New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner

If you’re visiting New Orleans and looking for a relaxed way to see the city’s skyline while soaking in some soulful jazz, a cruise along the Mississippi River might just be your perfect evening. This particular experience, offered by Gray Line New Orleans, combines scenic views, live music, and the chance to indulge in a Creole dinner — all while floating on one of the last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is how it balances sightseeing with entertainment. The live jazz by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland adds an authentic NOLA flavor, and the chance to explore all four decks of the renovated riverboat makes it feel special. The optional dinner buffet, featuring classic Louisiana dishes, elevates the experience even more. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention long lines at the bars and the possibility of chilly weather outside, so packing accordingly is a good idea.

This cruise tends to attract a wide range of travelers — from couples wanting a romantic evening to folks interested in a relaxing, cultural activity. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy live music, historical narration, and scenic city views from the water. If you’re after a lively party or a full-on dinner experience, keep in mind that the price doesn’t include gratuities or alcoholic drinks, which are purchased separately.

All in all, this cruise offers a solid, enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours in New Orleans. It’s not a high-energy activity but rather a leisurely, immersive experience that showcases the city’s charm from the Mississippi’s perspective, making it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: The cruise features a traditional steam-powered sternwheeler, giving a genuine feel of classic NOLA river life.
• Live Jazz: The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland deliver lively, authentic jazz music that adds to the atmosphere.
• Stunning Views: Expect fantastic photo opportunities of New Orleans’ skyline, bridges, and sunset views from all four decks.
• Educational Narration: The captain’s live commentary offers insights into the city and river, enriching your understanding of the area.
• Flexible Options: You can choose to enjoy just the cruise or upgrade to a Creole dinner buffet for a more indulgent experience.
• Price & Value: At around $44 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to enjoy a scenic, musical evening with good reviews confirming the overall value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Your Evening on the Mississippi

The cruise begins with boarding about an hour before departure, giving you plenty of time to settle in. Gray Line New Orleans operates the experience, and the boat itself, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, is a beautifully renovated vessel—one of the few authentic steam-powered paddle boats still running in the U.S. You’ll find indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can choose to be in the fresh air or stay warm inside as you start your journey.

Once underway, the captain’s narration kicks in, offering stories about the city, the river, and some historical context. This adds a layer of learning and appreciation, especially for those interested in the local lore. Reviewers mention that the narration is engaging, although some suggest that more building details could be highlighted to enrich the commentary.

The Music and Atmosphere

The highlight for many is the live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland. They perform on the boat, filling the air with lively swing tunes that sweep through all decks. The music is described as exceptional, with many reviews mentioning how the band interacts with the crowd, creating a festive and authentic New Orleans vibe.

The music also provides a soundscape for the stunning scenery outside. As the boat glides past illuminated bridges, city lights reflecting on the river, and possibly a sunset, it’s hard not to feel swept up in the magic of the moment.

Photo Opportunities and Views

Expect plenty of chances for photos, especially on the top deck, where panoramic views of the skyline and Mississippi River are breathtaking. Many reviews highlight how the views are particularly striking at sunset or at night with the city lit up. The boat’s layout allows for easy movement between decks, so you can take pictures or simply enjoy the scenery from different vantage points.

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The Optional Dinner Buffet

If you opt for the dinner upgrade, you’ll enjoy a Creole buffet prepared onboard. The menu includes favorites like chicken and sausage gumbo, Bayou seafood pasta, and Louisiana fried chicken, along with a selection of salads, sides, and desserts such as New Orleans bread pudding. Meals are served family style or buffet style, with some reviewers suggesting that more menu options or a choice of meals would be a welcome addition.

Guests appreciate the quality of the food, which is generally described as tasty and well-prepared, especially considering it’s cooked onboard. However, some mention that the food can be served somewhat lukewarm, and a few reviewers found the gumbo bland, which is notable given the local seafood focus. Be aware that gratuities and alcoholic beverages are extra, so budget accordingly.

Service and Overall Value

Service on the boat tends to be friendly and attentive. Soft drinks are included, but alcohol needs to be purchased separately. Reviewers mention that the bars on each deck are well-stocked, but lines can form, especially on busier nights. A few suggest that signage or reminders about the bar locations could improve the experience.

Considering the price—around $44 per person for the cruise—the experience is often rated as good value, especially when you factor in the quality of the jazz, the scenic views, and the relaxed atmosphere. For many, it’s a memorable, stress-free way to enjoy an evening in New Orleans.

What Travelers Say

• “Enjoyed the food, the band, and the scenery — very good tour.” – Elizabeth, UK
• “Band was very engaged. It was very lovely being on the Mississippi River.” – Rosemary, India
• “This was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed every moment of it.” – Wendy, Ireland
• “The boat was lovely, the views were super, especially the sunset, the drinks were good, and the band was super!” – Barbara, UK
• “Music was fun and enjoyable. Snacks and drinks were available for purchase.” – Daisy, US
• “Cruise was great. Food was good, and the service was still good despite the crowd.” – MARTIN, UK

From these reviews, it’s clear that most visitors find the combination of good food, lively jazz, and scenic views makes for a memorable night.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Dress warmly, especially if you plan to spend time outside on the decks, as it can get chilly at night.
• Arrive at least an hour early to find your spot and settle in comfortably.
• If you choose the dinner option, arriving early for the first seating can help avoid long lines and ensure a relaxed dining experience.
• Make sure to explore all four decks, especially the top for the best photo ops.
• Remember that alcoholic beverages are purchased separately, and gratuities are not included in the ticket price.
• The narration provides good context, but if you want to maximize the experience, consider taking notes or asking questions.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable if I want a full dinner experience?
The cruise offers an optional Creole buffet included in the ticket, but it’s more of a hearty, traditional meal rather than a full-service fine dining experience. Gratuities and drinks are extra. If you’re after a sit-down dinner with more options, you might want to plan to dine beforehand.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 2 hours, making it a relaxed but not overly long activity—perfect for fitting into an evening exploration schedule.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price; they are available for purchase at full-service bars onboard. Soft drinks are included with the ticket.

Is the experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-oriented, the cruise is generally suitable for all ages interested in scenery, jazz music, and relaxed sightseeing. Keep in mind that outside areas can be chilly, and alcohol is available for purchase.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate. Since it can be cool outside in the evening, bringing layers or a jacket is advised, especially if you want to enjoy the top deck.

Is parking available nearby?
The tour does not include parking or hotel pickup, so plan to find your own parking or use public transportation. Check your meeting point details in advance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an easy, atmospheric way to see New Orleans from the river with a soundtrack of live jazz, this cruise hits the right notes. Its combination of classic steamship charm, scenic views, and lively music makes it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of the city’s soul without the fuss of a high-energy activity. The optional dinner adds a tasty layer, providing a full evening’s worth of relaxing entertainment and cultural flavor.

This experience is especially fitting for travelers who value good value, historic ambiance, and a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a different perspective on the Big Easy, this cruise offers an authentic slice of New Orleans by night.

Remember, booking in advance and arriving early will help you get the most out of your cruise. It’s a memorable way to enjoy the city’s iconic river with great music and beautiful scenery as your backdrop.

You can check availability for your dates here: