Saturday, March 23, 2024

Best River Cruise New Orleans

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New Orleans Steamboat Company

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Evening Cruise

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is no newcomer to the Mississippi River or American’s steamboat heritage. Our parent company has been operating steamboats longer than any company in the world. In fact, we’ve been part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans. We’re now in our fourth decade of life on the Mississippi. We’ve given literally millions of people the experience of one of our country’s oldest and richest traditions.

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality …Steamboat Style!

Paddle And Wheel Combo By Gray Line

This combo package is a great buy, and with a total of about 4 hours, you can see the city and take a cruise full of historical information.

You save $7/adult with the combo ticket.

This combination pairs the daytime historical cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez and the Super City Bus Tour .

With an overall rating of 4 ½ stars on TripAdvisor, Gray Line New Orleans is very well received.

In particular, both of the services offered through this combo ticket are positively reviewed by their customers.

Much like the Steamboat Natchez, the Super City Bus Tour also enjoys mostly positive ratings.

Although there are a few negative reviews for both tours, they arent indicative of any significant problems. This combo deal is most popular among couples.

Youll Experience

Mississippi River Cruise Lines

There are three main cruise lines that offer itineraries along the Mississippi River: Viking River Cruises, American Queen Voyages, and American Cruise Lines. Viking is known for its luxury river, ocean, and expedition cruises to incredible destinations around the world, and the Mississippi itineraries are a newer addition to its wide range of river cruises, offered aboard the new Viking Mississippi ship. American Queen Voyages offers several cruises along the Mississippi on paddle wheel steamboats like the American Queen.

American Cruise Lines has both new, modern riverboats and paddle wheelers, so you can choose your ideal sailing experience depending on your itinerary. These cruise lines all offer similar itineraries along the river, so we recommend looking into the ships and amenities on board and finding what’s included in the rate to help make your decision.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Who: Part of a vast portfolio of Travel Corporation companies, Uniworld brings over-the-top country house decor to its river ships.

Luxury Hotel Equivalent: Four Seasons. Just as every Four Seasons property is slightly different with lots of local luxe touches, every Uniworld river cruise ship looks unique yet all share the same commitment to service.

Whats Included: Airport transfers to and from the ship all alcoholic drinks gratuities choice of shore excursions in every port special events, such as dinner in a castle specialty restaurants butler service room service bikes for passenger use in-room mini-bar self-service laundry Wi-Fi.

Special Touches: Uniworld ships reflect the rivers they sail on with their decor, cuisine and shore excursion choices, making your cruise an immersive experience.

Lunch Cruises With Brunch Option

Riverboat CITY OF NEW ORLEANS Harbor Jazz Cruise with Optional Lunch ...

The following section will focus on New Orleans lunch cruises from both the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler.

We will also provide details about a brunch cruise alternative you may want to consider.

You can save money on at least one of these activities by using a New Orleans tourist pass.

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New Orleans Louisiana Port Reviews Cruises

I have traveled all over the world and New Orleans is definitely one of the coolest cities in the world. If you have the chance definitely port out of New Orleans.

Visited: Apr 22, 2018

Great port and an awesome city! Make sure you arrive a day earlier so you can enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the world. I love New Orleans! I maybe a little biased because its my hometown.

Loved New Orleans! First timers! Stayed in Homewood Suites downtown and took the trolleys everywhere. Awesome time!!!

Visited: Feb 12, 2017

New Orleans is an amazing city. We were lucky to be able spend some time in town after the cruise. We got a deal on a room at the Westin with some incredible views of the Mississippi. Its also just off Canal St., and because of that its right on the Canal Street trolley lines that can connect you everywhere. Stopped at Ruby Slipper for breakfast. Use an app to pre-book your place in line or it will be a long wait. Food was fantastic. You must visit, the French Market, Frenchman Street, The Garden District, and of course Bourbon Street. For the garden district take a quick tour on the st Charles cable car and then go back for specific parts such as the Audubon park, etc.

Visited: Feb 25, 2018

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Discover The French Quarter

As the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter serves as the historic heart of the city. Built in the 17th century, many of the distinctive courtyards, colorful French- and Spanish-style buildings, and ornate cast-iron balconies date back hundreds of years. Commonly called the Vieux Carre or Old Square, the area features many of the city’s top historic sites, including the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, 1850 House, Old Ursuline Convent, and more.

Spanning 78 square blocks along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, the French Quarter encompasses some of the most famous locations in New Orleans, including Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Pirate’s Alley. It’s a top destination for shopping, nightlife, and gourmet dining. One of the best ways to discover the French Quarter and other exciting parts of the city is on Norwegian’s Past, Present & Perfect shore excursion.

