New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi
Combine a narrated coach tour of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Garden District and City Park with a two-hour paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi. Live jazz, Captain narration and riverfront views make this a full-day primer on the city’s culture and history.
The Experience
Before You Go
Exchange your voucher early
Arrive at the Gray Line ‘Lighthouse’ ticket window on Toulouse St at least 30 minutes before departure to exchange your voucher for boarding passes.
Top deck access involves stairs
The top deck offers the best views and photos but is only reachable by stairs—plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
Bring cash for beignets
If you want Café du Monde beignets at the City Park stop, carry small bills—some locations prefer cash.
Stay hydrated and sun-protected
The river cruise keeps you exposed to sun and wind; bring a hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle for the 6–7 hour experience.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Crescent Park riverfront walks in the Bywater for up-close skyline views
- •Longue Vue House & Gardens in City Park — a quieter contrast to tourist sites
Wildlife
- •great blue heron
- •egret
Conservation Note
The Mississippi faces shoreline erosion and invasive species pressures; choose operators that support responsible river stewardship and avoid littering on board or at riverfront stops.
New Orleans grew as a strategic port where French, Spanish and American influences collided; the Mississippi’s commerce drove the city’s 19th-century boom and the paddlewheel became a symbol of that era.
Photographer's Notes
- • Top deck aft for city skyline and sunset
- • Bow near the pilot house for paddlewheel action
- • Lower deck rail for riverfront industrial and natural details
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Support for cobblestones, short walks and standing on deck.
Light rain jacket
Spring showers are common; a compact jacket keeps you dry during outdoor stops.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Protects against strong afternoon sun while on the open river decks.
Compact camera or smartphoneEssential
For skyline shots, onboard jazz scenes and close-ups of the steam engine room.
Common Questions
Do I need to exchange a voucher before boarding?
Yes—exchange your mobile or paper voucher at the Gray Line ‘Lighthouse’ ticket office on Toulouse St (one block from Jackson Square) prior to boarding.
What happens if the Natchez is out of service?
Cruses operate on the sister vessel Riverboat City of New Orleans with the same itinerary, live music and narration when the Natchez undergoes maintenance.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The coach and riverboat are wheelchair accessible for boarding and storage, but top-deck access is via stairs and restrooms may not accommodate wide wheelchairs—contact the operator 48 hours in advance for scooter arrangements.
Are meals included?
A Creole lunch is available onboard for an additional fee; Café du Monde stop is pay-as-you-go and not included in the tour price.
Can infants sit on laps?
Yes—infants are permitted to ride on an adult’s lap according to the supplier’s policy.
What should I wear for the river cruise?
Layered clothing is best—mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and the river breeze can be brisk on the top deck.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–7 hours
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness required: expect short walks, standing during parts of the cruise and a few flights of stairs to upper decks.
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