natchez ms riverboat dinner cruise

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River Boat Tours in Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez, Mississippi, is the oldest settlement in Mississippi. Natchez is a city full of history, with ornate antebellum mansions and its historic downtown; 14 of the beautifully landscaped antebellum mansions are open to the public to walk through and visit. A visit to historic downtown Natchez requires no transportation as you can walk everywhere. Downtown houses many restaurants, old-world style shops, and the riverwalk along the Mississippi River, and you can take a riverboat tour on the Mighty Mississippi.

Natchez Dinner Jazz Cruise

Head to the historic town of Natchez, Mississippi, and board the Natchez Steamboat for a dinner cruise and Mississippi River tour. This two-hour dinner cruise paddles along the banks of the Mississippi and includes a buffet dinner and live jazz music. Sit outside along the deck to enjoy the scenic views of Natchez and the banks of the Mississippi River. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Natchez during your dinner cruise. Price and availability vary.

Natchez Dinner Jazz Cruise 400 N. Peters St., Suite 203 New Orleans, LA 70130 800-233-2628 Steamboatnatchez.com

Mississippi Queen

Board the Mississippi Queen for a Mississippi Riverboat tour that lasts anywhere from three to 12 days. See the sights of the Mississippi along the shores of New Orleans, Natchez, and Gulfport. The Mississippi Queen houses a swimming pool, deck, and fitness room for guests, as well as a salon, theater, and several bars for your Mississippi riverboat tour enjoyment. The Mississippi Queen holds 1,000 passengers and cruise lengths vary. Choose to embark in one city and disembark in any of the others. Contact the cruise line for more information regarding ports, prices, and availability.

Mississippi Queen P.O. Box 60046 New Orleans, LA 70160 504-522-2551 1cruise.com

Natchez Harbor Cruise

The Steamboat Natchez takes you on a daytime cruise from the French Quarter up the Mississippi for a riverboat tour of the banks of the river and their accompanying cities, such as Natchez. The tour offers live narration about the different ports along the cruise and also an optional creole lunch. The steam room is museum quality and is open for visitors to tour during their cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Price and availability vary.

Natchez Harbor Cruise 400 N. Peters St., Suite 203 New Orleans, LA 70130 800-233-2628 Steamboatnatchez.com

• Destination360.com: Natchez Mississppi
• Destination360.com: Mississippi River Cruises
• Steamboatnatchez.com: Harbor Jazz Cruises
• 1cruise.com: The Magnificent Mississippi Queen

About the Author

Tiffany Raiford has several years of experience writing freelance. Her writing focuses primarily on articles relating to parenting, pregnancy and travel. Raiford is a graduate of Saint Petersburg College in Florida.

Photo Credits

• Mississippi alligator, portrait image by Lars Lachmann from Fotolia.com

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Steamboat NATCHEZ

• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) | P: (504) 569-1401 | F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River New Orleans, LA 70130 ( Directions ) P: (504) 569-1401 F: (504) 587-0708
• Neighborhood: French Quarter

11am - 1:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 9pm cruise times. check schedule

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• Takes Reservations

Harbor jazz brunch and dinner jazz cruises on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a unique visit to the engine room to see the workings of 100-year-old steam engines, it is timeless.

Xplorit Virtual Tour

Discover The Steamboat Natchez with one of the most comprehensive, completely immersive and interactive virtual experiences in the world.

• Facility Buyout: Yes
• Max Banquet: 36
• Max Facility Banquet: 256
• Max Facility Reception: 1200
• Max Reception: 50
• Number of Private Rooms: 1
• Private Rooms: Yes
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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Which New Orleans Dinner Cruise is Best?

This post covers the New Orleans riverboat dinner buffet and jazz cruises.

We include tickets, ways to save, menu items, music, reviews, and information about various lunch cruises.

• Dinner Cruises
• Lunch Cruises
• Other Cruises
• Ways to Save
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

There are two main companies in New Orleans that offer cruise services on the Mississippi River: The Steamboat Natchez and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

Each riverboat provides a dinner buffet-style cruise, lunch cruise, and other services.

At least one of these cruise companies offers cheaper tickets or even free admission through various attraction tourist passes available in the city.

If you’re looking to save money on dinner cruises, lunch cruises, and more, make sure to check our post about New Orleans tourist passes for the best deals. 

You do not need to purchase a dinner (or a lunch) to board these vessels.

Alternatively, you can also just buy a small snack on the ship or bring your own snacks onboard.

If you’re much more interested in either a boat tour or a jazz cruise, you can find more details about these less expensive options on our post covering New Orleans Riverboat Cruises .

Taking a riverboat dinner cruise is one of our top 10 things to do at night in NOLA.

What do you wear on a dinner cruise in New Orleans?

On a casual buffet-style dinner cruise, you may dress formally in evening gowns, jewelry, heels, or black suits.

It's recommended not to wear tops, swimwear, or skirts.

What do you wear on a riverboat lunch cruise?

For a riverboat lunch casual dressing is appropriate. You can wear short T-shirts, tops, sneakers, or scandals.

Bright dresses blouses, skirts, and hats go well with a riverboat with a jazz band.

BUFFET-STYLE DINNER CRUISES IN NEW ORLEANS

This section will give a detailed breakdown of the buffet-style dinner cruises offered by Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

The Steamboat Natchez

Take a memorable trip down the Mighty Mississippi River while a live jazz band performs onboard.

The Steamboat Natchez is associated with GrayLine Tours. This company offers at least two dinner cruises per night as well as a lunch cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise

Dinner menu.

• $55/Adults | $27.50/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $102.50/Adults | $51.00/Kids (6-12) | $25.25/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday-Sunday
• Boarding Time: 6:00 pm
• Seating Times: 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm (2 seatings on 1 boat)
• Cruising: 2 hours
• Ticket upgrades can be made
• Purchase tickets or learn more .
• Natchez Tossed Salad
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
• Baked Chicken
• Bayou Seafood Pasta
• Creole Vegetarian Jambalaya
• Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
• Green Beans Almondine
• Paddlewheel Primavera
• White Chocolate Bread Pudding
• Bananas Foster
• Dinner Rolls
• Coffee and Iced Tea

TIP: Sometimes this cruise is available at a savings .

If you want to learn more about food in New Orleans, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

The Steamboat Natchez cannot currently accommodate requests for gluten-free or Kosher meals.

Most of their food also has some form of dairy in it – whether that be cheese, butter or milk – so vegan customers might have some trouble finding something they are comfortable eating on the menu.

Because of this, the Steamboat Natchez allows passengers to bring their own snacks aboard. 

Otherwise, vegetarians might want to stick to the Natchez Tossed Salad and the Green Beans Almondine. 

Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise Reviews

Overall ratings for this excursion are pretty good . The majority of guests enjoyed their dining and most customers were very impressed with the live jazz band.

Given how romantic this cruise can be, it’s not too surprising that couples were most likely to leave a positive review.

All cruises begin and end at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” ticket office at 400 Toulouse St. and the Mighty Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

There is no changing room.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen

This company also provides a buffet-style dinner cruise with live jazz music.

Ticket prices are a bit more affordable across the board and this cruise is about as long as the service offered by their competitor.

To top it all off, the Creole Queen is included for free or for less money with most New Orleans tourist passes .

Creole Queen Dinner Jazz Cruise

• $55/Adults | $26/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (3-5)
• $95/Adults | $40/Kids (6-12) | $15/Kids (3-5)
• Boarding Time: 6:15 pm
• Seating Time: after 6:45 pm
• Purchase tickets or learn more
• Cajun Caesar Salad (D,W,S,E)
• Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (D,S,W)
• Fish of the Day (F)
• Louisiana Creole Jambalaya (S,W,D)
• Cajun Baked Chicken (W,D)
• Beef Brisket
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes (D)
• Cajun Seafood Pasta (D,S,W,F)
• Red Beans & Rice (S)
• Fresh Roasted Vegetables
• Paddlewheeler White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce (D,E,S,W)

TIP: The Creole Queen is included for free or at savings with most NOLA tourist passes.

Allergens: Diary(D), Wheat (W), Soy (S), Eggs (E), Fish/Shellfish (F)

Most of the food included on this menu are not gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian.

If you are a vegetarian, you may want to stick with the fresh roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes..

All three options may include some form of dairy such as butter, cheese, or milk.

If you want to learn more about dining in this city, check out our list of the 13 must-eat foods of New Orleans  and our pay-what-you-like food tour .

Creole Queen Reviews

The evening cruise offered by this company is also highly rated. There are a few negative reviews, but positive comments overshadow them.

Several reviewers felt that the music was wonderful . Quite a few guests were also happy with the food quality, indicating that their dining was very tasty.

Couples were far more likely than any other group to enjoy their trip.

Creole Queen Age

Creole Queen was built in 1983 by Halter Marine at Moss Point. She was consecrated in September 1983. 2024 makes her 41.

LUNCH CRUISES WITH BRUNCH OPTION

The following section will focus on New Orleans lunch cruises from the Steamboat Natchez (directly below) and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen .

We will also provide details about a brunch cruise alternative you may want to consider.

Using a tourist pass , you can save money on at least one of these activities.

In addition to its dinner cruise, this company also offers a Daytime Jazz Cruize.

You can either ride along for just the Jazz or purchase the option that adds a buffet-style lunch meal.

Traveling along the Mississippi River, a tour guide will provide several historical facts about NOLA.

In addition to this daily option, you might also want to consider their Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise .

Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise

• $42/Adults | $20/Kids (6-12) | Free/Kids (2-5)
• $60/Adults | $30/Kids (6-12) | $14.00/Kids (2-5)
• Availability: Monday - Saturday
• Boarding Time - Morning: 11:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Morning: 11:00 am & 12:15 pm
• Board Time - Afternoon: 2:00 pm
• Seating Times Lunch - Afternoon: 2:00 & 3:15
• Southern Fried Fish
• Red Beans & Rice
• Salad Du Jour

Steamboat Natchez Sunday Jazz Cruise

Brunch menu.

• $75/Adults | $37.50/Kids (6-12) | $21.50/Kids
• Availability: Sunday
• Boarding Time: 11:00 am
• Seating Times:
• Grillades and Grits
• Crescent City Eggs
• Turkey Sausage
• O'Brien Potatoes
• Creole Creamed Spinich
• Mini Croissants
• Fruit Salad

As you can see, there are many more options for Sunday brunch than for lunch.

It’s also worth noting that vegans and vegetarians will have the option of Salad du Jour in the lunch cruise and the Natchez tossed salad on the Sunday brunch cruise.

Sadly, there are no foods specifically made to be gluten-free, most of their food is prepared with dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter.

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Lunch and Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez.

Some reviewers have even described their band as “magnificent,” suggesting that the onboard music was absolutely wonderful.

There are some visitors who don’t enjoy the tour portion of this cruise, but most people don’t have any complaints.

NOTE: There are two different ways to save money on this cruise. For more information, please read the Ways to Save section .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a historic cruise with an optional dinner buffet meal.

This trip is available as either a brunch or lunch cruise, with the first departure at 10:00 am.

Although there isn’t any live jazz on this excursion, they do have bottomless mimosas for only $20 during the morning outing.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch

• Availability: Saturday and Sunday
• Seasonal Fresh Fruit
• Homemade Biscuits
• Chieck and Andouille Gumbo
• Scrambled Eggs
• French Toast & Powered Sugar
• New Orleans Barbecued Shrimps & Creamy Grits
• Home-Style Potatoes
• Spinach Madeline
• Breakfast Sausage
• Crisp Barcon
• Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Although they can’t guarantee any gluten-free meals, vegetarian and vegan diners may find that the vegetable of the day is a perfect option.

Even so, it’s important to note that many of the items prepared for this cruise will be made either with or alongside dairy products such as cheese, milk, and butter.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Brunch Reviews

Most customers very well receive this trip.

Guests loved their experience, describing it as informative and humorous. An overwhelming majority of positive reviews came from couples.

There are a few negative reviews, but an overwhelming majority of guests enjoy this cruise on the Mississippi River.

TIP: This lunch cruise is offered by both the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the New Orleans Pass . The dinner buffet is not included, but it can be added on.

LIVE RIVERBOAT JAZZ MUSIC

Both the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen offer live jazz performances on their cruises.

Each company has at least one house band that will perform onboard throughout the trip. 

Steamboat Natchez

You can expect to hear the performance of Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers during the cruise length.

The members of this band are noted for their work on various movie soundtracks, television shows, and albums.

At night, the Dukes of Dixieland will also play a variety of wonderful jazz music.

Much like the Steamboat Stompers, this band is also noted for their performances on television shows, most notably the hit HBO series Treme .

While boarding, calliope music will also be performed for approximately 15 minutes.

This music can be heard from the docks.

Creole Queen Paddlewheeler

This company only offers live jazz music on their dinner cruises, but they’ve also got a great band on hand.

The Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band is known for performing all over NOLA during events such as the French Quarter Festival and the Jazz & Heritage Festival.

This group has become something of a local legend, as they can frequently be seen and heard at various locations throughout the city.

One of the best ways to hear their music is simply to take a dinner cruise on the Paddlwwheeler Creole Queen!

OTHER CRUISES

If you’re not too concerned about getting something to eat while you’re taking a NOLA cruise, there are several dining options to consider.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that each of the lunch and dinner cruises listed above is also available without a meal.

In fact, at least with the Steamboat Natchez, you can bring your own food onboard or purchase small snacks and sandwiches in lieu of the organized meal.

You can also see the city from the water by taking the Algiers Point Ferry across the Mighty Mississippi River.

Alternatively, there are kayak tours through the swamps of Louisiana where you can get a close look at all of the beautiful wildlife in the area.

For more details on all of these opportunities, make sure to read our post about New Orleans Riverboats, Paddleboats and Cruises .

Swamp Tours

If you’re interested in seeing the swamps of Louisiana, there are a few different types of boat tours to consider.

The typical swamp boat tour will take you on a leisurely trip through the swamplands, but there are also airboat tours that are much faster and more exciting. 

To learn more about all of these services, read our post about New Orleans Swamp Tours .

WAYS TO SAVE

If you’re looking for a great deal on tickets for either the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen, there are a few options to consider.

In this section, we will provide all the information you need to save money on this activity.

Both their Historic River Cruise and the Dinner Jazz Cruise are included for free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass .

You can also take the Historic River Cruise with the New Orleans Pass .

Unfortunately, the tickets offered with these services are only for admission onto the boat and they do not include either lunch or dinner buffet.

Other Ways to Save

If you’re looking for another way to save money on a New Orleans dinner cruise, make sure to check both Living Social and Groupon .

As of the time of this post, each service offers cheaper tickets to both the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and the Steamboat Natchez.

While other savings and tourist passes are only good for admission, you can actually save money on full dinner/lunch/brunch cruises with either of these services.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we've done our best to provide all the information you'll need to decide which riverboat cruise you'd like to take, you might have specific questions of your own you need help with.

Thankfully, our New Orleans Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for those answers. With more than 40,000 members, there's always someone willing to provide help.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips provided by members of our group:

• This reader wanted to know if there were jazz tours with no need to pay for dinner. There are, and we've talked about them above. Here's what others had to say.

2. This member sent in some general tips for visiting New Orleans. She enjoyed the evening riverboat cruise she went on. Note that if you want to do a walking tour, you can find one here .

3. This reader was looking for some family-friendly places to visit in New Orleans. This post is quite long and has a number of suggestions of things to do. Here are just a few of them:

For even more information about dinner cruises, or about anything at all in the New Orleans area, please feel free to ask for advice on the Free Tours By Foot New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook page.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

RELATED POSTS:

• Help Choosing a Swamp Tour
• Which Plantation Tours are Best?
• Things to Do in New Orleans

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Steamboat Natchez Cruise – All you need to know

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In this enlightening article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the beloved Steamboat Natchez cruise, including ticket prices, departure times, how to find discounted tickets online, and so much more!

What types of Steamboat Natchez cruises are available?

How much do steamboat natchez cruises cost.

• How do you find Steamboat Natchez cruises online?

How far in advance should I make reservations?

What is the best time to experience a steamboat natchez cruise, where does the cruise start, what time should i arrive so i don’t miss the cruise, what will i see during the cruise, how long is the natchez boat ride, is the boat handicap accessible, can we bring pets onto the boat, what is the dress code, what happens in the case of bad weather, travel tips.

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Steamboat Natchez cruise right now.

• See reviews and prices

The Big Easy is known across the world as an around-the-clock party hub accentuated by a cool blend of music and wild celebrations (did someone say Mardi Gras?). Despite a reputation for adult-focused activities, there is more than enough for the entire family to see and do in this international melting pot. One of the city’s most famous and popular attractions, perfect for guests of all ages, is the Steamboat Natchez Cruise – a unique way to see the shimmering NOLA lights and soak in the smooth city sounds from the water.

By the time you’ve got through this guide, you’ll have discovered everything there is to know about this iconic cruise, with answers to all of the most common questions just a scroll away.

Before we dive into the prices, we need to understand the different types of Steamboat Natchez cruises on offer. Aboard New Orleans’ only authentic Steamboat, each cruise option promises beautiful views of the city, the lower Mississippi River, and one of the world’s busiest harbors.

No matter which option you choose, as you admire the 100-year-old steam engine you’ll also be provided with a deep insight into NOLA’s vibrant culture and history thanks to a live narration from one of the Steamboat staff.

Let’s take a look at the individual highlights of each option:

Harbor Jazz Cruise

The Harbor Jazz Cruise is all about entertainment! As you marvel at the vistas from the boat’s decks, typical New Orleans jazz music rings in the background. But this isn’t a prerecorded CD or the captain’s favorite Spotify playlist – this jazz is live, authentic, and immersing. Either a jazz pianist or the jazz trio – Duke Heitger and the Steamboat Stompers – will be present on board, helping to create a wonderful, romantic, and intoxicating atmosphere.

There’s also a calliope concert every day at 10:45 am and 1:45 pm. In case you were about to Google it, a calliope is a large, steam-whistle organ which, in this case, sits on the steamboat’s roof.

Dinner Jazz Cruise

With the option of either indoor or outdoor seating, the Dinner Jazz Cruise takes all of the best qualities from the Harbor Jazz Cruise and takes it up a notch with a freshly-cooked, tableside dinner service.

Rather than a jazz pianist or trio, the top-tapping entertainment this time is New Orleans swing music performed by the Grammy-nominated artist, Dukes of Dixieland .

Menu items are subject to change by season and availability, however, some of the common meals ready to tantalize your tastebuds include Paddlewheel Primavera, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Bayou Seafood Pasta, Baked Chicken, southern-style Green Beans Almondine, and a finger-lickin’ Bananas Foster for dessert. For the full menu, see Steamboat’s website .

Sunday Jazz Cruise with Optional Brunch

Nothing helps turn a new page after a night out on Bourbon Street like bottomless coffee and a hunger-satisfying brunch – a staple in New Orleans life. In addition to the historical facts shared by the staff, the live traditional jazz, and the Instagram-worthy views from the decks, Sunday cruisers have the option to dig into a hefty brunch. Choose from Shrimp and Grits, Crescent City Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Mini Croissants and Biscuits, and a whole lot more. The full brunch menu is available on the Steamboat website.

The prices of a Steamboat Natchez cruise varies depending on which option you choose and whether or not you elect to participate in the optional meal(s).

