River boats?

My partner and I are going to be visiting New Orleans in a few days, for about a week. I've been there many times over the years, but my partner has never been there, so I want to show him some of the great things I have enjoyed in the past. I'm here looking for recommendations for a Riverboat cruise. I had hoped that the John James Audubon would still be doing the zoo cruises, but alas it seems that's no more. My partner has a deathly allergy to seafood, so the buffet meals on many of the jazz cruises and so forth are a little concerning for us (nothing bad about the kitchens, but the chances of another diner cross-contaminating things goes way up on a buffet). I'm having trouble figuring out if there is way to take a ride on a boat without paying for the meal he would probably be afraid to try. I really love the authentic old boats, but the Natchez is so expensive, and if you're not planning on eating the meal ....

I would be grateful for suggestions! Thank you so much.