New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port!
This authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, features traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites. Make sure you check out the Steam Engine Room on the bottom deck!
Lunch option available Monday - Saturday.
Brunch option available Sunday only.
The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
The Steamboat NATCHEZ is handclapped accessible to the main deck and restrooms only.
Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
The tour cruises rain or shine, however the cruise may be cancelled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.
Anyone looking to book a group of 9 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
View the ever-changing skyline of 'The Crescent City' from the sunny decks or climate-controlled comfort of the majestic Steamer Natchez.
Mississippi River
Cruise past the Chalmette Battlefield, where the legendary Jean Lafitte and his buccaneers joined forces with Andrew Jackson to defend the city against the British in the Battle of New Orleans. You also have the option to add on a delicious buffet lunch.
What‘s Included
Live Commentary Onboard
Climate controlled areas
Creole-Inspired Lunch Monday-Saturday (if option selected)
2-Hour Paddlewheel Cruise
Restroom on board
Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages (Available for Purchase)
Options
First Lunch Seating - Morning
First Lunch Seating: Boarding: 11AM
Cruising: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
Lunch Time: 11AM - 12PM
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place.
Second Lunch Seating - Morning
Second Lunch Seating: Boarding: 11AM
Cruising: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
Lunch Time: 12:15PM - 1:15PM
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place.
First Lunch Seating- Afternoon
1st Lunch Seating: Boarding: 2PM
Cruising: 2:30PM - 4:30PM
Lunch Time: 2PM - 3:15PM
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place
Sunday Cruise Only - No Meal
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place.
Sunday Brunch Cruise - w/ Meal
Sunday Jazz Brunch: Sample Menu: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Creamy French Eggs, Top Round Beef, Shrimp & Grits, and Fresh Cinnamon Rolls
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place
Second Lunch Seating-Afternoon
2nd Lunch Seating: Boarding: 2PM
Cruising: 2:30PM - 4:30PM
Lunch Time: 3:15PM - 4:15PM
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place
Sightseeing Cruise
No Meal
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place.
Reviews
5,598 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable time food was so so
NewEnglandAreaFan,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The ship was fun you're allowed to roam all over decent variety of drinks. Went for the lunch Cruise and unfortunately there are a lot of choices so if you don't like seafood all they had was catfish some type of jambalaya and red beans and rice with bread pudding for dessert so there were a few people in our group that weren't really happy because there was no alternative. They need to turn down this volume on the calliope always almost everybody allow us complained about the volume and hurting their ears. There were times that it went over 90 decibels where I was standing
fun in the sun lol
Sonja W,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00that some times yoi can't understand the talking on the loud speaker .need a different form and not to repeat so much
Birthday Cruise!
Heather B,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the steamboat ride, the music was wonderful! The food smelled so good, we didn't partake but that bread pudding looked and smelled amazing! The captain/ tour guide was informative without being boring. Drinks were priced well, we walked there from our hotel so didn't have to worry about parking.
Best short boat cruise experience
Christy J,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome! Rich in history and very relaxing. We really enjoyed getting to explore the boat and see the engine room!
A must do for your NOLA trip!
Jennifer P,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely day on the Mississippi River, listening to jazz music and enjoying delicious food. A must for any visitor to NOLA!
Steaming down the Mississippi
Carolina J,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Make sure to check the engine room & the paddlewheel at the lower level of the boat. Don't forget sunscreen. Also, plan on getting there ca. 1 hour before departure, bc it takes a while to board. It was really worth to steam down the Mississippi & see the bustling river, as well as the skyline of the city. It tales
Fun, interesting and relaxing
Vikki-lw,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Food was delivered quickly. Was stated to be buffet but food was.delovered.to table. Perfect amount of time.on the river
This jazz cruise was just...
Katrina J,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This jazz cruise was just what we needed to get a little break from walking around the city. The line to board was longer than expected but it moved quickly and the staff was efficient at directing us where to go and serving us our meal. Thoroughly impressed. The band was also enjoyable. Overall great experience!
Relaxing cruise down the Mississippi River.
ath0z,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise was a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River. It is important to arrive early so you can secure your preferred spot on the boat, as lines begin to form well over an hour before the experience is scheduled to begin. The ticket claimed that we would set sail at 2:00 PM but we actually departed at 2:30 PM, the experience lasted about two hours. The staff and crew were very friendly and helpful. The cruise itself was nice and informative. The crew announced and gave brief overviews about several points of interest passed along the banks of the river. A live jazz band would also pay music as we cruised down the river. Meals and snacks are on sale on board there is also a full bar. This was a pleasurable experience which I would recommend to any first time visitor to New Orleans.
Nothing special
Doria O,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The meal felt rushed- served as soon as we sat down. Warmed but not hot. Fish was dry. I recommend just taking the ride … The
From US$43.50
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Gray Line New Orleans