Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
4.4(3.0K)google
4.3(970)yelp
FerryRiverTransit HeritageBoatingWater ActivitySunsetRomanticGuided TourMust-See
Overview
The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is an exceptionally grand, luxurious diesel-electric driven riverboat operating memorable historical cruises on the lower Mississippi River. Boasting a massive authentic paddlewheel, the vessel features plush Victorian-style dining salons decorated with brass trimmings and crystal chandeliers. The boat's primary historic cruise takes passengers to the Chalmette Battlefield, the historic site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, combining scenic river relaxation with powerful historic educational storytelling.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2.5-3 hours
Best TimeThe best options are the Historical Battle of New Orleans Cruise departing at 2:00 PM daily, or the Jazz Dinner Cruise at 7:00 PM. The afternoon cruise lets you step off onto the Chalmette Battlefield, while the evening sailing offers traditional Southern buffet spreads paired with live jazz under a delta sunset.
Getting ThereThe riverboat boards at the Riverwalk Outlets pier, directly behind the Hilton Riverside Hotel. Take the Riverfront Streetcar line to the Poydras St station, followed by a short 3-minute walk through the plaza to the open dock. Drivers can utilize the attached Hilton Riverside commercial parking garage.
Travel Tips
- The vessel boards at the Canal Street Dock (behind Riverwalk Outlets), not the Toulouse Street Wharf used by the Natchez. They are far apart; drivers should use the paid parking garages at the Hilton or Riverwalk Outlets, as street parking is non-existent.
- The ship runs historic daytime tours and evening jazz dinner cruises. Skip the mediocre buffet package by carefully selecting the 'Cruise Only' ticket online; this saves over 50% on cost while maintaining full access to the open decks and live jazz.
- The daytime historical cruise includes a 1-hour shore excursion at the Chalmette Battlefield. The national park site is a fully exposed, wide-open outdoor grass field with zero shade; apply heavy-duty sunscreen and pack plenty of water before stepping off the boat.
Reviews
Positive
- Cruising the Mississippi on this massive historical-style paddlewheeler is spectacular, offering majestic, sweeping panoramic views of the Crescent City.
- Distinctly, its route berths at the historic Chalmette Battlefield, granting passengers ample time to disembark for a deep historical field tour.
- The interior features opulent Victorian woodwork and refreshing central AC, beautifully elevated by high-quality live Dixieland big-band jazz.
- The boarding layout features smooth ADA-compliant ramps and prominent signs under tight organization, backed by lightning-fast cocktail bar service.
Heads up
- The dinner-inclusive cruise fares run very high, and the buffet staples feel mass-catered and plain, making the standalone cruise ticket a smarter buy.
- The boarding gates consistently face massive, slow-moving queues during peak schedules, leaving families baked under the unsheltered plaza sun.
- Onboard staff heavily push marked-up $20+ souvenir entry photos right at the plank, adding an annoying, overly commercial vibe to the arrival.
- During winter cruises, the riverfront winds turn biting cold, while premium indoor window seats are sparse and get snapped up instantly by early boarders.