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 legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.
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‘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)
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.
Options
Riverboat Cruise - No Meal
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal
Vessel type: Takes place on the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
7:45 Dinner aboard Riverboat
7:45pm Dinner Seating Included: Board vessel at 6PM; vessel departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM. Please enter the dining room at 7:45PM for dinner.
Vessel type: Takes place on the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Steamboat NATCHEZ-7:45 Dinner
7:45PM Dinner Seating Included: Board vessel at 6PM; vessel departs the dock at 7PM and returns @ 9PM. Please enter the dining room at 7:45PM for dinner.
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
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
6pm Dinner aboard Riverboat
6pm Dinner Seating Included: Board vessel at 5:45PM. Please enter the dining room at 6PM for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM.
Vessel type: Takes place on the 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
Steamboat NATCHEZ - No Meal
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Board vessel at 6PM; vessel departs the dock at 7PM.
Reviews
7,306 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely experience
LaDonna S,
Oct 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00It was very nice. The weather had turned cool and I was really glad that I took my coat. The guide was very informative and knew his stuff. I wish the music was not so loud. We could not hold a conversation with anyone because it was too loud.
Expectations are the mother of disappointment
Andrew Z,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
3.00My issue isn't with Viator, its more with the general operations of the cruise itself. First, there is a difference between the Steamboat Natchez and the sister ship The City of New Orleans. I really wanted to go on the Natchez, I would have gladly paid a premium to do so but that was not a choice available. The Natchez is an actual steam ship paddlewheel, its historic, it means something. The City of New Orleans is a modified barge. Judging by how many people were taking photos of the natchez with disappointment on their faces, I'm sure I'm mot alone in that. Second, there is no reason to have to line up 30+ minutes before boarding only to sit on the deck of a boat that doesn't move for another hour and a half. Maybe have reserve seating, or have the first dinner service load first into the dining room, then load the second group into another deck. We chose the second seating so that we could maybe see the sunset or views of the city, then eat dinner, but we couldn't see the sunset from the dock, and we could barely see the shore from the river. The food was meh, like less than Golden Corral level and we didnt eat until about two and a half hours after we boarded. We also did not go under the bridge like we had expected and read in other reviews. Which was also a let down. My wife had been on this boat in the day time before, which was much more enjoyable and far cheaper, the cost difference could have been spent on a decent meal in one of the greatest culinary cities in the world. I imagine if you were from South Dakota and had never seen a boat before, then this would have been exciting but it was just an ok experience with a bunch of people that had no idea what they were doing.
October Birthday Celebration
Jinnel T,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00The staff was professional and provided great service. The excursion was well worth the money. The views were amazing
Nice river trip, a little spendy.
Sharon T,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
4.00The trip is good, music good. Food is so so. For the most part it was fun. The night colors were beautiful.
Great
Annie M,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
4.00Awesome experience and fun cruise! I recommend bringing a light sweater if you want to sit outside and watch the band. Also, the inside cabin in extremely cold— maybe pack 2 sweaters!
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans