Jazz-Fueled River Cruise with New Orleans Steamboat Company

Read the full experience

Gliding along the mighty Mississippi, the New Orleans Steamboat Company offers a distinctive way to engage with Louisiana’s vibrant river culture—the Daytime Jazz Cruise aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. This two-hour cruise departs from Woldenberg Park in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, a spot where tales of the city’s layered past meet the lapping riverfront waters. Boarding at 11:00am, passengers settle in for a lunch seating from 12:15pm to 1:15pm, where a freshly prepared Creole lunch sampler accompanies live jazz by the renowned Steamboat Stompers. This cruise is more than just a ride; it’s an immersive journey through New Orleans' rich musical and cultural heritage. The four decks provide panoramic views of the city skyline, Mississippi River traffic, and lush riverbank landscapes dominated by hardwoods and cypress trees. From the open-air top deck, the river’s expanse unfolds beneath a sprawling Louisiana sky, a perfect backdrop to the calliope’s nostalgic melodies and vibrant jazz notes. The Creole lunch includes local staples such as zesty Gulf Coast catfish, traditional jambalaya, and rich red beans and rice, giving a genuine taste of Southern culinary tradition. The onboard narration weaves stories of New Orleans’ founding, its strategic role as a port city, and the evolution of the Mississippi River as a commercial artery. This blend of live music, gourmet dining, and historical insight sets the experience apart from typical river tours. Unique to the New Orleans Steamboat Company is their dedication to preserving authentic steamboat heritage through vessels like the CITY of NEW ORLEANS, one of the last remaining steam-powered sternwheelers. This lends a level of craftsmanship and authenticity that echoes past river days while embracing modern comfort. Ideal for visitors eager to combine cultural education, scenic river views, and the unmistakable sound of jazz, this cruise holds a special place in the region’s outdoor recreation scene. It’s an accessible, low-impact way to connect with the essence of New Orleans—bringing history, music, nature, and cuisine together on the water’s quiet flow.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–2.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding and some walking around decks.

Frequently asked questions

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, although access to the top deck requires using stairs.

Are meals included with the cruise ticket?

Yes, a plated Creole lunch sampler is included during the 12:15pm to 1:15pm seating.

Can I purchase alcoholic beverages onboard?

Yes, cocktails, beer, and wine are available for purchase separately.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult, but food and beverage costs apply.

What happens in bad weather?

The cruise operates rain or shine; entertainment and meal service proceed as scheduled.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

While vegan and vegetarian options can be recommended, individual meal substitutions are not available.

Local insights

Wildlife

Great blue herons are often spotted fishing along the river’s edge.
Ospreys and other raptors sometimes soar overhead during warmer months.

History

New Orleans rose as a critical port city at the Mississippi River’s crescent, deeply influencing American trade, culture, and music history.

Conservation

Efforts by local steamboat companies support river cleanliness and sustainable tourism to preserve this iconic waterway for future generations.

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.

Base locationNew Orleans, Louisiana

Tours offered38+

Adventure tips

Arrive Early for Best SeatingBoarding starts at 11:00am—arriving early helps secure a prime spot on the top deck for unobstructed river views and photo ops.

Dress Code Is Casual with Options to Dress UpCasual attire is perfectly fine, but you’re welcome to embrace the city’s vibrant style with dressy casual for a more festive feel.

Accessibility ConsiderationsThe boat is wheelchair accessible, but note that access to the top deck requires using stairs only. Contact the company ahead with questions.

Purchase Beverages OnboardCocktails, beer, and wine aren’t included in the ticket price but available for purchase. Non-alcoholic drinks are included with lunch.

Recommended gear

Light Jacket or Layer: A warm layer helps against river breezes, especially on the top deck.
Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield you from southern sun exposure while cruising.
Camera or Smartphone: Capture stunning views of New Orleans skyline and river life during the cruise.
Comfortable Footwear: Non-slip shoes are recommended to safely navigate decks and stairways.