Riverboat Cruise: Jazz, History, and Scenic Views

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: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site - Experience the dynamic skyline of ‘The Crescent City’ from the sunlit decks or the cozy, climate-controlled interiors of the grand Steamer Natchez.
  • Mississippi River - Sail by the Chalmette Battlefield, the historic site where Jean Lafitte and his pirates allied with Andrew Jackson to protect the city from…
What's Included
  • 2-Hour Paddlewheel Cruise
  • Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
  • Live Commentary Onboard
  • Climate controlled areas
  • On-board restrooms
  • Creole-Inspired Brunch on Sunday (if option selected)
  • Creole-Inspired Lunch Monday-Saturday (if option selected)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Available for Purchase)
Additional Information

Step aboard the riverboat to the enchanting melodies of the Steam Calliope. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of river life that captivated historical and literary figures such as Mark Twain’s Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, while observing the vibrant activity of America’s second-largest port!
This genuine riverboat journey offers a leisurely two-hour…

Location
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Toulouse Street
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.3
(5981 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jennifer
Jun 18, 2026
Book Now - This adventure was absolutely amazing! The captain and the staff on the steamboat cruise were so friendly and knowledgeable, plus the food and drinks were really great! The fried chicken was the best I believe I’ve ever eaten and I will definitely be back at some point. Two thumbs up!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
567feleciaw
May 26, 2026
Really fun - We did this our first night in NOLA. This was a nice relaxing experience. The music was good. The food was great. If you are looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax for a bit while still experiencing the southern atmosphere this is the experience for you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samanthawn5461gt
Apr 9, 2026
It's a New Orleans Tradition for a Reason! - My family of 5 loved this experience! The food was a delicious cajun buffet. The service during dinner attentive and helpful. We were in the first dinner seating which I recommend because we ate while everyone else was boarding. We finished eating and were out on the deck when we departed from the dock. We loved the captain's commentary as we were traveling the Mississippi River. We also enjoyed the jazz music and touring the ship during our two hour journey. We're so glad we decided to do this NOLA tradition!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion320858
Jan 21, 2026
Unique, perfect NOLA experience - From beginning to end, this trip was so unique and a fabulous use of time! Before boarding, we listened to calliope music that I'd previously only heard in movies. We boarded a 2PM cruise with lunch, which was delicious! It was just the last of NOLA we had been searching for, and Iris was a very kind and helpful server. The balance between narration about the surroundings and then the jazz was spot on. Our whole family of four adults loved this original outing - super recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wcasaus
Jan 22, 2026
Worth The Ride - Good time on the riverboat. Enjoyed the historic narrative and spending some relaxing time on the Mississippi. Riding on a water wheel riverboat was pretty cool.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisgv7442jp
Jan 21, 2026
Very good BUT no steamboat now - PLEASE note the STEAM paddleboat (Natchez)is getting a new boiler. The paddle boat (City of New Oreans riverboat) I went on was electric powered. A bit of a disappointment, but the food was great, service very good and music was excellent! Iris B was an excellent server and gave me recommendations about where to seat and to enjoy he 3rd level where I would hear best. I have a hearing loss in one ear. I enjoyed walking around the 4 levels and seeing the sites. The Domino sugar factory was fascinating and had a barge with apparent raw sugar being moved into the factory. Very neat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fbell4u
Mar 28, 2026
Skip this excursion - This boat ride is underwhelming. Not much to see along the river and the jazz band playing on the boat was mediocre. I would skip this excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darla_s
Jun 5, 2026
Darla's Adventures on the Riverboat. - First the time on the app is wrong. Boarding starts at 11:00. Trip begins at 11:30. The lunch is not buffet. It is an extremely dry overly abundant arugula only salad. The person sets it down, says tea, water and coffee are that way. Then mumbles something, rolling their eyes when you ask them to repeat. The people working in the dining area are rude and unpleasant. They do not smile. They do not say hello. They point when you ask for something. The band was great. I loved the guide.
Review provided by Viator
Frances_j
May 2, 2026
Bot worth it - Buying tickets in advance is a mistake. We did and it rained like crazy and the wind was blowing so it was impossible to stay dry even under the covered area. It was also impossible to see anything so it was kind of a bust. Except for the experience of riding a steamboat it was a waste of 2 hours and $$$
Review provided by Viator
Krystel
Apr 21, 2026
Really not great. - Really not great but I couldn't stay here without testing the boat on the missipi Tom sawyer is my childhood
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $44
up to 30 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).