New Orleans

15 Best New Orleans Jazz Cruises

The jazz cruises: a paddlewheeler, a live brass band and the Mississippi doing the steering. The Natchez and Creole Queen split the trade; dinner sailings add Creole buffets to the set list.

2.New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

Experience a scenic Mississippi river cruise with live jazz, Creole-inspired lunch options, and historic sights, all aboard the iconic Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans.

★ 4.5

“It didn’t depart right away but it was noted in the description. Otherwise it was a fun and relaxing trip.”

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3.New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner

Experience New Orleans on a 2-hour Mississippi River cruise with live jazz, scenic views, and optional Creole dinner — a relaxing way to soak in the Big Easy vibe.

★ 4.3

“Honestly, music while waiting in line was quite loud. Loved the lady playing it, but it was echoing into the shelter to the point of a headache. Only thing...”

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5.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

Experience New Orleans' history and scenery with a scenic Mississippi River cruise aboard a historic paddlewheeler, including battlefield stops and lively narration.

★ 4.5

“Charles was such a great tour guide! We had a great experience on the Creole Queen, the food was good, and the trip to the battlefield was great especially since we didn’t have a car to drive out there, the boat ride was a great…”

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6.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

Experience New Orleans on a scenic Mississippi River cruise with live jazz, Creole buffet options, and stunning sunset views aboard the paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

★ 4.0

“Food was good, the bread pudding was excellent. Mariah was working the whole dining room because of Mardi Gras but she was absolutely amazing. The band leader was so funny, and the band itself was great. On the fly the figured out how to play…”

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7.New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

Explore New Orleans' history on a relaxing Mississippi river cruise with narrated stories, battlefield visits, and optional Creole lunch — a great blend of scenery and culture.

★ 4.3

“The guide was an excellent story teller and a pleasure to listen to as he told us about the history of New Orleans”

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9.Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

Experience New Orleans' soul with a Sunday jazz brunch aboard a historic paddlewheeler, offering scenic river views, live jazz, and Louisiana favorites for $43.50.

★ 4.0

“We had a wonderful time. The brunch on the cruise was absolutely delicious and I really enjoyed that you were able to be seated and eat as soon as you get on board so you can still have time to go outside and enjoy the…”

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10.Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option

Experience a luxurious jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi with VIP treatment, private tour, and open bar options—perfect for a memorable New Orleans night.

★ 4.5

“The VIP experience is worth every penny! Our concierge Marlon made the experience top tier and special. We took out photo and were escorted on the boat, handed champagne, and brought to reserved tables where we listened to the live band with a beautiful view.…”

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11.New Orleans Jazz Tour: History and Live Jazz

Discover New Orleans' jazz roots with a guided tour visiting Louis Armstrong Park, French Quarter, and live music venues, plus a drink included.

★ 4.5

“Our guide Kristi was very knowledgeable about the area, culture and history. We all had a great time! Definitely a worthwhile experience.”

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12.New Orleans: Sunday Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Brunch

Experience a relaxing 2-hour Mississippi River cruise in New Orleans with live jazz, scenic views, and optional Creole brunch for a memorable outing.

★ 4.3

“It was really good. We got picked up outside our hotel and then taken to the swamp. It was very well organised and the staff were very polite. Our guide was Larry and he was really informative and made it really interesting. I would highly…”

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13.New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

Discover New Orleans with this combined city tour and Mississippi River steamboat cruise, offering historic sights, live jazz, and Creole cuisine at a fair price.

“Gray Line Tours' city tour with Val was informative and fun, and the river boat cruise was nice and relaxing. We would tell our friends to go.”

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More New Orleans Jazz Cruises