New Orleans: Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez River Cruise

Setting out on a river cruise in New Orleans is a captivating way to experience the city’s vibrant culture. Travelers can choose between the Creole Queen or the Steamboat Natchez, both offering distinctive experiences on the Mississippi. While the Creole Queen highlights the area’s rich history, the Steamboat Natchez features delightful Creole dining and live jazz performances. With accessible options and flexible booking, these cruises promise an unforgettable adventure. Which ship will capture the essence of New Orleans for you?

Key Points

• The Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez are the two river cruise options available in New Orleans, with prices starting at $95 per person.
• The Creole Queen provides a historical experience, while the Steamboat Natchez offers a Creole buffet and live music by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.
• Both cruises offer sightseeing, live jazz music, and stunning skyline views, with historical narration on the Creole Queen and musical enjoyment emphasized on the Steamboat Natchez.
• Wheelchair accessible options are available for the Steamboat Natchez, and a free cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" option are offered for both cruises.
• The cruises depart from the Steamboat NATCHEZ – Official Site in New Orleans, and hotel pickup and drop-off services may be available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Options and Pricing

Travelers can choose between two cruise options for their New Orleans river experience: the Creole Queen or the Steamboat Natchez. Prices start at $95 per person for a 2-hour duration.

Both cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

While the Creole Queen doesn’t include a meal, the Steamboat Natchez offers a delicious Creole buffet.

Both cruises immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the Mississippi River, with historical narration and live music performances.

Experience Highlights

When embarking on a New Orleans river cruise, guests can enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Mississippi River.

On the elegant paddlewheeler, Creole Queen, they can step back in time. Meanwhile, the Steamboat Natchez offers live performances by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.

Guests aboard the elegant paddlewheeler Creole Queen can step back in time, while the Steamboat Natchez features live music by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.

Both cruises provide the opportunity to visit key landmarks, including the site of the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette Battlefield.

For those aboard the Steamboat Natchez, they can also indulge in a delicious Creole buffet while enjoying the sights and sounds of the river.

Itinerary and Activities

The cruises include sightseeing, live jazz music, and historical narration. Passengers can relax and enjoy stunning skyline views while listening to the sounds of live jazz music. Each cruise offers a unique perspective on New Orleans’ rich history and culture. The Creole Queen focuses on historical exploration, while the Steamboat Natchez emphasizes musical enjoyment.

| Creole Queen | Steamboat Natchez |

| — | — |

| Historical exploration | Musical enjoyment |

| Sightseeing | Live jazz performances |

| Narration on New Orleans history | Creole buffet meal |

| No meal option | Wheelchair accessibility |

| Unique paddlewheeler experience | Iconic Mississippi River views |

Accessibility and Meeting Information

Wheelchair accessible options are available for the Steamboat Natchez cruise, allowing guests with mobility needs to fully enjoy the experience.

The cruise departs from the Steamboat NATCHEZ – Official Site in New Orleans. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, and sunscreen. Smoking isn’t permitted on the cruises.

It’s important to note that the itineraries are subject to change. For those interested in the Creole Queen cruise, it’s good to know that a meal option isn’t included.

Hotel pickup and drop-off services may be available for added convenience.

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Additional Cruise Details

Operating rain or shine, the New Orleans river cruises are a year-round attraction.

The Creole Queen cruise doesn’t include a meal, but the Steamboat Natchez offers a delicious Creole buffet. Hotel pickup and drop-off may be available, so check with the tour provider.

Itineraries are subject to change, so it’s best to confirm details before your visit. Smoking isn’t permitted on the cruises.

Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and sunscreen to make the most of your riverboat experience in the historic city.

Choosing Between Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez

When considering a New Orleans river cruise, travelers have the choice between the Creole Queen and the Steamboat Natchez.

The Creole Queen focuses on historical exploration, while the Steamboat Natchez emphasizes musical enjoyment. Both cruises offer stunning skyline views and live jazz performances.

However, the Steamboat Natchez includes a delicious Creole buffet, while the Creole Queen does not. Plus, the Steamboat Natchez provides wheelchair-accessible options.

Prices start at $95 per person for both cruises, and they last approximately 2 hours.

Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the traveler prioritizes history or music and dining during their New Orleans river cruise experience.

Planning Your New Orleans River Cruise

Planning a memorable New Orleans river cruise involves considering several key factors. First, decide between the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez, each offering unique experiences. Prices start at $95 per person for the 2-hour duration.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can reserve now and pay later. On board, learn about breathtaking river views and live music.

The Creole Queen focuses on historical exploration, while the Steamboat Natchez emphasizes musical enjoyment. Both provide narrated sightseeing and access to key landmarks.

To ensure a comfortable trip, dress appropriately and note the smoking policy. With planning, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable New Orleans river cruise.

Booking and Reserving Your Cruise

To book and reserve your New Orleans river cruise, visitors have several convenient options. Prices start at $95 per person for a 2-hour excursion on either the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez.

Guests can choose between the historical Creole Queen or the musical Steamboat Natchez. Both cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Visitors can also opt for the "reserve now, pay later" option. The cruises are wheelchair accessible, and passengers should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Cruises operate rain or shine, and hotel pickup/drop-off may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the River Cruises?

There’s no strict dress code for the river cruises, though passengers are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. Casual and relaxed styles are generally recommended to fully enjoy the scenic cruising experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Guests are typically not allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruises offer their own dining and beverage options to purchase. Bringing outside items may be prohibited for safety and service reasons.

Are the Cruises Dog-Friendly?

Unfortunately, the cruises are not dog-friendly. Pets are not allowed onboard the Creole Queen or Steamboat Natchez in order to maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all passengers.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

Yes, discounts are available for seniors and children on both Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez river cruises. Senior tickets start at $90 per person, and children’s tickets are $50 per child.

What Are the Best Photo Spots on the Cruises?

The best photo spots on the cruises include the front of the paddlewheel, the upper decks for skyline views, and the side rails for capturing the river and surrounding landmarks. The cruises offer ample opportunities to snap memorable shots.

The Sum Up

With two distinct river cruise options, visitors to New Orleans can choose the Creole Queen for a historical tour or the Steamboat Natchez for a Creole-inspired dining experience. Both cruises offer stunning skyline views and live jazz music, making them a must-do activity for those seeking to enjoy the vibrant culture of the city. Accessible options and flexible booking ensure a memorable adventure on the Mississippi River.

You can check availability for your dates here: