New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo

Experience the Best of New Orleans with the City Tour & Jazz Steamboat Cruise Combo

The New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo offers an engaging way to explore Louisiana’s vibrant culture in just over six hours. For $99 per person, you enjoy a 2-hour Mississippi River cruise with live jazz music, followed by a 3-hour city tour covering 25 square miles of iconic neighborhoods. This package is ideal for visitors seeking a balanced mix of scenic relaxation and historic sightseeing in one seamless experience, though it does require careful planning to fit both activities into a single day.

A key highlight is the authentic Mississippi River cruise aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans, replacing the temporarily unavailable Steamboat Natchez. The live jazz onboard, craft cocktails, and the top deck views make it a memorable part of the trip. Complementing this is a comprehensive city tour led by an experienced local guide, taking in cemeteries, parks, and the grand mansions of the Garden District. While the tour offers excellent insights and picturesque moments, travelers should note that lunch is not included, though snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

This tour suits those eager for a cultural overview and scenic experiences in a manageable half-day format. The combination of relaxing river views with in-depth exploration of New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods makes it a popular choice for first-time visitors and those with limited time, though it’s best suited for people comfortable with a busy schedule.

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Key Points

• Two-hour Mississippi River cruise with live jazz music onboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans
• Three-hour city tour covering French Quarter, Cemetery #3, City Park, and Garden District
• Includes a cemetery stop, free time at City Park, and a guided stroll through the Garden District
• Tour departs from Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, behind Jax Brewery
• No lunch included, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard
• Suitable for travelers looking for a well-rounded day of sightseeing in Louisiana

The Mississippi River Jazz Cruise on the Riverboat City of New Orleans

The 2-hour cruise runs along the Mississippi River, offering sights of New Orleans’ skyline and historic riverbanks. The boat features four decks, with the top deck providing prime panoramic views. During the cruise, live jazz music fills the air, creating a relaxing and authentic atmosphere that captures the city’s musical soul.

While the Steamboat NATCHEZ is temporarily unavailable, its sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, provides the same classic steam-powered experience. The narration from the captain shares stories about New Orleans’ history and river life, adding depth to the scenic journey. Craft cocktails, beer, and wine are sold onboard, allowing guests to enjoy a drink amidst the music and beautiful river vistas.

The cruise’s leisurely pace and stunning views from multiple decks make it an ideal way to unwind while immersing in local musical culture. Some reviews highlight the peaceful ambiance and informative commentary, making it a highlight of this tour. Since lunch isn’t included, bringing a snack or planning to purchase drinks on board can enhance the experience.

Highlights of the City Tour through French Quarter, Cemetery #3, and Garden District

The three-hour city tour begins in Jackson Square, where the guide provides insights into French Quarter history and architecture. The tour takes a leisurely pace, allowing for moments to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the historic district.

One notable stop is at St. Louis Cemetery #3, famous for its above-ground tombs and unique burial customs. The guide explains the culture surrounding jazz funerals and the symbolism behind the tombs, adding cultural context to the visit. Next, the tour visits City Park, where visitors can buy café au lait and beignets at Café du Monde or simply enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery with lagoons and ancient live oaks.

Travel continues along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, past a post-Katrina pumping station, seafood restaurants, and the historic Causeway Bridge. The guide shares stories about local landmarks and neighborhoods, including Loyola and Tulane Universities along St. Charles Avenue. The Garden District offers a guided stroll through historic neighborhoods, with notable Victorian architecture and stories of prominent past residents.

This comprehensive city tour blends history, architecture, and local stories, providing an insightful view of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods. The guided walk allows for photo opportunities and personalized commentary, making it a favorite part of the experience.

Meeting Point and Logistics Details

The tour departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, located at 400 Toulouse Street, behind Jax Brewery. The cruise begins at 11:00 AM, while the bus tour starts at 2:00 PM, so travelers should plan their day accordingly. The tour duration is approximately 6 to 6.5 hours, combining both activities seamlessly.

The vehicles used for the city tour are equipped for wheelchair storage, but travelers with special needs should request assistance at least 48 hours in advance. Parking costs around $11 to $13 for four hours or more, and heavy traffic in French Quarter can cause delays. The tour does not operate on Mardi Gras Day or Thanksgiving Day.

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The Authenticity and Unique Features of the Riverboat Experience

This river cruise offers an authentic steam-powered sternwheeler atmosphere, with a distinctly historic feel. The Riverboat City of New Orleans provides an immersive environment with multiple decks, including the top deck with panoramic views.

The hosted narration shares stories about the Mississippi River’s influence on New Orleans, highlighting local legends and historical facts. Guests can expect traditional jazz, a relaxed ambiance, and beautiful river scenery. The onboard shop offers souvenirs, and snacks and drinks are sold to enhance the cruise.

The timing of the cruise coincides with the peak daylight hours, revealing vivid river and city views, making it an enjoyable part of the overall tour.

Exploring New Orleans’ Historic Neighborhoods on Foot

The Garden District guided stroll showcases one of the best-preserved neighborhoods in New Orleans. The guide highlights architectural styles, including Victorian mansions and historic churches, sharing stories about notable residents.

The cemetery stop at St. Louis Cemetery #3 offers insight into above-ground burial practices and local funeral traditions. Here, the culture of jazz funerals becomes tangible, adding depth to the experience.

City Park serves as a scenic oasis, with sculptures, lagoons, and ancient live oaks. Visitors can explore at their own pace or visit the Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait, making it a versatile stop.

The Experience from a Guide’s Perspective

The tour features local guides who are well-versed in New Orleans’ history and culture. Jane, a guide praised for her interesting stories and friendly manner, exemplifies the quality of storytelling. The guides provide informative commentary during both the bus tour and the walking sections, enriching the experience with personal anecdotes and local insights.

Guests appreciate guides who balance educational content with lighthearted humor, making the tour both engaging and approachable. The guides’ knowledge and personality are key strengths of this mix of activities.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Since lunch isn’t included, travelers might want to grab snacks before the tour or plan to purchase onboard. Arriving early at the meeting point ensures a stress-free check-in, especially during busy periods.

The cruise and bus tour are scheduled on the same day, with the cruise at 11:00 AM and the city tour at 2:00 PM, so it’s advisable to stay nearby or plan for a quick refreshment break in between. For those with special accessibility needs, advance notice is recommended to ensure accommodations.

Heavy pedestrian traffic in French Quarter can cause delays, so allowing extra time for parking and walking is wise. The tour does not operate on Mardi Gras or Thanksgiving, so plan accordingly outside these dates.

The Balance of Scenic Relaxation and Historic Exploration

This combo tour offers a well-balanced day in New Orleans, combining relaxing river vistas with lively neighborhood walks. The live jazz onboard and guided commentary provide immersive cultural moments, while the cemetery visit and Garden District stroll reveal local traditions and architectural beauty.

While lunch is not included, the snacks and drinks for purchase onboard offer flexibility. The timing of activities caters to those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to Louisiana’s largest city. The moderate price point and diverse activities make this tour an attractive choice for first-time visitors or those looking for a fast-paced overview.

Final Thoughts on the New Orleans Combo Tour

The $99 package offers a robust glimpse into New Orleans’ river life and historic neighborhoods. The authentic steamboat experience, combined with an insightful city tour, delivers value and variety in a single day.

The experienced guides, stunning vistas, and musical ambiance onboard are definite highlights. The main limitations are the lack of included meals and the potential for traffic delays in busy areas. Still, for those wanting a comprehensive, engaging day in New Orleans, this combo provides a practical, enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard the cruise.

What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera for the river cruise. Since drinks are sold onboard, you may want to purchase a craft cocktail or beverage during the cruise.

Can I attend the tour if I have mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage, but it’s best to request special assistance at least 48 hours in advance.

What is the best time of day for the cruise?
The cruise departs at 11:00 AM, providing daylight views of the river and city. The overall tour duration is about 6 to 6.5 hours.

Are there any days the tour doesn’t operate?
Yes, the tour does not run on Mardi Gras Day and Thanksgiving Day.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse Street, behind Jax Brewery. Arriving early helps ensure a smooth check-in.

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