Mississippi River
Compare daytime sightseeing, evening jazz with dinner, Sunday brunch, and 75-minute Mississippi River cruises.
Mississippi River cruises on the authentic Steamboat Natchez or Riverboat City of New Orleans cost $45 to $55 for daytime sightseeing or $90 to $105 for evening dinner cruises with live jazz. Departures board at the Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jackson Square, cruising 2 hours along the historic New Orleans harbor with live steam engine viewing and calliope music.
Experience New Orleans from the mighty Mississippi River aboard iconic vessels including the Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. Excursions range from narrated daytime sightseeing cruises and relaxing Sunday jazz brunches to evening dinner jazz cruises featuring live music and spectacular skyline views.
On the Mississippi
Start with the mood you want on the water: daytime sightseeing, an evening with jazz, brunch, or a shorter scenic cruise.
A classic New Orleans night
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.
An easy daytime river plan
Operated by New Orleans Steamboat Company
Flat rate: $44/ adult
Enjoy a relaxing daytime cruise on the Mississippi River with live jazz.
A festive Sunday
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).
A shorter scenic 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.
Quick decision guide
Choose this if
Couples and first-time visitors wanting a classic New Orleans night.
Think twice if
You want an intense history-focused experience.
The trade-off
The atmosphere is the strength; dinner and sightseeing compete for your attention if you choose a meal package.
Concierge note
Visitors wanting panoramic skyline views, live traditional jazz, romantic dining, or a relaxing river outing steps from the French Quarter.
What to think about
Choose your preferred time window first, then compare meal and non-meal variants. Boarding begins 30 to 60 minutes prior to departure at the Toulouse Street Wharf.
Departures board at Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter (behind Jax Brewery). Walkable from all downtown hotels.
Related Guides & Comparisons
Compare classic steamboat jazz vs modern 75-min sightseeing.
Short excursions that fit tight schedules.
Pre-cruise sightseeing and luggage-friendly ideas.
Post-cruise ideas before your flight home.
All riverboat cruises board at the Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter, directly behind Jax Brewery (400 Toulouse St area).
Choose daytime for scenic historical narration and skyline photos. Choose evening for live traditional jazz music, romantic sunset/night skyline views, and optional dinner buffet service.
No. You can purchase sightseeing-only tickets or select meal-inclusive variants (brunch, lunch, or dinner) during online checkout.
Standard daytime jazz and evening dinner cruises last 2 hours. The CITY of NEW ORLEANS harbor cruise offers a concise 75-minute sailing.
New Orleans, without the homework
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