Creole Queen Weekend Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Mississippi River

If you’re visiting New Orleans and craving a blend of great food, live jazz, and scenic river views, the Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Cruise might catch your eye. For $80 per person, this roughly 2.5-hour experience takes you on a relaxing cruise down the Mississippi River, featuring a Southern-style brunch and live jazz music. Departing at 11:00 AM from 1 Poydras Street, it’s a leisurely way to start a weekend morning in the Big Easy.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of good value and authentic ambiance—you get a delicious creole brunch topped with live jazz, all while soaking in stunning river views. The brunch menu with dishes like Chicken & Andouille Gumbo and New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp promises a taste of local flavor, which is perfect for those wanting an authentic experience without breaking the bank. Plus, the option to indulge in bottomless mimosas or Cajun Bloody Marys adds a fun, celebratory touch.

One thing to keep in mind is the duration—a little over two hours—so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing, mid-morning outing rather than a full-day extravaganza. Also, the group size is capped at around 300 travelers, which balances the chance to meet fellow travelers with the comfort of not feeling crowded.

This cruise seems especially suited for food lovers, music enthusiasts, and those seeking scenic views. If you’re after a casual, lively experience that showcases the best of New Orleans’ culinary and musical culture, this tour offers a compelling choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Creole Cuisine: The brunch features classic Southern dishes like gumbo and seafood, offering a genuine taste of New Orleans.
• Live Jazz Entertainment: The band plays during the cruise, creating a vibrant, musical backdrop to your meal.
• Scenic Mississippi Views: You’ll sail past some of the most photogenic spots along the river, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ skyline.
• Good Value: For $80, you get a combination of food, music, and scenery, making it a cost-effective activity.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is helpful if your plans change.
• Limited Alcohol Included: While bottomless mimosas and Cajun Bloody Marys are available for an extra fee, the included experience mainly revolves around brunch and live music.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Cruise Itinerary and Setting

The main highlight is the 1.5-hour Mississippi River cruise, which gives you ample time to enjoy the scenery, relax, and take photos. Departing from downtown New Orleans, the boat glides smoothly past iconic sights, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, historic riverbanks, and perhaps even passing by some river traffic or wildlife.

Cruising on the Mighty Mississippi gives you a sense of the city’s deep connection to this vital waterway, and many travelers find that the slow pace and expansive views make for a meditative experience, especially if you’re a fan of photography.

The Brunch Buffet

The creole-style buffet is praised for being delicious and satisfying. Dishes like Chicken & Andouille Gumbo are hearty, spicy, and full of authentic flavors, while New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp offers tender seafood with a smoky kick. The brunch is served buffet-style, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes and find your favorites.

A reviewer, Vicki D, summed it up perfectly: “The brunch was delicious, vibe was good and band played well. I will definitely do it again!” This suggests that the quality of the food and atmosphere are genuinely enjoyable.

Live Jazz and Atmosphere

The live jazz band adds a layer of authenticity and vibrancy to the cruise. Expect upbeat tunes that keep the mood lively, especially on weekends when music tends to be more energetic. The band’s performance contributes to the festive atmosphere, making the cruise feel more like a celebration of New Orleans culture rather than just a sightseeing trip.

Optional Bottomless Cocktails

For those looking to toast the morning, the bottomless mimosas or Cajun Bloody Marys are available for additional charge. This feature is popular among travelers wanting a brunch with a little extra splash, though it’s important to note that alcoholic beverages are not included in the base price.

Considerations and Practicalities

The cruise departs sharply at 11:00 AM, so arriving a little earlier to board comfortably is wise. The boarding process takes place at the meeting point in downtown, which is usually easy to access, but it’s best to check local maps or public transport options ahead of time.

The group size can be quite large—up to 300 travelers—which might mean a more boisterous environment. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, this could be a consideration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for visitors seeking a laid-back yet culturally rich experience. It’s especially suitable for music fans, foodies, and those eager to see New Orleans from the river. It’s also a great family activity or date idea—particularly if you’re looking for something memorable without requiring a full day.

Travelers who value authentic regional cuisine and live music will appreciate the genuine atmosphere. On the flip side, if you’re after a more in-depth historical tour or in-depth storytelling about the city, you might find this experience a bit light on narrative.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

The Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Cruise offers a blend of scenic beauty, authentic cuisine, and lively music that captures some of the very best of New Orleans. While it’s not a deep historical tour, it provides a relaxing, fun, and flavorful morning—especially if you’re keen on local food and music.

At $80, it’s a reasonable price for what’s included: a hearty brunch, live jazz, and scenic river views. The positive review from Vicki D highlights how delicious the food and good the vibe are, making it clear that many find it to be worthwhile.

This tour excels if you want a lighthearted, enjoyable experience that combines sightseeing, culture, and cuisine in one package. It suits casual travelers, music lovers, and foodies who want to sample a taste of New Orleans’ spirit without committing to a full-day event.

FAQ

Is there a specific start time for the cruise?
Yes, the cruise departs at 11:00 AM from the meeting point at 1 Poydras St. Arriving a little earlier ensures you’re ready to board on time.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with 1.5 hours dedicated to the river cruise, plus boarding and dining time.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included in the price but are available for purchase, notably bottomless mimosas and Cajun Bloody Marys for an extra fee.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you may cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the cruise, which provides some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is family-friendly, but consider the group size and lively atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual attire is fine. If you want to indulge in drinks, consider bringing a light jacket or cover-up for the breeze on the water.

Where does the cruise take place?
It sails passively along the Mississippi River, offering views of the New Orleans skyline and historic riverbanks.

To sum it up, the Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Cruise is a solid choice for travelers wanting to enjoy local flavors, authentic live jazz, and beautiful river scenery in a relaxed setting. While it might not satisfy those seeking a deep historical or narrated tour, it offers a fun, flavorful morning that captures the spirit of New Orleans—perfect for foodies, music lovers, and those eager to see the city from the river.