The steamboat Natchez offers day cruises that sail along the Mississippi in the New Orleans harbor. The boat has been sailing since 1975 and is powered by steam in the manner of 19th century river boats. The cruises offer jazz and calliope music. The riverboat departs the Toulouse Street wharf in New Orleans three times a day, according to the New Orleans Cruise Guide.
Steamboat Natchez
400 N. Peters St.
Suite 203
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-586-8777
www.steamboatnatchez.com
The Creole Queen is another New Orleans paddle boat sailing through the Port of New Orleans. It offers dinner and jazz cruises. The modern Creole Queen was built in a fashion similar to the popular paddle wheel boats of the 1850s. However, today's boat features air conditioning and heat, making it a popular choice year-round. According to the New Orleans Cruise Guide, the Creole Queen also offers cruises to Mardi Gras World, which give guests the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras from the river.
The Creole Queen
#1 Poydras (River Walk and Spanish Plaza)
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-529-4567
www.creolequeen.com
The La Crosse Queen sails along the Mississippi River from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and is propelled by a combination of a traditional steam wheel and a diesel engine. The La Crosse Queen gives daily 90-minute sightseeing tours from May to October. Tour guides point out historical sites and places of interest, and guests are often able to spot bald eagles that fish in the waters of the upper Mississippi. During the sailing season, the La Crosse Queen also offers Friday night dinner, Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch cruises. The boat can be rented for private parties and moonlight cruises, according to the La Crosse Queen website.
La Crosse Queen
P.O Box 1805
La Crosse, WI 54602
(608) 784-8523
www.lacrossequeen.com
Padelford River Boats cruise from St. Paul, Minnesota, through the northern region of the Mississippi River. From downtown St. Paul, the Padelford boats cruise into the Mississippi National Great River Park. From June to August, Padleford operates sightseeing cruises from Tuesday to Sunday featuring a narrated tour, snacks and cocktails. In September and October, guests can take advantage of the fall foliage cruises. On Tuesday and Friday evenings, June through September, guests can enjoy dinner and watch the sun go down aboard a sunset cruise. The company also offers a buffet lunch cruise on Sundays. According to the website, the company offers several specialty cruises including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Ocktoberfest and Margarita cruises. During the winter, when the river is often frozen, the boat is available for dockside rentals for private parties.
Padelford River Boats
Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-227-1100
www.riverrides.com
