Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
4.5
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
By Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
About
Historical outings needn’t be boring. Learn about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans in style, as you cruise down the Mississippi aboard an impressive steam boat. Enjoy views over the French Quarter and Port of New Orleans before departing at the Chalmette Battlefield for a guided tour.
from per adult
$42.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 150 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Cruise down the Mississippi aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Chalmette Battlefield, admission to which is included
- Choose from the departure time that best fits your schedule
- Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard
- All Fees and Taxes
- Local guide
- 1-Hour at Battlefield
- Live Jazz Entertainment
- Restroom on board
- Entry/Admission - Chalmette Battlefield
What's not included- Gratuities
- Alcohol (Cash Bar)
- Start:
- 1 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USALocated directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 88100P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No outside food or beverages are allowed on board.
- Bags are checked before boarding the vessel to ensure safety during the cruise.
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If altered or canceled due to poor weather, cruise may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.
- Most travelers can participate
- Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Is parking available near the departure point for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
- Discounted parking is available at the World Trade Center parking lot on the corner of Pydras and Convention Center Blvd. on weekdays only. Please present your parking ticket at the paddlewheel ticket booth for validation. Discounted parking is not available on weekends. You may also wish to take public transportation or a ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft for convenience.Answered Oct 2023
- Can I take public transportation to the meeting location for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
- Absolutely! The Canal St. Station in located nearby as well as several bus stops and hop-on hop-off bus stops.Answered Oct 2023
- Where do I redeem my ticket for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
- Visit the ticket booth adjacent to the Creole Queen to receive your boarding passes. Further details will be provided on your ticket.Answered Oct 2023
- What is included in the Creole-style lunch during the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise?
- Lunch is served buffet-style, and may include Caesar Salad, Corn Mac Choux, Shrimp Pasta, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, and Bread Pudding. Lunch items may vary.Answered Oct 2023
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 88100P1
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Itinerary
- 1 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USALocated directly at the end of Poydras Street behind the Outlet Collection Mall and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Z4742PJsarak0 contributionsBeautiful rideThe weather was perfect. The band was very good and entertaining. The views were great. There was a private party on one level and going all the way to the lowest level for the bar was a little inconvenient. We did not have dinner, so can't comment on the food service. All in all it was a great time!Written May 27, 2024
- dianneb8690 contributionsMeh!Although the food was good, we were very disappointed that they ran out of dessert before we had ours. All they had to offer was an apology. The band was good at what they did but we really expected a more fun “when the saints go marching in” type of entertainment. We are 76 and 79 years old and found the ride to be relaxing and pleasant but a bit boring.Written May 21, 2024
- Traveler105538681380 contributionsBest way to celebrate a 20 year anniversary!!We were celebrating our 20th anniversary and it was an amazing ride! The sunset was so beautiful and to see New Orleans light up as the sun went down was magical! They had drones giving us a show as we reentered the bock… really impressive display!! The jazz band announced our 20 year anniversary to everyone and we got a ton of claps… it was such a fantastic experience!!Written May 2, 2024
- PH-Travel-Lovers0 contributionsFun evening on the Mississippi River.We went with a group of about 20 couples. The cruise was fun. We got on the boat about 6. It left the dock about 7 and returned about 9. The dinner was not bad. Good actually for a boat ride. The views are outstanding from the boat. It was a fun evening of hanging out, music, and dinner while on a boat ride. Bring a sweater depending on time of year. It got cool on the water the night we went.Written April 23, 2024
- Michael H0 contributionsGreat ValueGreat food, great relaxing music. Wonderful and helpful crew. It was a great way to end a delightful day in Nee Orleans and enjoy the Mississippi.Written April 16, 2024
