Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, but access to the top deck is via stairs only.

Are meals and drinks included in the ticket price?

The Witches Lunch includes a Creole lunch and three themed cocktails for adults, with non-alcoholic options available.

Can children attend this cruise?

Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult, although food and beverage charges apply for them.

Is there a dress code for the cruise?

The dress code is casual but festive attire and costumes are encouraged during the Witches Lunch Cruises.

What happens if it rains on the day of the cruise?

The cruise operates rain or shine; indoor seating is available to ensure comfort despite weather.

Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted; however, the cruise offers a full service bar and buffet.

Witches Lunch Jazz Cruise on Mississippi by New Orleans Steamboat | Events | Boat Tour

Set along the mighty Mississippi River in vibrant New Orleans, the Witches Lunch Daytime Jazz Cruise from New Orleans Steamboat Company invites you to experience the city from a unique vantage point steeped in culture and celebration. This two-hour cruise is a refreshing way to take in the pulsating life of the French Quarter’s waterfront and the bustling harbor while savoring a Creole-inspired lunch and three themed cocktails. The seasonal event, held on October 24th and 31st, combines live jazz music performed by the Steamboat Stompers with a spirited witch-themed atmosphere that adds a playful edge to the historic riverboat tradition.

Departing from Woldenberg Park at 400 Toulouse Street, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS offers expansive indoor and outdoor decks perfect for capturing views of the city skyline framed by the broad Mississippi and its lively shipping traffic. The river itself, integral to New Orleans’ rise as a port city, carves through levees and wetlands, providing glimpses of Louisiana’s distinctive flora and fauna – from cypress knees emerging near the shoreline to the cries of herons overhead.

What makes this cruise stand out in New Orleans’ rich outdoor recreation scene is its blend of immersive cultural storytelling and authentic local flavor. Attendees enjoy live narration that connects listeners with the city’s layered history and jazz's legacy, alongside playful seasonal dress-up photo opportunities that energize the vibe. This cruise departs during daytime hours, a distinct alternative to evening river rides, fostering a relaxed but lively communal experience perfect for locals and visitors who want to soak up the city’s energy on the water.

The New Orleans Steamboat Company’s commitment to accessibility and quality service shines through in every detail—from the convivial jazz tunes to the carefully curated Creole menu and speciality cocktails crafted for the event. Whether you’re a seasoned river cruiser or a first-time visitor, this themed cruise offers a memorable way to connect with New Orleans’ outdoor and cultural roots, making it a standout destination for autumn festivities.

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.