Also referred to as the "Big Easy," New Orleans, Louisiana, is near the southern end of the Mississippi River, where the river opens into the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans' tourists can take advantage riverboat cruises on the Steamboat Natchez, Creole Queen, John James Audubon and Cajun Queen. These cruises offer trips during the day to riverfront New Orleans sites, such as Jean Lafitte National Historical Park in Chalmette and the Audubon Zoo. One of the boats, the Creole Queen, offers dinner cruises with live jazz music. Riverboat passengers can stay at hotel in downtown New Orleans' Canal Street or the historic French Quarter. Both areas are within walking distance of the riverboat's port of calls, which is by the Aquarium of Americas and Riverwalk Markeplace.
Steamboat river cruises are available on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, located in eastern Missouri. One of the primary river cruise companies is Gateway Archway Riverboats, which features two replications of 19th century steamboats: the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher. These cruises offer one-hour sightseeing tours during the day and dinner cruises after the sun sets. The ports for the Gateway Arch ships are within walking distance of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, less than 10 minutes from restaurants and hotels in the city's downtown area. St. Louis is also home to the Admiral steamboat, which offers gaming opportunities at the on-board President Casino. However, this ship is permanently moored, meaning it will not be used as a vessel again.
Situated in Central Illinois, Peoria is on the banks of the Illinois River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. However, the city's Spirit of Peoria paddle wheel riverboat offers overnight cruises on the Illinois River and Mississippi River, one of the few cruises in the United States to offer this package. Passengers take advantage of one- to five-day cruises. The cruise features a dining hall for meals throughout the day, live folk music and storytelling events. Lodging is provided on an off-board location, but is included in package rates. Offshore excursions include day trips at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
