Spend a Sunday afternoon gliding down the Mississippi aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Enjoy live jazz, a Creole brunch buffet, and unforgettable city skyline views on this unique river cruise experience.
Spend a Sunday afternoon gliding down the Mississippi aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Enjoy live jazz, a Creole brunch buffet, and unforgettable city skyline views on this unique river cruise experience.
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 Mississippi River shapes the soul of New Orleans, a city defined by its blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural riverine beauty. The New Orleans Steamboat Company invites you aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a Sunday Jazz Cruise with Brunch, an experience that captures the essence of the Big Easy in motion. This leisurely 2.5-hour voyage traces the mighty river's edge, offering expansive views of the New Orleans skyline from four decks, including the top deck’s panoramic lookout—accessible by stairs only but well worth the climb.
Guests settle into a classic paddle-wheeler atmosphere, where live jazz by the Steamboat Stompers trio sets the soundtrack, immersing riders in authentic local sounds rooted deep in the city’s music heritage. A buffet-style Creole brunch complements the scene, featuring Southern staples like shrimp and grits, chicken and sausage gumbo, and freshly baked brioches. Seasonal variations and accommodations for vegetarian or gluten-sensitive diets are thoughtfully addressed.
More than just a meal or a cruise, this trip is an unfolding narrative, with onboard narration highlighting the city’s history, port landmarks, and river ecology. The vessel itself—a modern adaptation of traditional steam-powered sternwheelers—honors New Orleans’ maritime legacy while ensuring comfort with climate-controlled interiors and full-service bars across decks. Whether you’re a local seeking a new way to appreciate the riverfront or a traveler aiming to connect with the city’s heritage, the New Orleans Steamboat Company offers a standout experience that anchors music, cuisine, and river adventure into one memorable outing.
This cruise is wheelchair accessible (except for top deck access) and suitable for all ages, making it an inclusive way to engage with New Orleans’ outdoor culture alongside the majestic Mississippi River.
easy.
2–2.5 hours.
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for all fitness levels
Yes, the main decks are wheelchair accessible, but access to the top deck requires using stairs.
The ticket price includes a Creole brunch buffet; alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult, though food and beverage costs apply.
Dress is casual, but guests are welcome to dress up for the occasion.
Yes, all meal functions require reservations in advance.
The New Orleans Steamboat Company may substitute a similar vessel if necessary without affecting the experience.
New Orleans’ steamboat era dates back to the early 19th century, when paddlewheelers revolutionized trade and travel along the Mississippi River.
The New Orleans Steamboat Company supports sustainable tourism by minimizing environmental impact through waste reduction and responsible river cruising practices.
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