Evening Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $50.00 Children 6-12: $24.50 Children 0-6: Free

Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner

Adult: $87.00 Children 6-12: $40 Children 0-6: $19.25

Harbor Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $38.00 Children 6-12: $15 Children 0-6: free

Harbor Jazz Cruise with Lunch

Adult: $50.00 Children 6-12: $24 Children 0-6: $10.50

Sunday Jazz Sightseeing Cruise

Adult: $38.00 Children 6-12: $15.50 Children 0-6: free

Sunday Jazz Cruise with Brunch

Adult: $55.00 Children 6-12: $27.50 Children 0-6: $18.25

Regardless of your ticket type, Steamboat offers a full wine list, domestic and local beers, and seasonal, festive cocktails for purchase to those over the age of 21. A Natchez Jazz Punch, for example, will set you back $8, while local brewery draft beers sell for $5.50 each.

How do you find cheap Steamboat Natchez cruises online?

If you don’t know where to look, buying Steamboat Natchez tickets can be confusing, not to mention expensive. New Orleans welcomes nearly 20 million tourists per year, so the competition between tour agencies and sightseeing companies is feisty. Sometimes, two competing travel agents can offer exactly the same activity at drastically different prices, each claiming to have a “best price guarantee”.

How can we compare the Steamboat Natchez website, local businesses, and online ticket sellers like Viator all in one place? Easy: TourScanner! Head to the TourScanner search engine to compare all the different deals on offer. Depending on which dates you’re planning to visit NOLA, you may find discounted tickets in excess of 30%!

There are also deals that include transportation, packages that combine city tours (you’re already there, so you might as well tick off a few of the main attractions, right?), VIP experiences, and more.

• Compare cruise tickets

Even though the array of world-class attractions in New Orleans is second to none, Steamboat Natchez is a regular bestseller. Technically , bookings can be made at the last minute at the ticket office or on the company website, however, we wouldn’t recommend it, especially in the busier tourist seasons (Mardi Gras and summertime).

The Steamboat is a city highlight that shouldn’t be left to chance, so it’s recommended to book your experience as early as possible. As soon as you’ve locked in your travel dates, the next step should be to compare the cheapest deals available on TourScanner.

It’s all a matter of personal preference. A summertime Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner will allow you to experience New Orleans as it transitions from day to dusk to twinkling night sky, while a day-based cruise gives you the opportunity to soak in ample amounts of sunshine from one of the many viewing decks.

There are both indoor and outdoor areas, so rain, hail or shine, you’re in for a great time.

All trips on Steamboat Natchez start and end at the Steamboat Natchez Lighthouse Ticket Office, which is found where Toulouse Street meets the Mississippi River in the vibrant French Quarter. The docking station is steps away from the Toulouse streetcar station and a short stroll from the historic Jackson Square, a haven for upcoming artists and street performers. Jackson Square is one of the many popular stops on the city’s walking tours .

It’s highly recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure times (shown below). The boat is officially open for half an hour before roaring away along its river route. By arriving 30 minutes early, you’ll be able to find the best viewing spots on the boat, explore its historic features, and grab a souvenir from the gift store before the crowds potentially become too overwhelming.

Whatever you do, don’t be late, because the boat will leave whether you’re there or not!

Departure times:

Harbor Cruises (Monday to Saturday)

The Harbor Jazz Cruises departs every day except Sunday. There are two timeslots to choose from. The first Harbor Cruise departure is at 11:30am (boarding at 11am) and the second is at 2:30pm (Boarding at 2pm)

The first Sunday departure is at 11:30am (boarding at 11am) and the second is at 2:30pm (Boarding at 2pm)

Evening Cruises

The nightly dinner cruise departure is at 7pm (boarding at 6pm). Depending on your dinner seating reservation time, you may be required to arrive as early at 5:45pm.

All Natchez cruises traverse the crescent-shaped lower Mississippi River as the staff point out noteworthy and historical landmarks along the way. There’s arguably no more impressive way to see the city. But it’s not just about what you can see off the boat – the vessel itself is a work of art! Onboard, you’ll have the chance to see a working paddle-wheel and engine room up close, feel like you’ve been thrust back in time with decor reminiscing of the early 1900s, and grab a couple of trinkets at the gift shop.

Each of the Natchez cruises lasts for two hours. This excludes special events cruises such as those hosted on Mother’s Day, Christmas Eve, or the Fourth of July.

The boat is suitable for handicapped patrons, however, some areas on the boat, such as the upper deck, are only accessible by stairs.

The company suggests to call their reservation phone line on (504) 569-1401 or send a message on their contact portal before booking if you have any specific questions or concerns regarding accessibility.

According to the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s official website, you may only bring your four-legged friends if they are are a Service Animal as defined by the ADA.

There is no dress code! You’re on vacation, so sit back, relax, and be as casual as you like (within reason, of course). The company does suggest to dress up a little fancier for the Dinner Jazz Cruise, not because of rules or regulations, but simply to fit in with the elegant decor and service provided.

As long as the boat is functional, the cruise will depart! In the event of rain, there is plenty of indoor seating to accommodate the guests.

Cruises are canceled only on the rare occasion that the Coast Guard determines that the river is too dangerous (i.e. during a hurricane).

• In the summertime, which is also one of the busiest tourist seasons, New Orleans is hot, humid, and sticky – it is built mostly on swampland, after all. So to avoid feeling like a sun-dried tomato, make sure to always bring a hat, sunscreen, cool clothing, and a water bottle.
• Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.
• Ask for a photo in front of the Nachez before boarding.
• Compare tickets deals online and save money, there are a lot of providers selling Steamboat Natchez cruises online.
• Compare cruise deals

Riverboat City of New Orleans

Welcome Aboard

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking some time off for renovations - check back soon for updates as to her return.

RESERVATIONS

Please enable javascript in your browser to book The newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront & sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ, the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS operates sightseeing, lunch, Sunday Brunch, and Dinner Jazz cruises down the Mississippi River.

Experience a spirit of adventure aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS as she takes you on a journey down the mighty Mississippi.  See captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.

JAZZ LUNCH & SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is home to the "Best" Lunch/Brunch cruises on the Mississippi River.  Fun and scenic, our cruises feature live jazz music, New Orleans style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails.  

DINNER JAZZ CRUISES In a city full of great places to dine, dinner aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is truly a unique dining experience.  Our dinner features a buffet of New Orleans classics in a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying a memorable evening on the Mississippi River.  Sip a refreshing cocktail while live Jazz brings refined sophistication to our onboard entertainment. 

WEDDINGS The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a perfect venue for your special occasion.  - Did you know our Captains can officiate your wedding?  Check out our wedding page for more details!

SPECIAL OCCASIONS Celebrating something special?  Let us know - we specialize in proposals, anniversaries, and birthday parties.

The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is uniquely New Orleans - WELCOME ABOARD!

Floor Plans

Natchez River Cruises

• Start Date Select Month July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 OR, More specific start
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• American Heritage
• American Melody
• American Serenade
• American Symphony
• Viking Mississippi

America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
• Visit the Quad Cities

Heart of the Delta

• Enjoy the music of Memphis
• Get a taste of Cajun cuisine
• Discover Civil War history
• See the historic homes of Natchez

New Orleans & Southern Charms

• Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine
• Indulge in New Orleans' music
• Learn the history of Vicksburg

Historic Mississippi River Cruise

• Explore the antebellum of Natchez
• Visit historic Civil War sites
• Discover Oak Alley's historic charm
• Visit charming ports and cities

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

• Admire the diversity of New Orleans
• Discover the cultures of the delta

Grand Heartland Cruise

• Visit mansions and art galleries
• See the Gateway Arch and St. Louis
• Visit Natchez’s antebellum homes
• Experience Memphis' musical legacy

Top Natchez Travel Destinations

• Mississippi River

Natchez Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Natchez trips (10)
• 2025 Natchez trips (11)
• 2026 Natchez trips (6)

Top Experiences in Natchez

• Natchez Cruises (12)
• Natchez River Cruises (10)
• Natchez Cultural (10)

Natchez Trips by Duration

• 8 day trips (3)
• 9 day trips (4)

Natchez Trips by Activity

• Natchez urban exploration (8)
• Natchez village visits (8)
• Natchez archaeological site visits (7)

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