• New Orleans' riverboat cruises offer a new view of the city.usa image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com
  
  Known both for its history and its fun side, New Orleans offers visitors of all ages and interests several activities and fun things to do. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of the city in 2005, New Orleans fought to rebuild and regain its status as a tourist destination. Visitors to New Orleans can find plenty of places to eat, sleep and have a good time. New Orleans' riverboat cruises make for a fun activity or day trip while in the city.
  
  

Chalmette Battlefield Cruise

• The Chalmette Battlefield Cruise takes visitors aboard the New Orleans Creole Queen on a river tour of various New Orleans' landmarks, including past the French Quarter and the Port of New Orleans, according to the New Orleans Creole Queen website. The 2 1/2-hour tour features a stop at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve to view the Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette Monument. Running daily, the cruise includes access to a cash bar and a la carte food on board.
  
  New Orleans Creole Queen
  1 Poydras St.
  Riverwalk Market Place, Box 39
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  504-529-4567
  creolequeen.com
  
  

Dinner Jazz Cruise

• The New Orleans Creole Queen also takes visitors on a Mississippi River dinner cruise. Four to five times a week, patrons can board the Creole Queen for a three-hour evening cruise that includes a Creole buffet dinner, live jazz band and after-dinner cocktails, according to the New Orleans Creole Queen website. Outer decks on the Creole Queen allow passengers to enjoy the New Orleans' night air while cruising down the Mississippi River.
  
  New Orleans Creole Queen
  1 Poydras St.
  Riverwalk Market Place, Box 39
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  504-529-4567
  creolequeen.com
  
  

Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise

• Leaving from Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter, the Harbor Cruise takes patrons on a day tour of the Mississippi River. According to the Steamboat Natchez website, the cruise features live narration of points of interest, calliope concert, on-board gift shop and tours of the engine room. Visitors can also choose to purchase an authentic Creole lunch that is prepared on board.
  
  New Orleans Steamboat Company
  400 N. Peters St., Suite 203
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  504-586-8777
  steamboatnatchez.com
  
  

Steamboat Natchez Dinner Jazz Cruise

• After the sun sets, the Steamboat Natchez offers dinner cruises on the Mississippi River. A live jazz band entertains patrons while they enjoy a casual buffet dinner and watch the New Orleans' skyline, according to the Steamboat Natchez website. Choose between indoor and outdoor dinner seating, and guests can also visit the engine room during the evening cruise.
  
  New Orleans Steamboat Company
  400 N. Peters St., Suite 203
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  504-586-8777
  steamboatnatchez.com