New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Ready for the ultimate New Orleans night out? Step aboard a classic riverboat for a dinner jazz cruise on the mighty Mississippi River — one of the most iconic things to do in New Orleans!
The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, 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.
Regardless of which vessel you board, savor a Creole-inspired buffet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and sway to live New Orleans jazz as the skyline sparkles around you. Whether it’s date night, a group outing, or your first trip to the Crescent City, this two-hour cruise brings all the NOLA magic — food, music, and views included. Book together to sit together! Don’t just visit New Orleans — cruise through it in style.
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 riverboat is handicap accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
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.
Contact local operator for groups of 15 or more. Different rates apply.
The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Not just a boat, the Steamboat NATCHEZ is a time machine that fills its passengers with the romance and marvel of yesteryear! Enjoy 1 hour dockside before the riverboat begins her 2-hour cruise down the Mississippi River. Relax with a cocktail at the bar and soak in the views as well as the sounds of the Calliope.
Mississippi River
Cruise along the Mississippi River and let the Steamboat NATCHEZ whisk you away with its atmosphere and ambiance, with everything from a museum- quality Engine Room to the ship's orders being called over an old-time megaphone. This evening jazz cruise is a great way to experience New Orleans' beauty and culture. As you steam ahead, soak in breathtaking views of the city skyline while enjoying a New Orleans cultural experience – a live jazz performance performed by the New Orleans band Dukes of Dixieland, a Grammy nominee. Enjoy dining inside or outside on a delectable Louisiana-style buffet dinner including prime rib, chicken, pasta and salad. Two separate dining times give you the flexibility to enjoy the evening at your own pace. Please Note: The price displayed is based on the cruise only option. Cruise with dinner option must be selected in order to confirm that your cruise includes the meal.
What‘s Included
Enclosed climate-controlled area
Live narration of the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River
Calliope Concert
Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland or New Orleans Jazz - Schedule Varies
Southern style dinner buffet (if option selected)
Restroom on board
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
Options
Riverboat CITY - 7:45 Dinner
7:45pm Dinner Seating Included: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ).
Boards at 6:00pm: Cruises 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
9:30pm Fest After Dark Concert
Fest After Dark Concert Cruise: A one-of-a-kind jam session and cruise, hosted in partnership with the French Quarter Festival
Steamboat NATCHEZ - No Meal
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Board the vessel anytime between 6-7 PM she departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM.
Steamboat NATCHEZ-7:45 Dinner
7:45PM Dinner Seating Included: Board the vessel anytime between 6-7 PM she departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM. Dinner is served at 7:45PM.
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
Riverboat CITY - No Meal
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Meal not included.
Board from 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Cruises 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Steamboat NATCHEZ - 6pm Dinner
6pm Dinner Seating Included: Board vessel at 5:45PM. Please enter the dining room at 6PM for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7PM.
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
Riverboat CITY - 6:00 Dinner
6pm Dinner Seating Included: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ).
Boards at 5:45pm: Please enter the dining room at 6:00pm for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7:00pm and returns at 9:00pm.
Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Reviews
7,697 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not worth to spend 3 hours and the money
Wenjia Z,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00It is 3 hours cruise, it is way to long. Buffet looks not worth for the price, Live Jazz music is good, but only small group of people are able to enjoy it. Performance happened in one small Corner, only fit for small 10 tables of people, majority people can only hear the music without able to see it! The view is just ok learnt the history but again, it doesn’t worth for the money
Easter Weekend Tour
Sebastian C,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour of New Orleans from the Mississippi River. Loved the asthetic on being on a steamboat. My partner and I had dinner and the buffet was overall great. I would recommend going on a non rainy day.
Great Food
bryner59,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable and informative. Food was fantastic! Hard to believe they can serve so many people so quickly and still serve some of the best food we had in New Orleans.
Great Activity but Bring Your snack
Sean G,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great activity. Expect long lines to board and to get drinks from the outside bar. They should offer complimentary snacks for guests waiting for the second dinner time. So bring your own snack and a bottle of water to hold you while you wait.
Evening cruise
James H,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on our evening cruise, great food, excellent service and lovely music. We were really impressed by the boat, which is the last operating steam boat on the Mississippi! You can actually go into the engine room, and see everything in motion. There was a local historian who shared lots of details about the ship, as well as the sights along the river which made it very enjoyable. A must for anyone visiting New Orleans.
Fun Niggt Out in NOLA
Jennifer O,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From beginning to end this was a top notch experience! The steamboat is beautiful and the operator played music on the steam pipes while the crowd was waiting to board. The onboarding process was efficient and quick. The dinner was delicious and the servers were excellent. The band and the narration were very entertaining.
Long Waits, Bad Food, and a Frustrating Setup
Emilie G,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Overall, this experience was disappointing. First, the boarding process was chaotic. We waited at least 45 minutes in line just to get on, with very poor organization. The band setup was extremely poorly planned. Only a very small section of the boat had seating near the band, which made it almost impossible for most guests to enjoy the performance. There was a clear lack of seating overall, creating a “first come, first served” situation that felt unfair and uncomfortable. If you weren’t seated near the band, you could barely hear anything. On top of that, the band only started playing about 1 to 1.5 hours after the scheduled start time (6:00 PM), which added to the overall frustration. The dinner was also very underwhelming. The fried chicken was average at best, the roast beef was tough and rubbery, and the sides were equally disappointing. Overall, this experience felt poorly organized and did not meet expectations.
Misleading and not worth it.
Brandi H,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00We arrived on the ship around 6:40 for a 7pm departure, and given a 7:45pm dining slot. The bar lines were absurdly long, we did not wait. The jazz band was playing while boarding, but stopped around 7pm and educational commentary began for about 40 minutes. Once seated in the dining room the band began playing again, but since they were outdoors on the top level, we missed the opportunity to enjoy the music and dance. Our servers name was Jayden (I think), he was the highlight of this experience. As for the food, cesar salads are dressed and on the table prior to seating. The remainder of the food was buffet style. Fried chicken (way too salty), some type of beef (no flavor), seafood pasta, an Indian dish with white rice on the side, garlic string beans (strange tasting), and dinner rolls. Dessert was cheesecake and bread pudding, both tasted like cardboard. The Sprite was super bubbly and crisp. I do not recommend this experience at all. $200 poorly spent.
Wonderful narration....
Tin T,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful narration. Great food and amazing staff. Highly recommend! Experience was seamless!!!!!!!!
Sublime New Orleans experience.
Matthew K,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Must do. Steam paddle wheeler up the Mississippi with jazz. Add a dinner buffet for a great night out.
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