Ask the Captain.

How large are the boats?
The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is `190' x 40' with the capacity of 800 passengers.

From where does the boat depart?
The Creole Queen departs from the Poydras Street dock at Spanish Plaza. This is located behind the Hilton Riverside Hotel/Riverwalk Outlet Mall.

Are there any age requirements?
Anyone, any age may cruise on our boats.

Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended for day cruises and Dinner Jazz Cruise. Groups of 10 or more should always make reservations in advance with our Group Sales Office.

What number should I call to make reservations?
Individuals can call (504) 529-4567 daily from 8am-6pm (press 1, then press 3). If you are reserving for a group of 10 or more, call (504) 529-4567 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

How far in advance should I make reservations?
If you are planning for a large group, call us as soon as possible. A few months will make it easier to accommodate all of your preferences. Individuals should try to book within 30 days of their planned cruise, provided there is space available. We recommend calling as early as possible, especially for holiday and special event cruises such as the Fourth of July, and New Year's Eve.

Can I make reservations by phone?
For individual parties, payment is required in full at the time of reservation. We accept all major credit cards, traveler's checks, money orders, certified checks, and cash.

Which credit cards are accepted?
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

Do you offer discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts to parties of 10 or more adults.

Are you handicap accessible?
Yes, the Creole Queen has a weight-restricted mechanical lift and wheelchair-compatible accessibility.

There are many ways to experience Chalmette Battlefield. The full accessible way to visit the park is by vehicle. If you visit the park via the Creole Queen, please be aware that because of variable levels of the Mississippi River and river levee itself we are working on longer-term solutions for accessibility. The park programs are accessible, either via a virtual tour with closed captioning shown on the Creole Queen, or in-person on park grounds. The park also has audio description devices available for our visitor center exhibits, and a braille version of our park's Unigrid brochure. If you have special needs for your visit please contact us via email so we can accommodate accordingly.

Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
The ticket price does not include any gratuity on beverages purchased on the boat, or for outstanding personal service provided by your server. If you would like to leave a tip, it would be greatly appreciated.

What is the payment policy for group reservations?
A minimum of 10 adult passengers is needed to be considered a group. A deposit is due upon signing, and full payment is due within two weeks prior to the cruise

How early should I arrive for my cruise?
We generally board the vessel one half-hour prior to the battlefield cruise and one hour prior to the evening jazz cruise.

Do you cruise in bad weather?
Most of the time, yes. The boat is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. If for at any reason the boat does not sail, the cruise will be held dockside.

What should I wear?
For evening cruises, appropriate attire is casual to dressy. Afternoon cruises are generally more relaxed, and casual attire is fine.

What kind of food is served?
Our Dinner Jazz Cruise features a Creole buffet starting at 6:00 pm daily.

What type of entertainment is offered?
The entertainment changes depending on the cruise, however, you can always expect to hear live Jazz music on the Dinner Jazz Cruise. The daily Historic Cruise offers a narrated tour by one of our knowledgeable historians.

How is seating arranged on board?
Our boats feature community-style seating, with the majority of tables accommodating four to eight people. Please understand we cannot guarantee specific seating on the deck.

Are there smoking and non-smoking sections?
All interior areas of our boat are non-smoking. Passengers who enjoy smoking may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Are outside speakers or phones on speaker allowed on board?
No. To not disturb other guests, outside speakers or phones on speaker are not allowed on board.

Can I bring my pet on board?
We do not allow pets on board. However, Service Animals as defined by the ADA are always welcome. Although it is not required, as a courtesy we recommend notifying us at least 24-hours in advance that you will be bringing a Service Animal aboard.

Can I bring my firearm or other weapon on board?
No. All bags are searched prior to boarding and weapons are not allowed aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. In accordance with DHS and USCG policy, only on-duty officers in the commission of their duties having signed the Company’s indemnification document are allowed firearms or other weapons on board the vessel. All others must check weapons with the Captain for safekeeping during the duration of the cruise.

Can I bring my own food or beverage items on board?
No outside food or beverages are allowed aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Bags will be checked prior to boarding and any contraband discovered will be disposed of appropriately. If you have an allergy or other food concerns please call the office prior to your cruise to discuss your options. 

 

Paddlewheeler Dos and Don'ts

Do: Dance when the band plays your favorite jazz tune!

Don't: Bring any outside food or drink on a cruise

Do: Check in at the ticket booth - including children, guests who made reservations online, with a hotel concierge, or were sent from the Steamboat Natchez

Don't: Sit on the boat railing

Do: Order your favorite drink from our signature cocktail list!

---

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

Constructed in Moss Point, Mississippi, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen took her maiden voyage on October 1, 1983. She is an authentic paddlewheeler powered by a 24-foot diameter paddlewheel and the most modern, fuel efficient GE diesel-electric system ever installed in a boat of this class. Even though the Creole Queen would have been right at home among the steamboats of 1850's New Orleans, passengers of that era could never have conceived of a paddlewheeler with her luxury, comfort and safety. Ninety tons of air conditioning and heating keep the interior spaces pleasant all year round. Luxurious private rooms, stereo music and sound systems, modern restrooms and handicapped accessible facilities all combine to make the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen a true floating palace.

With our highly skilled staff of event specialists, creating customized parties and events is no problem. You can reserve just one room, the entire deck, or take a whole-boat charter allowing privacy and greater flexibility in planning your party. You can choose any type of entertainment you desire from our fabulous in-house jazz band or any of New Orleans' finest musicians and artists. Remain dockside or have a river cruise down the mighty Mississippi River, the options are endless! We can even assist you with transportation, hotel accomodations, or booking additional tours and attractions. Give our team a call at 504-293-2314 and ask for Group Sales.

The Creole Queen riverboat features outer decks with authentically patterned wrought iron trims inviting guests to stroll back in time as they settle into the mood of a bygone era. The interiors are richly appointed with plush Victorian style draperies, soft period lighting, wooden parquet dance floors, and Louisiana Cypress bars accented with brass railing for a warm and welcoming setting.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen has three private dining rooms giving her the largest indoor capacity on excursion vessels in New Orleans. Private room and full boat charters are available during our regularly scheduled cruises, as well as interim time frame.