New Orleans: City Tour & Steamboat Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo

Travelers craving a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant culture and scenic beauty will find this combo tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s soul. This 6-hour experience, priced at $99 per person, combines a leisurely Mississippi River cruise with an in-depth exploration of historic neighborhoods. It’s a practical way to get a broad sense of what makes this city so unique, from its musical roots to its iconic architecture.

We particularly like the live jazz aboard the riverboat and the detailed guide-led city walk through neighborhoods like the Garden District. The tour’s affordability also makes it accessible for travelers looking for rich experiences without breaking the bank. However, one point to consider is that the cruise might be affected during maintenance periods, so always check the schedule before booking. This experience is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of scenic relaxation and cultural discovery—perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time in New Orleans.

Key Points

• Authentic Mississippi River Experience: A 2-hour cruise on a sister vessel of the famous Steamboat Natchez, featuring live jazz.
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories about New Orleans’ neighborhoods, history, and culture.
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Tour through the French Quarter, City Park, and the Garden District with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Historic Cemetery Visit: Insightful stop at St. Louis Cemetery #3, exploring above-ground burials and local traditions.
• Leisurely Pace: The tour offers plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy local treats.
• Value for Price: At $99, the tour includes two major experiences—making it a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Mississippi River Cruise: A Classic New Orleans Moment

While the original Steamboat NATCHEZ takes some time off for annual maintenance, its sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of New Orleans, faithfully carries on the tradition. This two-hour cruise is a true slice of historic Americana. From the moment you step aboard, you’re transported back to the golden age of river travel, with the authentic steam-powered sternwheeler and four decks offering spectacular views.

Expect the captain to share stories about the river’s significance to New Orleans’ development and point out landmarks along the mighty Mississippi. The live jazz adds a cheerful soundtrack—something that makes the experience more than just a sightseeing cruise. It’s lively but relaxed, great for those who want to soak in the city’s atmosphere from the water.

For those who love a photo opportunity, the top deck view is especially stunning. You’ll see sweeping vistas of the river, with the city skyline in the distance. Drinks—including cocktails, beer, and wine—are available for purchase, making the cruise an ideal way to unwind and sip while admiring the scenery.

The City Tour: A Walk Through Historic Neighborhoods

After the cruise, you’ll hop onto a comfortable bus for a 3-hour tour covering about 25 square miles. Your guide, often a local, will lead you through some of New Orleans’ most iconic and picturesque areas. The tour begins at Jackson Square, where the French Quarter’s lively history is woven into every building and street corner.

The cemetery stop at St. Louis Cemetery #3 is a highlight. Here, burial practices involve above-ground tombs, which can seem unusual if you’re unfamiliar. Your guide will explain the culture behind these elaborate tombs and the famous jazz funerals that often take place here. Many reviews praise guides like Bob or Jane for their informative and engaging storytelling, which makes the history come alive and adds a personal touch.

Next, you’ll visit City Park, a green oasis with lagoons, sculptures, and old-growth live oaks—some over 800 years old. Many travelers enjoy grabbing a beignet and café au lait at Café du Monde during this stop, though free time is also available to explore on your own.

Crossing into the Garden District, you’ll walk along St. Charles Avenue, renowned for its stately mansions, historic architecture, and grand oak trees. Your guide points out different styles, from Creole cottages to Victorian mansions, and shares stories of past residents. This neighborhood offers the perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

The tour’s final stretch takes you past Lake Pontchartrain, with stops at a post-Katrina pumping station and the historic lighthouse. The Causeway Bridge in the distance is also impressive, especially for first-time visitors. Your guide will fill you in on how this large estuary connects to the Gulf of Mexico.

What’s Included & What to Expect

This combo tour give you value and variety. The 2-hour cruise includes live jazz and a chance to relax on Bossier City-style riverboats. The 3-hour city tour is led by experienced guides who will share stories and answer questions, making the experience more than just sightseeing.

The experience is designed for flexibility. The tours are scheduled so the cruise occurs in the late morning (around 11 am) and the bus tour starts in the early afternoon (around 2 pm), enabling a seamless transition from water to land.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard both the cruise and the city tour, but no lunch is included. Many travelers find that the tour offers enough for a satisfying day of exploration, especially considering the affordable price point.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

Based on reviews, guides like Harris, Stacey, Bob, and Jane tend to be well-loved for their knowledge and humor. Many guests appreciate the personal stories and local insights, which turn a standard sightseeing tour into something more authentic and engaging.

The cruise’s atmosphere is described as “peaceful” and “magnificent,” with jazz providing a lively but relaxing background. The views of the Mississippi and the city skyline** are often praised, with some noting it as the “best part of their trip” in reviews.

For the city tour, the neighborhood strolls are a highlight. The French Quarter’s architecture and the Garden District’s grand homes are visually striking. Guests appreciate the balance of walking and bus riding, which makes the tour accessible and not overly tiring.

However, some reviewers mention the need to be aware of traffic and parking, especially in the French Quarter, which can be congested and pricey. Also, the cruise might be affected during scheduled maintenance periods, so it’s worth confirming the schedule when booking.

The Value Proposition

At just $99, this combo tour offers two substantial activities—the river cruise and the city tour—making it a good deal for travelers wanting to maximize their time. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer guided experiences that weave storytelling into sightseeing, rather than self-guided wandering.

The inclusion of live jazz and the chance to visit key neighborhoods makes this a well-rounded introduction to New Orleans. The small group atmosphere on the bus, combined with the relaxed river cruise, strikes a good balance between structured sightseeing and leisure.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of New Orleans’ culture, architecture, and waterways. It’s also perfect for travelers with limited time but who still want an authentic, memorable taste of the city. Music lovers, history buffs, and those seeking scenic views will find plenty to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet informative day with local guides and a touch of music, this tour delivers. It’s suited for anyone who enjoys a blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty, with enough flexibility to explore or relax as desired.

This New Orleans combo tour provides a solid value for the price, blending scenic river views with a detailed walk through the city’s most famous neighborhoods. The live jazz, local guides, and historic stops make it a compelling choice for those wanting a well-rounded introduction to the city. While scheduling and availability during maintenance periods are worth checking, the overall experience offers a good balance of relaxation, education, and fun.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local stories and beautiful scenery will especially enjoy this tour. It’s a flexible, affordable way to dive into the heart and soul of New Orleans, whether you’re visiting for the first time or simply want a different perspective on a familiar city.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour vehicle is equipped for wheelchair storage. It’s advisable to submit any special requests at least 48 hours in advance.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard the cruise. You might want to bring a small snack.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes booking with confidence easier.

What if the Steamboat NATCHEZ is unavailable?
During maintenance, the cruise will be conducted on her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of New Orleans, offering the same experience.

Will I have free time during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes free time at City Park and time to explore the neighborhood, perfect for photos or a quick snack.

Is alcohol available onboard?
Yes, you can buy cocktails, beer, or wine while on the cruise—adding a relaxed, carnival-like feel to the journey.

How long is the entire experience?
The combined cruise and city tour last approximately 6 to 6.5 hours, usually scheduled for the morning and early afternoon.

Can I bring children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for families, but keep in mind the walking involved in the city tour.

Is this tour available on Mardi Gras or Thanksgiving?
No, tours are not conducted on Mardi Gras Day and Thanksgiving Day, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby