6 Best Dinner Cruises In New Orleans, Louisiana - Updated 2024

Gabby
Gabby 
Updated
| 3 min read

One of America’s most unique cities, New Orleans simply has the vibe that you will be longing to experience every now and then. The “Big Easy” is best known for its round-the-clock nightlife and of course, the celebrations during Mardi Gras. Jazz music, architecture, and colorful cuisines are some of the things to see and experience, aside from the famous French Quarter. You can also stay in one of the top romantic hotels in New Orleans. After a few days and nights of touring its most popular places and attractions, the best way to end the trip is through a panoramic experience of the Mississippi River. Here are the best dinner cruises in New Orleans, Louisiana, to end your travel experience on a high note.

1. Have dinner with jazz music on a steamboat (from USD 55.0)

This boat takes you on a three-hour journey across the Mississippi River. You can also choose to enjoy a buffet dinner, including starters and main courses. Double the enjoyment with the beautiful sound of Jazz performed by the acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland. Additionally, there is a myriad of onboard entertainment available to elevate your experience.

You can learn more about the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi with live narration while taking in the gorgeous cityline views. Alcoholic beverages are also available for an additional price if you want to kick back and relax.

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New Orleans 2-Hour Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise

Duration: 3 hours

4998 reviews

2. Enjoy an evening cruise with Jazz music (from USD 55.0)

dinner cruise in new orleans | enjoy an evening cruise with jazz music

This sternwheel paddleboat provides you with picture-perfect views of the Mississippi along with the famed French Quarter. Feel yourself sway to the sounds of vibrant Jazz tunes played by the talented Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band. Then, indulge in a Creole-style dinner to refuel yourself for more dancing and fun.

After dinner, enjoy a cocktail to polish off your meal and take in the star-studded sky with the beautiful city views. Do note that children under the age of five can board the cruise for free.

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New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner

Duration: 2.0 hour

682 reviews

3. Treat yourself to a luxury boat tour with dinner (from USD 182.0)

This Viator tour in New Orleans can’t be booked anywhere else. This private excursion that allows you to cruise Mississippi is a luxury treat not to miss. First, you will be welcomed with a champagne cocktail as you discover the engineering and mechanisms going on inside the boat, fully guided by the first mate. After learning more about what goes behind the scenes of the cruise, indulge in a luxurious dinner buffet while listening to live jazz performances all the while having unparalleled views of New Orleans shoreline at dusk. The whole two-hour excursion is an upgraded Steamboat Natchez tour. At the end of it, a gift bag filled with souvenirs such as your tour photos and etched champagne glasses is yours to take home. For an even more luxurious treat, upgrade to open bar access!

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New Orleans Dinner Cruise, Private Boat and Engine Room Tour

Duration: 3 hours

626 reviews

4. Experience New Orleans on this sunset cruise (from USD 55.0)

Nothing beats a sunset cruise while savoring a hot buffet and listening to live jazz performances. Everything is included in this two-and-a-half-hour excursion aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. It is one of the best tours in New Orleans as it satisfies all your senses! Taste as you feast on a Creole-style buffet. Feel the breeze as the boat sails the Mississippi River. Listen to live entertainment and jazz performances. See the unobstructed sunset views from the deck as you take a sip of local cocktails. The whole experience is a great way to discover New Orleans away from the busy city and take in all of its beauty in the most luxurious and exclusive way possible.

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

912 reviews

5. Sign up for this riverboat cruise with captivating views (from USD 48.0)

In this excursion, you will meet up with your guide and other guests at the Lighthouse ticket office before boarding your boat. Then you’ll be off to see captivating views spanning the French Quarter and the battleground of the historic Battle of New Orleans from the decks. All these while listening to a background of soulful jazz music playing live. It is also recommended that you add on the dinner buffet upgrade where you’ll be treated to a wide selection of hot meals and dishes featuring some Louisiana favorites. While coffee and tea are included, drinks and cocktails can be purchased on board.

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Riverboat City of New Orleans Jazz Cruise

Duration: Wheelchair accessible

5 reviews

6. Book this evening jazz cruise across the Mississippi (from USD 49.0)

book this evening jazz cruise across the mississippi
Source: www.viator.com

A perfect way to end your New Orleans holiday is to book this cruise where you’ll be spending two hours appreciating the views of New Orleans while listening to jazz all throughout the night. Hotel pickup and drop off is included for added convenience. Get your cameras ready as you sail past the French Quarter, giving you picturesque views of the charming neighborhood. To maximize the experience, an upgrade is available where you’ll be seated in a reserved dining room to enjoy a delicious dinner. After having your meal, you can head to the bar and purchase cocktails and other drinks as you enjoy the rest of the night. Don’t forget to bring home your complimentary Mardi Gras beads as a souvenir!

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Jazz Dinner Dockside Aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS

Duration: 3 hours

1 review

Make nights more special with dinner cruises and jazz music

Dinner cruises are one of the best ways to end a trip. They’re one of the luxury experiences on earth that you have to experience at least once in your life not because of the expensive meals and cruise ship tickets but particularly for the experience. There’s nothing like feeling the ocean or river breeze while enjoying a sumptuous dinner overlooking the Mississippi River and listening to jazz music with your loved ones.

While you’re here, be sure to drop by some rooftop bars and jazz bars in New Orleans.

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