New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo
Bayou St. John, New Orleans
Enjoy a cruise down the Mississippi River followed by a city tour through historic neighborhoods of New Orleans, including the world-famous French Quarter and Garden District.
Overview
This combined activity includes a 2-hour Mississippi River sightseeing cruise with live jazz music and a 3-hour New Orleans city tour covering iconic neighborhoods, suitable for history and culture enthusiasts.
Highlights
- 2-hour sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River with live jazz music
- Cocktail, beer, and wine available for purchase onboard
- Detailed narration by the captain on New Orleans history
- 3-hour city tour covering 25 square miles of iconic neighborhoods
- Stops include a cemetery visit, free time at City Park, and a guided Garden District stroll
Description
Riverboat Cruise: Board the Steamboat NATCHEZ, one of the last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers, for a 2-hour cruise along the Mississippi River departing from the French Quarter. Enjoy live jazz and listen to stories about New Orleans’ rich history while cruising the river.
New Orleans City Tour: This 3-hour tour covers 25 square miles and three centuries of New Orleans history. It begins at Jackson Square with insights into the French Quarter, then continues along Esplanade Avenue lined with Victorian homes leading to City Park.
The tour includes a stop at St. Louis Cemetery #3, where you learn about New Orleans’ above-ground burial traditions and jazz funeral culture. In City Park, you have time to purchase café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde or explore the park’s museums, sculpture gardens, and ancient live oak groves.
Next, the tour travels along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, passing a post-Katrina pumping station, seafood restaurants, a marina, and a historic lighthouse with views of the Causeway Bridge. The route continues on St. Charles Avenue, home to Audubon Park and notable mansions, churches, and universities.
The tour ends in the Garden District with a guided walk highlighting historic architecture and stories of past residents along famous streetcar and Mardi Gras parade routes.
Includes
- 2-hour sightseeing Mississippi River cruise
- Live jazz music onboard
- 3-hour guided New Orleans city tour
- Experienced local guide
Excludes
- Lunch (snacks available for purchase onboard the cruise)
- Gratuities
Important Information
- The cruise and city tour must be taken on the same day.
- Tour vehicles can accommodate wheelchair storage; please request special accommodations at least 48 hours in advance.
- Parking costs approximately $11 to $13 for 4+ hours, except during special events.
- The French Quarter begins at Rampart Street; allow extra time for heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Tours do not operate on Mardi Gras Day or Thanksgiving Day.
- During Steamboat NATCHEZ’s annual Coast Guard inspection and maintenance, cruises are held on the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Book in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the city tour and prepare for variable weather conditions. Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and less crowded conditions.
