Steamboat Natchez
Experience New Orleans history on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, with jazz music and Creole dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical views & ambiance
Steamboat Natchez
Best Time
Magical views & ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience New Orleans history on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, with jazz music and Creole dining.
"An unforgettable experience with amazing food, live music, and stunning city views from the Mississippi."
🎯 Book Dinner Cruises Early
Popular dinner cruises sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Jazz
The live jazz bands create a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss their performances on deck!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Jazz Cruise
Mississippi River
Experience New Orleans' skyline glow as live jazz fills the air. A truly magical evening on the water.
Creole Buffet Dining
Dining Room
Savor authentic Southern flavors like gumbo and seafood pasta while cruising the Mississippi.
Historic Steamboat Experience
Main Deck
Step back in time on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. A unique journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Consider Your Cruise Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dinner Cruises Early
Popular dinner cruises sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Jazz
The live jazz bands create a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss their performances on deck!
🍹 Summer Drinks are Yum!
Try the specialty summer drinks; they're delicious and a great way to enhance the cruise experience.
🚶 Explore All Decks
The boat has multiple decks to explore, offering different views and experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dinner Cruises Early
Popular dinner cruises sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book ahead to guarantee your spot!
🎶 Enjoy the Live Jazz
The live jazz bands create a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss their performances on deck!
🍹 Summer Drinks are Yum!
Try the specialty summer drinks; they're delicious and a great way to enhance the cruise experience.
🚶 Explore All Decks
The boat has multiple decks to explore, offering different views and experiences.
📸 Capture the Skyline
The New Orleans skyline at sunset or night is a breathtaking sight – have your camera ready!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Steamboat Natchez for its authentic charm, friendly staff, and the enjoyable live jazz music that creates a magical atmosphere. The scenic river views, especially at sunset, are a major highlight. While the food receives mixed reviews, many find the overall experience to be a fun and memorable way to see New Orleans from the Mississippi River.
"This was such a fun, relaxing, and educational experience. The staff was super friendly and engaging, the jazz band was great and had fun with the crowd, and I loved getting to hear a little bit of history and facts about the buildings and sites we saw down the river. We got to ride on The City of New Orleans riverboat. My only constructive critique is I think reminders, signage, or announcements that there are bars on all the levels would help with lines at the third floor bar. I really enjoyed the summer drinks - they were yum! We loved the experience overall!!"
John T
"Our experience aboard the Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise was exceptional from start to finish. The buffet-style dinner offered a variety of well-prepared dishes, each flavorful and satisfying, and the service throughout the meal was attentive and professional. The cruise itself was breathtaking, with the illuminated New Orleans skyline providing a stunning backdrop as we sailed down the Mississippi River. Adding to the ambiance was a superb live jazz band, whose performance truly elevated the evening. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting New Orleans."
Bill Tiemann
"Such an amazing and fun experience! The staff was amazing and kind. The food was fabulous! The creamed spinach and the seafood pasta were my favorite. Im not a sweet potato lover, but I definetly enjoyed the sweet potatoes.
The cocktails are a little pricey, but tasty.
The live music made for a magical atmosphere.
There was plenty of room to walk around on all 4 decks and explore. It was a 10/10 experience that I would recommend to everyone."
Morgan Hilderbrand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Steamboat Natchez is conveniently located at the end of Canal Street on the Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans. You can easily walk there from many French Quarter hotels or take a taxi/rideshare.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the steamboat, several paid parking garages are available along the riverfront and in the nearby French Quarter. It's often easier to use rideshares or public transport.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk along the riverfront from the French Quarter. It takes about 15-20 minutes depending on your starting point.
For evening cruises, consider a taxi or rideshare to avoid parking hassles. The riverfront is well-lit, making it safe to walk from nearby areas as well.
Yes, the iconic New Orleans streetcars, particularly the Canal Street line, can get you close to the riverfront where the steamboat docks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly from the official Steamboat Natchez website (www.steamboatnatchez.com) or through authorized third-party vendors like GetYourGuide. Booking in advance is recommended.
