New Orleans Select Pass: Bus Tour, Historic Cruise, Walking Tour

Planning a trip to New Orleans often feels like trying to take in an entire city’s story in a single breath. This New Orleans Select Pass offers a convenient, cost-effective way to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and cultural treasures in a flexible manner. For $84, you get access to a combination of a hop-on-hop-off bus, a scenic river cruise, and a walking tour—all wrapped into one mobile ticket that’s active for 7 days.

What we really appreciate about this pass is its variety of experiences. It caters to different travel styles—whether you prefer sightseeing from a comfortable bus, strolling through the French Quarter, or taking a boat along the Mississippi. However, it’s worth noting that the package doesn’t include meals, so you’ll want to plan some time for dining. This tour package is perfect for those who want an authentic, immersive feel of New Orleans without the stress of booking separate tickets or rushing through attractions.

A slight consideration is that the pass’s flexibility means you’ll need to plan your days wisely. The activities are packed into a seven-day window, and some attractions may require advance reservations. This pass suits travelers who value variety and flexibility, especially if you’re in town for a week or less but want to get a well-rounded experience of The Big Easy.

Key Points

• All-in-One Flexibility: Access multiple top attractions with a single mobile ticket.
• Varied Experiences: Combines bus, cruise, and walking tours for a rundown.
• Cost-Effective: At $84, it offers good value for multiple activities.
• Ideal for Short Stays: The 7-day activation window allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Authentic Local Insights: Guided commentary and narrations add a layer of local storytelling.
• No Lunch Included: Be prepared to find your own meals during your day out.

Introduction to the Experience

The New Orleans Select Pass promises a well-rounded journey through the city’s signature sights, blending the convenience of hop-on-hop-off transportation with immersive experiences like a historic cruise and a walking tour in the French Quarter. If you’re short on time but eager to soak up the essence of the city, this package could be just the ticket.

One standout feature is the City Sightseeing One-day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, which takes you past all of the major attractions with live guided commentary. We love how this approach allows you to explore at your own pace—jumping off for a quick look at Jackson Square or grabbing a bite at a local café, then hopping back on when ready. Just keep in mind that this is a single day, so if you want to do the whole route, plan accordingly.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historical Cruise adds a scenic, educational element to the experience. It’s not just a boat ride—it’s a narrative journey through 300 years of New Orleans history, including fascinating stories about the Louisiana Purchase and the Battle of New Orleans. The shore excursion to Chalmette Battlefield with National Park Rangers offers an insightful glimpse into the city’s strategic past, making it worthwhile for history buffs.

Finally, the French Quarter Walking Tour provides a more intimate look at one of America’s most captivating neighborhoods. Covering less than a mile, it’s a manageable stroll that reveals stunning architecture, notable landmarks, and stories that breathe life into the area’s centuries-old streets. This is especially appealing for those who love history, architecture, and a bit of local lore.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: French Quarter Walking Tour

Starting off in the French Quarter, you’ll be immersed in the neighborhood that embodies New Orleans’ charm. The tour includes Jackson Square, where artists and street performers set the scene; the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture; Pirates Alley, famous from literary lore; and a classic courtyard which offers a glimpse into the historic courtyards that line many streets here.

This walk is under 1 mile, making it perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace. During the walk, you’ll hear about the neighborhood’s Spanish, Caribbean, French, and American influences—key ingredients to the city’s distinctive culture. We appreciate how the guide’s storytelling brings the streets alive, providing context beyond just the sights.

Some reviewers highlight that “the walking tour was a great way to get a feel for the neighborhood without feeling rushed,” and mention that guides often share personal anecdotes that add flavor to the experience. The one-and-a-half-hour duration means it’s unobtrusive, fitting easily into a packed day.

Stop 2: Mississippi River and Historical Cruise

Next up is the Mississippi River cruise, billed as the only Tricentennial River Cruise in New Orleans. The journey focuses on 300 years of the city’s development, from its founding by the LeMoyne brothers to the Louisiana Purchase and beyond.

What makes this cruise stand out is the narration by a costumed reenactor, which gives a theatrical, engaging touch. You’ll cruise down the river, passing notable sights and learning about historical moments that shaped the city. The highlight for many is the 1-hour shore excursion to Chalmette Battlefield, guided by National Park Rangers. Their insights help paint a vivid picture of the Battle of New Orleans, making history tangible.

Guests have shared that “the narration added a layer of storytelling that made the cruise more than just a boat ride,” and that “seeing the battlefield was a bonus, really enriching the experience.” The boat itself, a paddlewheeler, offers a romantic throwback to riverboat days, which many find adds to the charm.

Stop 3: City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

The city tour aboard classic red double-decker buses is a flexible option to explore New Orleans at your own pace. With live commentary, the route covers all the top attractions, shops, and restaurants. Whether you want to hop off at the Garden District, the Warehouse District, or stroll along the riverfront, this tour adapts to your interests.

We love that this is a full-day ticket, giving you the freedom to customize your sightseeing schedule. Several travelers have commented that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, often sharing local tips and lesser-known stories. Plus, discounts and deals at various stops make it a great way to enjoy local eateries or shop for souvenirs.

One thing to consider is that the bus route is designed for maximum coverage, but some stops may be crowded or busy during peak hours. Still, the convenience of having transportation and commentary bundled makes it a worthwhile option for many, especially if you want an overview of the city’s layout and major sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The pass includes access to the hop-on-hop-off bus, the historic river cruise, and the French Quarter walking tour. These combine to give a well-rounded experience, mixing guided storytelling with free exploration and scenic views.

Not included are meals, so plan on bringing snacks or grabbing local cuisine along the way. The pass is activated when you first use it, and you then have 7 days to enjoy the remaining activities, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Plus, advanced reservations are recommended for some tours, especially during busy seasons or holidays, which can help ensure smooth access.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Pass

• Schedule your activities to cover the most ground early in your trip, allowing flexibility later.
• Check hours of operation for each attraction, as they can vary, particularly around holidays.
• Reserve in advance for tours that require bookings to avoid disappointment.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking and layers for weather changes—as New Orleans can be hot or rainy depending on the season.
• Plan your lunch around the tours, as the pass doesn’t include meals, but the city offers plenty of fantastic dining options.

Why This Tour Package Works

This New Orleans Select Pass offers excellent value for travelers who want a mix of guided and flexible exploring. The combination of narrated bus tours, scenic cruises, and walking experiences ensures you gain a layered understanding of the city—its history, architecture, and culture.

For those who prefer a laid-back, self-paced approach with the chance to hop on and off as they please, this package hits the right notes. It’s particularly good for visitors on a shorter trip, but with enough flexibility to stretch across a week. The included activities are diverse enough to satisfy history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike.

While it doesn’t include meals, the variety of included experiences, combined with the opportunity to discover local eateries along the way, makes this a practical, immersive, and affordable way to see New Orleans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This pass is perfect if you’re looking for convenience and variety in your sightseeing. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling but also want the flexibility to explore independently. It’s ideal for those staying a week or fewer but eager to cover a broad spectrum of sights without the hassle of booking multiple tickets.

If you’re a history lover, the river cruise and walking tour are highlights, adding a depth of understanding to the city’s story. For casual travelers wanting a manageable, well-structured experience, this combination provides a balanced taste of The Big Easy.

FAQs

Is the pass valid for 7 days after activation?
Yes, once activated, you have 7 days to use all the included experiences.

Does the pass include meals?
No, meals are not included, so plan to find restaurants or cafes during your outings.

Can I reserve tours in advance?
Yes, advanced reservations can be made for tours included on the pass, which is recommended during busy periods.

Are the activities suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the activities generally cater to a wide age range, including families.

Is the hop-on-hop-off bus accessible?
While most travelers can participate, specific accessibility details aren’t provided, so check in advance if needed.

Can I use the pass for multiple days?
Absolutely, the 7-day window begins at first use, giving you flexibility to spread out your activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and a camera. Since meals aren’t included, bring snacks or plan for local dining.

Do I need to book the river cruise or walking tour?
While reservations are recommended for some tours, they are not mandatory. It’s wise to book early to secure your preferred times.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the activities are designed for flexible participation, making it a good choice for solo explorers looking for guided insights and scenic views.

To sum it up, the New Orleans Select Pass offers a balanced, immersive way to experience The Big Easy. With the combination of guided storytelling, scenic cruises, and flexible hop-on-hop-off transport, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of what makes this city so unique—all at an accessible price point. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of architecture, or just eager to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere, this pass can be tailored to suit your interests and pace.