About this experience
Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a 75-minute, family-friendly Mississippi River Cruise! Enjoy live Captain’s narration as you glide past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and breathtaking city views, bringing the Crescent City’s 300+ years of history to life.
Sip and relax at one of the full-service bars onboard, including the City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available, serving popcorn, sodas, and other classic favorites for a fun, casual treat. Perfect for families, friends, and couples, come experience the heart and history of “The Big Easy” aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr 15 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
How to Read New Orleans by Neighborhood
A context-first framework for planning New Orleans by river, adjacency, neighborhood rhythm, and respectful observation.
A Street-Level Guide to New Orleans Architecture
How to notice lots, passages, galleries, materials, climate response, and building types without flattening the city into balcony shorthand.
Listening With Context in New Orleans
A respectful way to connect jazz history, neighborhood institutions, live rooms, and public traditions.
What is included
- Snack Bar Onboard
- Full Service Bars on Every Deck
- 75-Minute Sightseeing Cruise
- Photo Ops Galore
- Live Captain's Narration
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking
Itinerary and highlights
The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is the newest paddlewheel to the New Orleans Riverfront and sister ship of the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter near Jackson Square, below the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Make your way past fern filled cast iron balconies, on your way to the Toulouse Street wharf, as the sounds of her calliope steam whistle echo through the historic French Quarter, drawing you to her as it did 100 years ago.
Enjoy views of the St Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square.
Pass by scenic Jackson Square.
View the bridge from the Mississippi.
Pass by the Aquarium of the Americas.
Pass by the Audubon Insectarium.
Pass Mardi Gras World.
View Caesars Casino.
Pass by New Orleans riverfront park.
View New Orleans from the Mississippi River.
Meeting and pickup information
- Present your barcoded voucher 15 minutes before boarding at 101 Saint Louis St New Orleans, LA 70130. Hosts will scan tickets before boarding. Groups of 10+ must check in at the Lighthouse for physical tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Gray Line New Orleans
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- DAILY CRUISE SCHEDULE Boarding 10:00am; Cruising 10:30am – 11:45am Boarding 12:30pm; Cruising 1:00pm – 2:15pm Boarding 3:00pm; Cruising 3:30pm – 4:45pm
- Please Note: Should the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is handicap accessible. Access to the top deck is by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
- Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs.
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
- **Important for Groups of 10+** Parties of 10 or more guests require physical tickets for boarding. Please check in with our Lighthouse Ticket Office prior to boarding to receive your tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
- The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS cruises rain or shine.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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