Visitors to New Orleans cannot leave without taking in the gushing beauty of the Mississippi River. This 2320 mile long river system is one of the biggest in the world and hence forms a suitable tourist attraction in the state.

Mississippi River on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River

Visitors to the region can sign up for a river cruise of the Mississippi river and make the most of the sights and sounds of the water. Whether you want a dinner cruise or a ride through the day, the options and opportunities for fun and relaxation are limitless.

Cruising the Mississippi in New Orleans

http://www.mississippirivercruises.com/

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offers one of the best cruises on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. With a capacity of 1000 passengers, this paddle wheel cruise boat is the ultimate in luxury for all those who want to enjoy the finest dining and entertainment opportunities while touring the river.

The Creole Queen Cruise

http://www.creolequeen.com/

The Chalmette Battlefield Cruise is offered by the same company and gives a great chance to see the sights of New Orleans as one travels on the cruise boat. One gets a chance to visit important New Orleans places such as the Port and also the French Quarter. One gets to revisit history by spending time at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. The cruise takes around 2.5 hours. Adults have to pay an admission ticket of $20 while children between 5 and 12 pay $10.

The Chalmette Battlefield Cruise

http://www.bigeasystore.com/CC/cruise_battlefield.html

The Mississippi river is the second longest river in the United States with only the Missouri river being longer. Following the Mississippi river is the great river road. It starts from the Northwood of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. On the river road through the ten state regions, you will discover a rich and diverse history, culture and landscape. There are many incredible hotels located close to the banks of the Mississippi river that you can plan for your stay.

http://www.experiencemississippiriver.com/beyond.cfm

New Orleans hotels close to the Mississippi River

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MSYNHHH-Hilton-New-Orleans-Riverside-Louisiana/index.do

Double Tree hotel New Orleans

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/MSYTCDT-Doubletree-Hotel-New-Orleans-Louisiana/index.do

The Westin New Orleans Canal Place

http://www.starwoodhotels.com

Apart from the great hospitality that the hotels offer, the New Orleans hotel rooms are comfortable to stay in being inclusive of all sorts of amenities. Some of the attractions close to the hotels include:

- Bourbon Street and the historic French Quarter

- Entergy IMAX® Theatre

- Morial Convention Center

- Aquarium of The Americas

- Audubon Insectarium

- Hundreds of shops, upscale retail establishments, restaurants and clubs of Jackson Brewery and the Riverwalk

One of the best things to do while visiting New Orleans is to experience a pleasurable New Orleans river cruise. With a number of steamboats docked in the French Quarter's middle, it is easy to catch a river cruise and enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River and take in the sounds and sites of the riverside city. Among all the Louisiana Mississippi River cruises, the best are the cruises in New Orleans.

Which are the best Mississippi River Cruises in New Orleans?

The Mississippi River Cruises in New Orleans are offered by a number of different companies. Here are some of the best Mississippi River Cruises offered in New Orleans.

New Orleans Steamboat Company

http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/

This company offers 2 cruises on the Steamboat Natchez. The 2 hour cruise includes a Calliope concert before departure, a live narration of New Orleans history, a tour of the museum quality engine room and an optional Creole lunch. Also offered by the New Orleans Steamboat Company are river boat dinner cruises which include a casual buffet dining and wonderful jazz music.

New Orleans Paddlewheels Company

http://www.creolequeen.com/

This company offers daily 1 hour harbor cruises and river boat dinner cruises on two different ships on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Holiday cruises are also offered by the company which includes dinner cruises on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Old River Road Plantation Adventure Company

http://www.plantationadventure.com/

They offer river boat cruises which include a trip to the local plantations. These cruises are great in combining the beauty of the Mississippi river and the splendor of the plantation.

Majestic America Line

http://www.majesticamericaline.com/

This company offers 7 day cruises of the Mississippi River in exquisite luxury riverboat liners. Here you can get luxury suites with private verandah from where you can watch the splendor of the Mississippi river and the magnificent city of New Orleans.

Here are some links to New Orleans hotel reviews:

http://www.orbitz.com/hotels/United_States– LA/New_Orleans/

http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/North_America/United_States_of_America/Louisiana/New_Orleans-793014/Hotels_and_Accommodations-New_Orleans-TG-C-1.html

http://new.orleans.hotelguide.net/