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
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
Riverboat CITY - 6:00 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 and returns at 9PM.
Vessel type: Takes place on the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
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.
Riverboat CITY - No Meal
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Board the vessel anytime between 6-7 PM she 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-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 - 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 Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Reviews
7,498 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gotta try at least once!
Victoria B,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a pretty fun experience just being on the steamboat and seeing the propellers go, the food was a good 7/10. It's buffet style but we had a server (Jennifer) who was very sweet to us, she brought us chicken and sausage gumbo. It was good, then the buffet had crawfish etouffee, this was the best thing from the whole buffet in my opinion. It was super tasty, had really good bits of crawfish in it. They did have this seafood pasta that was super good as well, sweet potatoes were 9/10. I don't even like sweet potatoes but that mixed with the etouffee was delishh. So after dinner you can go to the top 2 stories, the second one had the jazz club and they were amaIng and talented. Guy on the piano was a whistling genius so that was a ton of fun to see/hear. I would say you gotta try this at least once, the captain was also saying information at the start of the ride and it's just nice having a drink listening to jazz on a historical steamboat.
New Orleans Jazz Boat Ride
Juan M,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable activity. Very informative. I learned a lot about the Mississippi River & its history.
Nice night out.
Tracy L,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Had a great time seeing the view amd the dinner and wait staff amazing as well. Enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.
It's ok
Angelica P,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The trip was nothing really exciting except for the experience of traveling on a paddle boat. It was really disappointing that the boat did not take off for over an hour after every one boarded.
Dinner jazz steamboat tour
Tom S,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great music and food. Very enjoyable even solo. Boat was not the Natchez, but the bigger The City of New Orleans, built in Illinois as a riverboat casino. Accessible for wheelchair and those (like me) with mobility issues. Crew was very helpful.
Would do this again!
Kathy M,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the variety of food. True southern cuisine! Band was great. Everyone had a wonderful experience.
Boring! Not much to see!
Hildie K,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Told the river is all lit up. Most of it was dark. Again staff just doesn’t care. Could have been a lot of fun but the blow it big time!
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Delivered!
Timbeac,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We decided we did not want to be in a restaurant for New Year’s Eve dinner so I booked the Natchez riverboat cruise. We got to the boat 15 minutes early and the line was already 200 feet long. But it went really fast as they checked your tickets and took a picture of each family or couple. When we got on board, everyone was headed upstairs to the bar. I saw the long line and headed to the mid level bar. No one in line at all! We kept going there for drinks the rest of the night. The bartenders were so friendly and accommodating! The jazz band was very good and played all the standards on the upper deck. Our reservation for food was 7:45 and I had heard from a few locals that the food on board was not good. So I was prepared for a mediocre experience. Wrong! The food, jambalaya, fried chicken, okra etc was fantastic! And I’m VERY particular about food prep. It was buffet style, so maybe they think the quality was compromised but everyone around us dining thought the food was stellar. After dinner we went to the back of the boat and watched the paddle wheel. It is mesmerizing. What a cool way to end the year! We docked and headed to Jackson Square (literally right across the street) to watch the fleur de lis drop!
Jazz Cruise
Garogno,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A good 3 hour evening trip but was a bit disappointed that the jazz band did not play from 19:00hrs ( after our meal ) until 19:50 hrs. but when they played they were good.
Although we had hoped for...
Michele M,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Although we had hoped for a bit more history of New Orleans, the experience as a whole was amazing. The music was great and it was a wonderful evening.
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans