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 - 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.
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
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
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.
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
5,519 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome River cruise
Ryan C,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The riverboat tour was awesome. I was blown away at all of the history and information that the captain gave us on the tour. I really enjoyed it and my kids did too. We will book again when we’re in New Orleans again.
Enjoyable day cruise on the Mississippi with Jazz
H6423IOstuartg,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable day cruise on the Mississippi with Jazz. Shame the photo memory pack was to expensive to buy.
Disappointing
Ann P,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We had an 11:00 ticket after we stood in line for a long time we boarded and found seats. At about 11:40 there was an announcement that there was a repair that should have been made before we boarded and our choices were to get a refund or come back for the two pm cruise. We chose to go back for 2, had to wait in a longer line…they didn’t even give us a bottle of water for our inconvenience.
The cruise was so much...
Barbara F,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The cruise was so much fun! They had a great selection of drinks and snacks. The narrator was very informative! We went for a bachelorette and the bride loved it!
Everything the guy was...
Tammy P,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Everything the guy was telling you about was on the left side of the boat where it was so crowded. Wait time for 4th floor snack and drink was so long having only one person working. Didn't have a chair for someone who was bigger to sit in. Kinda boring.
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Tour
Maria V,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The steamboat tour was such a great experience! From the views of the Mississippi River to the relaxing atmosphere, everything was just perfect. The staff was friendly, the ride was smooth, and the whole vibe really captured the charm of New Orleans. It was the perfect mix of scenic, peaceful, and fun. Definitely a must-do when visiting NOLA!
Meh
Julia W,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Maybe just us but my teens and I thought this was incredibly boring. One hour would have been more than enough. Even at that, wouldn't do again.
Great lunch and the...
Joseph M,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great lunch and the cruise was long enough for two lunch sessions. Narration about what was being seen was interesting
Enjoyable!
cindymE3807KT,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very relaxing gliding along the water and listening to the history and the jazz music.
Skip Brunch!
ndQ7363LQ,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The boat itself was great and the boarding process was seamless, but save yourself the headache and skip the brunch. The service was incredibly slow—we had to ask for water and coffee three times, and even then, it arrived without cream or sugar. Despite being only the second seating, they were already out of staples like salmon and waffles. Most of the remaining food was mediocre, and the pastries tasted like cardboard. My advice? Stick to the sightseeing tour and grab brunch at one of the many fabulous restaurants in town instead.
From US$43.50
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans