New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Admission Included

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Reviews

4.25

5,314 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3113

1137

598

214

252

Food was good, jazz trio...
William N,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Food 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
5.00
Great 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
1.00
Bought 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
Great 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 .
Great steamboat
27shelbya,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The steamboat ride is really nice and informational. The band on the boat is fantastic. But please stop or turn down the carnival music that plays while we wait in line/before boarding. So many passengers had their ears covered, the volume was extremely uncomfortable. Everyone cheered when it finally ended.
The boat was nice,...
Erik H,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
The boat was nice, unfortunately was pretty cold so everyone packed inside. The band was mediocre at best. There was a narrator that provided some interesting insights about the surrounding area and history.
Informational but boring
DEAN H,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00
The meals we had were pretty good, but nothing to write home about. The trip itself was, as I thought it would be, relatively boring. It is informational, but only to the extent that people are really interested in everything on the left and right sides of the river. If not, it is just another boat going up and down the river.
Just Something to Do
YHenry73,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Not much to see. The food was ok, but drinks were good.
First visit on New Orleans
Sightseer798771,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was our first time in the city and it was great to see the city from the water view. Nice day for paddle boat ride. New Orleans has many great things to see and do!