Sightseeing Cruises

NaN

Steamboat Natchez Sightseeing Jazz Cruise

Cruise the mighty Mississippi on an iconic boat with live jazz music.

Everything you get: Step aboard for a two-hour cruise featuring live jazz, panoramic views from multiple decks, and live narration throughout your trip.
Why choose this: Experience true New Orleans hospitality on this cruise with lovely views, complete with live jazz and historic charm.
Upgrades: Choose the daytime cruise for the perfect photo ops. Go for the evening cruise for a magical ambience or opt for the Sunday jazz cruise for a more festive, lively experience.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

3 hr.

Guided tour

Cruise the mighty Mississippi on an iconic boat with live jazz music.

Everything you get: Step aboard for a two-hour cruise featuring live jazz, panoramic views from multiple decks, and live narration throughout your trip.
Why choose this: Experience true New Orleans hospitality on this cruise with lovely views, complete with live jazz and historic charm.
Upgrades: Choose the daytime cruise for the perfect photo ops. Go for the evening cruise for a magical ambience or opt for the Sunday jazz cruise for a more festive, lively experience.

Inclusions

2-hour steamboat cruise
Expert guide
Live Calliope jazz concert

Exclusions

Beverages (Available for purchase onboard)

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

The Steamboat NATCHEZ and the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will alternate cruises based on bookings and private charters until March 2026, after which each will follow its own schedule. You’ll still enjoy the same two-hour river journey, complete with traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and beautiful city views. Don’t forget to head up to the top deck for the best lookout point.
Shirts and shoes are required on all cruises. While casual attire is fine, we recommend you turn up in “dressy casual” for the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Switch your jeans for some dress pants or a skirt and a blouse or a stylish top. Men can zhuzh it up with a collared shirt (button-down or polo).
This vessel is a completely non-smoking environment, including all indoor areas and outer decks.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early.
Individuals 21 years of age and older may purchase beverages after presenting a valid photo ID with their birthdate, as required by Louisiana law.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Dinner Cruises

NaN

Steamboat Natchez Evening Cruise with Dinner

Experience a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River with live New Orleans swing-style music.

Everything you get: Enjoy a 2-hour buffet dinner cruise with live swing music by Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, city views from indoor/outdoor decks, and expert narration.
Why choose this: Make a night out of your cruise as you blend timeless river tradition with soulful New Orleans jazz heritage and a special dining experience.
Upgrades: Choose your preferred dinner seating (6pm or 7:45pm) for a flexible dining experience.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

3 hr.

Guided tour

Meals included

Experience a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River with live New Orleans swing-style music.

Everything you get: Enjoy a 2-hour buffet dinner cruise with live swing music by Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, city views from indoor/outdoor decks, and expert narration.
Why choose this: Make a night out of your cruise as you blend timeless river tradition with soulful New Orleans jazz heritage and a special dining experience.
Upgrades: Choose your preferred dinner seating (6pm or 7:45pm) for a flexible dining experience.

Inclusions

2-hour steamboat cruise
Expert guide
Live New Orleans swing style concert by Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland Jazz
Buffet dinner as per option selected (see the menu here)

Exclusions

Alcoholic Beverages (Available for purchase onboard)

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

The Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will rotate service according to bookings and charters through March 2026, after which each will resume independent operations. Either way, you'll still enjoy two hours of live jazz, cocktails, and Crescent City charm on a steamboat.
Shirts and shoes are a must on all cruises. For the Dinner Jazz Cruise, we recommend going “dressy casual.” Think dress pants, skirts, or a stylish blouse. Guys, a polo or button-down shirt adds a nice touch.
Smoking is prohibited on the entire vessel, including all indoor areas and outdoor decks.
The cruise is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Guide dogs are more than welcome to join you on board.
Cruise doors open at least 30 minutes before departure. Arrive early to make boarding easy and stress-free.
Guests 21 years and over can enjoy beverages from the counter. Bring a valid photo ID with your birthdate, as required by Louisiana law.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Lunch Cruises

NaN

Steamboat Natchez Sightseeing Jazz Cruise with Lunch

Taste authentic Creole flavours as you lunch aboard an iconic cruise along the Mississippi River with live jazz.

Everything you get: Enjoy a Creole lunch on a 2-hour Mississippi River cruise. Take in New Orleans views from indoor and outdoor decks, and watch a live jazz performance while you sail.
Why choose this: Combine classic New Orleans sightseeing with live jazz, a historic paddlewheeler atmosphere, and a freshly prepared Creole lunch—all in one memorable river cruise experience.
Upgrades: Choose to savor a freshly prepared lunch on either the 11am or 2pm cruise—giving you the flexibility to dine at your preferred time.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr.

Guided tour

Meals included

Taste authentic Creole flavours as you lunch aboard an iconic cruise along the Mississippi River with live jazz.

Everything you get: Enjoy a Creole lunch on a 2-hour Mississippi River cruise. Take in New Orleans views from indoor and outdoor decks, and watch a live jazz performance while you sail.
Why choose this: Combine classic New Orleans sightseeing with live jazz, a historic paddlewheeler atmosphere, and a freshly prepared Creole lunch—all in one memorable river cruise experience.
Upgrades: Choose to savor a freshly prepared lunch on either the 11am or 2pm cruise—giving you the flexibility to dine at your preferred time.

Inclusions

2-hour steamboat cruise
Expert guide
Live Calliope jazz concert
Creole lunch (see the menu here)

Exclusions

Alcoholic Beverages (Available for purchase onboard)

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Cruises aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be assigned interchangeably through March 2026 based on availability and private event bookings. This won't hinder your experience, though. You'll still enjoy a two-hour cruise that includes live jazz, craft drinks, and views of New Orleans' best seen from the top deck.
Shirts and shoes are required for all cruises. Casual wear is welcome, but for the Dinner Jazz Cruise, we suggest “dressy casual.” Swap jeans for dress pants, a skirt, or a stylish blouse. Men might opt for a polo or button-down shirt for a polished touch.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the vessel, including all indoor spaces and outdoor decks.
The cruise is fully accessible for wheelchair and stroller users.
Guide dogs are welcome to accompany guests on board.
Boarding opens at least 30 min before departure. Please arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in.
Guests aged 21+ can purchase beer, wine, and specialty cocktails at the onboard bar with a valid photo ID showing date of birth, in accordance with Louisiana law.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Lunch Cruises

NEW

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise with Brunch

Spend your Sunday brunching along the Mississippi River on this iconic cruise.

Everything you get: This two-hour Sunday cruise features a live jazz performance by the Steamboat Stompers, a buffet New Orleans brunch, historic sight narration, access to the Riverboat Gift Shop, and unforgettable river views.
Why choose this: There's no better way to soak up New Orleans' soulful spirit than a Sunday cruise, where the rhythm of live jazz, the charm of the river, and the tradition of leisurely weekends come together.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

3 hr.

Guided tour

Meals included

Spend your Sunday brunching along the Mississippi River on this iconic cruise.

Everything you get: This two-hour Sunday cruise features a live jazz performance by the Steamboat Stompers, a buffet New Orleans brunch, historic sight narration, access to the Riverboat Gift Shop, and unforgettable river views.
Why choose this: There's no better way to soak up New Orleans' soulful spirit than a Sunday cruise, where the rhythm of live jazz, the charm of the river, and the tradition of leisurely weekends come together.

Inclusions

2-hour steamboat daytime cruise on Sunday
Expert guide
Live Jazz performance by Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio
Buffet brunch (see the menu here)

Exclusions

21+ beverages (Available for purchase onboard)

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

The Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will share cruising duties through March 2026, with assignments based on demand and private event bookings. Savor live jazz, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and take in unforgettable views from all four decks—especially the top.
Make sure to wear a shirt and shoes—those are a must for all cruises. We suggest going “dressy casual.” Think slacks or a skirt with a nice top. Guys, a polo or button-down always looks sharp.
Smoking isn’t allowed anywhere on the boat, including outdoor decks.
The cruise is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Service animals like guide dogs are absolutely welcome on board.
Boarding starts at least 30 minutes before departure, so arrive early for a smooth, relaxed start to your cruise.
If you’re 21 or older, you can purchase your beverage at the counter—just don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID (Louisiana law requires it).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Why go on the Steamboat Natchez cruise

1/5

Cruise aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat

Journey aboard a New Orleans steam-powered paddlewheel boat for a rare opportunity to see 19th-century maritime technology in action while cruising the historic Mississippi River.

Live jazz performances on every sail

Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans with live jazz music performed by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland or Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio. The open-air decks and river breeze set the perfect stage for classic tunes and local rhythms.

Take in breezy river views

From the French Quarter’s colorful facades to the St. Louis Cathedral and bustling river traffic, the cruise offers front-row views of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks. Watch tugboats, barges, and city skylines drift by as you relax on deck.

Savor Louisiana Creole cuisine

Dinner and brunch cruises include buffet-style meals with regional classics like jambalaya and gumbo. It's a culinary journey through Louisiana's flavors alongside sweeping river views.

Explore the engine room and learn river history

Peek into the working steam engine room, where you can see the massive engines in action and chat with the crew. Narrated commentary throughout the cruise shares stories of New Orleans’ maritime heritage, the legacy of river commerce, and the importance of steamboats in American history.

Book smart: Insider tips for booking your Steamboat Natchez Cruise

Book early, especially for dinner and Sunday brunch cruises which are the most sought-after. These often sell out several days in advance during spring (April–June) and fall (October), which are the most popular times to sail.

The departure point is always Toulouse Street Wharf, conveniently located in the French Quarter near Jackson Square. It’s easily accessible by foot, streetcar, or rideshare from most downtown hotels.

Steamboat Natchez offers something for everyone—relaxed daytime sightseeing cruises with live jazz, romantic evening dinner cruises with buffet dining, and the popular Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise, which blends Southern brunch classics with mid-morning river views and live music.

Choose your cruise based on time and interest. The Daytime Sightseeing Cruise is perfect for families, first-timers, and photographers. The Dinner Jazz Cruise

adds a full Creole buffet and sunset ambiance. The Sunday Brunch Cruise adds a festive brunch buffet and is ideal for leisurely weekend mornings.

Cruises operate rain or shine, with indoor and open-air decks for comfort in any weather. Severe storms may lead to rescheduling, so check weather updates if you're booking close to your sail date.

Set sail with confidence: What to know before your Steamboat Natchez cruise

Cruising the Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez is one of New Orleans' most iconic experiences. Here’s everything you need to know to make your journey smooth, scenic, and stress-free.

Know your departure point: All cruises board at the Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter, just steps from Jackson Square. It’s easily walkable and accessible via streetcar or rideshare.

Arrive early: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and arriving early gives you enough time to settle in before the cruise.

Have your confirmation and ID ready: Whether digital or printed, have your ticket handy. A photo ID is required for the purchase of alcohol on board.

Dress for the occasion: Shirts and shoes are required on all cruises. For the Dinner Jazz Cruise, consider "dressy casual"—trade your jeans for dress pants or a skirt and blouse or stylish top. Men can elevate their look with a collared shirt, whether button-down or polo.

Take the weather into consideration: Conditions on the river can change quickly—bring layers for cooler evenings and wear sun protection for midday sightseeing cruises.

Follow crew guidance: From safety instructions to onboard assistance, the friendly crew ensures your cruise runs smoothly. Listen for announcements and ask for help if needed.

Enjoy the ride: Sit back, relax, and let the sounds of live jazz, the sights of the Mississippi, and the flavors of Creole cuisine immerse you in the magic of New Orleans.

Frequently asked questions about Steamboat Natchez cruises

What types of tickets are available for the Steamboat Natchez Cruise?

You can choose from several ticket options, including the classic sightseeing cruise, the lunch cruise, the dinner cruise, and the Sunday brunch cruise. Each ticket tier offers different inclusions, from basic admission to full Southern-style meals.

What’s included in the standard sightseeing cruise ticket?

The standard ticket covers your cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, live narration about the river’s history, and toe-tapping jazz music performed by the Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Are there any special experiences or upgrades available?

Yes! You can upgrade to include a meal, or book the Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruise for a more festive atmosphere.

What’s special about the jazz dinner cruise?

The jazz dinner cruise ticket includes a two-hour evening cruise, a delicious buffet dinner featuring classic Creole and Cajun dishes, and reserved seating. You’ll also enjoy live jazz throughout the evening, making it a perfect choice for a romantic night or special celebration.

Is the Steamboat Natchez accessible for guests with disabilities?

Yes, the Steamboat Natchez is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms.

Is there live entertainment on every cruise?

Absolutely! The Dukes of Dixieland jazz band or Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers Jazz Trio perform on the cruises, creating a lively, authentic New Orleans atmosphere.

Is the Steamboat Natchez suitable for families with children?

Definitely! Kids love the paddlewheel, the music, and the chance to explore the decks. There are child-friendly menu options and plenty of space to roam.