- AMStLaurent0 contributionsNice way to get out on the riverWe did the cruise plus dinner option. The buffet has all the local favorites. Stake out a spot up top early to get a seat to here the band.Written April 12, 2024
- 707LISAA7070 contributionsA beautiful cruiseThe boarding was easy, I have to say everyone was so nice. We walked around and then made our way downstairs for some food. It was all very good food, hot and a ton available. The staff kept water full and there is a cash bar, the waitresses were delightful. The boat is clean and comfortable. The restrooms were nicer than I expected for an older boat. The jazz band was also great. It was so relaxing!Written April 10, 2024
- Flyer7422870 contributionsFun EveningVisited NO with my son and wanted to listen to some good jazz. This was a fun way to do it. Would love to have known ahead of time that only cash was accepted at the bar on our level but otherwise loved it.Written April 6, 2024
- Kathleen D0 contributionsPaddleboatThe paddleboat itself was an experience. I’m glad we had a chance to do. A tour of the actual engine room was phenomenal to see how everything works. The only downside was that the live band could only be seen at first by the people that chose to eat on the boat. After their dinner, we were invited to see the band and dance on the Dancefloor. The only problem was there was still no place to Sit.Written March 23, 2024
- sharonpD424ND0 contributionsDo Not Recommend the Creole Queen Dinner Cruise.I have been on dinner cruises in New Orleans before, both the Creole Queen and the Natchez. The price has escalated and the food quality has diminished significantly. The cost is $95 per person which is way overpriced for the quality and a buffet. I believe I paid $45 or so the last one I went on which was many years ago, but the food was decent, but not over the top. I could live with this price for a buffet and a cruise. Additionally, one person in our party found a hair in her salad which instantly ruined any further consumption of food. There a cash bar which which I totally expect for alcoholic beverages, but for $95 I would expect to get at least coffee or tea with my meal, but the only beverage that came with the meal was water.Written March 22, 2024
- T7482KWchenc0 contributionsNice music!Nice music and a chill trip on Mississippi river! I did it without dinner. No drink and food is allowed to bring on boat. Music is soft and charming. I will recommend to others😃Written March 18, 2024
- amybotta0 contributionsFun timeAt the ticket booth the girl we were getting tickets from was rude, talking and laughing on her earbuds throughout the interaction. Once we got past her everyone was very nice. Music was good though with some oddly long breaks considering it was only a 2 hour cruise and 1 hour dinner. The food was decent but different than what the website stated with only one fish dish for the pescatarian In our group. The boat was cool and the cruise nice though chilly in March with the wind on deckWritten March 13, 2024
- Nikki B0 contributionsNot worth the moneyThis trip is over priced We paid around £150 for 2 adults for an evening cruise with food. We arrived around 6.20pm before the boat departed at 7.00pm. We were due we directed to the dining room on a lower deck. The room was packed with people and so hot . Everyone was queuing for food which was not what I had expected. Many of the dishes contained carbohydrates. Dishes I would have thought would have been served such as friend chicken were replaced by chicken drumsticks and a mountain of pasta ! We won’t be returning .Written March 8, 2024
- sunbug12340 contributionsGreat way to experience some historical culture.The ship was delightful and the crew were most hospitable. The views of the city skyline were impressive. The buffet gave us a taste of Creole cuisine and the wait staff were very attentive. The jazz combo provided a nice atmosphere to enjoy the cruise. Well done!Written February 29, 2024
- 810mauricem0 contributionsDouble Date Night on VacationWe've enjoyed ourselves tremendously. The band was excellent. The buffet was delicious. The wait staff was friendly.Written February 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
631 reviews
Excellent
413
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133
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45
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22
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18
Nadira880
Portland, TN23 contributions
Dec 2019
Since this was my first time in New Orleans and I enjoy riverboat cruises, we booked an afternoon cruise on the Creole Queen. We'd originally planned on taking the Jazz Cruise, but it was on New Year's Eve and we really didn't want to be surrounded by drunk revelers, so we chose this instead.
I was glad I did.
The ship was beautifully decorated, clean, and every staff member we encountered from boarding to disembarkment was pleasant, courteous and helpful, especially the man who helped us with ticketing.
The buffet lunch was hot, tasty and filling.
However, what made this cruise worth every penny was our tour guide, Charles.
