Sunday cruise is a great way to finish a trip to NOLA or start one, especially if you've never been to this fascinating city before.

Some of the tasty brunch foods you can indulge in on this cruise include chicken and sausage gumbo, grits, and pain perdu, which is a sweet treat similar to French toast. There are a wide variety of foods available during brunch to accommodate a range of dietary needs or the pickiest of kiddos.

If you somehow miss live music during a trip to New Orleans, a jazz cruise is an excellent way to fit in some jazz tunes you won't hear in the same way anywhere else. Steamboat Natchez is a great option for music-lovers and first-timers alike. 

Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise

Like the Sunday Jazz Cruise, the Steamboat Natchez brings back its calliope concert as well as Duke Heitger's Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio for daytime adventurers. The difference is that the lunch cruise is only available from Monday-Saturday each week.

An optional lunch is offered on this sightseeing cruise that also includes a narrated history of the city. Like the dinner cruise, there are two seatings during lunch: the first from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Either way, do not miss the red beans and rice! It's simple but so very tasty. The menu is referred to as "casual," denoting that there are not a lot of foods on offer during the buffet. Even so, there is plenty to make a meal.

Since these cruises take place during the parts of the day when the sun is highest, be careful of the heat. This is particularly important if you're visiting in the summer months because the sun can be brutal on the decks of the boat. Be sure to pack a hat, wear your sunscreen and stay hydrated!

Hop aboard the Canal Street Ferry

New Orleanians know that the best way to see the Mississippi River is aboard the $2 Canal Street to Algiers Ferry. These rides might not be luxe, though you get to enjoy the same sights as the other river boats at a much cheaper cost. For roughly thirty minutes, ferry riders can enjoy the riverfront and make their way to the other side of NOLA.

The ferry has been part of life in NOLA since 1827, so not only would you be saving a lot of money by taking it instead of a cruise, but you'd be experiencing the views as New Orleanians have for almost two centuries! Find the ferry right off Canal Street next to the Aquarium of the Americas.

The Canal Street Ferry runs every day of the week with varying hours. You could take it to Algiers Point and explore the historic neighborhood, visit the Jazz Walk of Fame, or use it as an excuse to find a new lunch spot. Since the ride is only 30 minutes each way you can easily fit it into the busiest NOLA vacation with ease. It's also a great way to still get that river experience without the cruise price tag.

Booze Cruise on The Cajun Queen

This mega-peddle boat can host up to 22 guests. Think of it like a river cruise meets street peddle-bar, the Booze Cruise is an excellent smaller option for folks looking for a good time on the river. Cruising on the Cajun Queen can either be a public or private experience, depending on what you're looking for. Guests also don't have to be 21 to enjoy the ride either, the boat can accommodate riders aged eight and up.

In addition to the peddle boat, you can also rent a pontoon boat for up to a dozen people for a different kind of cruise experience. The pontoon allows guests to bring their drinks as well as snacks and comes with a sound system and coolers with ice for all your BYOB needs. You may not get a full-on narrated history experience, though you could always hire a captain that offers narration. Or maybe you could invite a longtime New Orleanian who likes to spin a good yarn. Either way, you get some much-needed river time and get to experience NOLA from the Mississippi.

Exploring the Gulf

6 Best Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises in New Orleans in 2024

If you are looking for the best Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises, we have listed the best cruises, recommendations, and tips so you will be prepared and pick the best Creole Queen or Natchez cruise for you.

We loved getting on the authentic paddle-wheeler for a beautiful and relaxing day on the Mississippi River. The live jazz music was the cherry on top!

🏆 Best New Orleans River Cruise

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best choice for a great time is the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise .

The buffet-style dinner cruises are a great way to see New Orleans. While on the cruise you will learn about the river lore and many of the historical landmarks that line the river. Most of the cruises are right next to the French Quarter. This makes it really easy to enjoy the French Quarter before or after your cruise. We enjoyed the sights and shops in the French Quarter after our cruise. 

We loved our riverboat cruise and had a great time, even with our little kids. However, our cruise could have been a little better had we had a little more information. We have everything you will want to know to make sure you have a fun and successful time on your boat ride in New Orleans.

Quick Guide: Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez River Cruises

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise ✔️ Highest Rated ✔️ Great Atmosphere and Views

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise ✔️ Great Creole Queen Reviews ✔️ Economical Option

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans ✔️ Great Sunday Brunch Cruise ✔️ Great Sightseeing Cruise

6 Best Creole Queen River Cruises 

1. paddlewheeler creole queen jazz cruise  .

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 2.5 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise is an amazing river cruise based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjoy a unique experience aboard the historic steamboat as it takes you through the mighty Mississippi River while you listen to jazz music from the onboard band.

You can soak up the atmosphere as you take in the views of New Orleans and its iconic sights. If possible, we would recommend you select the lavish Creole Buffet option as part of your cruise. You will enjoy the buffet in the plush Victorian-style seating and romantic lighting.

Food was fabulous. Watching the sunset while listening to great music was terrific. Wonderful experience. – Patricia (read more reviews )

The Creole Queen buffet menu will include popular local dishes like Jambalaya, Cajun Seafood Pasta, Cajun Braised Beef Brisket, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, and their signature White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce.

You will start boarding the Creole Queen jazz cruise at 6:30 p.m., and then the boat leaves at 7:00 pm. This New Orleans boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, and children are allowed on the cruise. Children 5 years old and younger are free.

▶ BOOK Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

2. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise  

⭐ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise is a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the Mississippi River.

This cruise takes passengers on an entertaining journey through the Mississippi River, giving them the opportunity to take in some of the most iconic sights while also having the chance to listen to live music from the onboard band.

As one of the most popular river cruises in New Orleans, it offers guests a plethora of amenities and sightseeing opportunities that will ensure they have a memorable time. 

Enjoy illuminating narration from a licensed historian narrator and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

Great experience, history about the battles was amazing great to hear all of the facts about the ownership of New Orleans, coming back listening to the sorrowing story about Hurricane Katana. Great experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. – Richard (Read more reviews )

Guests will be able to indulge their taste buds with a delicious Creole Buffet. The cruise lasts two hours, and It is suitable for all ages, as children aged 5 years old and younger can board for free.

From breathtaking views of traditional architecture to stunning scenery along the Mississippi River, this is an experience we enjoyed. Overall, the Creole Queen in New Orleans historic cruise reviews are very positive. 

▶ BOOK Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Riverboat Cruise

3. Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise 

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 2 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise is a unique experience in the city of New Orleans that allows visitors to explore the Mississippi River in style. This two-hour cruise provides an unforgettable journey, taking passengers past some of the most iconic and vibrant scenes along this famous waterway.

During the cruise, guests are treated to live jazz music, narrated tours of many local landmarks, and spectacular views of the surrounding area. The Steamboat Natchez is a steam paddle boat in New Orleans, and its deck provides plenty of space for sightseeing and soaking up the beauty of New Orleans from an entirely new perspective.

We had a blast. The food was good and the staff was awesome ! We are already planning to go back with more friends. – Nina (read more reviews )

Passengers can enjoy learning about the culture and history of the region while also savoring delicious southern cuisine, cocktails, and great conversation with their fellow travelers. The harbor cruise brings together music, fun, food, and culture for one truly memorable experience.

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise

4. Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise is very similar to the other Natchez and Creole Queen cruises. The main difference is going to be the time of day you leave and a slight variation in the food that is going to be served during your time on the cruise.

Brunch was awesome Everyone was so nice Boat was very clean Narrator was very knowledgeable Our pictures were great – Michelle (Read more reviews )

Your cruise will still be two hours long, and the whole family is still welcome on board, but you will be leaving earlier in the morning for your cruise. You will get a very similar narration, and you will get to see and hear about the same great sights as you would from the other Natchez boat cruise experiences. 

If you’re looking for another opportunity in New Orleans, be sure to check out the New Orleans food tours !

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise

5. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

⭐ Rating : 4 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option is a great experience. Being able to tour the steam engine room, dine on a delicious dinner and paddle down the Mississippi at sunset is a fantastic experience. Many people really enjoy this cruise at night, often bringing a little more dancing and a little more excitement to the cruise. 

We spent five days in New Orleans, and this cruise was our absolute highlight! The entire evening with multiple dinner seatings on various decks was handled seamlessly. Then ending the night with jazz on the top deck was the icing on the cake. The food and drinks were delicious! – Andrew (read more reviews )

One thing to understand is that many people really enjoy eating dinner on the cruise. We are big fans of the dinner option not only because the food is decent but because it is so nice to relax on a historic boat floating down the Mississippi on a full stomach.

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

6. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option  

⭐ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ⎸🕑 Tour Length : 3 hours ⎸ Check Rates and Availability  

The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option is going to be your best cruise option. The skyline at night is such a great experience, and the atmosphere and live jazz band are fantastic on this cruise. This dinner cruise is the highest-rated cruise with 500 reviews and the majority giving the cruise a 5-star rating. 

We opted for the VIP experience since it was our anniversary and could not be happier with the experience. Gina was fun, attentive and made sure we had an incredible cruise. The captain tour was a blast! Highly recommend for any special occasion! – sal (Read more reviews )

The cruise is a go for all types of weather, which means it will not be canceled for rain. Make sure you come prepared for the rain if there is rain in the forecast. If there is extremely severe weather or the river is closed will be the only time the cruise is canceled. 

▶ BOOK Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise

Creole Queen vs Steamboat Natchez 

There are a few small differences between the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen. From an outside look, you might think they are the same, but they are not. Both are great boat rides in New Orleans with dinner options, but the boats themselves are different.

The Creole Queen is powered by a diesel-electric motor and made its maiden voyage in 1983. This motor is used to operate the paddle wheel at the back of the boat. The Natchez is a steamboat. This means that a steam engine powers the paddle wheel at the rear of the boat.

The Nanchez is one of only a few boats that is still powered by steam. The Nanchez was built in 1975 and has transported famous musicians and important political figures. You can even find a small museum aboard the Natchez. 

Both the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez are boats with great history and insight. The two boats have much more in common than they do in differences. You will learn a lot and can eat great food on either boat.

The differences between the two should not cause any disappointment if you happen to ride on one and not the other. No matter what New Orleans river cruise you find yourself on, you will have a blast.

Creole Queen Parking 

There is no designated parking for any of the Riverboats in New Orleans. This does not mean there is no parking; it means you will have to pay for parking at some of the paid parking or street parking options at or near the French Quarter.

We parked in the parking lot that is next to the aquarium, and it is only a short walk from there. The parking lot by the aquarium is also a great place to park if you are going to spend time after your short Mississippi River cruise.

Tips for Your Creole Queen Boat Tours in New Orleans 

1. Get in Line Early: We were there about 35 minutes early for our tour, and it was not early enough. There was a huge line. It is recommended to be in line 30 minutes before the scheduled boarding time. This means you should be at the boat 1 hour before departure. 

2. Be in Line First: There is not enough outdoor seating for everyone. If you are at the front of the line for boarding, you will have more options for outdoor seating. If you want to hear the jazz music, you will want to grab some chairs on the top deck. There is only one band on the top deck. Some people had expectations of a band on each deck, and this is not an option. The band plays on the top deck, and the music can be heard on the lower decks from the speakers. 

3. There is no outside food or drink allowed on the boat, even if you don’t have a reservation for the Creole Queen brunch, lunch, or dinner. Get the Creole Queen dinner Cruise option if it is available. It is worth it. 

4. If you are going on the tour with kids, bring a couple of little toys to entertain them while on the river boat tour. The tour can feel a little long if you do not eat on the boat. It is a relaxing cruise, and kids don’t often like to just relax.

5. The upper deck is where most of the action is if you want to relax less. It can also be a bit more crowded. This is because the live band is on the upper deck, and they have an upper deck bar close by. 

FAQ: Creole Queen 

How old is the creole queen .

The Creole Queen had its first voyage in 1983. This means at the time of writing, the Creole Queen is almost 40 years old. 

How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Steamboat in New Orleans? 

If you are taking the steamboat cruise and not adding on any of the dining or VIP options, it will cost $39 dollars. Most of the cruises are this ticket price. Evening cruises are more expensive. Adult tickets are $55 with no dinner. 

Where Does Creole Queen Leave From? 

The Creole Queen leaves from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, and the address is 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA.

Who Owns the Creole Queen? 

The Creole Queen is owned by Jean Pierre Pigeon and New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc.

Conclusion: Creole Queen Boat Tour 

You are going to have a great time on your traditional riverboat ride. The boats are amazing and very fun to experience. The United States and New Orleans are full of great sights and experiences.

If you are also interested in another great boating experience in New Orleans in September , make sure you check out a nearby plantation tour . It was another great experience and one of our favorite things to do with kids in New Orleans .

New Orleans cemetery tours and airboat tours in New Orleans are other fun ways to explore the city too! Happy exploring the port of New Orleans.

Candice Steele is the owner of Exploring the Gulf, a blog that helps travelers explore the Gulf Coast Region in the United States. Since 2015, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families traveling to the Gulf Coast. They love exploring the beaches and small coastal towns in this area.

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Dinner Jazz Cruises

Cruise with dinner USD $102.50

Sightseeing option USD $55.00

Holiday Party Package USD $132.50

Daytime Jazz Cruises

Cruise with lunch USD $60.00

Sightseeing option USD $42.00

Holiday Party Package USD $85.00

Sunday Jazz Cruises

Cruise with brunch USD $75.00

Holiday Party Package USD $92.50

New Orleans Tours

Plantation tours, swamp tours, holiday & special events, mardi gras party package, spring fling party package, mother's day cruise, easter bunny brunch cruise, new orleans steamboat company.

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is no newcomer to the Mississippi River or American's steamboat heritage.  Our parent company has been operating steamboats longer than any company in the world.  In fact, we've been part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans. We're now in our fourth decade of life on the Mississippi.  We've given literally millions of people the experience of one of our country's oldest and richest traditions.

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality ...Steamboat Style!

The newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront & sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ

SAIL WITH SANTA ON THE STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ

SAIL WITH SANTA ON THE STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ: Celebrate the holiday season, and the return of the Steamboat NATCHEZ, at our Sailing with Santa Event! On Saturday, November 25th, our annual Sailing with Santa Cruise will be taking place on the newly renovated Steamboat NATCHEZ. The c…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code? How far in advance should I make reservations? Can we bring pets on board the boat? Is there any entertainment on your cruises? Where can we park?...

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New Orleans Steamboat Cruises

This post compares the various different riverboat tours, paddleboat tours, and cruises available to you in New Orleans to help you choose the right one from you. 

• Meet the Boats
• Daytime/Lunch Cruises
• Evening/Dinner Cruises
• Public $2 Ferries

Combination Packages

• Swamp + Airboat Tours
• Things to Do in New Orleans

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

If you are considering purchasing tourist discount packages, keep in mind that some of these cruises are included at no additional cost in several New Orleans tourist attraction discount passes . 

The two most popular cruises are aboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and Steamboat Natchez (details below), but you can hop on a ferry for just a few dollars.

Each offers a variety of cruises to choose from.

We narrowed down our favorites and compiled a list that describes each trip based on experience type, ticket price, and duration.

NATCHEZ STEAMBOAT

The Natchez Steamboat is the ninth boat with the name.

The current boat boasts modern safety mechanisms within a classic, exquisite oak exterior.

It was recently rennovated and is back to cruising down the Mississippi River on a daily basis!

Take part in her adventure with daily two-hour jazz cruises, including a daytime cruise or an evening cruise . You can cruise with or without lunch or dinner.

Listen to the Captain and crew, some of whom have been with the ship since the 1975 maiden voyage, operate like the seamen of a time gone by. 

This company has received a  4 out of 5 stars  average rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ). 

RIVERBOAT CITY OF NEW ORLEANS

This is the newest addition to the New Orleans Steamboat Company, and it took over for the Steamboat Natchez while that vessel was under repair.

Just like the Steamboat Natchez, this boat is also a paddlewheeler, so functionally, very little will change.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans operated all the sightseeing, lunch, brunch, and dinner Jazz cruises for the New Orleans Steamboat Company during the last few years while the Steamboat Natches was undergoing repairs.

Rest assured that even aboard this new vessel there is plenty of room across its multiple decks to accommodate plenty of guests and fill in for its sister boat.

CREOLE QUEEN PADDLEWHEELER

Built in 1983 with the esteem and allure of the late 1850s paddlewheelers, the Creole Queen features an enormous 24-foot paddlewheel and modern amenities for elegance and safety.

Browse the list of tours below to pick which experience is best for you; gather on the 1,000-passenger deck for live music, dancing, a history lesson, or maybe enjoy lunch or dinner.

This vessel's review profile is a tad lower than its competitor's but still good with an overall average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

DAYTIME CRUISES WITH OPTIONAL LUNCH

There are basically two different cruises to choose from, one from each company.  

The main differences seem to be that the Creole Queen includes a stop at Chalmette Battlefield at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass or the Go City New Orleans Pass .

The Steamboat Natchez offers jazz music on the lunch cruise during the high season. 

Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this jazz cruise are very positive ( read the reviews ).

Some reviewers have even described their band as “magnificent,” suggesting that the music played onboard was absolutely wonderful.

Some customers feel that the experience is a bit too touristy, but they are definitely in the minority.

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez. This activity is particularly popular among couples.

NOTE: After a year or two in repairs, the newly rennovated Steamboat Natchez is finally offering cruises in New Orleans as of November 2023.

What You’ll Experience:

• Live narration of the history of the area
• Live jazz concert
• Steam Engine room open to visitors
• Lunch (optional) in the dining area onboard

Duration: 3 hours total, 2-hour cruise

• Departs at 11:30 am and 2:30 am
• Adult - $39    $55 with lunch
• Child - $16     $25 with lunch
• Child (2-5) Free    $11 with lunch
• More information or to book .

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Creole Queen -  Historical River Cruise

This vessel has a daytime destination, Chalmette Battlefield at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

• Highly Recommended for history buffs!
• Battle of New Orleans
• 1,000-passenger paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River, with a 24-foot paddlewheel
• Costumed re-enactor recounting history/stories of Louisiana's most historical places and events
• Disembark for a guided tour of Chalmette Battlefield by National Park Rangers from the Battle of New Orleans

Duration: 3 hours

• Departs at 10 am and 2 pm daily.

Lunch is only purchasable onboard.

• Adult $39   $59 with lunch 
• Child (6-12) $15   $24 with lunch
• Child (3-5) Free   $5 with lunch
• Infant (2 and under) Free   $10 with lunch
• Get more information or purchase tickets .

TIP: It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass or the Go City New Orleans Pass .

Evening Jazz Cruises with Optional Dinner

Below is a brief comparison of the two paddlewheel boats that cruise the Mississippi River every evening. 

For a more in-depth look, including what's on the menu, read our post on NOLA dinner cruises . 

Steamboat Natchez - Mississippi River Jazz Cruise (optional Dinner)

Unlike their harbor cruise, this boat trip will take you down the Mississippi River.

Ratings for this excursion are similarly excellent, but it’s worth noting that not everyone was thrilled with the food selection ( read the reviews ). 

NOTE: Although this cruise was being offered on the Riverboat City of New Orleans for the last year or two, the newly rennovated Steamboat Natchez is once again the vessel you'll be riding during this outing!

What You’ll Experience

• Ride on the Creole Queen paddle wheeler
• Live jazz music
• Lavish buffet-style dinner | cash bar cocktails
• New Orleans skyline along the French Quarter
• Boards nightly at 6 pm and sails from 7-9 pm.
• $95 with dinner
• $41 with dinner
• $20.25 with dinner

Included free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass  (dinner is extra).

Creole Queen Evening Cruise (optional Dinner)

Just like their other services, the evening cruise offered by this company is also highly rated.

There are a few negative reviews, but they are overshadowed by positive comments (read the reviews).

• Ride on the Creole Queen paddlewheeler.

Cost (does not include dinner):

• $52 - Adult
• $26 - Child (6-12)
• Kids under 6 are FREE

Cost (includes dinner):

• $95 - Adult 
• $40 - Child (6-12) 
• $15 - Child under 5
• Kids 2 and under are FREE

Get more information or to book . 

CANAL STREET/ALGIERS POINT FERRY

In operation since 1827, this ferry travels across the Mississippi River along Canal Street and ends at the second oldest neighborhood of New Orleans; Algiers Point. 

Unlike the paddlewheeler or steamboat, the ferry offers a cheap trip across the river from Canal Street. Just ask the locals who use this as their commute!

Once you arrive, consider taking our self-guided walking tour of Algiers Point .

This company has received a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor. 

There are a few negative reviews, but most of them seem to come from customers who were expecting the typical tourist experience.

Although they don’t offer the same range of services as a boat tour or cruise, it’s clear that a lot of their customers are more than pleased with the transportation they provide.

Cost (cash only):

• Pedestrian $2 each way
• Senior (65+) $1
• Children (2 & under) Free
• Sunday - Thursday | 6:15 am - 8:45 pm
• Friday - Saturday | 6:15 am - 10:45 pm

Get more details on their website .

As we have stated above, the Go City New Orleans Pass  and the Sightseeing Pass, are all-inclusive tourist attraction passes, including one free daytime ride on the Creole Queen.  

Included in the cost of the pass is free entry into 25 other popular New Orleans attractions including:

• National World War 2 Museum
• City Bus Tour
• Swamp Tour Plantation House Tour
• New Orleans School of Cooking
• Audubon Zoo
• Audubon Aquarium
• Mardi Gras World Museum
• New Orleans Museum of Art
• + 18 other attractions and tours

Paddle and Wheel Combo by Gray Line

This combo package is a great buy, and with a total of about 4 hours, you can see the city and take a cruise full of historical information.

You save $7/adult with the combo ticket.  

This combination pairs the daytime historical cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez and the  Super City Bus Tour  (video below).

With an overall rating of 4 ½ stars on TripAdvisor, Gray Line New Orleans is very well received.

In particular, both of the services offered through this combo ticket are positively reviewed by their customers.

Much like the Steamboat Natchez, the Super City Bus Tour also enjoys mostly positive ratings.

Although there are a few negative reviews for both tours, they aren’t indicative of any significant problems. This combo deal is most popular among couples.

You’ll Experience…

• French Quarter
• Jackson Square
• Cabildo and Presbytere Museum
• Historic Cemeteries
• Bayou St. John
• Besthoff Sculpture Garden
• Tulane and Loyola University
• 2-hour cruise with a guided history of the region
• Adult $78 
• Child (6-12) $35.50
• Child (5 and under) Free 
• You save $7-$11/adult by purchasing together.  You don't appear to save anything for a child ages 6-12.

Get more information and purchase tickets .

NEW ORLEANS KAYAK TOURS

Want a more intimate excursion on the water? Try kayaking!

Explore the swamps of New Orleans, or paddle down the Bayou St. John neighborhood inside the city with the safety of a guide at a beginner-level pace.

Ratings for this kayak tour company are very impressive. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours has received an overall score of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Only a half dozen customers have seen fit to give them a negative review, and their comments don’t represent the typical experience with this service.

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this service are incredibly positive, recommending this trip to anyone who wants to stay active while discovering the swamps of Louisiana.

Although couples are the most likely audience to leave great reviews, guests who bring their friends along for the journey also enjoy these tours.

Tours Offered

• Bayou St. John Tour (Beginner)

Located inside the city, Bayou St. John is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans.

Learn the history of the homes and landmarks, originally settled by Native Americans, and later used for French trading routes.

• Honey Island Swamp Tour (Beginner)

This is the crowd favorite!

Located 40 minutes outside the city, this tour takes you deep into the swamp bayous to see an abundance of wildlife amongst abandoned boat homes.

• Manchac Mystic Kayak Tour (Beginner)

This tour is popular for its serene setting and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

You’ll weave through cypress trees and experience wildlife on this wetlands kayaking trip.

Never Kayaked?

No problem! The extent of physical skill needed is the ability to paddle, and a lesson is provided at the beginning of the tour.

The company provides all of the necessary equipment for your trip, but since you will be on the water for 2 to 2 ½ hours, you will want to be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe even a hat for shade on the water.

• Bayou St. John Tour  $49 per person
• Honey Island Tour  $59 per person without transportation
• Manchac Mystic Tour - $59 per person without transportation
• Extra $20 for transportation from French Quarter only for Honey Island and Manchac Mystic Tours

Tours last 2 to 2 ½ hours

Transportation adds 40 minutes each way outside New Orleans via car/shuttle for Honey Island Swamp and Manchac Mystic tours.

KAYAK-ITI-YAT TOURS

The categories (beginner, intermediate & intermediate to advanced) are based on distance, the necessary level of athleticism and exposure to variables/natural elements.

None of the tours require previous kayaking experience.

There are no shuttle transportation costs as all of their tours launch from the city and are reachable by public transportation, bike or a cheap cab ride.

• Big Easy Bayou (Beginner, 2 hours) $49 per person

Best for first-timers and non-athletic travelers.

This two-hour tour of Bayou St. John is a great way to see the neighborhood and see some wildlife in a relaxed atmosphere.

This is a history-based tour with culture, current events, ecology, and all things relevant to Bayou St. John, its surrounding neighborhoods, and New Orleans.

• Pontchartrain (Intermediate, 4 hours) $84

Looking for something more active? Check out this four-hour lake tour that runs the length of Bayou St. John and back!

Bonus, you’ll exit the kayak to stretch and walk over to Pontchartrain Lake, and maybe even take a quick swim!

Like the Big Easy Bayou above, expect to learn about the history and culture of the area.

The Big Easy Bayou is your best option for this company, and the only one recommended for beginners.

Looking for more options? Consider looking at New Orleans Kayak Tours (above) for more newcomer-friendly trips.

Before you book...

WARNING: There is NO exiting these tours halfway through and the Bayou Bienvenue 3 hour tour has no bathroom breaks. Be sure you are committed before you buy your tickets.

This tour company is featured in several top travel recommendations for New Orleans, and explorers wishing to see more than Bourbon Street have given it rave reviews!

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Things to Do: New Orleans Riverboat

A ride on the mississippi offers great views and a relaxing time.

Mark Twain said that the Mississippi River was a wonderful book with a new story to tell every day. Mississippi, a Chippewa Indian word that means “large river” is the life force that has shaped New Orleans history forever, defining and literally shaping the city into its famous Crescent outline. The best way to see what Mark Twain was talking about is to take a paddleboat tour along the hard working river, and travel back to the days when steam-driven river paddle wheelers were the main source of both transportation and commerce. Boat tours leave regularly from the riverfront area adjacent to Woldenberg Park, some offering music and meals, all offering cocktails and narration. So hop aboard one of these. 

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Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS

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Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Hooked on History: Three Strasburg men find adventure on canoe trip to New Orleans in 1964

• Three young men from Strasburg, Terry Spidell, Bill Malcuit and Jim Ecenbarger, canoed from Dover to New Orleans during the summer of 1964.
• They made the trip in 31 days, with only a few minor mishaps along the way.
• When they returned to Ohio, they received a hero's welcome in Strasburg.

In the summer of 1964, three young men from Strasburg went on the adventure of a lifetime, taking a 2,000-mile canoe trip from Dover to New Orleans.

Along the way, they sparked an intensive search in Missouri when authorities thought they had drowned in the Mississippi River; were treated royally by tugboat captains; and got a frosty reception in one Southern town when residents thought they were civil rights workers.

The three ‒ Terry Spidell and Bill Malcuit, then age 17; and Jim Ecenbarger, then age 20 ‒ left Dover on June 14, 1964.

"Bill Malcuit and I hung out together," said Spidell, who still lives in Strasburg. "We were talking about things to do during the summer between our junior and senior year in school. We really didn't come up with anything. His dad (contractor William 'Red' Malcuit) was the one that came up going to New Orleans with the canoe."

The elder Malcuit outfitted them with a 20-foot aluminum canoe that weighed 117 pounds and would float in 4 inches of water.

Mishap on the Muskingum

They canoed down the Tuscarawas River to Coshocton, where they purchased a 6 horsepower motor that had a 360 swivel on it. It fit right on the side of the canoe. "We got to Coshocton and realized after the blisters on our hands, we weren't going to make it 2,000 miles," Spidell said.

From there, they traveled down the Muskingum River to Marietta. They portaged around most the dams on the river, but at one, they decided to go over the dam, recalled Ecenbarger, who now lives at Atwood Lake. The canoe crashed on the lip of the dam, buckling the watercraft.

"We had to pound out the sides of the canoe to keep going. We took stones and pounded it straight again and then took off," he said.

At Marietta, they entered the Ohio River, traveling down until it joined the Mississippi. They reached the Mississippi on July 4.

Authorities fear they had drowned

The trio created quite a stir during a stop outside Caruthersville, in what is known as the bootheel of southern Missouri.

It was rough and windy on the Mississippi, so the three young men decided to stay there all day, Spidell recalled. They unloaded the canoe, leaving their equipment on the riverbank, and headed back to Caruthersville to watch a movie, taking the canoe with them. Then they stayed all night at a motel in town. When they came back in the morning, all of their stuff was gone, including a .22 caliber pistol and sawed-off shotgun Ecenbarger had brought along.

"A guy had a fish line down through that area, and he found our stuff on the bank. He picked it up and took it to the police station," Spidell said.

The Pemiscot County sheriff and the Coast Guard launched a search for the three, fearing that they had drowned. They also notified the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office on July 6. Later, the owner of the motel told authorities of their whereabouts after hearing about the searching.

The three continued their journey down the Mississippi, unaware of what was going on. "When we got to the next town, Malcuit was supposed to call his mom every so often. So, he called her, and she was in tears because the Missouri sheriff said we had drowned," Ecenbarger said.

He never got his weapons back.

Because the canoe was so small, they weren't allowed to travel through locks on the river by themselves. They had to wait for larger boats to show up. The tugboat captains would welcome them aboard and feed them.

They had some unusual occurrences along the way. "One night, we were camped in this field," Ecenbarger said. "It was pretty dark out. We slept close together. Malcuit reached over and tapped me, and said, 'There's something breathing on my face.' I got out the flashlight, and here it was a big old Brahma bull standing over top of him. We got out of that field and camped in another spot."

Stop in a Southern town

They stopped in one Southern community where they did not receive a warm welcome initially.

"We stopped in this town, and walked up into the town and went to a restaurant to eatWe went in and sat down," Ecenbarger recalled. "We sat there and sat there, never got waited on. People would come in. They would wait on them. They would eat and leave. We got up and left.

"Then there was an Army surplus store. We went into it. We walked around and looked at stuff. We saw that the guy who owned the place kept following us. So, when we went to leave, we decided we'd ask him what the problem was. He said, we don't like civil rights people. We didn't dress up. We had raggedy shorts on. After they found out what we were really doing, they were real happy."

Shortly before this incident, three civil rights workers had been tortured and murdered in Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan on June 21, 1964.

Arrival in New Orleans

Eventually, the three travelers arrived safely in New Orleans after a 31-day journey.

While they were making the trip, Malcuit's father, Red Malcuit, asked Chuck and Shirley Garber of Strasburg to drive to Louisiana to pick them up. The Garbers left their four children with Chuck's mother and headed south in their station wagon on July 16.

When the Garbers got to New Orleans, they went to the police station to ask about the trio. The police had no information on them. They then checked with the Coast Guard and found out the three had gone to a motel.

"So I go up to the front desk," Chuck Garber recalled. "I saw these two guys sitting on the floor, and I didn't think anything of it. I went over and I asked if they had Billy Malcuit, Terry Spidell and Jim Ecenbarger. And Billy said, 'Hey Chuck, who are you looking for?' I looked around, and it was Billy. He was sunburned, really bad. His hair was a different color because of being out in the sun all the time, and he had a beard. I didn't know him."

Traveling back to Ohio with a monkey

The drive back home also was an adventure, because the young men decided to buy a monkey while they were in New Orleans. They paid $19 for it. "He was wild. He'd bite the heck out of you," Spidell said. The monkey would get on the steering wheel of the car and look out the window while they were driving.

"They left it loose in the car and it would crawl over my shoulders, and I would sit there with goose pimples. Get the monkey away from me," Shirley Garber recalled.

The group decided to stop at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky for a tour. They cracked the windows on the car for the monkey, but they neglected to remove its collar and leash. When they got back, they found that the monkey's leash got tangled up under the steering wheel and the monkey hung itself. They buried the animal somewhere in Kentucky.

A hero's welcome

When the trio got back to Tuscarawas County on July 21, they received a hero's welcome. They were met at Harry Clever Field in New Philadelphia and joined a caravan headed back to Strasburg. The caravan was made up of Strasburg's fire engine, sheriff's cruisers and around 50 cars.

At the Strasburg fire station ‒ which was decorated with a 50-foot sign prepared by several young people in the community ‒ they received the key to the village from Mayor John Studer and an achievement plaque from William Dreher, president of the booster club.

Spidell said he no longer has the key to the village, and the canoe was stolen after their return.

Bill Malcuit died Dec. 28, 2019, at age 72.

"Looking back at that time, it didn't seem that daring," Spidell said. "But looking at it now, I'd never let my kid do that. It was Red Malcuit's idea, and I'm so glad we did it. I learned a lot."

Jon Baker is a reporter for The Times-Reporter and can be reached at [email protected].