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, 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.
Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ need to take time off, her sister vessel 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‘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)
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.
Options
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
5,157 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It’s lovely but...
Alison C,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It’s lovely but overpriced for what you get. The Dixieland jazz players were great, but only a trio, so, not full band like video shows.
Excellent
Kevin K,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked online the night before, a good price and choosing the non dining afternoon option. Smooth process all round. The cruise was excellent, sunny too which always helps. Highly recommended.
A beautiful day for a river trip
Deidra A,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Once the line started moving, we boarded quickly. It was very nice. The only negative i have is, if you get motion sickness, don't sit above the paddle wheel. Otherwise. It was perfect.
Nice leisure ride
Lora K,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Be on the land side as the announcements are talking about that side. There was plenty of space during our ride. The stream pipe music was nice. Clean bathrooms.
Great Trip - Highly recommend - Esp in good weather
Kristin W,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely tour. The Captain gave some great explanations telling about the history and happenings along the river. I booked the trip for several friends as we were in New Orleans for a Conference. The weather was fantastic in late October and allowed for us to enjoy the deck of the boat for the trip. The lunch was very good, and staff was very courteous. It was fun also to be invited to the engine room to see the workings of the boat. A couple of people in our group were older and in wheel chairs. The accommodations and staff (we were met at the dock by the Captain) to get my friends on the boat were easily done. I would highly recommend the tour.
It was ok .
Michelle F,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The food to me was not worth it. It wasn't bad but it wasn't that great. The boat ride itself is nice.
Nanchez Heaven
daniel h,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Rode the Steamboat Nanchez. It was a beautiful experience! The glorious Mississippi glowed and boat purred and rocked with pure energy.
Good music, good food, good relaxation
Byron v,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The food is just amazing! The music on board honors Louis Armstrong which is good to see and hear. It calms me down being on the river, so I like this a lot. The overall experience has awesome! I would recommand this if you like jazz, good food and gaining information about the history of New Orleans.
Not good
X6765DQlisaj,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I was looking forward to this so much, but what a disappointment! We had included dining, and the food was bland and sloppy. There was distorted and out of tune piano music playing through the speakers. The temperature in the dining room must have been in minus figures. It was akin to picnicking on the slopes of Everest! I only lasted 25 minutes as I was shivering so much (maybe that was their plan) I took my overpriced cocktail to find the jazz band, they were ok but the very small seating area was full. There was no music outside so we thought we'd listen to the narration. He gave up on that after about 15 minutes, so we basically looked at a dark river for the last 1.5 hours, willing it to end! If you do this cruise, take a puffer coat, scarf, gloves and hat, or skip the dining and go straight to where the jazz band plays. In hindsight, a day time one would have been a better idea.
Riding a riverboat
Michael B,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time riding on the river and seeing the sites. Food was plentiful and good . The staff was attentive and fun as were the people on the boat
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