New Orleans: Jazz Dinner River Cruise & Private Boat Tour

Summary

Live jazz on the Mississippi with dinner views and a private boat tour

You’ll step aboard a classic New Orleans riverboat for live jazz with front row seats, enjoy Louisiana favorites at dinner, sip cocktails (open bar if you want), and get a private boat tour with stories from locals—all while cruising past city lights on the Mississippi River. Expect laughter, music drifting through warm air, and maybe even a little dancing if you’re braver than me.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the early boarding because I thought “fashionably late” was still a thing in New Orleans. Turns out, it’s not when you want front row seats for the Dukes of Dixieland. The staff didn’t seem bothered though—one of them just grinned and handed me a champagne cocktail as soon as I stepped onto the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (not the Natchez right now, but honestly, she looks good after her facelift). The air smelled faintly like river water and something sweet—maybe pralines? Anyway, our guide—James, who had that easy local drawl—started us off with a quick tour below deck. He pointed out old paddlewheel photos and told us how the engines still creak at night if you listen close enough. I tried to imagine what it sounded like back in the day.

The music started before we even sat down. I could feel the brass from the Dukes of Dixieland vibrating through my chair—it’s hard not to tap your foot when they play. Someone at our table got up to dance (I chickened out), but nobody seemed to mind. Dinner was this buffet with all these Louisiana dishes—I piled my plate with gumbo and jambalaya, then realized too late that I’d skipped the shrimp cocktail starter. Oh well. The bread pudding tasted like vanilla and nostalgia; I still think about that moment when everything just slowed down for a second, jazz humming in the background and city lights sliding past outside.

I upgraded for open bar (worth it), so there was this bartender named Carla who made me a Sazerac that nearly knocked me sideways—in a good way. After dinner we wandered around more decks than I expected (four!), poking our heads into corners while James explained bits of history or pointed out landmarks along the Mississippi River. There’s this spot on the top deck where you can see all of New Orleans lit up; it’s windy but kind of peaceful too. By then my souvenir pin was already attached crookedly to my jacket and someone handed me a CD from the band—I’ll probably never play it but it feels right to keep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise Experience

• Arrive by 5:35pm for early boarding
• Greeted with Champagne cocktail
• Pose for boarding photo souvenir
• Take private tour of riverboat
• Enjoy live jazz by Dukes of Dixieland
• Eat shrimp cocktail and Louisiana buffet
• Optionally upgrade to open bar
• Cruise Mississippi River for two hours
• Receive commemorative pin and CD

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this New Orleans jazz dinner cruise?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests must arrive at the dock by 5:30-5:45pm for early boarding.

Which riverboat is used for this VIP jazz cruise?

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is currently used instead of Steamboat NATCHEZ.

How long does the river cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours along the Mississippi River.

Are drinks included in the price?

A complimentary champagne cocktail is included; upgrade to open bar for call brand cocktails, beer, or house wine throughout.

Is there live music during dinner?

Yes, you’ll have reserved front row seating for live jazz by Dukes of Dixieland during dinner.

Is this cruise wheelchair accessible?

The main deck is accessible; however, access to top & bottom decks is by stairs only.

What food is served on this dinner cruise?

A buffet features Louisiana favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, seafood pasta, salads, bread pudding, bananas foster, and more.

Do I get any souvenirs from this experience?

Yes—a printed boarding photo, Steamboat Natchez pin, and Dukes of Dixieland CD are included as VIP gifts.

What’s included

Your evening includes early boarding at the dock in New Orleans with a welcome champagne cocktail and shrimp cocktail starter before front-row seats for live jazz by Dukes of Dixieland. Enjoy a Louisiana-style buffet dinner (with an open bar option if you upgrade), plus a private guided tour of all four decks led by crew members. You’ll also get VIP souvenirs—a photo print from boarding, band CD, and commemorative pin—before returning to port in the French Quarter after two hours on the Mississippi River.