New views of the Crescent City are revealed by riverboats rolling on the river and a Venetian gondola gliding along lagoons.
A look at a map of New Orleans shows the city’s curved, crescent shape. It’s the result of the Mississippi River winding by and the reason why New Orleans is called the Crescent City.
Downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter, and Fahbourg Marigny are some of sightseers’ favorite places along the river’s edge. Each takes on a new look for visitors aboard the city’s two historic riverboats: Steamboat Natchez and Creole Queen.
Steamboat Natchez is a steam powered sternwheeler with engines circa 1925, copper bell smelted from 250 silver dollars, 32-note calliope, and 25-ton white oak wheel that rips through the river water.
Steamboat Natchez offers visitors two-hour cruises beginning and ending near Jax Brewery on Decatur Street. Cocktails, freshly prepared food, and live music enhance its excursions.
Great for groups, fit for families, and ideal for dates, lunch cruises for two are less than $40 with special arrangements available for groups of 10 or more.
Creole Queen uses a 24-foot paddlewheel to work its way along the Mississippi River. Indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, freshly cooked Creole food, and live jazz highlight this riverboat’s cruise options.
Creole Queen boards at the Canal Place dock. Its guests can disembark at the Chalmette Battlefield and tour the site of the Battle of New Orleans.
In the center of the Crescent City awaits a most unexpected boat ride on an authentic Venetian gondola named Bella Mae.
NOLA Gondola operates Bella Mae and its gondolier takes guests through the lagoons, between the trees, and beneath the bridges of New Orleans City Park.
A 50-minute gondola ride costs $90 and Bella Mae can accommodate couples and small groups.
Either rolling on the river or slowly gliding by, a boat ride is the thing to do in New Orleans for those seeking unique views.
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