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Touring The Antique Vessel

New Orleans steamboats, including the Steamboat Natchez and Creole Queen, are both considered historical landmarks. The Steamboat Natchez was built in 1925 for the steamer CLAIRTON, and features a fully-functional steam-engine room that is viewable in a museum-quality exhibit.

The outer decks of the Creole Queen are adorned in authentically patterned wrought-iron trim, with the interior accented with antique decor including Victorian-style draperies and wooden parquet dance floors. Every inch of a New Orleans paddlewheeler is packed-full of history!

New Orleans Kayak Tours

Creole Queen vs. Natchez: Which is the Best New Orleans River Jazz Cruise?

Want a more intimate excursion on the water? Try kayaking!

Explore the swamps of New Orleans, or paddle down Bayou St. John neighborhood inside the city with the safety of a guide at a beginner level pace.

Ratings for this kayak tour company are very impressive. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours has received an overall score of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Only a half dozen customers have seen fit to give them a negative review, and their comments dont represent the typical experience with this service.

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this service are incredibly positive, recommending this trip to anyone who wants to stay active while discovering the swamps of Louisiana. Although couples are the most likely audience to leave great reviews, guests who bring their friends along for the journey also enjoy these tours.

Tours Offered

This tour is popular for its serene setting and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Youll weave through cypress trees and experience wildlife on this wetlands kayaking trip.

Never Kayaked?

No problem! The extent of physical skill needed is the ability to paddle, and a lesson is provided at the beginning of the tour.

The company provides all of the necessary equipment for your trip, but since you will be on the water for 2 to 2 ½ hours, you will want to be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe even a hat for shade on the water.

Prices

Duration

Tours last 2 to 2 ½ hours

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Best Mississippi River Cruises For 2022

0Upper Mississippi River vs. Lower Mississippi River Upper Mississippi River Lower Mississippi River0Top Cruise Ports on the mighty Mississippi RiverWhere will your Mississippi River cruise take you? Mississippi River cruises immerse you in the culture and cuisine of the historic U.S. South. Here are some of the most popular cruise ports where our Adventure Life Mississippi River cruises dock: Get to Know VicksburgGet to Know Baton RougeGet to Know New Orleans0What’s it like to cruise the Mississippi River on the riverboats?American QueenAmerican Duchess American Countess

Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this jazz cruise are very positive .

Some reviewers have even described their band as magnificent, suggesting that the music played onboard was absolutely wonderful.

Some customers feel that the experience is a bit too touristy, but they are definitely in the minority.

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez. This activity is particularly popular among couples.

NOTE: For the time being, this boat will be replaced by the Riverboat City of New Orleans, but the service will remain the same, and the prices remain mostly unchanged as of February 2022.

What Youll Experience:

  • Live narration of the history of the area
  • Live jazz concert
  • 1,000 passenger paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River, with a 24-foot paddlewheel
  • Costumed re-enactor recounting history/stories of Louisiana’s most historical places and events
  • Disembark for a guided tour of Chalmette Battlefield by National Park Rangers from the Battle of New Orleans

Duration: 3 hours

  • Departs at 10 am and 2 pm daily.

Cost:

Lunch is only purchasable onboard.

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

TIP: It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the New Orleans Power Pass.

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Our Small Cruise Ships

American Cruise Lines modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and river cruising convenience. Our fleet of American riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment.

Cruising on our world-class ships, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every American Cruise Lines trip.

Our spacious staterooms are the largest in the small cruise ship industry. These hotel-like rooms feature large opening picture windows, roomy baths, and many offer furnished private balconies. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort. Single occupancy rooms are available on all of our ships. We can also accommodate three people to a room.

  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies with Breakfast Room Service
  • Elevator Service to All Decks
  • Spacious Sun Decks

Why Choose A River Cruise With Scenic

New Orleans River Cruises

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages*. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please.

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where truly all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

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Cruises Out Of New Orleans Louisiana

There are 152 cruises that depart from New Orleans, LA in the year 2022. Just two cruise lines offer cruises that leave out of New Orleans in 2022 Carnival and Norwegian .You can see New Orleans cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap New Orleans cruise deals in 2022.
Departure

Take A Sightseeing Dining History Or Holiday Ride On A Louisiana Paddlewheeler

Theres nothing quite like rollin down the river in Louisiana, watching city skylines and natural areas slowly pass by from the comfort of your floating paradise.

Paddle wheelers and riverboats offer a nostalgic way to explore the area and one thats gaining popularity among a new wave of travelers looking to experience a slice of Americas past, when riverboats regularly plied our countrys water carrying both passengers and freight. Today, Louisiana riverboats are all about fun and exploration, but exactly how you choose to cruise is up to you! At ports of call in New Orleans and other Louisiana river towns, you can hop aboard to see the sights, dine and dance, learn and love, get a taste of river life, roll the dice or just relax.

Most Louisiana riverboats host a variety of tours featuring different themes and destinations. Its a lot to digest so weve pulled together this handy roundup of just a few experiences that await.

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Daytime Cruises With Optional Lunch

There are basically two different cruises to choose from, one from each company.

The main differences seem to be that the Creole Queen includes a stop at Chalmette Battlefield at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the New Orleans Power Pass.

The Steamboat Natchez offers jazz music on the lunch cruise during the high season.

Southeast Alaska Cruise From American Cruise Lines

American Duchess luxury river cruise boat launches in New Orleans

Bald eagles, blue glaciers, humpback whalesthis is the ideal eight-day vacation for wildlife lovers. That is, wildlife lovers who want to see it all from their own private balcony. Of course, if you choose to leave your luxe quarters, the American Constellation has naturalists and historians on hand to answer all the questions you possibly could have on salmon .

8 days fares from $5,135 sails June through September

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American riverboats dont need to dock only at large piers like their oceangoing counterparts. If you can offload a power fishing boat into the water at the towns edge, you can dock a 400-passenger riverboat there, too. That means riverboats are capable of pulling up and debarking passengers within easy walking distance of town. In St. Louis, the Arch is less than a 10-minute walk from where the riverboats moor. In Cincinnati, though the boat is technically docked in Newport, Kentucky, youre just a 15-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge from the Great American Ballpark where the Reds play, and 20 minutes from the heart of the city. So even if you dont want to spend anything to do an excursion, its easy and free to make your way into just about any town or city you visit.

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New Orleans Swamp Boat Tour With Transportation

Discover one of the last protected swamps in Louisiana. This 2-hour boat tour also includes round-trip transportation from New Orleans.

The tour destination is Honey Island Swamp, a protected nature reserve that is home to animals such as alligators, snakes, birds and wild boars. The boat tour is carried out with a boat on the shallow waters of the marsh. Your guide will explain everything about the swamp, its history and the fauna present. Besides, you will visit a Cajun village that can only be reached by boat.

Names Of Carnival Cruise Ships Sailing From New Orleans

Names of Carnival Cruise Ships Sailing From New Orleans

If you are heading to the Big Easy to embark on your next ocean voyage, Carnival Cruise Lines offers several excursions to exciting ports of call. The cruises run year-round from the historic Port of New Orleans, which has been welcoming ships since the early 1700s. Carnival Cruise ships departing from New Orleans feature state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of entertainment options.

Carnival Cruise Lines has been an industry-leader since launching in 1972. The company is the worlds largest cruise operator and the originator of the Fun Ships concept, which allows passengers to visit exotic destinations aboard glitzy, floating resorts. The cruise liner was initially known for its party atmosphere. However, it has since transitioned into a more family-friendly cruiser that offers amenities for travelers of all ages. Carnival Cruise Lines offers multi-day voyages from New Orleans to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico aboard the Conquest and Triumph cruise ships.

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Atmosphere Aboard The Creole Queen

Couple enjoys romantic dinner and jazz cruise aboard the Creole Queen in New Orleans

Climb aboard the Creole Queen and the first thing you will notice is the plush Victorian décor, the shining brass, and sparkling wooden parquet dance floors. A New Orleans jazz cruise pioneer, the Creole Queen boasts three different dining rooms and multiple outdoor decks that let you take in the air and city skyline!

United States Tour Packages

The 17 best river cruises in the world

The weather in USA varies from region to region. Some regions have extreme weather while some have moderate weather. So it depends on which region of the USA, you are planning to visit. But in the majority of the cases, spring and fall are better seasons to visit most cities in the USA. Spring and fall bring very pleasant weather when its not too cold and also not too hot.

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Steamboat Natchez Tour Details

Experience New Orleans beauty and French Quarter romance aboard the Steamboat Natchez

This 2-hour tour is brought to you by the New Orleans Steamboat Company.

Included in General Ticket: Cruise, live music, steam engine museum

Not Included in General Ticket: New Orleans Cuisine Buffet, Professional Photography, Tips, Drinks

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Restrooms Available: Yes

Tours Offered: Dinner Jazz Cruise, Lunch Jazz Cruise, Combination Bus Tour/River Cruise

Price: Adult tickets starting at $36

Departure Info: Daily and nightly tours depart from 400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130

1 Poydras Street, Riverwalk Market Place

Information in this table is subject to change. Before booking, please reference a TripShock.com listing or call TripShock at 424-5125

Now that youve compared Creole Queen vs. Natchez, which do YOU want to experience? Both are great choices, but well leave it up to you to discover which boat offers the Best New Orleans Jazz River Cruise! If you want to learn more about Natchez and Creole Queen, or youre ready to buy your tickets online, you can find the lowest prices on NOLA Dinner Cruise tickets online with TripShock.

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