Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a two-hour jazz cruise featuring live music, a Creole buffet, and sweeping views of the Mississippi River at night. Discover a vibrant cultural evening with the New Orleans Steamboat Company.
Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a two-hour jazz cruise featuring live music, a Creole buffet, and sweeping views of the Mississippi River at night. Discover a vibrant cultural evening with the New Orleans Steamboat Company.
Book with New Orleans Steamboat Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company · New Orleans, Louisiana
The New Orleans Steamboat Company presents a unique way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and storied waterfront with their Evening Jazz Cruise aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Launching from Woldenberg Park, right in the heart of New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, this two-hour journey offers an authentic slice of local life framed by the expansive Mississippi River. The newly renovated riverboat, one of the last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers, invites guests to savor a relaxed voyage through the city’s skyline and riverbanks with live jazz from the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland band setting a smooth soundtrack.
Guests boarding at the 7:45 pm dinner seating enjoy a thoughtfully prepared Creole buffet showcasing Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. The menu features classic dishes such as chicken and sausage gumbo, crawfish étouffée, Louisiana fried chicken thighs, and homemade bread pudding, served buffet-style aboard the vessel. Whether seated indoors or on one of the spacious outdoor decks, diners watch the glowing lights of the French Quarter and other iconic sights glide by, with the boat’s decks and bars open for leisurely exploration throughout the cruise.
This cruise stands out for more than just its food and music. The live narration offers historical insights into New Orleans’ past, touching on the city’s relationship with the Mississippi and its jazz origins, making it a fitting outdoor excursion that blends culture, history, and nature. Accessibility options are available, though stair access is required for the top deck. The experience suits visitors wanting to unwind with refined entertainment and spectacular river views in a setting that honors the spirit of the Big Easy.
The New Orleans Steamboat Company’s cruise is a joyous, relaxed voyage—perfect for those seeking a quintessentially local outdoor experience combining America’s river heritage, lively music, and Southern flavors under the open sky.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
The riverboat is wheelchair accessible; however, access to the top deck requires stair climbing.
No, cocktails, beer, and wine are available for separate purchase onboard.
Yes, all meal functions require advance reservations to secure seating.
The dress code is casual to dressy casual; guests may dress comfortably or up for the occasion.
Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult, but meal costs still apply.
The New Orleans Steamboat Company reserves the right to substitute a similar vessel if needed.
New Orleans developed as a vital port on the Mississippi River, with steamboats playing a central role in its commerce and culture since the 19th century.
Efforts to preserve the Mississippi River’s water quality and surrounding wetlands help maintain the ecosystem that supports local wildlife and recreational activities like river cruises.
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.
Book with New Orleans Steamboat Company