
New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 195 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise worth booking?
New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise is a 1.3-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $26 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 195 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (195)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $26 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
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
What you'll see and do
The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is the newest paddlewheel to the New Orleans Riverfront and sister ship of the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
75 minutes here · Admission included
French Quarter
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 without stopping
St. Louis Cathedral
Enjoy views of the St Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square.
Pass by without stopping
Jackson Square
Pass by scenic Jackson Square.
Pass by without stopping
Crescent City Connection Bridge
View the bridge from the Mississippi.
Pass by without stopping
Audubon Aquarium
Pass by the Aquarium of the Americas.
Pass by without stopping
Audubon Insectarium
Pass by the Audubon Insectarium.
Pass by without stopping
Mardi Gras World
Pass Mardi Gras World.
Pass by without stopping
View Caesars Casino.
Pass by without stopping
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Pass by New Orleans riverfront park.
Pass by without stopping
New Orleans
View New Orleans from the Mississippi River.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
Present your barcoded voucher 15 minutes before boarding at 101 Saint Louis St New Orleans, LA 70130. Hosts will scan tickets before boarding. Groups of 10+ must check in at the Lighthouse for physical tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Present your barcoded voucher 15 minutes before boarding at 101 Saint Louis St New Orleans, LA 70130. Hosts will scan tickets before boarding. Groups of 10+ must check in at the Lighthouse for physical tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line New Orleans
Know before you go
- 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
- DAILY CRUISE SCHEDULE Boarding 10:00am; Cruising 10:30am – 11:45am Boarding 12:30pm; Cruising 1:00pm – 2:15pm Boarding 3:00pm; Cruising 3:30pm – 4:45pm
- 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.
- The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS cruises rain or shine.
Photos






Traveler reviews
180 verified traveler reviews for New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rolling on a river
Great way to see the Mississippi and NOLA to take in the significance of the big river on the area and city
via Tripadvisor
Falcon Fan Experience
This was a nice experience on a nice cool day. We sat under the canopy up top and just had an enjoyable view as we listened to the captain give us some great sightseeing info about NOLA.
via Viator
Just an Ok cruise service and experience!
We went on a very rainy day. It was just the right amount of time to be on the ship. However, the upper deck could have been squeegee off. It was very wet and puddled.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sailing with us. On rainy days our staff trys to keep up with the rainfall but we regret that sometimes we fall behind drying when boarding and general guest services.
via Tripadvisor
Its 20 minutes past the...
Its 20 minutes past the leaving time. Still sitting at the dock. Not impressed. It might be great after we get going but who can tell?
Response from the operator: Kimberly, we wish we knew your timing so we could see if the half hour boarding time had transpired. Sometimes the posting of boarding time and departure time can be confused. In any case we hope to hear that you enjoyed the cruise.
via Viator
A relaxing experience...
A relaxing experience while learning about landmarks along the river. Very friendly staff and great drinks.
Response from the operator: Gary, we aim for a relaxing cruise with a unique view of the city and plenty of staff smiles.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 68
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line New Orleans, who run 21 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.1.
See everything Gray Line New Orleans runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $26 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New Orleans usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New Orleans is not rushed.
Is New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 195 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise?
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Around 68 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New Orleans can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New Orleans and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New Orleans within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New Orleans?
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New Orleans runs on licensed guides, and it shows: the city requires certification for tour guides, so the floor is higher here than most US cities. Ghost and cemetery walks, French Quarter food crawls, plantation history day trips and swamp boat runs make up the bulk. We rank on whether the operator handles cemetery access properly, since St. Louis No. 1 needs an authorised guide. On Outty we rank every New Orleans experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation, New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour, New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
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February to May and October to November. August is heat and storm season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise?
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Included: Snack Bar Onboard; Full Service Bars on Every Deck; 75-Minute Sightseeing Cruise; Photo Ops Galore; and Live Captain's Narration. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Parking. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise?
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Present your barcoded voucher 15 minutes before boarding at 101 Saint Louis St New Orleans, LA 70130. Hosts will scan tickets before boarding. Groups of 10+ must check in at the Lighthouse for physical tickets. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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