The mighty Mississippi River has been an integral part of New Orleans history since the city’s founding in 1718, and many of the city’s most historic neighborhoods are set on its banks. Once you’ve strolled these fabled streets, it’s time for another traditional mode of transportation—the paddlewheelers and riverboats that lend so much charm to the city’s waterfront.
Following are a few choice options for your group’s Mississippi River adventure:
• Operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels, the Creole Queen offers a variety of sailings, including a dinner jazz cruise featuring authentic creole cuisine and live music performed by local musicians. By day, a historical tour sails to the Chalmette Battlefield, where park rangers lead a guided tour of the Battle of New Orleans site. Boasting three private rooms that can be rented out separately, the Creole Queen can host a maximum of 800.
“We’re very close to the Morial Convention Center; it’s about a 10-minute walk,” notes Group Consultant Kristen Newman. “I’ve noticed that most convention groups just want to relax and enjoy the music.”
• Billing itself as the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi, Steamboat Natchez specializes in dinner and daytime jazz cruises featuring steam engine room visitation, calliope, optional creole food and local beverages. Cruises can be customized in length, time, decor and food to meet group needs, while the entire boat can handle up to 1,200.
“We work with many convention clients and offer not only the cruises but parades, tours, transportation and more,” says Adrienne Thomas, director of marketing and public relations. “Clients often like to be second-lined (paraded) from their convention site to the boat; it’s fun for the delegates and all the people they pass along the way.”
• There’s a new face on the river—the American Eagle, the second Mississippi River paddlewheeler launched by Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines. Featuring 84 staterooms, elevator service to all decks, six lounges and all-day room service and refreshments, the 1800s-style riverboat primarily cruises the Lower Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis.
