Paddleboat Cruise in New Orleans: Worth It?

A New Orleans paddleboat cruise is exactly what it sounds like: you board a big old-fashioned riverboat with a paddle wheel, head out onto the Mississippi, and spend 60-90 minutes gliding past the city skyline, industrial wharves, and the occasional cargo ship. The experience is calm and pleasant rather than thrilling. You'll get decent views of the French Quarter from the water, commentary over the speakers (sometimes live, sometimes recorded), and a bar that serves drinks. It's family-friendly during the day and becomes more of a party boat at night with live music. Expect wind, engine noise, and the boat rocking a bit when larger ships pass.

The best time is February through May or October-November when the weather is mild and humidity is lower. Summer is brutally hot and afternoon thunderstorms are common; winter can be surprisingly cold on the water. Expect to pay around $45-75 per adult for a daytime or sunset cruise; evening jazz or dinner options run $80-130. Kids are usually half price or less.

Pick a late-afternoon or sunset departure if you want good light for photos and a slightly calmer river. Skip the dinner cruise unless you're really into the idea of eating on a moving boat; the food is generally mediocre for the price. Bring a light jacket even in summer; it gets breezy once you're out on the water.