River cruise decision
Daytime or evening jazz cruise: which fits your New Orleans trip better?
The core decision is usually not which boat sounds better; it is when you want the river experience to sit in your day. A daytime sailing preserves the evening for other plans, while an evening cruise can become the centerpiece of the night. Exact sailings and meal options must be confirmed during booking.
What matters most
- Choose daytime when you want to keep dinner and nightlife flexible afterward.
- Choose evening when you want the river cruise itself to anchor your nighttime plans.
- Meal inclusions and seating choices vary by product and booking option; do not assume every cruise includes food.
- Check boarding and departure times before pairing a cruise with another timed tour on the same day.
Bookable starting points
River cruise options to compare
Start with daypart and format, then confirm the specific sailing, meal option, boarding time, pricing and availability with the operator.
Daytime Jazz Cruise
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company
Flat rate: $44/ adult
Enjoy a relaxing daytime cruise on the Mississippi River with live jazz.
Evening Jazz Cruise
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company
From $58/ adult (sightseeing; dinner from $99)
Experience the Mississippi River at night with live jazz and stunning city views. Choose from sightseeing-only admission (from $58) or dinner buffet seatings.
Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company
From $44/ adult (sightseeing from $44 · brunch buffet from $80)
A festive Sunday morning on the river featuring live jazz. Choose from sightseeing-only cruise tickets (from $44) or the full Sunday jazz brunch buffet (from $80).
CITY of NEW ORLEANS Riverboat Cruise
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company
Flat rate: $25.75/ adult
A 75-minute riverboat cruise offering a quick and scenic tour of the Mississippi River.
Keep narrowing the decision
Tour operators control departure times, pricing, pickup details, age rules, availability and cancellation terms. Confirm the current details during booking.
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