Are reservations required for the dinner cruise?

Yes, reservations are required for all meal functions to ensure seating and meal availability.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The vessel is wheelchair accessible; however, access to the top deck is by stairs only.

What is included in the Party Package?

The package includes a two-hour cruise, Creole dinner buffet (first seating), three alcoholic drinks for adults, unlimited soft drinks for children, a reserved decorated table, and a sweet treat.

Is the menu suitable for vegetarians or those with gluten sensitivities?

Vegetarian options are available upon request, but separate meals cannot be prepared individually. The menu is not recommended for gluten-sensitive individuals due to shared kitchen use.

Can children attend the cruise?

Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult; food and beverage costs apply separately.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Dressy casual attire is recommended, but guests are welcome to dress up as they wish for the festive atmosphere.

Dinner Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi with New Orleans Steamboat Co.

New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage springs to life on the Mississippi River, where the New Orleans Steamboat Company offers an evening unlike any other aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. This two-hour Dinner Jazz Cruise invites travelers to immerse themselves in classic Creole flavors, live jazz rhythms, and sweeping riverside views that frame the city’s vibrant skyline. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter at Woldenberg Park, the cruise sets sail against a backdrop of historic architecture, bustling river traffic, and the mighty Mississippi—a defining natural artery that carved and fed the region’s growth.

Guests are welcomed aboard this authentic riverboat to a refined, reserved dining experience with the Seasonal Party Package, which includes a Creole buffet showcasing Cajun favorites like crawfish étouffée, chicken and sausage gumbo, and herb-roasted sweet potatoes. Complementing the meal, the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland deliver live jazz that echoes the city’s storied musical legacy with an upbeat swing style rooted in New Orleans’ deep-rooted traditions.

The cruise spotlights unique elements of the Mississippi River itself—from the occasional sightings of riverboats and barges threading through the waters to the subtle shifts in Louisiana’s riverine ecosystems visible from the top deck. Narration throughout the voyage enriches the experience, sharing insights into New Orleans’ history and the river’s role in shaping its cultural and economic landscape.

Unlike typical outdoor adventures, this offering is a celebration of place through all senses—taste, sound, and sight—with the steady pulse of jazz and the glow of city lights reflecting off water. The New Orleans Steamboat Company commands a unique space in the city’s outdoor recreation by combining waterfront activity with culinary artistry and live entertainment, making it a must-do for visitors craving a relaxing yet culturally rich evening on the water.

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.