Sail down this Mississippi River on a classic Paddlewheeler boat on this New Orleans river cruise. Enjoy illuminating narration from a licensed historian and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

New Orleans riverboat cruise on the Mississippi
Learn about the Battle of New Orleans during an educational stop
Multiple departure times throughout the day to fit your schedule
Food and drinks available for purchase onboard the steam boat

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Local guide
1-Hour at Battlefield
Live Jazz Entertainment
Restroom on board

Gratuities
Alcohol (Cash Bar)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Located directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

A fun way to experience Mississippi River culture is by hopping on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, where your historian-guide will narrate your trip and tell you all about what went down in this region.

Your group tour starts with meeting your guide and group at an easy to find departure point. Then you can get comfortable on your paddlewheeler.

Besides hearing the history of the Lemoyne Brothers and Hurricane Katrina onboard, you’ll also dock at Chalmette Battlefield for another guided tour on land.

There is also a cash bar and lunch options onboard your boat, so take advantage of them if you’re hungry and thirsty.

Chalmette Battlefield

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
No outside food or beverages are allowed on board.
Bags are checked before boarding the vessel to ensure safety during the cruise.
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If altered or canceled due to poor weather, cruise may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Discounted parking is available at the World Trade Center parking lot on the corner of Pydras and Convention Center Blvd. on weekdays only. Please present your parking ticket at the paddlewheel ticket booth for validation. Discounted parking is not available on weekends. You may also wish to take public transportation or a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft for convenience.

Oct 2023

Q:Can I take public transportation to the meeting location for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Absolutely! The Canal St. Station in located nearby as well as several bus stops and hop-on hop-off bus stops.

Oct 2023

Q:Where do I redeem my ticket for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Visit the ticket booth adjacent to the Creole Queen to receive your boarding passes. Further details will be provided on your ticket.

Oct 2023

Q:What is included in the Creole-style lunch during the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Lunch is served buffet-style, and may include Caesar Salad, Corn Mac Choux, Shrimp Pasta, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, and Bread Pudding. Lunch items may vary.

Oct 2023

Q:Are food and or drink available during the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise if I choose the cruise-only option?

A:Food and drink are not included with the cruise-only option, however, there is a cash bar and packaged lunch available onboard for an additional cost.

Oct 2023

Q:Can I bring my own food and or drink with me on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:No outside food or beverages are allowed onboard. For specific food allergies questions or requests please contact the local operator directly at the phone number on your ticket at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

Oct 2023

Q:What will we see during the Steamboat ride to and from the battlefield?

A:You will pass by Woldenberg Park, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and other parts of New Orleans with a narrated tour. Highlights of the tour include the founding of the city by the LeMoyne brothers, the expansion of the city into the “French Quarters” of the Treme and Marigny, the Louisiana Purchase, and the critical Battle of New Orleans.

Oct 2023

Q:What will we see at the battlefield during the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, Chalmette Battlefield contains a reconstructed American rampart, an 1830s house, a 100-foot-high Chalmette Monument, and outdoor exhibits for self-guided tours. Visitor center films and exhibits share the battle and the site's later history. When you visit, you will enjoy a one-hour guided tour and talk by National Park Rangers.

Oct 2023

Q:Can I bring a pet or service animal onboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?

A:Pets are not allowed, however, Service Animals as defined by the ADA are always welcome. If you plan to bring a service animal, please specify in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout. It is also recommended to contact the local operator 24 hours prior to departure.

Oct 2023

Q:What happens in cases of bad weather?

A:Cruise times may be altered or canceled due to weather and safety concerns and may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.

Oct 2023

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

1,393 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,393 reviews

Excellent

Don_G, Apr 2024

This is a must go experience. The tool guide was very Knowledgeable.The food was amazing. I recommend this cruise for anyone coming to New Orleans.

Great Stories Make Excellent Experience.

Steve_N, Apr 2024

The historian narrator was superb as was the natl parks narrator. Both of them used historical references mixed with anecdotes very well.

Great time! Arrive early.

erin_f, Apr 2024

The boat ride is so relaxing. Get there early if you want a shaded seat. Probably an hour early to line up would be ideal. The MC, Charles is fantastic and on the way back tells the whole story of hurricane Katrina. I could have done without the hour stop in the middle for people explore the battlefield. Such a fun experience.

1n 2024 we took a little trip down the mighty Mississippi on paddle boating ship.

Chuck_M, Apr 2024

I was moved by Charles’ telling of Katrina. It was amazing to hear a locals account. Besides the guide, the drinks were good and ye ride was smooth and informative.

Great river boat ride.

Linda_E, Apr 2024

Our narrator was superb; Knowledgeable and humorous! Nice stop to get off and view the site of the Battle of Mrw Orleans.

Fun boat tour

Kelly_L, Apr 2024

The captain was full of great historical information and was hilarious! We loved him and his stories! It was a great time!

Worth seeing

DAVID_K, Apr 2024

Great tour, staff was excellent! People are rude during park ranger talk, ceaselessly talking while you try to hear ranger!

Historical

Davette_E, Apr 2024

Once we got to the boat it was good. But parking was a nightmare. And they said parking would be validated but it wasn’t. So if you do decide to book and drive allow extra time and bring extra cash for parking.

Narrated Cruise

Karie_S, Apr 2024

The historian narrator was awesome. We did not get the meal package which you can purchase on board or in advance. After looking at the buffet, I’m glad we didn’t waste our money.

Great experience and worth the Money!

Dwoolfley, Apr 2024

Loved the guide!!! Food was delicious and just all around Great trip! Dr Torintino and ranger harry very knowledgeable

Historical Tour on the Mississippe

Diane_C, Apr 2024

My husband and I really enjoyed the trip on the Creole Queen. Our historian was topnotch! We learned so much! And she was funny too. We liked the battlefield, and there was plenty of room on the boat.

Relaxing and interesting

Mary_M, Apr 2024

We enjoyed being on the river, seeing the city from a different perspective. The history was well done and interesting.

When from no boat experience to two in 4 days

Kara_B, Apr 2024

I can't swim and those who also cannot will relate. You can do it. It's a wonderful experience. The historian is a riot and the captain offers a smooth ride. It's the cutest thing to witness the Natchez and Queen Creole greet each other. I sat on the side benches, which is the perfect seat when people are being kind and not standing in front of you. Just and FYI you will have to get rid of any and all drinks, but the lemonade ( for purchase) on board was delicious 😋. Worth trying at least once maybe twice.

Great Cruise

Karen_S, Apr 2024

I really enjoyed the cruise and history, but hearing about Hurricane Katrina from a first hand account is something I will never forget.

Nice cruise 🚢

Ashley_S, Apr 2024

Nice experience. Food was good. Narrator was very informative and the ride down the Mississippi River was peaceful.

Local history

Cheryl_M, Apr 2024

Enjoyed seeing the local sights and history. Very informative.... both narrator and Battlefield Ranger were very knowledgeable.

Nice Cruise

Colette_M, Apr 2024

Very informative. Nice ride. Food was very good but should offer a beverage with it. The battlefield stop was nice but seemed rushed. Could use a little more time there. All in all a good experience.

Disappointing

alan_r, Apr 2024

I was disappointed. I thought it would be nice long ride. Was not aware of the stop and then turn around. Not what I was hoping for.

Nice

Stacey_S, Apr 2024

Had a nice time however I don’t understand in todays world why you get a virtual voucher then have to stand in line for a physical ticket then stand in line to board and hand in your ticket???? Also only complaint is not having enough seats on the boat.

Engaging storytelling on the Mississippi!

Vanessa_N, Apr 2024

Charles was an excellent narrator!! The route was easy sailing and the drinks were great. Stopping at the battlefield was an extra bonus.

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