cane river queen riverboat cruise

Cane River Queen River Boat

Review Highlights

“ I was immediately greeted by Captain Paul and Daisy, and immediately felt like I was amongst my people. ” in 7 reviews

“ loved the views and his narrative and first mate Ronnie ! ” in 2 reviews

“ We were going to reserve the History cruise however, the young man answering questions advised the 7 pm cruise would be a music cruise. ” in 3 reviews

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103 Rue Beauport

Natchitoches, LA 71457

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Had a good time with my wife as we took the tour on Cain River Lake, Captain Paul was funny and impressive about how he built the boat.

A must-do if visiting Natchitoches!!! While researching things to do, this was one of the top experiences in every search, so I booked the ticket online. You can pay when you get there, but if it is a busy weekend, you definitely want to reserve your spot. It was a blazing hot day, but you don't notice it too terribly on the water. I was immediately greeted by Captain Paul and Daisy, and immediately felt like I was amongst my people. There were families with kids, couples, friends, and myself a solo traveler. Captain Paul certainly is doing what he loves to do, sailing away, making jokes, sharing history, and ensuring the experience is great for all. He lets you enjoy the quiet and peaceful views of nature and the beautiful (and more rustic) camps along the lake (Cane River is now a lake, and you'll learn more on the cruise), shares fun history of some of the homes along the route, and he shares stories of the formation of the lake and the history of the people who built the area. We even got a sighting of the elusive alligators in the lake, which even excited Captain Paul, and he silenced the motors to let us take it in. (It was fun to see some people who had never seen an alligator that close up enjoy the site!) Be sure to check their website for hours and tour dates. The schedule is adjusted during the holiday season and special events. Bring cash if you want a drink or to tip the hard working, entertaining, and job loving staff onboard. I can't wait to take the ride again when I'm back in town!

See all photos from Jeanne P. for Cane River Queen River Boat

My wife and I loved seeing the Cane River lake from the eyes of Captain Paul! He definitely made it fun and interesting. For the price this is a must do while in Natchitoches!1

Plenty of good seats...

Easy to get to dock.

Very nice and relaxing boat ride. The captain and his 1st mate were awesome. The captain gave nice comments on the trip pointing out some interesting areas. The 1st mate made sure everyone was taken care of. I would take this boat ride again and would recommend it to everyone. Thanks for a great time!!

The boat ride was so fun!! It was a perfect day. The boat was clean and updated - it was a smooth ride. The captain was nice and had some good info on Natchitoches! We really enjoyed it and will go back!

A beautiful sight seeing of beautiful homes & a comfortable ride on the paddle wheel boat !! The captain was a terrific host of explaining the sights along the way!! He even allowed my grandson to steer the boat a short distance!! A thrill it was for him !! Will recommend all ages to enjoy this boat ride !!!

We were going to reserve the History cruise however, the young man answering questions advised the 7 pm cruise would be a music cruise. OMG IT WAS THE BEST TIME! Captain Paul is absolutely amazing & such fun! We definitely will be doing this again & very soon. Thank you Captain Paul & First Mate Ronnie!

Cane River Queen Natchitoches LA

Captain Paul of Cane River Queen! He's awesome!

we had a great time on the evening ride...good music and humor...lots of fun...

Visiting Natchitoches for the day? Be sure to get tickets for this excursion. It was a lovely 4th of July afternoon, when we decided to take this boat ride up and down the Cane River. They allowed us to board the boat about 10-15 minutes early. As soon as we got on, we were offered cold, bottled water. Everyone was sweet as pie and super informative. The captain was a hoot, too! He even let my daughter steer the boat (she loved that). We got a little bit of history on the river and the landmarks shoreside. I have to add that it was a great way to beat the heat and do something fun for an hour. This was an activity we did amid COVID, so they properly physically distanced everyone, too. The boat is neat and even had a paddlewheel on he aft of the boat. We rolled on the river for about an hour. Don't worry, there is a restroom on board, too. This is a must do, if you are looking for activities to do with the family in Natchitoches.

See all photos from Rebecca W. for Cane River Queen River Boat

Great trip, especially at night during the Christmas season to see the lights along the River. Employees are very friendly and knowledgeable. I have been twice (2019 and 2021) and enjoyed both trips very much. The captain has interesting information about the history of Natchitoches that we hadn't heard before. Definitely worth doing on a trip to this charming city of lights.

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The Cane River Queen

SUNSET CRUISE

Boarding begins at 5:45 p.m. Departure from the dock will be at 6 p.m. and returns to the Cane River Queen dock at around 7 p.m.

Our evening cruise will depart from the Cane River Queen dock at the historic Rue Beaufort Riverfront District. As we depart, we head south up the Cane River enjoying beautiful landscaping along riverbanks as well as many magnificent homes that line the river. 

Around the bend, we pass the St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. You will appreciate stunning landscaping and beautifully landscaped homes stretched along the Cane River riverbanks. 

Traveling further downriver, we pass the Cane River Brewery housed in a refurbished cotton gin building dating back to the early 1900's.

Whether you are a visitor or resident of Natchitoches, you will make wonderful memories aboard the Cane River Queen. We forward to having you onboard!

Inclusions & Highlights:

A peaceful evening cruise as the sun sets on the Cane River.

Learn about Natchitoches, and how we got our name.

Discover interesting facts about the filming of Steel Magnolias.

Food, beverages and cash bar will be available on board. 

Quick Details:

Duration: 1 hour

Availability: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Boarding time: 5:45 p.m.

Departure time: 6 p.m.

Returning time: apx 7 p.m.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding.  Public restrooms are located just beside the dock for your convenience. We do have an onboard restroom available.

Please have your reservation # readily available to expedite the boarding process. 

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Cane River Queen River Boat

Tourist Attractions

• 103 Rue Beauport Natchitoches LA 71457
• (318) 663-7787
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Come aboard the Cane River Queen River Boat for a fun and relaxing tour down the historic Cane River. For pricing and current schedule, check our website at caneriverqueen.com

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New riverboat debuts on Cane River, historic cruises available right now

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KSLA) - A trip to downtown Natchitoches allows you to view beautiful sights like the Cane River.

It now shares its space with an equally beautiful riverboat- The Cane River Queen.

It’s a new riverboat that provides slow and smooth cruises along some of the most historic places in the city.

Cane River Paddle and Pedal Sports hosts cruises and other fun activities directly on the river. They offer SUP Yoga, paddle boarding, and kayaking

“It’s another way to see the Cane River and a way to actually be on the water,” Julia Coleman-Kiefer, co-owner of Cane River Paddle and Pedal Sports said.

Coleman-Kiefer says paddle boarding and kayaking are two of the fastest growing outdoor recreational sports in the world. That encouraged her to bring it to the City of Lights.

“The Cane River is 33 miles long and has no current. It’s the perfect place, “she said.

She also says the calm and stillness of the river makes it a prime choice for a riverboat.

The Cane River Queen arrived in Natchitoches in April. The coastguard approved vessel was built by its Captain Paul Lohr.

It holds about 60 people and has several safety features to ensure you enjoy the ride.

“The boat has 333 feet of pontoons under it, 38 different air-tight chambers. It’s very stable, “ Captain Lohr said.

He previously worked in the transportation industry for several years. While scouting places for the Cane River Queen, he stumbled upon Natchitoches.

“Everywhere in East Texas, your work is over with unless you’re a fisherman. Here in Natchitoches, October is our busiest part,” he said. “If I stayed in East Texas, in October, I’d be out of business.”

The Winter months in Natchitoches is the city’s busiest time as the Christmas Festival prepares to roll out in downtown.

State leaders say the cruises will benefit the local and state economy.

“It will draw new visitors into the city and keep them here longer,” Charlie Waltman, Membership and Marketing Manager with the Louisiana Travel Association said.

“It will be a new experience for people who’ve already fallen in love with the city,” Waltman said.

For information about booking cruises as well as other activities available at Cane River Paddle and Pedal Sports, click here .

Copyright 2019 KSLA. All rights reserved.

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MEET YOUR CAPTAIN: CANE RIVER QUEEN

Whether you’re a historian; a hopeless romantic; a business, social, or school group; or an avid traveler, come celebrate, discover, and explore Historic Natchitoches aboard the Cane River Queen Riverboat.

The Queen’s Captain, Paul Lohr was raised north of Kilgore, TX with a passion for boats. Retiring after 38 years in the trucking industry Paul began fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a riverboat captain.

Step one: build the “Cane River Queen.” Paul put many hours and a lot of his own sweat into the boat’s construction. It’s a labor of love and Captain Paul is sure you’ll fall in love while cruising down the waters in the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase.

So, why did the Cane River Queen come to Natchitoches? Paul visited Natchitoches several years ago and immediately fell in love with the tranquil waters of Cane River Lake. He knew the City of Lights was where he and his Queen needed to be.

The 60-passenger Cane River Queen made her debut on March 15, 2019. She currently resides at the south end of the newly renovated Rue Beauport downtown riverbank. Tours up and down the Cane River give passengers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while learning some of its history.

If you’re looking for a unique location to host a family reunion, private party or corporate event the Queen offers private bookings 7 days a week. Or if you’re just wanting to relax and unwind, there’s a seat waiting for you!

All cruises are BYOD, so please feel free to bring your own food and drinks. For a tour schedule go online to http://www.caneriverqueen.org . To book private party or corporate event call 318-663-7787.

3 thoughts on “ MEET YOUR CAPTAIN: CANE RIVER QUEEN ”

Some friends and I recently took the cruise. Very interesting and relaxing. Saw a baby gator about two feet long.

My family and I enjoyed cruising Cane River ♥️

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  Cane  River  Queen Riverboat   Paddle Wheeler

MEET OUR CAPTAIN

Captain Paul of the Cane River Queen

C aptain Paul was raised north of Kilgore, TX in the Sabine River bottom with a passion for boats. He and his three younger brothers, along with their dad, were always working on race cars, hot rods, boats etc. After retiring from the trucking industry of 38 years, in November of 2012. He began to build a paddle wheel boat in his spare time as well as the Queen where he lived on Lake Palestine from 1988 to 2017 . He came to visit Natchitoches and fell in love with Cane River in 2018 after retiring from the trucking industry of 38 years, in November of 2012. 

 In July of 2017 Captain Paul met with the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce and they set up a meeting with the mayor. In February of 2018 they completed the final inspection. The first launch in the Cane River on March 15, 2019.

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• St. Petersburg - Moscow Cruise

This 8-day Russian river cruise by luxury ship will take you to the jewels of Russia - St. Petersburg and Moscow as well as the most significant towns between these 2 magnificent cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil, country atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Rostropovich
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.

This is a great Russian river cruise on a comfortable 4-star ship that will take you to St. Petersburg and Moscow and the most significant places between these 2 cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui- Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ship: MS Crucelake

This is our shortest St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise and it is a perfect choice for those who have already been to Moscow and St. Petersburg and would like to explore the small, charming towns lying between the Two Capitals.

• Route St. Petersburg - Shlisselburg - Valaam - Svirstroy/Lodeynoe Pole - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Kuzino - Myshkin - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Swan Lake, MS Moonlight Sonata

This is our most popular St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise. Besides in depth visits to St. Petersburg and Moscow, the cruise covers all the most important areas between the two capitals: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Yaroslavl - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Zosima Shashkov

This is a classic St. Petersburg - Moscow cruises that takes you to the Two Capitals as well a number of charming ancient towns on the way: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships:, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky, MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Konstantin Fedin, MS Sankt-Peterburg, MS Kronshtadt

This St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise is a great way to discover Russia. The cruise includes in-depth visits to Russia’s two capitals and also makes stops at all of the important sites along the route including Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

This 11-day St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise covers all the important places: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ship: MS Moonlight Sonata

This 8-day Russian river cruise on a luxury ship takes you to Russia’s two capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as to the ancient towns of Uglich and Goritsy, Kizhi island with its outstanding wooden architecture, and Mandrogui village, famous for traditional handicrafts, and Valaam archipielago with its amazing monastary.

• Route St. Petersburg - Valaam - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Mustai Karim

We would like to thank you very much for making the arrangements for our river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow in Sept-Oct. We were very pleased with every aspect of the cruise. The accommodation and the meals were excellent, the staff very knowledgeable & courteous, the quality of the tours was excellent. We found the lectures on the boat very interesting & everything possible was done to make sure the tourists had a wonderful experience. Thank you, too, for arranging the hotel for us the night before the cruise. It was in a great location & very comfortable. All aspects of the trip were wonderful & it was great value for money spent. Our sincere thanks.

We just wanted to thank you again for your help in setting up our Russian cruise. We've appreciated your support all the way through - from taking us through the complex paperwork of the visa application to talking to our taxi driver in St Petersburg to make sure that we were in the right place. Great service! We absolutely loved the cruise! We learned a lot, relaxed a lot and were dazzled by beautiful cities and landscapes. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Russia. Thanks again!

St. Petersburg Cruise

This St. Petersburg cruise to Moscow Cruise is a great combination of ancient Russian cities, famous for their history, architecture and art. Travel along the magnificent Volga River that links these 2 beautiful and historic cities. Port calls include the Russian capital Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Kizhi , Goritsy and Uglich . The river cruise ship will take you along the Neva River , Lake Ladoga ,the Svir River , Lake Onega , the Baltic canal , White Lake and the Volga River . The beauty of the countryside will make your trip unforgettable. Come to Russia in the summer of 2021 with Express to Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

A russian land tour or a river cruise - which is better.

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

What is the best Russian river cruise line?

There are several Russian river cruise lines. Each cruise line offers a number of ships and programs at different price ranges. You call feel confident in choosing any of them. All of these cruise lines are well trusted and have been in business for a long time. We also recommend checking guests' reviews and asking our reservation specialist for more details regarding any concerns.

How far in advance should I book a Russian river cruise?

Usually the cruise operating companies set their schedules and prices well in advance - at least one year before the actual cruise starts. So, we may recommend that you book your cruise and place a deposit as early as possible so that you have enough time to arrange all other components of your journey. Please also note that cruise cabins sell out quickly, so it is always a good idea to book your cabin of choice in advance.

What should I pack for a Russian River Cruise?

The weather here can be unpredictable. So first of all it is important to have comfortable clothes and some wind/waterproof items. We highly recommend that you check our new article that contains full information on packing for a Russian river cruise .

What is the voltage in Russia?

Russia uses 220V voltage as does most of Europe. So before packing your devices, do not forget to take a proper adapter, so you may recharge all of your devices with no stress. For more information please see our useful tips .

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

Volga dream experience:

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

Volga dream experience: -

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified