New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
+11
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).
- Check off a classic New Orleans experience on this steamboat cruise
- Choose from several start times to suit your busy schedule
- Add on a Southern-style buffet lunch to complete the experience
- Listen to classic New Orleans jazz, performed live on board
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
With an optional buffet lunch, this daytime cruise on an authentic steamboat is a hit with families.
Sample Menu
Starter
Salad Du Jour
Main
Southern Fried Fish
Zesty cornmeal-crusted and fried to a golden perfection.
Main
Red Beans and Rice
New Orleans classic red beans atop a bed of rice with optional andouille sausage.
Main
Jambalaya
A traditional Louisiana dish with chicken, sausage, and Creole seasoning.
Dessert
New Orleans Bread Pudding
Souffle of local Leidenheimer French bread in a rich custard with Chef’s Choice of decadent sauce
What's Included
- 2-Hour Paddlewheel Cruise
- Live Commentary Onboard
- Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
- Creole-Inspired Lunch Monday-Saturday (if option selected)
- Creole-Inspired Brunch on Sunday (if option selected)
- Restroom on board
- Climate controlled areas
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic Beverages (Available for Purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Guarantee a spot on this popular cruise by booking a ticket in advance. Choose a morning or afternoon start time and head to Toulouse Street in the French Quarter to board the beautiful riverboat.
Stroll the deck as the riverboat begins its cruise along the Mississippi River. Then, find a seat in the cabin or outside, where you can admire unobstructed views of the shoreline and enjoy live jazz music.
Learn some riverside history as you pass sights such as the Chalmette Battlefield, where the famous pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte teamed up with Andrew Jackson to defeat British invaders in the Battle of New Orleans.
Upgrade when booking to enjoy an optional buffet lunch. Sample an array of classic Louisiana dishes, from cornmeal-crusted fish and red beans and rice to bread pudding. Coffee and tea are included with your lunch, or you may purchase alcoholic beverages.
Your river cruise ends back at the departure point in New Orleans, leaving you plenty of time to sightsee independently.
Stroll the deck as the riverboat begins its cruise along the Mississippi River. Then, find a seat in the cabin or outside, where you can admire unobstructed views of the shoreline and enjoy live jazz music.
Learn some riverside history as you pass sights such as the Chalmette Battlefield, where the famous pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte teamed up with Andrew Jackson to defeat British invaders in the Battle of New Orleans.
Upgrade when booking to enjoy an optional buffet lunch. Sample an array of classic Louisiana dishes, from cornmeal-crusted fish and red beans and rice to bread pudding. Coffee and tea are included with your lunch, or you may purchase alcoholic beverages.
Your river cruise ends back at the departure point in New Orleans, leaving you plenty of time to sightsee independently.
1
Steamboat NATCHEZ
Admission Ticket Included
2
Mississippi River
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- **Important for Groups of 10+** Parties of 10 or more guests require physical tickets for boarding. Please check in with our Lighthouse Ticket Office prior to boarding to receive your tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q:Where is the departure point for the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?
A:The harbor cruise departs from Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery in the heart of the French Quarter (400 Toulouse Street.)
Jun 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
I had such a wonderful time on the Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans. From the moment we boarded, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of Southern charm. The views along the Mississippi River were absolutely breathtaking, especially as the sun began to set.
The live jazz music truly made the experience unforgettable. It felt authentic and perfectly captured the spirit of New Orleans. The food was delicious, well-prepared, and offered a great variety. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves.
Cruising along the river while listening to jazz and taking in the skyline was peaceful and relaxing. It was the perfect mix of history, culture, and entertainment. I would highly recommend the Steamboat Natchez to anyone visiting New Orleans. It was truly a memorable experience!
Reviews
4.3
based on 6,034 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
If you had not experienced the Mississippi river on the last remaining steam power paddle boat, this is a must. Great experience, great food and music! highly recommended!!.
Great tour on the river. The jazz band was very good. The live narration was very good. The boat has multiple decks plus inside seating. Great views from all of the decks.
A fun activity to see the sights along the river and experience the paddle wheel! You get to hear a bit of jazz and taste some local foods. Such a fun day!
The lunch cruise is the best, and the bar service is fast and great. Our server Iris B is awesome. Polite and professional, give her a raise!!
Boat ride is fine but boarding was frustrating. We lined up to board the Natchez (on the direction of a ticket booth operator) and stood in line for a half hour to wait for pictures. Picture was taken after our ticket was checked, and then we waitress in a swims line. At the front of this line at attendant said we were in the wrong place (third employee to look at our tickets). Were sent to another boat, waited again in line, and were again told we were in the wrong place. We explained and showed our tickets to a 5th uniformed staff member who let us on board.
Lovely trip and a great way to spend a couple of hours out of the searing heat! It was very relaxing and an enjoyable afternoon
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for chosing our riverboat on your afternoon in New Orleans.
Enjoyed the food and the travel down the river. My 10 year old son had a blast completing the scavenger hunt and getting to know the boat and the people that run it. Thanks for a great experience!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Having children aboard is a treat. They enjoy the unique experience and do not have to be seated so it's just right. Thank you for the compliments.
Lots of areas to sit inside and out. Meal option good. Jazz band playing inside. Sit on the left side going out as the commentary is about the buildings on the left.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Julie, thank you for joining us for music, food and the unique view of the river.
It was a perfect weather day . we booked the jazz trip , unfortunately the music was playing only half the time and the historic commentary got to be a bit much .
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thanks for joining us. We try to blend the "tour" portion of live narration with the music. Some guests want more music like you, and others are asking for commentary. Thank you for coming for both and we appreciate your input.
The jazz band was good. They could have played a little longer. The food was good, but they rushed you & bring it all at once. Not a lot of room on the table. They can slow it down a little.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're overjoyed to know you enjoyed the band as well. We're continually working to enhance our dining options, and your comments will help us improve. We hope to welcome you back on board for another memorable cruise on the mighty Mississippi!
The your was as advertised. The food was buffet style warm and appetizing. Add your own seasoning. Staff was nice and accommodating. But the best part was sitting on the deck and just relaxing and talk to my husband. Simply put i enjoyed 😉
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Sound like you had a great "date night" with your husband. It was our pleasure.
Very informative trip and comfortable. Good music and food and drinks available there too. Not too crowded
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thanks so much for this great review. Your 5 star comments mean so much to our crew and staff.
Well worth the fee. Very informative
The food was delicious
Very interesting information
Well worth the money
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Being "well worth the money" is so important these days and we appreciate the 5 star rating.
Great tour, really enjoyable! We can’t criticise anything about it. Interesting commentary. Good music. Good drinks.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
From tour to narrration, music and drinks - your compliments are greatly appreciated.
The experience was wonderful, the food could’ve been a little better.
Would recommend this TOUR, especially for first timers to New Orleans.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Your recommendation will go a lone way in helping us provide this riverboat experience to more visitors to our city.
we enjoyed the cruise! The food was okay and brought to us really quickly. Lots of space to walk around on the boat to access views from different spots. The one thing I disliked is that they take your photo upon coming in to try and sell you pictures before you get on the boat. I think this is wasteful and that they should ask before you board.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for the review and we appreciate your suggestion. We often have people who can back and ask us to locate their photo and we can assist them.
Lived the relaxing ride on our last few hours in NOLA. Band was great. Info on area was great. Staff was great. Clean.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank You so much! It is an honor to know you enjoyed many different aspects of this tour.
Interesting facts about the city. Tour was just long enough but the FOOD was totally on point. I don’t eat red beans and rice. I did this trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
That is a sign that New Orleans is now a part of you - Red Beans and Rice runs in our blood. Your 5 star review meant the world to us.
Great atmosphere and authentic creole food which was served quickly to allow time to get on deck.
Good band
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for the 5 star review and we can't wait to share this with the band.
I enjoyed the boat ride in New Orleans yesterday with family and friends. Will do it again when I come back to New Orleans.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We hope you’ll visit our city and boat again soon, and don’t forget to bring along your friends and family.
Not much to see but, the food and drinks were on point! The on-boarding process was smooth- get there early if you want a window seat.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for sailing on today's Mississippi River. Today the Riverboat sails through the international Port of New Orleans, which supplies goods and services from around the world to the middle, and outreaches, of middle America. The location of the city hundreds of years ago was to be a protective port and one which would thrive on commerce.
Nice relaxing cruise, very informative. Enjoyed the live jazz music. Food service felt very rushed but food was good.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We're so glad you chose to spend part of your Sunday with us! Delighted to hear you found your journey entertaining and informative. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us to keep improving our services.
It was a mother and daughter staycation. I enjoyed the river cruise. It was very relaxing and informative.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you to both mother and daughter. We hope you had an enjoyable cruise with plenty of time for that important connection.
New Orleans Steamboat Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise was wonderful. The cruise up the Mississippi River was enjoyable. We chose the Sunday brunch which was well worth the price. Many delicious dishes to choose from. The commentary and the jazz band added to the enjoyment. Put it on your bucket list to go.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We're so glad you chose to spend part of your Sunday with us! It is music to our ears to hear thatr you found your journey entertaining and informative. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us to keep improving our services.
Very chill ride on river, the food was good for the price. Me and my daughter had a nice laid back afternoon just learning more about the history of NOLA followed by some nice jazz. Definitely recommend!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are pleased that you could share it with your daughter. It is a great way to relax from busy life.
The staff was friendly, the boat was clean, the tour information along the journey was interesting. The bathroom was cramped you kind of have to straddle the toilet to open and close the door for the women. The gift shop was nice. The calliope at the beginning was super fun and joyful but quickly became too loud . It really was a wonderful way to keep cool on a hot New Orleans day . Highly recommend would do again (with ear plugs) with friends or coworkers.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thanks so much for the lovely review Amber. We will certainly share your comments with the staff and Captain.
This was out 2nd time taking this cruise, the 1st was in 2018, last time there were more food options and it was buffet style but you could serve yourself, this time only 3 options and the food definitely wasn’t as good. The narration and music were fine, but I think I’d skip it the next time we come back.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We were disappointed to learn that we did not meet the same level of food service that you remembered from your visit in 2018. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we’re addressing these comments with our team to ensure future guests have a better experience on each cruise they take. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
The boat was fantastic and so was the food. The band was incredible and the weather was perfect for traveling.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Fabulous review - thanks Jaleel!
It's an ok experience. The ride is nice, the band is fun to listen to, the food is tasty, but the service is definitely rushed. Lunch was served as soon as we boarded and we had people come by our table to pick up dishes as soon as anyone was putting the last bite in their mouth of every plate. They even asked me if I was going to eat the dessert when they took my lunch plate away. It felt like they just wanted us to be done and gone. Lunch was over even before we started moving, so there's no "eating while you cruise along the Mississippi". This is a once and done experience. I'm glad I did it, but wouldn't do it again.
Lovely experience on this history, jazz boat on the Mississippi. We did the food experience. We loved the fish dinner. Drinks are additional. We dined inside as it was to warm in September.
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
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