Tours/New Orleans/New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
Viator · group up to 500 pax

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

4.2(134)New Orleans1 hour
VIATOR4.3(85)TRIPADVISOR4.0(49)

Description

Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a 75-minute, family-friendly Mississippi River Cruise! Enjoy live Captain’s narration as you glide past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and breathtaking city views, bringing the Crescent City’s 300+ years of history to life. Sip and relax at one of the full-service bars onboard, including the City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available, serving popcorn, sodas, and other classic favorites for a fun, casual treat. Perfect for families, friends, and couples, come experience the heart and history of “The Big Easy” aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.

Tour Options

75-Minute Riverboat Cruise
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Itinerary

Admission included75 min

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is the newest paddlewheel to the New Orleans Riverfront and sister ship of the Steamboat NATCHEZ.

Pass by

Located in the heart of the French Quarter near Jackson Square, below the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Make your way past fern filled cast iron balconies, on your way to the Toulouse Street wharf, as the sounds of her calliope steam whistle echo through the historic French Quarter, drawing you to her as it did 100 years ago.

Pass by

Enjoy views of the St Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square.

Pass by

Pass by scenic Jackson Square.

Pass by

View the bridge from the Mississippi.

Pass by

Pass by the Aquarium of the Americas.

Pass by

Pass by the Audubon Insectarium.

Pass by

Pass Mardi Gras World.

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View Caesars Casino.

Pass by

Pass by New Orleans riverfront park.

Pass by

View New Orleans from the Mississippi River.

Highlights

Snack Bar Onboard
Full Service Bars on Every Deck
75-Minute Sightseeing Cruise
Photo Ops Galore
Live Captain's Narration

What's included

Included
Snack Bar Onboard
Full Service Bars on Every Deck
75-Minute Sightseeing Cruise
Photo Ops Galore
Live Captain's Narration
Not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Parking

Traveller Ratings

4.2
134 reviews
5
77
4
27
3
18
2
6
1
6

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS cruises rain or shine.
  • Please Note: Should the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
  • In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
  • The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is handicap accessible. Access to the top deck is by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
  • Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs.
  • Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
  • **Important for Groups of 10+** Parties of 10 or more guests require physical tickets for boarding. Please check in with our Lighthouse Ticket Office prior to boarding to receive your tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.

Reviews(134)

C
Carsten B
August 8, 2026
Lovely new Orleans and good crew

The Crew did their best so we could enjoy this Trip on the Mississippi.

D
Deana_B
August 8, 2026
The 75 minute tour was...

The 75 minute tour was really nice. It was very informative. The views are amazing and you get to know the history about the place and the people. There’s a bar for drinks as well. Tip: Before you board ensure that you have your tickets printed or on your digital wallet to save time.

R
Russell_D
August 8, 2026
Nice city view from the river.

It was as boring as I expected so I wasn't disappointed. Best part is coming around the bend on your way back with the city as a backdrop. Very friendly folks. Wife seemed to enjoy it which is what matters.

Operator response

Happy Wife - Happy Life? Thank Russell and we hope we added some smiles to your experience.

L
Lanet_P
August 7, 2026
New Orleans on the water

Relaxing and educational it was nice and the crews narrating as you were smooth sailing sailing was Everything..

Operator response

Thanks so much for the 5 star review.

K
Karina_B
August 5, 2026
Though everything was...

Though everything was done perfectly by the crew, the cruise itself didn’t hold our interest. Hop on hop off bus tour gives a better view of the city and still see the river.

Operator response

The river cruise shows the city from another angle than a tour bus or walking tour. Thank you for sailing on today's Mississippi River. Today the Riverboat sails through the international Port of New Orleans, which supplies goods and services from around the world to the middle, and outreaches, of middle America.

P
Pamela_d
August 5, 2026
Published time not...

Published time not necessarily the actual time. They include a half hour of boarding, which then makes the return later than expected. I found it sort of misleading and it caused us to nearly miss reservations at another event that we planned based on the published time of the cruise. Made things rather stressful so diminished my enjoyment.

Operator response

Although we are not certain which site you visited for your tickets,and we regret it was not clear for your planning. We always post on our company site that we allow boarding for a half hour, and then cruise for the 75minutes.

A
Ayesha_O
August 5, 2026
It was a calm and...

It was a calm and informative experience. The popcorn and ginger ale was delicious and refreshing. We enjoyed.

Operator response

Ayesha, thank you so much and we hope you sail with us again soon.

A
Autumn_Y
August 4, 2026
It was pretty good....

It was pretty good. Learned a lot and was a nice activity to do and allow your legs to rest. Also they have free refills with soft drinks!!

Operator response

Autumn, thank you for sharing your experience.

B
Brisbane_R
August 4, 2026
Short but good!

It may not be a full 75 minutes as advertised. We stood in the very hot sun until the boat left at 1 pm and returned at 2. 1 hour.

Operator response

Our captain makes every effort to provide the 75 minutes. River traffic management dictates some of the timing. Our apology if it was slightly under the 75.

K
Kelsey_H
August 4, 2026
Put this on your itinerary.

They have seats in the shade for those hot sunny days. Also air conditioned in the dining area. One of the more affordable excursions in New Orleans and worth putting it on your itinerary.

Operator response

We sincerely appreciate this review Kelsey. We hope you come back to our city very soon.

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