Is parking available near the departure point for the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

There are parking lots in the French Quarter on Decatur Street and adjacent to the dock. These lots offer hourly or daily parking rates.

What time should I arrive for the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before departure or sooner.

Is alcohol available during the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

There are bars available on all three decks for guests 21 and over. Alcoholic beverages include beer, a wine list, and specialty drinks.

Is the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise handicap accessible?

Yes - the main deck is accessible, however, access to the top & bottom decks is by stairs only, and restroom stalls are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Can I bring an animal with me on the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

The Steamboat Natchez allows animals to cruise with their owners as long as they are a Service Animal as defined by the ADA. Other animals/pets are not permitted. Please note if bringing a service animal in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Are restrooms available during the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

Yes - restrooms are available on board for your convenience.

Can I smoke during the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise?

The Steamboat Natchez is a non-smoking vessel, so unfortunately smoking and vaping are prohibited both indoors and on the outer decks.

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

Badge of Excellence

New Orleans, USA

Very popular!

10+ bookings in the past 6 hours.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.2

· Zanya_R ·

Feb 2026

Worth it. Relaxing. Wonderful music. Great seating. Clean. Quality experience. Great customer service.

· Taylor_M ·

Dec 2025

I enjoyed the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise. The experience was relaxing and well organized, with great live jazz music that truly captured the spirit of the city. The views of the Mississippi River were beautiful, and the atmosphere was enjoyable and authentic. It was a wonderful way to take in New Orleans culture, and I would definitely recommend it to visitors.

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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)
Restroom on board
Climate controlled areas

Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages (Available for Purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Gray Line New Orleans
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
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.

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.

Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site

Admission Ticket Included

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.
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.
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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Garnetta_J

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

4.2

based on 5,504 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great Customer Service and southern hospitality

Lakeia_A, Mar 2026

I had an amazing time aboard the steamboat. My absolute favorite part was meeting Mike in the dining room he was absolutely incredible! Thank You again Mr Mike for your hospitality!!!

Good tour for families, great lunch!

Claudia_G, Mar 2026

Excellent tasting luncheon and restaurant service. The boat had plenty of room for all the people on it. It was also very clean. Excellent guide giving interesting information. We had a beautiful sunny day in late March so you could sit outside.

This is not a Jazz cruise it’s a listen to the captain talk cruise.

Lorna_B, Mar 2026

This should not be called a Jazz cruise. We were hoping to hear a Jazz band while in this cruise and the reality is the band played maybe ten minutes- stopping before the boat even started moving (which was at 2:40 for the 2:00 cruise) The captain then talked over a speaker about mostly industrial stuff, importing, exporting etc. After a way too long time of this the band did come back on and played for maybe a half hour before the captain came back on. It’s very unfortunate because it would have been lovely if the band had actually played for the majority of the time. Also the website says you can board 15-30 min early but we did not board until the time the boat was scheduled to leave. And the music piped in while waiting in line was at a volume that was unbearably loud.

Jazz Brunch

Shalleza_J, Mar 2026

The cruise was great, a bit hard to hear with noise in the dining area but overall, it was great. Food was great also and service was impeccable.

Good bang for your buck river cruise!

Alex_R, Mar 2026

Good value for the money. Paid almost double for a similar river cruise in Savannah and it didn't have live music! The staff was super friendly, space was adequate for the amount of people. Punctual boarding and departure and great food!

We had a great time. the...

Zsaquez_C, Mar 2026

We had a great time. the ship was really nice and the lunch was delicious. And we enjoyed the live band

Awesome River cruise

Ryan_C, Mar 2026

The riverboat tour was awesome. I was blown away at all of the history and information that the captain gave us on the tour. I really enjoyed it and my kids did too. We will book again when we’re in New Orleans again.

Disappointing

Ann_P, Mar 2026

We had an 11:00 ticket after we stood in line for a long time we boarded and found seats. At about 11:40 there was an announcement that there was a repair that should have been made before we boarded and our choices were to get a refund or come back for the two pm cruise. We chose to go back for 2, had to wait in a longer line…they didn’t even give us a bottle of water for our inconvenience.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We are disappointed that we created an inconvenience on your visit to our riverboat. We certainly want to be sure that the boat is in exceptionally good condition and repairs must be complete and verified before sailing. We will speak with our crew about your suggested option of providing a complimentary water in such cases.

The cruise was so much...

Barbara_F, Mar 2026

The cruise was so much fun! They had a great selection of drinks and snacks. The narrator was very informative! We went for a bachelorette and the bride loved it!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Congratulations to the bride and thank you for bringing her bachelorette party on board.

Everything the guy was...

Tammy_P, Mar 2026

Everything the guy was telling you about was on the left side of the boat where it was so crowded. Wait time for 4th floor snack and drink was so long having only one person working. Didn't have a chair for someone who was bigger to sit in. Kinda boring.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Tammy, we regret that we did not fully meet your needs while on board. The snack bar utilization varies but we staff it to meet the average needs, although we can be surprised.

Meh

Julia_W, Mar 2026

Maybe just us but my teens and I thought this was incredibly boring. One hour would have been more than enough. Even at that, wouldn't do again.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We are always disappointed to learn that the riverboat experience did not meet your expectation or that of your teens. The experience is light and easy on the river and perhaps a more engaging time would have met both of your expectations.

Great lunch and the...

Joseph_M, Mar 2026

Great lunch and the cruise was long enough for two lunch sessions. Narration about what was being seen was interesting

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thanks so very much for your review and for sailing with us.

New Orleans

Nausheen_D, Mar 2026

Great narration, music and beverage options Enjoyed the views and quick line to get to cruise Friendly

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Great review and thank you so very much for all that you noted. We hope you return in the future.

Very pleasant afternoon

melissa_r, Mar 2026

We chose the afternoon trip with lunch included. Boarded at 2pm and we were the first lunch sitting so went straight down to the dining room. There is no food choices but what is provided to your table is delicious and plentiful, a dressed salad, a mixed plate of local food including jambalaya, red beans & rice plus fried catfish. Followed by warm bread pudding. Help your self to free water, coffee or tea and there is a bar for purchasing drinks. Second helpings of food offered but first portion very filling. Various decks to explore with bars on each, gift shop, live music on one deck which was streamed to all decks with video screens. Music or commentary provided throughout. Paddle steamer was a nice ride and very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Melissa, on behalf of the entire crew, thank you. Your review covered so many aspects of your experience and we appreciated all the compliments.

Very nice

Greg_B, Mar 2026

It was a beautiful day and a nice ride. But they were NOT on time and they seem to pack the ship with way too many people.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Greg, We want to assure you that we never admit more people to the boat than are approved and that we believe we can serve. We understand that on beautiful days there are many days who want to ride the river. We also know that sometimes the timing seems different from some booking sites, but we open boarding one half hour before cruise time, and sail for two hours before returning to dock.

Great history lesson if...

Edward_T, Mar 2026

Great history lesson if you don't know the history of NOLA. The food was good but it was only warm. Other than that it was a great experience.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you for the great review. Your helpful comment will be share with the culinary department.

Unforgettable experience in the Riverboat !! New Orleans

Yanet_C, Mar 2026

Beautiful experience in the Riverboat.. the live music was wonderful as well as the drinks from the bar as well.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Your review is one that we give an A+ for the delight it presented our staff and crew. Thank you for sailing with us.

Wonderful

Sergio_G, Mar 2026

Worth is. Went for lunch. It was good. The tour was informative and fun. The band was outstanding and the boat is clean and well maintained. We want to do the evening tour next time.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Sergio, we are here from you year round and sincerely hope you will return to us soon.

Not worth it.

Helena_L, Mar 2026

Cruise overbooked. Couldn't find a seat with my husband. Waited 45 to get a drink. 1 staff member servicing on our deck. Upon leaving we did not want to wait on line again so noticed a huge water pitcher with cups surrounding it. I poured some into a cup. Just as I was about to drink it someone behind the bar said no don't drink it, there's sanitizer in there... no sign!! I could have gotten very sick. I had a horrible time and sorry to say this this was clearly not worth the money. Helena Litowitz

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Helena, we are distressed at your experience. It will certainly be discussed with crew. We wish that you had been able to request a manager to address your experience before leaving. They are always onboard to rectify any displeasure by a guest.

Great trip

Barbara_L, Mar 2026

We loved it food good aswell a must if your in new orleans great band staff were lovely well worth a visit

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much Barbara!

100 % Great!

Shepherd_S, Mar 2026

Everything great, especially the captain commentary over the microphone, I would recommend this to absolutely everyone!

Good for the price

Tracy_V, Mar 2026

Lovely paddle steamer. Nice band and loved the lady up top playing the organ tunes. Great to be sailing on this boat on the Mississippi but do be aware it isn’t the most pretty of scenery. Boat moves slow and interesting narration. Toilets, food & drinks available. Seats are metal, not very comfy and could get hot. One of the trips you do to say you have done it. Good for the cost.

Fun experience

Deb_J, Mar 2026

This is a fun thing to do in New Orleans, and you get to experience the Mississippi River from the river. We did the 2.00 lunch which was ok. Just be prepared to line up for entry.

Neat but not awesome

Jamee_F, Mar 2026

We opted for the afternoon/lunch time cruise. Listed start time was 11am, and boarding started about 10:45am. We found chairs easily on the front of the boat and settled in (was still a little cold and breezy from the cold blast this week). We didn’t have lunch, and maybe that would have helped fill the time a little better…while the stated time was 11am for a 2-hour trip, we didn’t embark on the venture until 11:45, unknowingly. It was neat once it got going, but we were kind of scratching our heads not realizing we would be waiting so long. The live music was fun and food available was good. Overall it was neat and informative, but when we were back at the dock at 1:20pm, it just felt a little underwhelmed overall. Worth it for the experience overall (and again can’t speak to the buffet option), but we wouldn’t have felt let down if we had a better idea of the actual time.

New Orleans Steamer

Colin_C, Mar 2026

A really nice experience on a historic paddle steamer with an amazing jazz band playing throughout the cruise

This was my 3 time...

Raeann_R, Mar 2026

This was my 3 time cruising the Mississippi and my parents first. It was a very chilly day, so staying out of the deck of the boat was a little challenging, but the best way to see what they are referencing off the sides of the boat. Unfortunately, my dad, who is hard of hearing, didn’t hear a single announcement from the speakers. I had to pay close attention, so I wish they would turn up the volume. I was also disappointed that the engine room was not open on this boat so we could see it in operation. But I’m not sure if it runs on steam or not. Last time we were on the Natchez and the engine area was open to view. We did enjoy the bar and jazz music onboard. If you’ve never been on the cruise I’d recommend it.

The ride was comfortable....

William_M, Mar 2026

The ride was comfortable. Drinks were good. On the downside, the sound system was poor, making it difficult to understand the narrative or hear the music.

Wonderful trip though Mississippi River on the boat

Yineska_R, Mar 2026

It was a good experience. Everybody was very friendly. The boat was clean. The travel time was good. I love it.

First time

Levette_F, Mar 2026

It was ok for my first steamboat ride I would go again but take the night cruise to get a better feel

This is a popular cruise...

LORIMER_E, Mar 2026

This is a popular cruise and draws large participants. The staff and vessel easily accommodated a large number of passengers with ample seating and food and drink venues. Additionally, the tour guide did an excellent job.