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!
The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off(December 12, 2025 through February 2026) but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see!
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.
The Steamboat NATCHEZ will be taking some time off (Dec 12, 2025 - Feb 2026), her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You'll get the same authentic experience of a grand paddlewheeler on a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi.
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
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
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Reviews
5,287 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't Eat the Lunch!
Anna G,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The actual tour was very nice and relaxing. I made reservations online which was pretty easy. I git a call later the next day only to be told they had canceled my original time for a later time. No problem there. I thought I had bought the lunch but the lady said no I hadn't and I would have to call back. So I called to confirm trip and asked about purchasing the lunch option only to be told I had purchased it. So the day and time of the tour I am told I didn't buy the lunch. I had to get out of line and go try to purchase the lunch. I am told NO you can buy it with the hostess. I stand in line again and I am told no again, you have to go buy it at the bar. So here is another line again and finally bought lunch. What a mistake. The lunch was the worst. A mix salad with salad dressing. No tomatoes, Croutons, carrots, you get the picture. The plate was catfish that STUNK with red beans and rice with a few sausage pieces that tasted pretty good. Also, dirty rice which was hard but tasty. Can you imagine 2 servings of rice! Either way, 3 of us and all 3 thought the catfish was spoiled or they took right out of a dirty river because it tasted like dirty water. They gave us a rice pudding that was good but the bread was hard. Horrible experience. Don't fall for the expensive lunch. No bueno!!
Fun trip!
Terry G,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good time with a nice meal. Very informative while on the river and the band was great to listen to.
Steamboat Tour
MonicaA M,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great! We loved the history and the slow paced ride. We learned so much about the area and the Mississippi river
Awesome food and great...
Sterling S,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome food and great info was shared on the sights in the area. I would definitely recommend in the future!
Good Times
joeinfx,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise was excellent. The food was just ok and the service was excellent. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable. I would definitely do this again.
Great tour but don’t waste the money on the meal package. They served the salad, main dish and dessert and it was col
Diana C,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Don’t bother with the lunch. Food came all at once and was cold. Eat before or after. They served everything - salad, main dish, dessert - at the same time and it was cold. The dining room is nice and we expected better. We were disappointed with the meal. It felt like they couldn’t get rid of us fast enough. The view is better outside anyway. Just get the boat ride and skip the meal.
Poor attitudes
johnlI1156XK,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Photo staff rude when trying to come back to get off boat. Would absolutely fire those individuals. After all it’s the guests that help pay their salaries.
Riding the Mighty Mississippi River
williet2026,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was an excellent experience with the understanding of the Mighty Mississippi River and the history surrounding it.
Not worth it!
Hinal N,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00There’s a lot of time wasted to depart and there isn’t a much to see. Save yourselves the money and time.
Entertaining for the whole family!
Kimberly K,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fun, relaxing way to learn some history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. My boys, 21 and 19, both enjoyed it too!
From US$43.50
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans