When I was a boy, there was but one permanent ambition among my comrades in our village on the west bank of the Mississippi River. That was, to be a steamboatman. We had transient ambitions of other sorts, but they were only transient. When a circus came and went, it left us all burning to become clowns…and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. These ambitions faded out, each in its turn; but the ambition to be a steamboatman always remained.
Mark Twain, Chapter 4, Life on the Mississippi
Kids have always been fascinated by riverboats. Ever since the first steamboat made its way down the Mississippi River from Pittsburgh to New Orleans more than 200 years ago, children have rushed to the river’s edge to get a look. “Steamboat’s a comin’!” they used to yell. Those days are gone in most parts of the America but not here in New Orleans. This year, the Riverboat City of New Orleans has joined her sister vessel the Steamboat NATCHEZ on the river and is introducing a whole new generation to the wonders of life on the Mississippi.
Maybe it’s the calliope bursting with song. Maybe it’s the spray of the giant red paddlewheel. Maybe it's the live jazz. Maybe it’s the sense of adventure – a hunger to know what’s up yonder around the bend. There’s just something about these “floating wedding cakes” that captures the imagination and beckons you to come aboard!
Because of Covid-19, cruise schedules have been reduced and special steps are being taken to keep you and your family safe. To find out more about their Jazz Lunch and Sunday Brunch Cruises, Dinner Jazz Cruises, and special holiday cruises, visit their official website.
Read: Get Out of the House and Into Nature
« back to Tips
