If you’re considering a day in New Orleans, this combo experience offers a great way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying some true local flavor. It’s a balanced mix of relaxing river cruise and comprehensive city sightseeing, catering to those who want a taste of everything without feeling rushed. We’ve looked into this tour to help you decide if it’s a fit for your trip plans.

What we love about this experience are the live jazz music onboard the riverboat and the detailed, engaging guides who bring the city’s stories to life. Plus, the opportunity to explore historic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District makes it feel like a meaningful introduction to the city’s character.

However, a potential consideration is the timing and logistics—since the cruise and bus tour are scheduled for the same day, you’ll need to plan accordingly if you’re tight on time or have specific preferences for how long you want to spend at each site.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, straightforward day in New Orleans—especially if you’re keen on experiencing the vibrant music scene, historic cemeteries, and stunning architecture in one go.

Key Points

Includes a 2-hour Mississippi River cruise with live jazz and the chance to enjoy craft cocktails and wine.
A 3-hour city tour covering 25 miles of iconic neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide.
Stops at St. Louis Cemetery #3 and free time at City Park for relaxing or exploring.
Guided walk through the Garden District, showcasing historic mansions and architecture.
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Price point at $99 per person, offering good value for a full half-day of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Mississippi River Cruise

The highlight for many is the 2-hour cruise on the Riverboat City of New Orleans, which takes the place of the famous Steamboat Natchez during her maintenance period. While the original Natchez is known for its authentic steam-powered operation, the sister vessel still offers an equally charming experience.

Imagine gliding along the mighty Mississippi, with the breeze on your face and the city’s skyline on the horizon. The live jazz performance onboard perfectly complements the scenery, creating a true New Orleans ambiance. Travelers have appreciated the views from all four decks, especially the top deck, which offers the best vantage point for photos.

You can purchase cocktails, beer, and wine during the cruise—this adds to the relaxed, social vibe. Reviews are mixed on the food; some mention the onboard snacks are decent, but not a full meal. It’s worth noting that snacks are available for purchase, but lunch isn’t included.

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What people say:

“The cruise was peaceful and a great way to end the tour,” notes a satisfied traveler. Others mention the informative narration by the captain made the experience even more enjoyable.

The City Tour: Neighborhoods and Cemeteries

After the cruise, your day continues with a 3-hour sightseeing bus tour. Starting in Jackson Square, your guide will share insights into French Quarter history while walking through lively streets. From there, you’ll visit St. Louis Cemetery #3, famous for its above-ground tombs and intriguing history.

This cemetery is more than just a spooky stop; it’s a window into local burial customs and cultural traditions like jazz funerals. Reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and humor, making the cemetery stop both educational and engaging.

Next, you’ll arrive at City Park, a sprawling oasis where you might indulge in famous Café du Monde beignets and café au lait. The park’s attractions and sculptures, among ancient live oaks, make for lovely photo opportunities.

The tour continues along the Causeway Bridge, giving you a glimpse of Lake Pontchartrain, one of North America’s largest estuaries. The driver will also point out historic mansions and local landmarks like Loyola and Tulane Universities along St. Charles Avenue.

The Garden District

The highlight for many is the guided stroll through the Garden District. Expect to see beautifully preserved Victorian mansions, lush gardens, and notable architecture. Your guide will share stories about the past residents and how this neighborhood has maintained its charm over centuries.

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The Value of the Tour

Priced at $99, this combo delivers a solid experience, especially considering the length of both the cruise and the bus tour. You’re getting a taste of New Orleans’ natural beauty and urban history with local guides who genuinely seem enthusiastic about sharing their city.

The reviews suggest the guides are generally praised for their knowledge and personal stories, making the experience more memorable. One reviewer mentioned a guide named Bob being particularly engaging and funny, which can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the tour.

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Practical Tips for Participants

Since the cruise and tour are scheduled for the same day, plan your arrival time carefully. The cruise departs at 11:00 AM, and the bus tour starts at 2:00 PM, so you’ll have a window to grab a quick snack or explore a bit beforehand.
Check on parking options at 400 Toulouse Street—the meeting point—especially if you’re driving. The lot costs around $11-$13, but street parking might be tight.
If you have mobility concerns, note that the tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage, but it’s good to request this in advance.
Remember, the tour isn’t offered on Mardi Gras or Thanksgiving, so plan accordingly.
While food isn’t included, snacks are available for purchase onboard the cruise, and you may want to bring some small items if you prefer a full meal.

Ready to Book?

New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo

4.3

(69)

What Could Be Better

Some guests have noted that announcements onboard are only on one side of the boat, so if you’re seated on the opposite side, you might miss some commentary. Also, a few reviews mention that staff interactions can sometimes feel a bit rushed or unfriendly, although this isn’t universal.

Another consideration is timing—if you’re a foodie hoping for a full meal during the cruise, this tour doesn’t include lunch, and snacks may not suffice. It’s best to plan for a hearty breakfast or plan to eat afterward.

This experience works well for first-time visitors wanting an overview of New Orleans’ highlights in a relaxed format. It’s also suited for music lovers who enjoy jazz, as live performances are a key feature.

If you’re interested in historic cemeteries, architecture, and scenic river views, this tour hits all those notes. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer organized, guided experiences over self-guided wandering.

However, if you’re looking for an immersive, in-depth exploration of specific neighborhoods or a full-day food tour, you might want to supplement this with other options.

Is the cruise suitable if I don’t like jazz music?
While live jazz is a main feature of the cruise, it’s a relaxed, background style that many find adds to the charm. If you prefer silence or different music, this might not be your favorite part, but it’s not overly intrusive.

Can I purchase drinks onboard?
Yes, cocktails, beer, and wine are available for purchase during the cruise, making it a leisurely, social experience.

How much walking is involved?
The city tour involves walking around neighborhoods like the Garden District and cemeteries. The total walking time is manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
No, lunch isn’t included. Snacks are available for purchase onboard the cruise, and you might want to plan ahead for a meal either before or after the tour.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
The cruise departs at 11:00 AM, with the bus tour starting at 2:00 PM. Morning departures are typical, giving a full day to enjoy or explore further afterward.

Are the tour guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews repeatedly praise the guides for their expertise, humor, and personal stories, which make the tour engaging and informative.

This New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise offers a nicely paced introduction to the city’s sights, sounds, and history. It’s a pretty good value for around $99, especially considering the scenic river cruise with live jazz and the comprehensive neighborhood tour led by local guides.

If you’re after a relaxed, enjoyable day that combines music, culture, and scenic views, this experience checks most boxes. It’s particularly suitable if you want to get a sense of the city’s vibe and architecture without the hassle of planning multiple separate activities.

Just keep in mind the timing and weather considerations, and be ready for a lively, tour-filled day that offers a genuine taste of New Orleans’ charm.