With its rich history and eccentric culture, New Orleans has long been known for its connection to the Mississippi River. One of the most iconic ways to experience the city’s culinary and scenic aspects is by dining aboard one of its historic riverboats. These river cruises offer a unique combination of delicious Southern cuisine, live entertainment, and picturesque views of the city’s skyline and the mighty Mississippi. Here are some dining experiences you can enjoy on a New Orleans riverboat.
Creole and Cajun Dining on the Steamboat Natchez
One of the most famous riverboats in New Orleans is the Steamboat Natchez. This beautifully restored paddlewheeler offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River. The Natchez offers a traditional Creole dinner buffet with a wide selection of local favorites, such as shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, and Creole bread pudding. Guests can enjoy their meals while listening to live jazz performances by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, making the cruise a feast for both the ears and the taste buds.
The Steamboat Natchez also offers a Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring classic Southern breakfast items like scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, and biscuits, paired with lunch options like Creole shrimp pasta. Diners can sip on mimosas or enjoy fresh coffee while enjoying the leisurely sights along the river.
Special Events and Themed Dinners on the Creole Queen
The Creole Queen, another iconic riverboat, offers a variety of dining and event options. Known for its beautiful Victorian-style decor and spacious dining rooms, the Creole Queen provides a more intimate dining experience while sailing down the river. The boat is particularly famous for its dinner jazz cruises, which offer a three-course Creole menu that includes local delicacies such as gumbo, red beans and rice, and blackened fish.
In addition to regular dining options, the Creole Queen hosts themed dinner cruises for holidays and special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. These cruises typically include enhanced menus, champagne toasts, and live entertainment, ranging from jazz bands to local brass bands. There are also options for private events, making the Creole Queen a popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and family gatherings.
Cocktails and Sunset Cruises
For a more casual dining experience, the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen offer sunset cruises focusing on cocktails and lighter fare. These cruises typically feature a menu of appetizers, such as shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, and charcuterie boards, alongside a full bar with classic Southern cocktails like the Sazerac, mint julep, and Hurricane. As the sun sets over the Mississippi River, passengers can sip their drinks and watch the city come alive with the evening lights’ soft glow.
Historical and Culinary Experience Combined
One of the unique aspects of dining on a New Orleans riverboat is the chance to connect with the city’s past. The riverboats are a nod to the 19th century when paddlewheelers were a common sight along the river, carrying passengers and goods between New Orleans and other river cities. Today, many riverboat cruises in New Orleans combine dining with historical narration, giving guests insights into the city’s development, its role in the Civil War, and the importance of the Mississippi River in shaping New Orleans’ culture and economy.
Whether enjoying a candlelit dinner while listening to live jazz or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the water, dining on a riverboat in New Orleans offers a truly unique experience that captures the city’s essence. Whether for a special occasion or a memorable evening out, these riverboat dining options will leave a lasting impression.
