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.

1.Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

Experience New Orleans on a historic paddle-wheel boat with jazz and optional Creole dinner. Relax, enjoy stunning river views, and live music in style.

Most Popular★ 4.0

“We had a good evening. The food was delicious and the staff were great. After dinner the cruise around was amazing. The band was also very good”

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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

“This was a very fun activity. So glad we included it in our days in NOLA. The jazz band was SPECTACTULAR. Our favorite part. The buffet dinner was tasty too.”

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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

“Relaxing River boat ride on the Mississippi. The narrator was very informative and entertaining. Highly recommend it.”

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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

“You can board early but the cruise itself is 2 hours not 2.5 as advertised. Personally, this is long enough just not what was advertised. The food was average, really lukewarm, except the gumbo which was hot. Music was good, played a wide variety. Staff…”

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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

“It was great. Very cool to ride on a Mississippi River boat. I liked the creole/cajun lunch option. Enjoyed our stop at the battlefield. It was a very enjoyable experience.”

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8.New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner

Experience New Orleans from the Mississippi aboard a charming paddlewheeler with lively jazz, Creole cuisine, and stunning city views—perfect for a relaxed evening.

★ 4.4

“We loved this experience! I went with a group of 8 and had a great time. Our bartender Danielle was super nice and a lot fun! The jazz band was great as well. Highly recommend this experience if you are visiting 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

“It was a nice experience, food and service was good, but music could have been better. It's named "Jazz" Cruise but should indicate specific that it's Dixieland Jazz.”

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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 overall experience was awesome. The staff that took care of us was amazing. They had the whole night planned out for us.”

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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

“This was a very informative tour about jazz in NOLA. Our tour guide Adam was very knowledgeable on the subject and there were only 4 guests in our group which made it even more fun. We went to a couple great jazz spots in the…”

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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.

“We loved the city tour with Harris & Dominique. Harris was very knowledgeable . The Steamboat tour was nice. We ordered the buffet. If you’re not a seafood person this is not for you. Kids didn’t eat it. But, they do have a snack bar…”

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15.Court of Two Sisters Live Jazz Brunch Buffet with Mimosa

Experience a delicious Creole buffet and live jazz at New Orleans’ Court of Two Sisters. Includes mimosas, courtyard views, and soulful tunes.

“This brunch was fantastic! Staff were excellent - super polite, pleasant and competent. Food was excellent- so many choices (over 80 I believe!). Highly recommend this brunch. Great way to experience so many dishes! Make sure you’re hungry!”

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