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When you make plans to visit New Orleans, you already know that great food, finger-snapping, jazz and spectacular scenery is on the menu. What’s even more special is that the Creole Queen riverboat gives you all that and more. I’m sure that you’ve seen paddle wheel boats on movies like “Showboat”, but it’s pretty amazing to see the expansive ship in front of you as you watch the red wheel revolve around and around cutting a swath through the great Mississippi.
I guess I am a romantic at heart, but I immediately envisioned an image of a southern gentleman walking on the promenade deck with his lady love. Perhaps, this is why some people choose to have their wedding onboard this ship. We were privileged to witness a wedding reception during our evening Dinner Jazz Mississippi River Cruise which was a treat and I believe a must do for anyone visiting the city.
We were served traditional New Orleans fare including:
* Caesars Salad
* Creole Seafood Gumbo
* New Orleans Jambalaya
* Tilapia in a Creole Sauce
* Cajun Braised Beef Brisket
* Green Bean Almondine
* Cajun Potatoes
* Paddlewheeler Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce
* Bread and Butter
* New Orleans Dark Coffee
* Iced Tea
The house band was very good and kept the guests on their feet for most of the three-hour cruise. But for the sheer pleasure of seeing the city’s skyline at night, be sure to go on the top deck to gaze upon breathtaking views, but be forewarned, it gets pretty windy up there but that can be a blessing on a hot day.
Nevertheless, it is the perfect setting to just get away with that special someone or to just sit alone in deep thought while you enjoy the sea breeze kissing your face. The cost is $66.00 for the Dinner Jazz Cruise, but watch sites like TravelZoo which recently offered that same cruise for a ridiculous $29.00, suffice it to say, it sold out quickly!
Dinner Jazz Cruise
Duration: 3 Hours
Boarding: 7:00 pm; Riverwalk/Canal Street Dock
Departure: 8:00 pm
Return: 10:00 pm
Inclusions: River Cruise, Creole Buffet, Jazz Entertainment, Cash Bar, Taxes
Price (taxes are included):* Adult with dinner: $66
* Adult no dinner: $40
* Child (6-12) with dinner: $32
* Child (6-12) no dinner: $20
* Child (3-5) with dinner: $10
Availability: 4 to 5 days a week including every Friday & Saturday (Please check with us for additional days available during the week)
* Reservations required.
* Call for discounted group rates.
* Cruise times may be altered or canceled due to weather and safety concerns.
A couple of days prior, I decided to take the Chalmette Battlefield River Cruise where you can view the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. However, due to the recent flooding, the water table was too high to navigate the Battlefield area, so they would have to skip that portion of the cruise. The company offered a price adjustment for the inconvenience. Nevertheless, it was a great experience that gave us numerous photo opportunities as we departed the port looking back toward the famed RiverWalk which consists of lots of restaurants and shops. Take the red streetcar on Canal Street and go east to the end of the line.
One tip….do not buy your lunch from the surrounding restaurants before boarding. The prices are a bit outrageous. We decided to wait and see if there was a small concession stand onboard the steamboat so that we could buy a sandwich or whatever. We were pleasantly surprised that they offered a small buffet (drink included) for $13.00 which more than adequately satisfied our (by then) voracious hunger.
I enjoyed taking the cruise after experiencing the Royal Street Stroll the night before in the French Quarter. It was complete madness….fun….but boy it wiped us out. It was nice to know that we would be capping this night off with a nice, leisurely cruise down the Mississippi. So remember, when you are looking for something more sedate, relaxing and an escape from the craziness of the Crescent City, not to mention a sweet taste of days gone by, the Creole Queen is the way to go.
Chalmette Battlefield Cruise
Availability: Daily
Miscellaneous:
* Children 4 and younger are free.
* Reservations are strongly recommended.
* Call for discounted group rates.
* Cruise times may be altered or canceled due to weather and safety concerns.
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Boarding: 1:30pm to 2:00pm
Cruising: 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Price (taxes are included):
* Adult: $22
* Child (6-12): $11
* Child (0-5 yrs): FREE
To make a reservation, contact:
New Orleans Paddlewheels
Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat
#1 Poydras Street, Suite / Box 39
New Orleans, LA. 70130
Ph: 1.800.445.4109
Fax: 504-524-6265
www.bigeasy.com
www.creolequeen.com
www.jeanlafitteswamptour.com
Wow!..this cruise for a few hours sounds fantastic!..my daughter will be heading to New Orleans in July. I will let her know of this cruise. I wish I was going too but I will put this on my list of places to see. I love the picture of the ship. Great shot!!
Yes! Definitely let her know about the cruise….it was a very relaxing respite for me.
This sounds amazing, Renee! I remember seeing the paddle wheel boat on the river when I went to New Orleans several years ago, but didn’t get on it. It looks like you had a great time!
I did! The crew was very friendly and helpful…that always makes the experience or breaks it!
A glamour granny’s dream!! Thanks for this Renee, got earmarked for when I’m back in the Sates in December and on my grand tour. Can’t miss this.
Fantastic….I know that you will have a great time kicking back and relaxing….something you rarely do when you travel. lol
Wow! Sounds like y’all had a blast! What a great way to see the city and get the N.O. ambiance. Looks like an enjoyable time and next time we’re down there, I’m sure DJ would love to do that river cruise. My only question, I tend to get a bit sea-sick so was there a lot of motion? Great post!
Monica, I was a little concerned about that too. Surprisingly, it was not bad…..I was able to walk around with no problem and that’s saying something for someone with two left feet. lol
The food sounds delicious, and great tips on saving money.
It was really nice….we got our first real nawlins meal at that buffet!
Sounds great. That’s one thing I didn’t do when I was in New Orleans. But you know what they say: Always leave something on your list that will give you an excuse to go back. 🙂
You know that’s true…..with so many hours in the day, it’s difficult to see everything that you want to….but yes, keep this one on your list for sure.
It does look very romantic Renee. Jazz music and sunsets on a cruise =)
Yep! I think it’s ideal for couples.
New Orleans is on my list. There are so many reasons why I’d like to visit and this post about the paddle steamer has added one more.
Now if only we could get Harry Connick Jnr on board!
That would be lovely, Robyn! The paddle steamer just makes the trip more authentic.
I really want to do this cruise! I haven’t spent enough time in that area and need to. So much history.
Hi Renee!
Wonderful post – I’ve never been to New Orleans, but it looks amazing (and the food sounds delish). I’m hoping to make a trip down soon.
Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve added your blog to our traveling community blogroll – I know that others will love it as well.
All the best!
Savannah
This looks just like the Delta King that we have here in Sacramento! However, our boat is docked!
The Creole Queen sounds like fun — and a great place for a wedding. I agree with you that a riverboat does seem kind of romantic. Sounds like you’ve been having a great time in New Orleans!
New Orleans is one of those cities on my list. I’d love to do that riverboat cruise sounds marvelous — I’d definitely love to do it. Thanks for this post, I could see myself there.
Thanks,
Marcia
So true, Debbie….it was fascinating to walk amongst so many historically significant sites.
I really wish I had done this when I was in New Orleans. Next time, for sure!
Renee-It looks very romantic. I will add that to my wish list. LOL.
We took the river boat diner cruise and found the food and service personnel completely lacking.
The food was NOT cajun at all. Three thin slices of 1″ x 2″ roast beef (not cajun) mashed potatoes were a mix between potatoes and brown gravy. Followed by 3 thinly sliced 1″ x 2″ pieces of tilapia fish. Salad was served warm (salad should NEVER be served ward).
We read the pamphlet and read about the exqusite cajun cuisine served on board the Creole Queen.
We were duped, the night was not worth the $140 it costs. We could have (should have) just stayed on land and gone to a real rest.
We were told by “staff”, when we obviously looked unhappy with the meal … “we don’t have 5 star dining here”.
Save your money, pay for the river trip but NOT the diner. They do allow that option if you ask when making reservations.
Bruce & Steph
Peoria, AZ USA
Hi guys,
Sorry to hear about your poor experience and I’m glad that you took the time to express yourselves because I want to share all reviews…… good and bad. The 5 star comment was ridiculous and unnecessary…..I would have complained to the management. BTW, I noticed your email address….thanks for serving your country!!