Are reservations required for the brunch cruise?

Yes, reservations are required for all meal functions and party packages to guarantee seating.

Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?

The riverboat is wheelchair accessible; however, access to the top deck is via stairs only.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Children under 6 cruise free when accompanied by a paying adult; food and beverage costs apply.

What is included in the party package?

The package features a Creole brunch buffet, live jazz, three alcoholic beverages for adults, unlimited soft drinks for minors, and special treats.

Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted; the boat offers a full Creole buffet and cocktail services.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Casual dress is acceptable, but many guests choose to dress up; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Jazz Brunch Cruise on Mississippi with New Orleans Steamboat

The New Orleans Steamboat Company invites adventurers and culture seekers to step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a Sunday brunch cruise like no other. Gliding along the mighty Mississippi River, this two-hour journey immerses you in the rich history and vibrant culture unique to New Orleans, combining waterfront panoramas with the soulful sounds of live jazz.

The cruise departs from Woldenberg Park, right in the heart of New Orleans, offering striking views of the city's iconic skyline and the river’s ever-changing flow. The river itself, sculpted over millennia, serves as a living backdrop — its expansive waters framed by lush riverbanks and the occasional sighting of native birds.

Aboard the historic paddle-wheel riverboat, guests settle into reserved and tastefully decorated tables where a Creole brunch buffet awaits. The menu celebrates regional flavors, featuring classics like shrimp and grits, chicken and sausage gumbo, and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Complemented by three curated cocktails per adult and unlimited soft drinks for younger guests, the meal reflects the city’s culinary heritage while cruising in comfort.

Beyond the feast, the cruise unfolds with live performances by the Steamboat Stompers, a jazz trio capturing the essence of New Orleans’ legendary music scene. Throughout, a live narration recounts stories of the city’s maritime past and colorful neighborhoods, deepening the connection to place.

This experience stands apart in New Orleans’ outdoor adventure offerings by blending natural river scenery, cultural immersion, and sensory delight on a classic steamboat. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a new vantage point, this seasonal party package offers an accessible, lively, and memorable way to engage with the city’s pulse from the water. Dress casual or bring your Sunday best—either way, you’ll find yourself swept up in the rhythm of the Big Easy.

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.