The Steamboat Natchez offers various cruises including a Harbor Cruise, a Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise, and an Evening Jazz Cruise with an optional dinner.
While direct discount codes are not always available, checking third-party sites like Groupon or looking for package deals with other New Orleans attractions might offer savings.
Boarding typically begins about 30 minutes before departure. Arrive a little early to allow time for check-in and to find a good spot on deck.
It's highly recommended to book dinner cruises in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. Same-day bookings are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The dress code is generally casual to smart casual. Comfortable attire is recommended, especially for exploring the decks. Some may dress up slightly for dinner cruises.
Yes, live jazz music is a signature feature of the Steamboat Natchez, particularly on the Evening Jazz Cruise and Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise.
You'll enjoy panoramic views of the New Orleans skyline, the Mississippi River, and historic landmarks along the riverbanks.
Yes, there are multiple bar areas on different decks serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The steamboat has multiple decks, and while there are stairs, some areas are accessible. It's best to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Steamboat Natchez offers a Creole buffet with dishes like gumbo, seafood pasta, and fried chicken. Some cruises include dinner, while others offer a brunch.
Reviews are mixed. Some find the food delicious and a great value for the experience, while others suggest it's overpriced and not exceptional.
Drinks are typically not included in the cruise fare, though they are available for purchase at the onboard bars. Cocktails can be a bit pricey.
While the buffet focuses on Creole and Southern cuisine, there are usually sides like creamed spinach or salads that can accommodate vegetarians. It's best to inquire about specific options.
Most cruises feature a buffet-style meal. The focus is on the buffet experience rather than à la carte ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper decks offer the best panoramic views of the city and river. The paddlewheel and historic architecture of the boat itself also make for great shots.
Yes, the illuminated New Orleans skyline provides a stunning backdrop for night photography. The boat's own lights also add to the ambiance.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for sunset and evening cruises. A smartphone with a decent camera will also capture great memories.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special arrangements.
Yes, you can take photos of the jazz band, but be mindful of not obstructing other guests' views or the performers' space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Harbor Cruise for a shorter, more budget-friendly option if a full dinner or brunch isn't ideal for younger children. The educational aspect of learning about the river and the city's history can also be a plus. Pack snacks and drinks, or be prepared for onboard purchases, as kids can get hungry and thirsty.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you opt for a cruise with dining, be aware that drinks can be pricey. Consider enjoying a meal before or after your cruise at one of New Orleans' many affordable eateries to save money.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Opt for a table with a good view if possible, and enjoy the intimate setting as you sail down the Mississippi. The gentle movement of the boat and the soulful music provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable date night.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Steamboat Experience
+1Unlike modern vessels, the Natchez offers a more traditional and intimate cruising experience. You can feel the gentle sway of the river and hear the distinct sounds of the steam engine. This authenticity is a major draw for those seeking a genuine taste of New Orleans' river heritage.
Exploring the boat itself is part of the adventure. With multiple decks, including the main deck, promenade deck, and observation deck, there are plenty of vantage points to take in the sights and sounds. The historic architecture and the working steam engine are fascinating to observe.
Culinary Delights on the Mississippi
+1While some reviews praise the food as delicious and satisfying, others suggest it might be a bit pricey for the quality. It's important to manage expectations; the buffet aims to provide a taste of local cuisine within the context of a unique river experience. Dishes like creamed spinach and sweet potatoes have been noted as surprisingly enjoyable.
Beyond the buffet, the steamboat also features onboard bars serving a range of cocktails, including specialty 'jazzy punches.' These drinks are often a hit, though they can add to the overall cost of the experience. For those opting for the dinner cruise, the combination of good food, live jazz, and river views creates a memorable evening.
The Magic of Live Jazz Cruises
+1The jazz bands often engage with the crowd, adding a dynamic element to the cruise. This live entertainment transforms the journey into a lively celebration, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends. The music perfectly complements the stunning views of the New Orleans skyline, especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle.
Whether you choose a cruise with dinner or opt for just the jazz and river views, the live music is a key component of the Steamboat Natchez experience. It’s a quintessential New Orleans activity that combines history, scenery, and the soulful sounds of jazz.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit