Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland jazz band and a narration provided by our captain while cruising the Mighty Mississippi River.
There are two seating times for dinner, so please make sure to check availability of both if one is not available. The 1st dinner seating is from 6-7:15pm and the 2nd is from 7:45-9pm. Groups must be booked as one reservation in order to be seated together for dinner.
The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, 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! Upgrade your ticket to include the dinner buffet.
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.
Anyone looking to book a group of 15 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable, her sister vessel will operate the cruise.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Live narration of the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River
Calliope Concert
2-hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise 7pm-9pm
Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable, her sister vessel will operate the cruise.
Groups must be booked as one reservation
Enclosed Climate Controlled Area
Southern style dinner buffet (if option selected)
Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland
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! 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. A sample dinner menu can be found in the Itinerary section below. 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
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
Dockside - Fireworks Views
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: No cruise - this event will be dockside aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Cash bar, cash food available.
NO CRUISE: This event will be dockside for maximized fireworks views.
Duration: 3 hours
Food & Drinks available
NO CRUISE
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
6:30-9:30 - no cruise
6PM Dinner Seating
Buffet Dinner Included: Board vessel at 5:45PM. Please enter the dining room at 6PM for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7PM.
7:45PM Dinner - 6pm Boarding
Buffet Dinner Included: Board vessel at 6PM; vessel departs the dock at 7PM. Please enter the dining room at 7:45PM for dinner.
7:00pm Cruise Only - No Meal
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Board vessel at 6PM; vessel departs the dock at 7PM.
Essence Fest VIP on the River
VIP on the River - Adults Only: ESSENCE FESTIVAL WEEKEND’S #1 ALL INCLUSIVE EVENT
VIP ON THE RIVER is an ALL INCLUSIVE EVENT where EVERYONE IS V.I.P.
VIP: SIP all you want, SAVOR all you like and SWAY to the sounds of the Big Easy!
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Boarding begins @ 5:30PM and the NATCHEZ sails from 6PM-8PM
All Inclusive: One price includes Cruise, VIP Party, Food and Drinks. Plus… the most amazing start to your Essence Experience
Menu & Libations: NATCHEZ Salad, Southern Fried Fish, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice served with Bread Pudding
Open Bar
Reviews
6,975 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good view, bad smell, and expensive
Bethany B,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
2.00The ride was smooth. The crew was polite. The inside of the boat smelled like sewer. I am glad that I did not eat anything. The photos also being so expensive was terrible, especially after paying so much for the tickets themselves.
Good Food, but rushed!
David B,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
3.00The boat cruise, and jazz band, were both very good. In fact, the food was as good as any restaurant. Be prepared to be rushed if you’re in the first dinner seating. Our waiter had 12 tables and was rushing to get everyone out so that they could have the second seating for the dinner. We ordered a bottle of wine but only had time to drink one glass out of it before we had to exit the dining room.
This was a very fun...
Frances G,
Jul 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a very fun cruise! We did not order dinner. There was some food and snacks available, bought the photo package, the sunset views and night time city lights were awesome, and jazz band was good too!
Great food, good music,...
Carletta T,
Jul 29, 2025
- Viator
4.00Great food, good music, friendly people/staff. Lovely vibes, the weather was perfect. The sunset was beautiful.
Great music
Ashley B,
Jul 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Not gonna lie…. I paid for the dinner but we ate not long before we got there and we were not hungry lol🤷♀️. NOLA has so much to offer!! The MAIN reason I booked it was bc my son is a music major and plays the trumpet mainly. We came down for a week so he could see jazz!! Between the beautiful sights on the river and the amazing band we had a wonderful time!! He even got to chat with the trumpet player after!!! The staff was wonderful and the band AMAZING and the sights BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!!!!
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans