New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans
New Orleans, United States

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

Outty Ranking 61 4.2 · 149 traveler reviews1.3 hoursFrom $13

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$13
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 149 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 $13 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 149 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (149)
Duration
1.3 hours
From
$13 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 br

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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. St. Louis Cathedral

      Enjoy views of the St Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Jackson Square

      Pass by scenic Jackson Square.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Crescent City Connection Bridge

      View the bridge from the Mississippi.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Audubon Aquarium

      Pass by the Aquarium of the Americas.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Audubon Insectarium

      Pass by the Audubon Insectarium.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Mardi Gras World

      Pass Mardi Gras World.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. View Caesars Casino.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Woldenberg Riverfront Park

      Pass by New Orleans riverfront park.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. 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
    • 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.

    Photos

    New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 2New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 3New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 4New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 5New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 6New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise in New Orleans, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 146 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    146 verified traveler reviews for New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    84
    4 star
    28
    3 star
    21
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Cheryl_P · August 2026

    Locals Who Enjoyed

    It was a good experience for us as locals doing "A Stay-cation". The cruise and the food was good. My husband is not a fan of riding on the water; however, he enjoyed it. He would be willing to go another time.

    Response from the operator: Cheryl, it is great to hear that your husband was won over to time on the river. We would be glad to have you back another time.

    via Viator

    Leshika_F · August 2026

    Best Boat Experience

    Very informative,ride was calming and had a good experience.would definitely book again. Food and drinks was top tear.

    Response from the operator: It would be our pleasure to welcome you back again on any of our cruises.

    via Viator

    Michael_W · August 2026

    Okay but nothing special

    It was fine, but not much of a tour. Go down river a little and look at mostly crumbling infrastructure. Decent little trip though.

    Response from the operator: 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. The location of the city hundreds of years ago was to be a protective port and one which would thrive on commerce.

    via Viator

    Kevin_B · August 2026

    Disappointed - Don't Recommend

    It's on a boat; it travels the Mississippi River, turns around and docks. However, there is no scenery to look at other than old industrial shipyard and docks. Nothing scenic about it! Waited 20 mins (at the bar) to buy 2 waters. Staff not welcoming and border on rudist. Disappointed. To say the least, can't recommend it!

    Response from the operator: 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. The location of the city hundreds of years ago was to be a protective port and one which would thrive on commerce. We regret that you had to wait at the bar, there are times when so many guests would like their beverages all at once. It is disappointing to hear that we did not provide the experience you anticipated.

    via Viator

    nlb20012002 · August 2026

    Family Outing

    Nice for a short family outing! Food and drinks on boat was actually good! You have an option to sit where you wanna sit...inside or outside. There isn't really much to see if you're looking for scenery. Lol

    Response from the operator: We are always happy to welcome families aboard. Thank you for your 5 star rating.

    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
    Price range
    $13 to $26
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    52
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)47
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)53
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $13 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 149 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 52 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Swamp Tour Boat Adventure, New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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