From the minute the tour began to the very end, I was enthralled by his funny, informative, and sometimes raw history lesson. What could've been a disappointing and dry experience (the banks of this part of the Mississippi aside from the downtown area are not picturesque or particularly beautiful...although it was interesting to see the Domino Sugar plant (you will be surprised)
You were given the option to either stay inside and listen to jazz, or you could go outside and listen to the story of Hurricane Katrina, which we were warned could get very intense.
We all decided to go outside to hear the story-keep in mind, It is several degrees colder on the water than it is on shore, so remember that when dressing for your cruise.
To sum it up briefly, his telling of the story of one of the most tragic and heinous moments in American history left me in tears.
I was glad I did.
The ship was beautifully decorated, clean, and every staff member we encountered from boarding to disembarkment was pleasant, courteous and helpful, especially the man who helped us with ticketing.
The buffet lunch was hot, tasty and filling.
However, what made this cruise worth every penny was our tour guide, Charles.
From the minute the tour began to the very end, I was enthralled by his funny, informative, and sometimes raw history lesson. What could've been a disappointing and dry experience (the banks of this part of the Mississippi aside from the downtown area are not picturesque or particularly beautiful...although it was interesting to see the Domino Sugar plant (you will be surprised)
You were given the option to either stay inside and listen to jazz, or you could go outside and listen to the story of Hurricane Katrina, which we were warned could get very intense.
We all decided to go outside to hear the story-keep in mind, It is several degrees colder on the water than it is on shore, so remember that when dressing for your cruise.
To sum it up briefly, his telling of the story of one of the most tragic and heinous moments in American history left me in tears.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris A
11 contributions
Jul 2021
Not as described. I took the Chalmette Battlefield tour and was bitterly disappointed. The description read, "Ranger led one hour tour." Nope. The visitor center wasn't even open!!! The Creole Queen keeps taking your money, lies to you about the site access and takes you to the park on the day's the Visitor Center is closed. The sly boat narrator led us all to the back of a closed building (yes, us good little sheep were supposed to hang out behind a boarded up building?!) while he talked for forty minutes...this was to distract us from the fact there was no Ranger tour and the visitor center wasn't open. This was such a scam. Do not believe a word they say about this tour. Facts: you will have less than an hour at Chalmette Battlefield. Call the NPS at the site to see which days they are open so you don't get scammed into listening to a storyteller for the few minutes you have there. Historical fiction and storytelling is fun for some, but I really wanted to learn about the site significance from the visitor center and an NPS Ranger offering real historic facts.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine R
Providence, RI148 contributions
Mar 2020
We had made a list of things to do in New Orleans but unfortunately many were not open on Monday and we suddenly realized we had the whole afternoon free. I have to admit I have always wanted to travel on a paddlewheel (ever since reading Mark Twain as a kid) but I had some concerns this trip might be too touristy (in the bad sense). It was much better than we imagined! The boat accommodates a lot of people comfortably, and we sat on the top deck which was open, though it had an awning covering much of it. The sun was intense and we probably should have worn hats (or moved under the awning, which also would have worked!). Charles talked for much of the trip, and gave an amazing summary of the history of New Orleans, and of the Battle of New Orleans. Visiting Chalmette where this battle occurred is part of the trip. On the way back, Charles asked if we wanted to hear about Hurricane Katrina, which we did. (I thought it was a good idea that he only projected this part of the talk to the outside, so people who wanted to socialize could stay inside the boat). He was a very engaging storyteller, and I found the story of Katrina to be fascinating (also accurate based on things I have read). I would highly recommend this to any visitor, whether this is your first trip to New Orleans or not! I should also mention that viewing the Mississippi River is amazing, you can see how strong and turbulent the current is.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JGNJ65
Kinnelon, NJ143 contributions
May 2022
Charles, the narrating historian, saved the trip in that there is very little to see once you leave the skyline of New Orleans until you get to the battleground. It was his narration that filled the time. Charles has a great voice which maybe closest I will come to the voices you heard over the radio prior to television...maybe he should do a recreation of War of the Worlds...His narration during in the battle ground truly painted images in mind. His Katrina narration was more biased in delivery but I'm sure it is quite a passionate topic.
The cruise itself was fine. Smooth ride, clean boat and bathrooms. If you book online you still need to go to the ticket window and you cannot bring onboard outside beverages. They do sell drinks and water on-board.
The breeze broke up the daily heat which was nice.
Overall, it was worth it for the narration as the "sights" were few and far between.
The cruise itself was fine. Smooth ride, clean boat and bathrooms. If you book online you still need to go to the ticket window and you cannot bring onboard outside beverages. They do sell drinks and water on-board.
The breeze broke up the daily heat which was nice.
Overall, it was worth it for the narration as the "sights" were few and far between.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A W
Qatar89 contributions
Jul 2019
It was a rainy day but this did not detract from this great activity.
Journeyed with family for my 50th birthday celebration.
The boat was in keeping with the theme of the tour. It was clean and staff were warm and welcoming.
Lunch was good.
The commentator kept you interested in the history by his expressive delivery and appropriate jokes at times :)
I would recommend this tour.
Journeyed with family for my 50th birthday celebration.
The boat was in keeping with the theme of the tour. It was clean and staff were warm and welcoming.
Lunch was good.
The commentator kept you interested in the history by his expressive delivery and appropriate jokes at times :)
I would recommend this tour.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Funyumken
Justin, TX87 contributions
Mar 2020
Any major city located on water will have a touristy boat tour of some kind and New Orleans is no different. What makes this trip so good is the narrator Charles. I'll get back to him in a minute. We took the lunch tour. The food was decent and the servers were friendly and fun. Pretty much like any other river trip you would go on. Two things stand out for me however. The first is something most don't think about but I found amazing. The Captain. I am sure he has taken this trip hundreds of times and has a ton of experience, but even so considering we are on the Mississippi river with a super strong current this Captain maneuvered this large boat amazingly. Going against the current he turned around 180 degrees and with the current pushing him away from the dock was able to slide us in to the dock so gently it was like he just kissed it. Amazing control! The other big deal to me was Charles, the guy I mentioned before. He is the perfect narrator. He has a voice you will remember and does an excellent job of sharing history on the way to the battlefield. I understand that he doesn't always do this next part, so if you are on board and Charles is your narrator, ask him to do this part. On the way back from the battlefield Charles recalls what it was like to be in New Orleans when Katrina hit. His way of telling the story, his dedication and emotion comes through so clearly. I can tell you that while he told the story everyone listened intently, you could have heard a pin drop as you felt like you were there during this catastrophe. If for no other reason if you are in New Orleans, jump on the Creole Queen, and ask Charles to share Katrina with you. It truly is worth the price of admission!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
20854Dave_K
Potomac, MD108 contributions
Dec 2019
We enjoyed hearing some of the history of the city of New Orleans while floating on the Mississippi River. The tour guide is a professional historian, so he educates and entertains at the same time with his story. On this cruise, there is a stop at the Chalmette Battlefield, where you can listen to the park ranger add a specific story as it relates to the battle field. We're glad we picked this particular cruise.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robb118
Las Vegas, NV42 contributions
The cruise up the river is relaxing and informative, especially due to our guide, Charles. The route to the battlefield featured a lot of general historical information about New Orleans and does a good job of setting the stage for the battle. It also includes a nice amount of ephemera, so it’s not just a standard history lecture for the full ride. You can purchase food and beverages on the way, but we didn’t eat, so I can’t comment as to the quality or value of food.
Upon arriving, you disembark with a pretty good sense of the events leading up to the battle. In our case, we were given the choice of listening to a talk with a park ranger or exploring on our own. The Ranger gives a detailed, but still accessible discussion of the battle, as you stand at the approximate vantage point of the main American defensive line. My only suggestion is that I really could have done with an additional 30-40 minutes at the site. I sense I may be in the minority there, as I am the kind that tends to linger at museums and battlefields.
On the way back, we initially listened to a little jazz on the inside of the boat with a drink. Later we went outside to hear a very revealing and first hand account from Charles about Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent events within the city. It was harrowing, tragic, enlightening, an even a little hopeful. I was amazed at the number of details I didn’t know. I would say it was the most thoughtful and dramatic learning experience I received on a trip that also included the vast WWII Museum and two other tours. You should go for that experience alone.
The story of Katrina can be graphic, so you should know that if you stay on the inside of the Riverboat, the PA system doesn’t reach you. This is true on the return trip only. Thus, if that’s not a story you need to hear, it is optional.
Pickup and drop off are on the end of Poydras St., which is close to most things.
Upon arriving, you disembark with a pretty good sense of the events leading up to the battle. In our case, we were given the choice of listening to a talk with a park ranger or exploring on our own. The Ranger gives a detailed, but still accessible discussion of the battle, as you stand at the approximate vantage point of the main American defensive line. My only suggestion is that I really could have done with an additional 30-40 minutes at the site. I sense I may be in the minority there, as I am the kind that tends to linger at museums and battlefields.
On the way back, we initially listened to a little jazz on the inside of the boat with a drink. Later we went outside to hear a very revealing and first hand account from Charles about Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent events within the city. It was harrowing, tragic, enlightening, an even a little hopeful. I was amazed at the number of details I didn’t know. I would say it was the most thoughtful and dramatic learning experience I received on a trip that also included the vast WWII Museum and two other tours. You should go for that experience alone.
The story of Katrina can be graphic, so you should know that if you stay on the inside of the Riverboat, the PA system doesn’t reach you. This is true on the return trip only. Thus, if that’s not a story you need to hear, it is optional.
Pickup and drop off are on the end of Poydras St., which is close to most things.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Maryland, USA60 contributions
Mar 2020
I have seen the Creole Queen depart the Spanish Plaza many times but didn't realize that it also visited the Chalmette Battlefield (where the battle of New Orleans was fought in 1815). Remember the song? Our recent visit to New Orleans included this great three hour tour. The tour does include a cash bar and optional lunch but we opted out due to Charles the on board narrator. The ride takes you half an hour downriver to the Chalmette Battlefield where your disembark to tour the battlefield (with or without a park ranger). Afterwards, the cruise upstream is over an hour. The paddle has to work harder! All that said, I have to give a shout-out to Charles the on-board narrator. Going downriver, he gave a great history of New Orleans, pointed out landmarks and narrated right into the history of the Battle itself. This guy was articulate, concise and absolutely hilarious! After the battlefield tour (and going back upriver), Charles then gave an optional (with warning) narration of Hurricane Katrina. This was an intense account and absolutely stunning. Bravo to you sir. You have made this tour a MUST DO.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjarmstrongjr
Manteca, CA3 contributions
We took the 10:00 tour in the Creole Queen with pretty low expectations. We thought we would just float up and down the Mississippi and sightsee. We were pleasantly surprised when the narration wasn't prerecorded but done live. Not just live but with personality and great local and historical knowledge by our river guide Charles. He was whitty and informative at the same time. The trip out to the battlefield was full of clever banter and facts. After we visited the site our return trip, seeing the same scenery, was turned into an enthralling 30 minutes listening to Charles. He told us the story of hurricane Katrina from his prospective of one who's family lived though the event. Charles made the trip a memorable one.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this Paddlewheeler wheelchair friendly
SandFlogger
Santa Clara, UT365 contributions
Yes, as far as an elevator and hallways. But the bathroom is a bit small.
mariateresa f
Bogota, Colombia1 contribution
Tienen toures de varios dias ?
De donde salen?
Jamie Reed
North Carolina20 contributions
Do you give military discount???
LaLaLou
Preston, MD76 contributions
Their website doesn't list a military discount - you could call them directly to ask about possible discounts.
S.Golightly
8 contributions
Are there designated smoking areas on the ship or, preferably, no smoking allowed?
Bruce G.
Rio Rancho, NM159 contributions
NO smoking aboard the ship.
Can we buy tickets at the dock site and use a coupon.
Fred K
32 contributions
If there are some available.
From where to where does it cruise to?
Christina M
Setauket, NY641 contributions
Round trip from the dock.