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

“Marlon is fantastic and fun ! Cheryl at the bar on the second floor was also amazing. Having a fun crew and nice jazz music made this experience worthwhile.”

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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

“Travelling up and back down the Mississippi River the captain was very informative about the river and the surrounding areas”

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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

“Always love the paddlewheeler every time I go to New Orleans. Walking around the battle site is nice, just dont be late getting back on the boat!”

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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

“Music was amazing and so was the food. The temperature outside was cold and drizzly but inside it was warm and cozy. Wait staff were very attentive and friendly. Overall it was a wonderful and relaxing experience.”

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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

“Really enjoyable trip. Charles commentating on boat was very knowledgeable as was Ranger at battle field. Cruise was relaxing and food was plentiful.”

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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

“I highly recommend this jazz cruise, very organized, we got music, bar and complementary tour guidance telling us what’s around.”

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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

“This was so much fun. You never really know what to expect and I wasn't sure the VIP would be worth it. It was! Everything about the experience was amazing. We had our own host, Marlon, who got us on the boat early (without the…”

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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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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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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.

“Such a charming place! The waiter was great. The atmosphere amazing and the selection of food could not be beat! We were excited about the jazz and enjoyed hearing them when they played but they were on a break for awhile and then played only…”

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