New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
Overview
Available languages
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Reviews
5,544 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice afternoon cruise
Alison B,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Excellent tour. Great history and food was very good. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is bc 3 out of 4 of use didn’t get our fish for lunch. Had to keep asking and ended up getting only 3 servings. Food was good.
Jazz music water cruise
615yuriya,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had this trip with family of 4,very nice trip with jazz music,good food,nice view of Mississippi River,a lot of information about river business,good atmosphere on ship,watching engine room with paddle wheel.we recommend for everyone this excursion
Kendra, thank you
jonana r,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was amazing. I took my mom for her birthday and we decided to have the lunch on the boat at the last minute. Best decision ever....the catfish melted in our mouths, by time I went to go get the complimentary ice water and tea my mom had ate all the red beans and rice. I didnt really care for the salad but the bread pudding amazing. My mom talked my ear off about a staff member, a young lady named Kendra who went above and beyond with her customer service. She recommended places to take my mom for her birthday. I would just like to thank her. It seems like everyone was so busy but she actually took the time to engage in conversation with us. Sometimes its not about all work but making connections with strangers 😀
Not enough music
Maggie H,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00More of a tour than a jazz cruise. Fun being out on the water but wanted to hear more music. Band only played for about 30 minutes
Good Friday 2026
John B,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Food was awesome, the Nachez River boat is an incredible feat to explore and the staff was 10/10. New Orleans is a better place with this to experience.
My wife and I took this...
Douglas B,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00My wife and I took this jazz cruise in the afternoon. The music was really good, the narration was OK, and we had a relaxing tour.
fun
L8678IHlydiac,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good food, really enjoyed the jazz band
Excellent steam boat trip
Shaun S,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent steam boat ride and lunch. The last steam boat on the river and the hearing the sound of the loud honk was well worth it. Food was 8 of 10 but authentic. I recommend.
Great views!
Brooke K,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun! Great way to spend a couple hours in New Orleans! Iris B was especially helpful when we were looking for the best place to sit. We loved it!
Nachez jazz cruise- well worth it!
Amber M,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The food was amazing and authentic! Well worth the extra cost. Lots of seating to be able to see.highly recommend.
From US$43.50
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Operated by Gray Line New Orleans