New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise With Lunch Option

Discover the vibrant culture of New Orleans aboard the Steamboat Natchez, the city’s only remaining steam-powered paddle steamer. This 2-hour jazz cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s musical heritage, with live jazz performances and captivating calliope shows. Guests can also indulge in a delectable Creole lunch, savoring classic dishes like jambalaya and New Orleans bread pudding. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more of the Big Easy’s enchanting ambiance.

This experience made our article of 14 Fantastic Cruises And Boat Tours In New Orleans.

Key Points

• The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise is a 2-hour excursion on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, featuring live jazz music and a preserved steam engine room.
• The cruise is priced at $43.50 per person and offers an optional freshly prepared Creole lunch, including southern fried fish, red beans and rice, and more.
• The cruise has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback on the unique experience of the steam-powered vessel and the knowledgeable tour guides.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible and offers a small group option, with a high likelihood of selling out, so advance booking is recommended.
• Customers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, and the cruise may be operated by the sister vessel during maintenance periods.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise is a 2-hour excursion that transports guests along the Mississippi River in New Orleans.

Priced from $43.50 per person, the cruise features a live tour guide and is likely to sell out. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and a small group option is available. Passengers will enjoy live jazz music, calliope performances, and the opportunity to visit the steam engine room of the only remaining steam-powered paddlesteamer on the Mississippi River.

Experience Highlights

What makes the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise a truly remarkable experience? Passengers will journey on the only remaining steam-powered paddlesteamer on the Mississippi River, enjoying live jazz music and calliope performances.

The tour includes a visit to the meticulously preserved steam engine room, providing a glimpse into the ship’s historical operations. For an additional cost, guests can indulge in a freshly prepared Creole lunch featuring local favorites like southern fried fish, red beans and rice, and New Orleans bread pudding.

Throughout the cruise, travelers will be treated to scenic views of the city from the river’s vantage point.

Optional Lunch Menu

For those interested in a complete dining experience, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers an optional Creole lunch menu prepared fresh on board.

The menu includes:

• Southern fried fish

• Red beans and rice

• Jambalaya

• Salad du jour

• New Orleans Bread Pudding

The lunch also comes with coffee and iced tea.

Complements the meal with a refreshing selection of coffee and iced tea.

With this package, guests can fully enjoy the flavors of New Orleans while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Mississippi River aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez.

Customer Feedback

Based on over 3,357 customer reviews, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable tour guides (4.5/5) and the transportation (4.6/5), though some felt the value for money (4.2/5) could be improved. As one UK traveler noted, "Travelling aboard the only remaining steam powered paddlesteamer on the Mississippi River" was a highlight, while a US customer raved, "Great narration! Lovely lunch and entertainment! This is a must-do activity!" The Natchez cruise offers an engaging and memorable experience on the iconic New Orleans waterway.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.4/5 |

| Guide | 4.5/5 |

| Transportation | 4.6/5 |

| Value | 4.2/5 |

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Important Information

Travelers can reserve the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise now and pay later, providing flexibility for planning.

All cruises may occur on the sister vessel, Riverboat City of New Orleans, during maintenance or inspections, so check availability for starting times and participant selection.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and a small group option is available.

Customers should note the following:

• Reserve now & pay later option available

• Cruises may occur on the sister vessel during maintenance

• Check availability for starting times and participant selection

• Wheelchair accessible

• Small group option available

Booking and Availability

When booking the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, travelers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, providing flexibility in planning their trip.

The cruise operates on set schedules, with departures at varying times throughout the day. Travelers should check availability for their preferred date and time.

It’s important to note that during maintenance or inspections, the cruise may occur on the sister vessel, Riverboat City of New Orleans. This information is clearly communicated to guests to ensure they’ve a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Mississippi River.

Duration and Pricing

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise lasts 2 hours and typically costs from $43.50 per person.

This activity includes:

• Live tour guide narration in English

• High likelihood of selling out

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Wheelchair accessibility

• Small group options available

Passengers can enjoy live jazz music, calliope performances, and a visit to the steam engine room on this historic paddle steamer.

An optional Creole lunch, with menu items such as southern fried fish and New Orleans bread pudding, is available for an additional cost.

Accessibility and Suitability

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility challenges.

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility challenges.

A small group option is available for those who prefer a more intimate experience. The cruise is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the cruise allows for flexibility.

With scenic views of New Orleans from the Mississippi River and live entertainment, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers an engaging and accessible experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

No, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on board. The cruise offers an optional Creole lunch prepared fresh on board, as well as beverages like coffee and iced tea. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There’s no formal dress code for the cruise, though passengers are encouraged to dress comfortably. Casual attire like shorts, t-shirts, and sandals is perfectly acceptable. The priority is enjoying the experience rather than adhering to strict sartorial rules.

Are Pets Allowed on the Cruise?

Pets are not permitted on the steamboat cruise. The cruise is focused on providing a relaxing jazz experience, and allowing pets would not be suitable for the majority of passengers. Only service animals are allowed on board.

Are There Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place?

The cruise follows current COVID-19 protocols, which may include mask requirements and capacity limits. Guests should check the operator’s website for the most up-to-date information before their visit.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Cruise?

Yes, guests can take photos and videos during the cruise. The steamboat cruise encourages capturing memories of the scenic views, live music, and behind-the-scenes access to the engine room.

The Sum Up

The Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise is a must-do experience for anyone visiting New Orleans. With live jazz, a historic steamboat, and optional Creole lunch, it’s a fantastic way to take in the city’s vibrant culture. Highly rated by past guests and accessible to all, this unique river excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: