New Orleans: Creole Queen Mississippi River Cruise & Battlefield

Summary

History comes alive on the mississippi with river breezes creole food and stories you can almost taste

You’ll board the Creole Queen in New Orleans for a narrated Mississippi River cruise with live storytelling and city views. Walk Chalmette Battlefield with a National Park Ranger, explore historic houses, and enjoy optional Creole food on board. The river breeze and local voices make history feel close—you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to drift down the Mississippi, not just see it from the levee? I didn’t expect the paddlewheel’s slow rhythm to get under my skin, but there we were—leaving New Orleans behind, French Quarter rooftops shrinking as the Creole Queen’s horn startled a few gulls. Our guide, a real character named James (he called himself “your time-traveling historian”), started weaving stories before we’d even passed the port cranes. The air was thick and sweet, like pralines melting in your hand. I kept catching whiffs of river water mixed with something spicy from the kitchen below—maybe jambalaya?

The cruise itself is about two and a half hours, but it doesn’t feel long. You get this narrated tour—James didn’t shy away from tough stuff, either; he talked about Katrina and how folks rebuilt, not just old battles. There’s a cash bar if you want a drink (I went for lemonade because it was hot), and you can grab a Creole lunch if you’re hungry. At Chalmette Battlefield, we docked for an hour. A park ranger met us—Ms. Carter—and she had this way of making 1815 sound like last week. We stood under these old oaks while she described cannon smoke rolling across muddy fields; I swear you could almost smell gunpowder if you tried hard enough.

I liked wandering around the Malus-Beauregard House more than I thought I would. The floorboards creaked under my shoes—felt like stepping back in time, honestly. Some people took photos by the monument; others just sat on the grass staring at the river bend in silence. It was humid, but there was this breeze that made everything feel softer for a minute or two.

On the way back, people loosened up—someone started humming “When the Saints Go Marching In.” James grinned and told us one last story about Jean Lafitte that ended with everyone laughing (I’m still not sure if he made up half of it). Looking at New Orleans reappear through all that sunlight on water—I don’t know, it just hit different after hearing those stories out on the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mississippi River cruise and battlefield tour

• Board Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
• Enjoy narrated Mississippi River cruise
• View French Quarter and Port of New Orleans
• Have Creole lunch or visit cash bar
• Dock at Chalmette Battlefield
• Tour Chalmette Battlefield and Malus-Beauregard House
• Listen to National Park Ranger talk
• Re-board for return cruise

Top questions

How long is the Creole Queen Mississippi River cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an hour at Chalmette Battlefield.

Is lunch included on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen tour?

A Creole lunch is available for purchase on board but not included in your ticket price.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests board at the departure point in New Orleans.

Are guides provided during the tour?

Yes, there is a licensed historian narrating onboard and a National Park Ranger guiding at Chalmette Battlefield.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

The Creole Queen is wheelchair accessible via mechanical lift; however, Chalmette Battlefield is not fully accessible.

Can I bring my own food or drinks onto the boat?

No outside food or beverages are allowed onboard; bags are checked before boarding for safety.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If weather conditions are poor, the cruise may remain dockside instead of sailing; check with staff for updates.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes, live narration from a licensed historian during your Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Chalmette Battlefield, an hour-long guided walk with a National Park Ranger at Jean Lafitte Park, restroom access onboard, plus options to purchase drinks or a classic Creole lunch before heading back along the river toward downtown.