Is food included on this sightseeing cruise?

No, this cruise does not include a meal. Food and beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, are available for purchase onboard.

Is the riverboat accessible for guests with mobility issues?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible. However, access to the top deck is by stairs only, so please call ahead if you have questions regarding access.

What type of music will be played during the cruise?

The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland jazz band performs live, offering New Orleans swing-style jazz throughout the cruise.

Can I bring children on this cruise?

Yes, children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult ticket. Note that food and beverage costs still apply for minors.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise operates rain or shine. If the vessel cannot leave the dock due to circumstances beyond control, onboard entertainment and service continue as scheduled.

Are reservations required?

Yes, reservations are required for all meal functions and recommended for sightseeing cruises, especially during holiday seasons.

Explore New Orleans on the Historic Christmas Eve Sightseeing Cruise Along the Mississippi River | Sightseeing Tour | Boat Tour

Experience New Orleans from a fresh perspective aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a Christmas Eve sightseeing cruise that blends history, culture, and live music over two unforgettable hours on the Mississippi River. Set in the heart of the French Quarter at 400 Toulouse St, this cruise offers an authentic river journey with captivating views of the city skyline, the graceful flow of the mighty Mississippi, and the vibrant life on its banks. This seasonal adventure replaces the traditional Steamboat NATCHEZ, showcasing the newly renovated sister vessel that preserves the charm of steam-powered sternwheelers while offering modern comforts across four spacious decks.

As you board at sunset, the air fills with the distinctive sound of the live calliope, setting the tone for a true New Orleans experience. The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland jazz band performs lively swing-style tunes, weaving classic melodies with the ambient sounds of river life. The narration by an experienced captain provides historical insights into the Big Easy's rich past—from its founding days and jazz heritage to how the Mississippi shaped commerce and culture here. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities, whether capturing the iconic Crescent City skyline, the weathered pilings of the piers, or the festive glow of riverfront lights.

The CITY of NEW ORLEANS enhances this cruise with indoor and outdoor seating that suits any weather. Guests can purchase cocktails, beer, and wine on board, adding to the festive atmosphere without the pressure of a meal included. The top deck offers panoramic views where the river stretches wide, often spotted with herons and pelicans gliding past. To the keen eye, native cypress trees, and historic warehouse architecture line the shores, creating a tapestry of natural and urban beauty.

Why book this cruise? It’s a rare chance to engage with New Orleans’ vibrant river culture and jazz roots outside the bustle of the streets. It blends education, entertainment, and scenery in a way uniquely suited to Louisiana’s outdoor recreation. The riverboat is wheelchair accessible (top deck access by stairs), making it welcoming for a wide range of guests. Plus, cruising rain or shine means plans rarely get derailed.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, the Christmas Eve Sightseeing Cruise is a festive, soulful immersion into New Orleans’ outdoor life and heritage. With a festive cocktail menu and the soulful sounds of live jazz mingling with river breezes, this trip captures the enduring spirit of the Big Easy on one of its most iconic waterways.

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.