
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 2,093 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise worth booking?
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise is a 2.5-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $47 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 2,093 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (2,093)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $47 per person
Join us for the only Riverboat in New Orleans with an excursion! Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 45 min to 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .
What you get
About this experience
Join us for the only Riverboat in New Orleans with an excursion! Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 45 min to 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- On-board restrooms
- 1-Hour at Battlefield
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcohol (Cash Bar)
What you'll see and do
Chalmette Battlefield
Disembark at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where you can tour the Chalmette Battlefield including the Malus-Beauregard House and the Chalmette Monument before re-boarding for the return cruise.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Chalmette Battlefield is located in the Jean Lafitte National Park, making it an exciting and special addition to your river cruise!
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
Located directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Located directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
Options you can book
Historic Cruise (No Meal)
Enjoy an interesting yet relaxing cruise and a stop at the battlefield of New Orleans
Weekend Jazz Brunch
Brunch Live Jazz Performance
Historic Cruise (Meal)
Enjoy an interesting yet relaxing cruise with a delicious Creole-styled lunch and a stop at the Battlefield of New Orleans
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No outside food or beverages are allowed on board.
- Bags are checked before boarding the vessel to ensure safety during the cruise.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If altered or canceled due to poor weather, cruise may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.
- Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
- The Creole Paddlewheeler is Wheelchair accessible with a weight-restricted mechanical lift. However, the Chalmette Battlefield Park is not wheelchair accessible for handicap passengers at this time.
- Boarding begins at 1:30 PM and the vessel departs at 2 PM sharp. Due to Coast Guard regulations, we are unable to extend departure time to accommodate individual guests.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,090 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
2,090 verified traveler reviews for Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Charles was a great tour...
Charles was a great tour guide. He knows his history and how to keep his audience engaged and entertained. Even though it rained during our tour, it was still worth the experience. Definitely book this cruise!
via Viator
An underwhelming 1980s ferry
I would not recommend this experience for most people. The boat itself is essentially a 1980s passenger ferry wearing a cheap costume. Admission fee was too high for what you’re getting, even without the food, which every other review will tell you to avoid. We did not get the food and am happy about that choice. Within a few minutes of being aboard, while using the bathroom i noticed one of the toilets was clogged, and upon my exit noticed another passenger, who I believe was having some urgent digestive problems, taking a dump in the urinal. I felt bad for this guy as he would have been able to use the toilet normally had the bathrooms been well tended. The seats outside were all wet, even under the roof so sitting outside wasn’t really an option, it would have been nice if they had dried them at least. Over my partner and I had a good time, but really only because we decided to make it so. Watching all the big shipping vessels was really the best part of the ride. With the help of a marine traffic app we could see all their details, where they were from, where they were going etc. So that was fun, but again not at all part of the experience you pay for. Up shots were interactions with the crew, they were all kind and entertaining and offered some great advice for dinning when we got chatting. If you want to booze cruise with a big crowd maybe on Saturday night this could be fun, but if you’re looking for a relaxing, novel experience on the water, look elsewhere.
via Tripadvisor
Cruising the mississipi river on the creole queen !
Be on time. Cause it leaves on time. Bring umbrella or hat with you because it is hot ! We sat inside in thw airconditioning drinking refreshing fruit punches ! If you like to hear and see about history in a historic beautiful paddleboat, choose this tour.
via Viator
Great day tour!
Nice tour of the river, good lunch, and great history.
via Tripadvisor
just as advertised
second time in New Orleans, second time on the boat, both times have been just as advertised. sound system failed and we missed some commentary but otherwise good
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $47 to $80
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 733
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc., who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.
See everything New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc. runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $47 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 2,093 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
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Around 733 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
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Included: Local guide; All Fees and Taxes; On-board restrooms; and 1-Hour at Battlefield. Not included: Gratuities; and Alcohol (Cash Bar). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
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Located directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River 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 Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and The Creole Paddlewheeler is Wheelchair accessible with a weight-restricted mechanical lift. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River 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.
What do travelers say about Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
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Across 2,093 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Historic Cruise (No Meal), Weekend Jazz Brunch, Historic Cruise (Meal). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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