New Orleans Jazz Cruise: Steamboat NATCHEZ Experience
4.2
3,691 Ratings
New Orleans
Experience the enchanting sights and sounds of river life on the New Orleans Jazz Cruise aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Board the riverboat and enjoy a delightful journey with live jazz music and a delicious lunch. Book now!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

View the ever-changing skyline of ‘The Crescent City’ from the sunny decks or climate-controlled comfort of the majestic Steamer Natchez. 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.

Points of Interest

  • Gray Line New Orleans
What's Included
  • 2-hour paddlewheel cruise
  • Early boarding, 30 minutes before departure
  • Live onboard commentary
  • Optional Creole-inspired lunch
  • Live jazz music by the Steamboat Stompers
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Available for Purchase)
Additional Information

Set foot on your river cruise to the charming melodies of the Steam Calliope. Witness the scenes and echoes of river living that fascinated figures of history and literature, akin to Mark Twain’s characters Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Observe the busy actions of the second-largest port in America!

Please be aware that boarding of the boat starts at 11:00am and the boat leaves punctually at 11:30am. We have two time slots for lunch - 11:00am and 12:15pm. If you decide on the earlier lunch slot, we kindly ask you to arrive about 10:45 am and directly proceed to the dining area upon entering the ship.

  • 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 riverboat cruises rain or shine.
  • Anyone looking to book a group of 9 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
  • Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ need to take time off, her sister vessel 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.
Location
Gray Line New Orleans
Toulouse Street
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(3691 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
James_w
Mar 11, 2024
Had a great time - Music was great. food was very good and plentiful. Got to check out the engine room. Felt like Louis Armstrong could have been there.
Review provided by Viator
Geralynepstein
Mar 1, 2024
Great time! - We had such a nice time on board! Our amazing bartender (who’s also a mortician) was so cool and friendly! She really made our time inside super pleasant. The narrator provided great info about the surrounding sights and fun facts about the area and the ship. The restroom was the cleanest restroom in all of New Orleans. The ship itself was actually SOO clean. The ride was comfortable and very pleasant. The band was great!!! I loved the volume of their music. You could still have a chat but also easily hear the music. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith_h
Feb 22, 2024
Great time on the river! - It was really fun to get out on the water to explore the mighty Mississippi River. It was like taking a step back in time. We learned so much from our guide. We loved getting to go down into the boiler room to see the inner workings of the paddlewheel. We took the tour only and did not include a meal. But we were still able to fill our bellies with food from the bar. It was definitely a great value and we got our monies work. Give it a go the next time you are in the Big Easy. The onboard Jazz band was great!
Review provided by Viator
Rezarta_d
Dec 10, 2023
Do it again - This river is amazing. So deep, so quiet so peaceful. Boat ride was a dream. Lunch was great and music was just what you'd expect in NO. Smooth Louis Armstrong accompanies the peaceful ride.
Review provided by Viator
Erica_e
Dec 8, 2023
Great time - I had a wonderful experience the food was good, and the ambience was very pleasant. I would definitely recommend this to friends and family.
Review provided by Viator
Trail16455794878
Mar 20, 2024
Gold review - Great afternoon jazz cruise with interesting and informative commentary. Drinks were reasonable and accessible. We didn't have the lunch so I can't comment on that . Just don't sit under the horn!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_n
Jan 1, 2024
Enjoy the cruise, but the meal did not look appetizing. - I enjoyed sailing up and down the Mississippi, and watching the paddlewheel propel the ship. The band was quite good. The reason I didn’t give it five stars is after viewing the buffet lunch that was being served. So glad I didn’t op for the meal. Recommend you have lunch or dinner on shore and only pay for the cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Nelly_d
Mar 12, 2024
Average - This tour was ok not sure it is worth it because for the money that you pay to see very little. This is my personal opinion
Review provided by Viator
Colette_l
Dec 11, 2023
Terrible lunch and not much to see - The jazz band Steamboat Stompers were the highlight of the cruise! If you like cafeteria quality food thrown on a plate, boring monotone narration of ugly barges and Domino sugar as you pass by, this is the tour for you! If you must take this steamboat, don’t do the lunch.
Review provided by Viator
Colette
Dec 11, 2023
Don’t do the lunch! - Jazz band was great! Food was not presented well and the low cafeteria style food quality was not enjoyable. Really nothing to see on cruise except barges and Domino sugar. Boring narration. Jazz band was the highlight. I couldn't wait until it was over. If you want to take a ride on a steamboat, don’t do the lunch. Also, there’s really nothing to see but barges, working boats and Domino sugar along the cruise. The Steamboat Stompers Jazz band was the highlight of the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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