Cities/New Orleans/Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS

Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS

4.8(845)google

3.7(41)yelp

$37+ USD(Sightseeing-only cruises start around $37.00 for adults; complete dining jazz cruise experiences typically range from $55.00 to $95.00)

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Overview

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a majestic, modern excursion vessel built to replicate the timeless elegance of classic 19th-century Mississippi riverboats. Cruising along the historic riverfront, this multi-deck vessel offers passengers breathtaking panoramic views of the French Quarter and the city's expanding maritime port. Complete with a live traditional jazz band, an extensive buffet of authentic Southern delicacies, and spacious outer viewing decks, it delivers a thoroughly relaxing, luxury sightseeing experience on the water.

Practical Info

101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Suggested Duration2-2.5 hours

Best TimeThe absolute best experience is the Evening Jazz Dinner Cruise, typically boarding around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. For two hours on the Mississippi River, you can enjoy an authentic Creole buffet, listen to premium live traditional New Orleans jazz, and capture the sparkling downtown skyline from the open-air observation decks.

Getting ThereThe riverboat departs from the Toulouse Street Wharf, located right behind Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Take the Riverfront Streetcar line to the Toulouse St station, leaving a mere 1-minute walk to the ticket booth. If exploring on foot, it is a 3-minute walk toward the river from St. Louis Cathedral.

(504) 569-1401

steamboatnatchez.com/riverboat-city-of-new-orleans.html

Travel Tips

As the newer sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ, both ships share the Toulouse Street Wharf. Carefully verify the exact vessel name printed on your ticket upon arrival to ensure you do not line up for the wrong boarding gate.
The riverboat runs daily jazz brunch and dinner cruises. If you prefer to skip the mediocre onboard buffet, buy the 'Cruise Only' ticket option instead; it saves a significant amount of money while maintaining full deck access.

Photo Tips

Photo Spots

The vessel features multiple open decks and a top observation level. To snap unobstructed river views from the outdoor seats, line up at the pier 30-45 minutes before departure. River winds are intense, so pack a light jacket even in summer.

Reviews

Positive

Cruising the Mississippi River on this grand paddlewheeler is full of classic charm, offering unobstructed and stunning views of the New Orleans skyline.
The live jazz music onboard is top-tier; the authentic Southern rhythms paired with a spacious, beautifully air-conditioned indoor salon offer great comfort.
The Creole buffet offered on the dinner cruise exceeded expectations, featuring heavy, generous portions of crawfish pasta and roasted meats.
The boarding dock is conveniently set by the French Quarter with prominent signage, and the boat features excellent modern ADA-compliant elevators.

Heads up

The all-inclusive dinner cruise ticket runs quite high on the wallet, making it a hefty expense for budget-conscious families traveling together.
The pre-boarding queue control gets sluggish during peak seasons, leaving hundreds of passengers waiting in long lines under the blazing sun.
In-boat add-ons are marked up heavily; a basic cocktail or soda from the bar costs significantly more than a standard downtown lounge pour.
The cruising itinerary consists of a simple back-and-forth route, where views of industrial riverfront factories and shipping docks can feel repetitive.