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 climate-controlled luxury of the grand Steamer Natchez.
  • Mississippi River - Sail by the Chalmette Battlefield, where the renowned Jean Lafitte and his pirates allied with Andrew Jackson to protect the city from the British…
What's Included
  • 2-Hour Paddlewheel Cruise
  • Live Commentary Onboard
  • Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
  • Creole-Inspired Lunch Monday-Saturday (if option selected)
  • Climate controlled areas
  • On-board restrooms
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 vibrant river life that captivated historical and literary figures such as Mark Twain’s Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and witness the lively operations of America’s second-largest port!
While the Steamboat NATCHEZ is on a break, her sister ship, the Riverboat…

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
(4917 Ratings)
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1 star
P_ndarom2021
Jul 24, 2025
Riverboat City of New Orleans river tour - Nice views, interesting narration, the band was excellent and the food was quite good. This was my second time (first one was in the Natchez) and we enjoyed it a lot, thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy
Mar 19, 2025
Riverboat afternoon - This was a very informative and relaxing afternoon. The lunch service was very efficient and the food was good. The weather was great that day so that added to the enjoyment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joseph
Mar 5, 2025
Don’t miss this when you are in New Orleans - What a wonderfully orchestrated ride! These folks know how to make your trip on The Mighty Mississippi one for everyone to remember . From the majestic paddle wheel that really is the propulsion to the amazing musicians bustin out the classic river jazz, sharp!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert
Jul 25, 2025
Worth the Trip - Nice experience. Little unclear where to embark and the staff was a little rude when engaged, otherwise I would’ve rated 5 stars. Overall, a good experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour52534961832
May 19, 2025
Natchez cruise - Very nice cruise. We got the buffet lunch. Food was good. Narration was good but sometimes hard to hear. Jazz band music was enjoyable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellie
May 3, 2025
Nanchetz - The Nanchetz plays an some type of whistle organ while in line and until people are boarded. Very loud and annoying. Once the event does start while still docked the captain does a really long intercom presentation. Too long and rather be cruising. Jazz music great. Clean and safe.
Review provided by Viator
Mzsugaplum
Mar 19, 2025
A Wonderful Experience on Natchez Steamboat - I went on the Daytime Jazz Cruise and purchase the Seasonal Party Package w/ Lunch aboard Steamboat Natchez. My guests and I had a wonderful experience. All of the staff was very pleasant and friendly. From ticket agents, the staff that checked us in on-site, the security, photographers, hostess, waitstaff and bartenders. The daytime lunch menu consist of: Fried catfish, jambalaya, red beans and rice, corn bread and bread pudding with an unlimited prefixed cups of ice water and sweet tea. The waitstaff served each table by bringing the plates food and dessert to each guest table, so no standing in a buffet line and our food was hot and flavorful. I am so glad that we purchased the seasonal party package, of which was a bonus because as we were directed to the dining hall we had a decorative reserved table showing my last name on signage, along with adorable spring flower bouquet, colorful sunglasses for each guest in my party, a sweet cookie treat, and we were given a wristband for 3 alcohol drinks for the entire cruise. The jazz band was great as well as the narrator for the cruise. The person voice was very clear and upbeat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skydivr
Apr 25, 2025
Lunch Cruise Is Like High School Cafeteria Food - With the lunch cruise you eat before the boat even leaves the dock. It used to be buffet-style but not anymore. They bring a plate to your table containing everything that's on the menu whether you want it or not. The catfish was so dried out and hard it was inedible. The food is also heavily salted (to get you to buy more drinks during the cruise). The river cruise is nice, especially being able to go into the engine room to see how everyhting works, but get your lunch before or after the cruise at a restaurant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nate_d
Feb 17, 2025
Too much of the band playing.. - Should cut down on the band playing .. Missed the entire army base side with no narration.. No knowledge or background of what it was …
Review provided by Viator
Devin_h
Jun 1, 2025
Dime found in my bread pudding - Not only was the food extremely underwhelming, the catfish overcooked but I went to slice into my bread pudding after 2 bites and LITERALLY hit a DIME found in my bread pudding. I notified the manager and she LAUGHED and got my daughter a cookie and sunglasses for our troubles. This experience was un real. Never have I ever experienced this or had management neglect to fix my problem. I have photo evidence
Review provided by Viator
From $44
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).