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
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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
Reviews
5,318 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip on the City of New Orleans
Beth M,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was nice and relaxing. The narration was very informative and the music was enjoyable. We didn't book the dinner meal because you are seated inside and are unable to see much during the trip. The food didn't look enticing enough to spend the extra money. Drinks were great, service was fast, and being able to purchase drinks and carry them off the boat with you was an added bonus.
It was a nice and...
Alma G,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a nice and relaxing. We didn’t get the meal option but the drink option at the bar was good. We had a great time!
Nice
Marcus H,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Everything was very smooth. I walked over in ~8 minutes from my Q&C Hotel. I went on a 55 degree January weekday and the boat was nowhere near full which was nice and spacious with plenty of seating. The narration was well done and had some jokes. The band was okay a nice addition. The lunch was very tasty and for $20 extra a great deal in New Orleans. They will provide you 2nds if you ask. I recommend getting first meal because the boat does not leave port for the first 45 minutes which is boring otherwise. 2nd meal you will miss most the scenery. The ride is 45 min down river then turn around and 45 min back up. I enjoyed a Panama Canal boat ride last year more than this, but this is a must-do if in New Orleans for the first time!
Worth it
Skctct,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative. Extremely polite and hospitable. Great and friendly engaging jazz band even on a very cold day. Made it a fun experience.
Highly recommend
Thomas G,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was simple and easy to plan. We had no trouble at all. I would recommend to anyone wanting to use this
Food was good, jazz trio...
William N,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Food was good, jazz trio was excellent. Plenty of places to sit and easy to walk around. Drinks were kind of expensive but otherwise a good value for the price
Great time!
KristiTMeyer,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time! Easy to get on and off. Band was fantastic. Bar was reasonable with several Options priced well. Comfortable seats. Lovely afternoon.
Disappointing!
laurasE5240IK,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Bought tickets from the box office located by the jetty where the steamer is moored. Paid for 6pm sitting with food jazz and a cruise along the Mississippi. Wasn’t advised at the time of booking that 2 decks - where the bars are located - were closed for private functions. Only the restaurant and top deck (which was freezing) were open. We managed to disembark before sailing off, requesting a refund. We were given a refund which failed to go through. Apparently not their fault. Really disappointing and very poor customer service.
It didn’t depart right...
Hirotaka N,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It didn’t depart right away but it was noted in the description. Otherwise it was a fun and relaxing trip.
NOLA Riverboat Trip
James B,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great fun and a must do activity in New Orleans. Easy to access and music and food delicious. Booking is easy and confirmed by email with vouchers .
From US$43.50
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans