Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible except for the top deck, which is reachable only by stairs.

Are drinks included with the lunch?

Non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea and community coffee are included; alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Can I bring children on the cruise?

Yes, children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult, though food and beverage charges apply.

What is the dress code for the cruise?

Casual dress is encouraged, but feel free to dress up to suit the festive atmosphere.

Is a reservation required for the lunch seating?

Yes, reservations are required for all meal functions to secure your place on the cruise.

Does the cruise operate in rain or bad weather?

Yes, the cruise runs rain or shine. Should the boat be unable to depart, entertainment and meal service continue on schedule.

Jazz Lunch Cruise on Mississippi River with New Orleans Steamboat Co.

Vibrant and historic, New Orleans pulses with a culture deeply intertwined with its location along the mighty Mississippi River. The New Orleans Steamboat Company offers an immersive way to witness this dynamic cityscape: a two-hour daytime cruise aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. This isn't just a boat ride; it’s a dive into centuries of river commerce, jazz heritage, and Creole cuisine, all seamlessly woven into a single afternoon.

Departing from Woldenberg Park in the heart of the French Quarter, the cruise begins at 11:00 AM. From the moment you step onto the newly renovated riverboat, your senses engage—a panoramic view from the vessel’s four decks reveals sweeping city skylines framed by the winding Mississippi. The river itself is a living icon here, its muddy waters having shaped the region’s economy and culture since before the city’s founding.

The heart of the experience is the plated Creole lunch served during the first seating hour. Dishes like zesty cornmeal-crusted Gulf Coast catfish, classic red beans with andouille sausage, and traditional jambalaya bring local flavors alive, connecting guests to Louisiana’s culinary roots. Meanwhile, the Steamboat Stompers jazz trio fills the air with authentic New Orleans rhythms, balancing the meal with spirited melodies.

Throughout the cruise, an engaging narration shares stories about New Orleans’ evolution—its transformation from a bustling port city to modern-day cultural hub. Visitors can roam freely across decks, visiting the indoor air-conditioned dining room or stepping outside to capture iconic views. The vessel, with its elegant design and rich history, echoes the steam-powered sternwheelers that once ruled these waters.

This cruise is a standout for combining accessible outdoor relaxation on the water with a taste of New Orleans’ distinctive cultural identity. It’s ideal for anyone wanting an easy, immersive encounter with the city beyond the streets—melding history, music, food, and river scenery into one memorable journey. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s daytime jazz cruise delivers a uniquely authentic experience on the Mississippi River.

About New Orleans Steamboat Company

New Orleans Steamboat Company operates historic riverboat cruises and guided excursions based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company offers a range of Mississippi River sightseeing and jazz cruises aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS and seasonal sailings on the Steamboat NATCHEZ, plus swamp, plantation, walking, and specialty small-group tours.

Cruise experiences include daytime and evening sightseeing jazz cruises with live music performed by the Dukes of Dixieland, multiple dinner seating options with Creole buffets or plated lunches, brunch sailings, seasonal party packages, and holiday-themed departures such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve events. Land-based offerings include swamp and airboat adventures, guided tours to Oak Alley and Whitney plantations, craft cocktail and cooking walking tours, cemetery and Garden District strolls, and interactive ghost and spirits walks in the French Quarter.

Each trip description lists duration, meal options when applicable, live music or narration, and onboard amenities such as full-service bars and multiple observation decks. Local guides provide historical context about New Orleans, the Mississippi River, Jean Lafitte, and regional wetlands and wildlife on swamp and plantation tours. Many cruises feature live jazz and family-friendly programming; several airboat and swamp tours emphasize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bookings are arranged per listed trip schedules and seating times. As a long-established New Orleans operator featured by tour aggregators and known for narrated riverboat cruises, the company combines maritime tradition with local culture to deliver interpretive sightseeing and entertainment on and off the water. Public and private group bookings are available for many departures.