Sunday, March 31, 2024

TOP 10 BEST Riverboat Cruise in New Orleans, LA Updated 2024

new orleans river boat cruise

In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

Riverboat City of New Orleans

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi.

RIVERBOAT CITY OF NEW ORLEANS

Located 40 minutes outside the city, this tour takes you deep into the swamp bayous to see an abundance of wildlife amongst abandoned boat homes. For a more in-depth look, including what's on the menu, read our post on NOLA dinner cruises. An overwhelming majority of reviews for this jazz cruise are very positive (read the reviews). This vessel's review profile is a tad lower than its competitor's but still good with an overall average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews). This company has received a 4 out of 5 stars average rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews).

Honey Island Swamp Tours

Guests board one of the company’s brand new riverboats to celebrate the music, history and culture of the Lower Mississippi. The journey begins in New Orleans, a melting pot of French, African and American culture, where guests enjoy exclusive access to its vibrant music scene and Cajun and Creole cuisine. Curated excursions include tours of plantations such as the Oak Alley, Frogmore and Rosedown and opportunities to explore historic towns and beautiful gardens. Passengers are also treated to a classical piano concert at the famous J.N. Harbor jazz brunch and dinner jazz cruises on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River.

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

new orleans river boat cruise

You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss. There are no shuttle transportation costs as all of their tours launch from the city and are reachable by public transportation, bike or a cheap cab ride.

Once you arrive, consider taking our self-guided walking tour of Algiers Point. Built in 1983 with the esteem and allure of the late 1850s paddlewheelers, the Creole Queen features an enormous 24-foot paddlewheel and modern amenities for elegance and safety. Just like the Steamboat Natchez, this boat is also a paddlewheeler, so functionally, very little will change. Listen to the Captain and crew, some of whom have been with the ship since the 1975 maiden voyage, operate like the seamen of a time gone by. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.

You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well. New Orleans is situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, guardian of the treasures that abound along the river’s edge. Let the America or the Queen of the Mississippi be your river guide, invoking the grand steamboating era aboard these spectacular paddlewheels.

New Orleans Original Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire, and More Tour

During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .

This New Mississippi River Cruise Will Sail Between Memphis and New Orleans and Serve Incredible Southern Cooking - Travel + Leisure

This New Mississippi River Cruise Will Sail Between Memphis and New Orleans and Serve Incredible Southern Cooking.

Posted: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks. Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option. Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.

The locations vary in atmosphere from the quaint 334 Royal Street to outdoor patio dining at 311 Bourbon Street in Musical Legends Park. The larger indoor/outdoor location at 600 Decatur Street sports beautiful décor and an opulent bar. Listen to the sounds of the Steamboat Willie Jazz Band at the Bourbon Street location and a variety of live music at the other locations. While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage.

American Cruise Lines Reveals Civil War-Themed Cruise - TravelAge West

American Cruise Lines Reveals Civil War-Themed Cruise.

Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd. Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences.

new orleans river boat cruise

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest. Travel in the comfort of our new fleet as you discover fascinating port towns, including Natchez, with a unique blend of African, British, and French culture. On a virtual journey through living history—past fertile cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions—guests can soak in the romantic spirit of the Antebellum era that unfolds along the riverbanks. Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team.

This vivacious city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River experience. Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

If you are considering purchasing tourist discount packages, keep in mind that some of these cruises are included at no additional cost in several New Orleans tourist attraction discount passes. 4th Of July, New Orleans & the Mighty Mississippi River - The PERFECT Combination for Celebrating Independence Day! Join us aboard the authentic & award winning paddlewheeler Creole Queen for the best seat in the house. Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise.

Only a half dozen customers have seen fit to give them a negative review, and their comments don’t represent the typical experience with this service. Explore the swamps of New Orleans, or paddle down the Bayou St. John neighborhood inside the city with the safety of a guide at a beginner-level pace. Much like the Steamboat Natchez, the Super City Bus Tour also enjoys mostly positive ratings.

Enjoy a unique visit to the engine room to see the workings of 100-year-old steam engines, it is timeless. Take part in her adventure with daily two-hour jazz cruises, including a daytime cruise or an evening cruise. Road Scholar, a nonprofit inspiring lifelong learning since 1975, offers a 26-day learning adventure on the American Queen Steamboat Company’s American Duchess.

New Orleans Steamboat Company

new orleans river boat cruise

Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking. Like the Big Easy Bayou above, expect to learn about the history and culture of the area. This is a history-based tour with culture, current events, ecology, and all things relevant to Bayou St. John, its surrounding neighborhoods, and New Orleans. Transportation adds 40 minutes each way outside New Orleans via car/shuttle for Honey Island Swamp and Manchac Mystic tours.

Honey Island Swamp Tours

new orleans river boat cruise

Be transported in time to Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Oak Alley mansion and the Rosedown Plantation. Savor authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, embodying the influences of the fascinating people who live there. Explore elegant antebellum homes and notable landmarks brimming with history, led by a local guide who provides an insider’s perspective. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off for renovations, but her sister vessel, the beautiful Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, is taking her place on all cruises. Stay tuned for updates as to when the Steamboat Natchez will return to service. Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum.

American Queen Voyages shuts down: What to know about cruises, refunds - Commercial Appeal

American Queen Voyages shuts down: What to know about cruises, refunds.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

New Orleans Tours

This two-hour tour of Bayou St. John is a great way to see the neighborhood and see some wildlife in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll weave through cypress trees and experience wildlife on this wetlands kayaking trip. This tour is popular for its serene setting and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Learn the history of the homes and landmarks, originally settled by Native Americans, and later used for French trading routes.

New Orleans Guides

A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat. Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded.

Alton will see record number of river cruises this season - Alton Telegraph

Alton will see record number of river cruises this season.

Posted: Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Although there are a few negative reviews for both tours, they aren’t indicative of any significant problems. There are a few negative reviews, but most of them seem to come from customers who were expecting the typical tourist experience. There are a few negative reviews, but they are overshadowed by positive comments (read the reviews). Ratings for this excursion are similarly excellent, but it’s worth noting that not everyone was thrilled with the food selection (read the reviews). Below is a brief comparison of the two paddlewheel boats that cruise the Mississippi River every evening.

Two river cruise lines—American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines—offer departures from the Port of New Orleans, sailing on the Mississippi, one of the longest rivers in the world. These all-American cruises introduce passengers to people, places and culture of the cities and towns along the way. From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields.

Guides

new orleans river boat cruise

You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. Browse the list of tours below to pick which experience is best for you; gather on the 1,000-passenger deck for live music, dancing, a history lesson, or maybe enjoy lunch or dinner. Café Beignet locations serve locals as well as visitors with delicious coffees and the freshest beignets in town along with a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.

Sailing the entire length of the Mississippi, the onboard focus is on the life and legacy of Mark Twain, with lectures onboard by a resident Riverlorian history and culture experts. Participants visit the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens in Hannibal, Missouri, as well as the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The National Rivers Hall of Fame (located within the museum) tells the stories of men and women whose lives were intimately involved with America’s rivers. Another popular tourist attraction near the port is Mardi Gras World, where you can view some of the floats that are used for the annual Carnival celebrations. If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking.

You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa). As the bow-ramp from the ship opens and stretches to the shore, you will be welcomed into the historic cotton port of St. Francisville. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point. Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history.

In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi. Be entertained by onboard performers who will perform the music born from the river. As we have stated above, the Go City New Orleans Pass and the Sightseeing Pass, are all-inclusive tourist attraction passes, including one free daytime ride on the Creole Queen.

Although couples are the most likely audience to leave great reviews, guests who bring their friends along for the journey also enjoy these tours. Although they don’t offer the same range of services as a boat tour or cruise, it’s clear that a lot of their customers are more than pleased with the transportation they provide. The Steamboat Natchez offers jazz music on the lunch cruise during the high season. Rest assured that even aboard this new vessel there is plenty of room across its multiple decks to accommodate plenty of guests and fill in for its sister boat. Guests travel to the magnificent Houmas House Plantation and enjoy its beautiful gardens and unique collection of Louisiana art, and get to sip a mint julep on the west lawn of former the Oak Alley Plantation. These 6-day sailings on American Queen, American Duchess or in 2020 on the new American Countess allow guests to ring in the New Year with a gala that includes live music and a champagne toast.

The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, carries up to 428 guests; the smaller, boutique-style American Duchess carries 166 guests. American Queen Steamboat Company currently offers five different New Orleans itineraries on these boats with plans for the debut launch of the American Countess in April 2020. With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.

There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Discover The Steamboat Natchez with one of the most comprehensive, completely immersive and interactive virtual experiences in the world. Especially popular are the Mardi Gras on the River sailing in February and the holiday sailings around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.

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