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New Orleans Dinner & lunch cruises

Our most recommended New Orleans Dinner & lunch cruises

New Orleans: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

1. New Orleans: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

Journey back in time aboard the newly renovated Riverboat City of New Orleans. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the Dukes Trio fills your ears on this two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying craft cocktails, and the sites. Depart from the heart of the French Quarter and experience breathtaking views of New Orleans as the city skyline slips away. Seating is available indoors and on the outdoor decks for the very best views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. Make sure you check out all four decks as the top deck view is a sight to see.  Choose the dinner buffet option for a dinner menu including: Tossed salad, chicken and sausage gumbo, baked chicken with a mushroom ragout, Bayou seafood pasta, Creole vegetarian jambalaya, herb-garlic fingerling potatoes, pasta primavera, green beans, white chocolate bread pudding, Bananas Foster dessert, and garlic rolls. 

New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner

2. New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner

Step back into the glamour and romance of the riverboat era with a cruise on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen boat. Tuck into a delicious dinner or simply sit back and relax with a cocktail in your hand, marveling at the views and enjoying the live jazz music. On this river cruise, experience the vibrant and lively jazz notes of the amazing Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band while enjoying a Creole-style dinner (if the option is selected). There will be some time to dance to the music after dinner in the gorgeous dining hall.  After dinner, enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail on the promenade deck looking out over the Mississippi River as the city slips past. On the way back to dock where you began your tour, pass by Jackson Square and see the city lights under a starry sky.  SAMPLE DINNER MENU: • Cajun Caesar Salad • Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo • Louisiana Creole Jambalaya • Cajun Baked Chicken • Roast Beef Debris • Garlic Mashed Potatoes • Cajun Seafood Pasta • Red Beans & Rice • Corn Mac Choux • Fresh Roasted Vegetables • Paddlewheeler White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce (best in New Orleans!) • French Bread Rolls & Cornbread (Menu items are subject to change by season and availability)

New Orleans: Sunday Jazz Cruise Aboard a Steamboat

3. New Orleans: Sunday Jazz Cruise Aboard a Steamboat

Journey back in time aboard the Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez, the only surviving authentic steamboat in New Orleans. Sit back, relax and soak up the New Orleans atmosphere as smooth jazz fills your ears. Set sail from the heart of the French Quarter with seating available indoors and on deck for the very best views of the river and city. The indoor areas are climate-controlled and the outdoor space allows for tours of all levels of the boat. Experience a charming afternoon on Steamboat Natchez. Choose to simply relax and take in the sights or enhance your cruise with brunch served on board. Sunday Brunch Menu Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, made with a traditional Louisiana roux and served with rice Natchez Tossed Salad, mixed greens, tomato, cucumbers, red onions and croutons with a sugar cane vinaigrette Shrimp and Grits, shrimp sautéed with onion, bell pepper, and garlic served alongside hot butter grits Grillades and Grits "Gree-yahds", a traditional Creole dish with braised beef and homemade brown gravy, over stone-ground "corn" cooked to a smooth texture Crescent City Eggs, baked egg casserole with spinach, red onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, andouille sausage, green onions and cheese Turkey Sausage Patties Pain Perdu Thick Cut Bread, slices soaked in sweet custard mix, cinnamon swirl, and whipped cream topping, the French cousin of America's "French Toast" O' Brien Potatoes, served with peppers and onions Creole Creamed Spinach, spinach with mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese Mini Croissants and Biscuits, served with jellies and preserves Fruit Salad Bananas Foster, a New Orleans original! Fresh sliced bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and rum. Served warm atop vanilla ice cream.  White Chocolate Bread Pudding, a soufflé of local Leidenheimer French bread in rich custard with a decadent white chocolate sauce Community Coffee and Iced Tea included *Menu items are subject to change

New Orleans: Creole Queen Weekend Morning Jazz Cruise

4. New Orleans: Creole Queen Weekend Morning Jazz Cruise

Step back into the glamour and romance of the riverboat era with a cruise on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen boat. On this river cruise, you will experience the vibrant and lively jazz notes of the amazing Sullivan Dabney Jr. There will be some time to dance to the music in the gorgeous dining hall.  Add the optional Creole-style brunch to complement the experience. After brunch, you can enjoy a classic New Orleans cocktail on the promenade deck looking out over the Mississippi River as the city slips past. On the way back to the city you will pass by Jackson Square and see the beautiful sights New Orleans has to offer. Weekend Brunch Menu Basket of seasonal fresh fruit Homemade Biscuits - Jellies & butter Caesar Salad - crisp romaine lettuce, fresh grated parmesan cheese, garlic croutons and creamy Caesar dressing Chicken & Andouille Gumbo with long grain Louisiana rice Eggs Benedict - English muffin topped with Canadian bacon, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce Belgium Waffles - fresh berries, syrup, and powdered sugar New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp & Creamy Cheddar Grits topped with fresh chives Stone Ground Creamy Cheddar Grits Home-Style Potatoes - Creole seasoned baby new potatoes with grilled peppers and onions Spinach Madeline - Fresh spinach folded with sauteed onions, milk, cream cheese, spices; topped with pepper jack cheese and baked Breakfast Sausage & Crispy Bacon Paddlewheeler Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Coffee & Iced Tea

Frequently asked questions about New Orleans

What top attractions are a must-see in New Orleans?

The must-see attractions in New Orleans are:

What are the best day trips and excursions from New Orleans?

The best day trips and excursions from New Orleans are:

Whitney Plantation

Other Sightseeing Options in New Orleans

Want to discover all there is to do in New Orleans? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about New Orleans

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,238 reviews

We had so much fun! And the city skyline at night from the river was amazing. It was Valentine's Day, so they had the dining room all decked out for the holiday. But we know we would have enjoyed it just as much on a non-holiday evening. The food was absolutely delicious! We were so full from dinner, we had to pass on dessert, but people around us were raving about it. The staff, from the boat crew to the wait staff to the buffet attendants, were fantastic! Took care of our every need and even though it was pretty packed event, we didn't have to stop anyone or ask for anything and didn't feel neglected in the least. The jazz band was great and definitely added so much to the experience. Thank you for helping make our trip to New Orleans wonderful!

The boat was very beautiful. All the staff was very welcoming. The food was so delicious. The jazz was awesome. Will definite do it again.

Great fun to travel on this historic steamboat with a superb jazz band and lethal cocktails!

Great experience, I recommend bringing a jacket or blanket

the trip were just great music and dining were supper