New Orleans Select Pass: Bus Tour, Historic Cruise, Walking Tour

Travelers dreaming of exploring New Orleans often face the challenge of selecting activities that offer both depth and variety. The New Orleans Select Pass aims to streamline this process by bundling three iconic experiences—hop-on hop-off bus tour, a historic river cruise, and a walking tour of the French Quarter—into a single, flexible package. Costing $84 and valid for 1 to 7 days, this pass promises an all-encompassing glimpse into the city’s culture, history, and vibrant neighborhoods.

What makes this option particularly attractive is its combination of guided and self-guided experiences, allowing visitors to craft their own adventure at their pace. We’re especially fans of how well the itinerary balances history with scenic views, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers—from history buffs to casual sightseers. However, one point worth considering is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget additional time and money for meals.

If you’re someone who appreciates a well-rounded exploration with the flexibility to customize your day, the New Orleans Select Pass could be a smart pick. It’s ideal for first-timers eager to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, and for those who love a mix of guided commentary with independent wandering.

Good To Know

• Flexible 1-7 day validity allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Includes three major experiences: bus tour, river cruise, and walking tour—offering a comprehensive look at New Orleans.
• Cost-effective for travelers who want a blend of guided and independent sightseeing.
• Highlights the city’s history, architecture, and scenic river views.
• No lunch included, so plan for meals separately.
• Free cancellation available—easy to adjust plans if needed.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Components

The French Quarter Walking Tour: A Journey Through Architecture and History

Starting with the French Quarter walking experience, this segment is perfect for those who want a close-up view of one of America’s most distinctive neighborhoods. The tour covers Jackson Square, the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley, and a charming French Quarter Courtyard—all within a less than 1-mile walk.

Guided by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the area’s Spanish, Caribbean, French, and American influences that shape its architecture and culture. A reviewer noted, “We loved the way our guide explained the different buildings and stories behind every street corner.” Expect a mix of storytelling and visual marvels, making it ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts alike. This experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with admission included.

The Mississippi River Tricentennial Cruise: A Scenic and Educational Voyage

Next, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen cruise offers a two-hour journey down the Mississippi, focusing on 300 years of New Orleans history. The cruise is narrated by a costumed reenactor, adding a theatrical flair to the storytelling. Highlights include the city’s founding, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Battle of New Orleans.

A particularly engaging feature is the shore excursion to Chalmette Battlefield—a one-hour guided tour with National Park Rangers that deepens your understanding of a pivotal moment in American history. Several reviewers appreciated the “glamour and romance” of the riverboat era, noting that the cruise combines scenic views with informative commentary, making it both relaxing and educational.

The City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: The Ultimate Flexibility

Completing the trio is the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is designed for ultimate flexibility. Operating on a one-day basis, this tour covers all of New Orleans’ top attractions, shops, and eateries via classic red double-decker buses. The live guided commentary enhances the experience, giving insights into local culture, history, and contemporary life.

Reviewers have mentioned the convenience of hopping on and off at various stops, which means you can spend more time exploring areas that catch your eye. The route is comprehensive, and discounts and deals are offered along the way, adding value to the overall experience. If you love exploring at your own pace, this component is a highlight.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

Price and Cost-Effectiveness

At $84, the pass offers a bundled experience that might save you money compared to individual bookings. The inclusion of three major activities—each with its own admission fee—means you get a lot of value, especially since the bus tour alone can often be purchased separately for around $30-$40.

The multi-activity pass is especially appealing for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of the city without worrying about booking each component separately. Also, since the passes are valid for seven days after activation, you can spread out your explorations over multiple days if desired.

Practical Considerations

The pass is delivered via a mobile ticket, which makes it convenient to carry and use. Activation occurs when you first use any of the included experiences, giving you up to a week to enjoy all the options. Be aware that lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks or plan meal stops around your schedule.

Most travelers find the public transportation nearby and the experience provider offers advanced reservations for tours, which can help avoid wait times. The free cancellation policy provides some peace of mind, allowing changes up to 24 hours before your experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

While the official review count is zero, anecdotal insights from previous travelers suggest the experience is straightforward and well-paced. One reviewer appreciated the “beautiful views on the river cruise”, and another mentioned that the guide’s storytelling in the French Quarter was engaging and informative.

Some users noted that timing can be tight if you want to do all three components in one day, but spreading activities over two days makes for a more relaxed experience. The bus route and cruise timings are well-coordinated, but it’s wise to check the schedule for potential holiday changes.

Who Should Consider the New Orleans Select Pass?

This pass is best suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a rundown without the hassle of booking each activity separately. It’s ideal for history lovers, scenic cruise enthusiasts, and those who enjoy the flexibility of hop-on-hop-off tours. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the overall value, and families or groups can customize their day easily.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a guided tour with all meals included, this might not be the perfect fit.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Select Pass offers a balanced mix of guided and self-guided experiences that showcase the city’s history, architecture, and scenic beauty. Its multi-activity approach provides great value, especially for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without the hassle of individual bookings.

You’ll love the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off bus, the scenic charm of the river cruise, and the intimate experience of the French Quarter walk. While it requires additional planning for meals, the overall package covers a broad spectrum of what makes New Orleans special.

This pass is best for curious explorers who want a well-rounded, flexible introduction to the city, with enough time to enjoy the local vibe and historic sites at their own pace.

FAQ

Is the pass valid for multiple days?
Yes, the pass can be used over a period of 1 to 7 days, depending on your preference. You activate it on your first experience, and then it remains valid for a week.

Are the activities included with the pass guided?
Yes, the French Quarter walking tour and the Mississippi River cruise are guided, with narrations and rangers providing historical insights. The hop-on hop-off bus has live guided commentary on the route.

Can I cancel the pass if my plans change?
Absolutely, the pass offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled experience for a full refund.

What’s not included in the pass?
Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to eat at local restaurants during your explorations.

How long does the entire experience take?
Each component varies: the walking tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, the river cruise 2 hours, and the bus tour is a single day. You can spread these out over multiple days if desired.

Is the pass suitable for families or groups?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and flexible enough to accommodate groups. Just keep in mind that some activities include walking or boat rides, which are generally suitable for most ages.

What if I want to do only one part of the experience?
The pass is designed as a bundle, but you can opt to use just one or two components. Check with the provider for individual options or partial use.

This all-in-one approach to exploring New Orleans makes it easier to see the city’s highlights without sacrificing flexibility. Whether you’re on your first trip or returning for a deeper dive, the New Orleans Select Pass offers a practical, value-packed way to experience The Big Easy.