New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This two-hour paddlewheel journey along the Mississippi River provides guests with stunning views of the skyline and historical landmarks, accompanied by the soulful sounds of live jazz music. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon or a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ heritage, this family-friendly excursion promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• Family-friendly 2-hour paddlewheel cruise along the Mississippi River in New Orleans with live jazz music by the Steamboat Stompers.
• Cruise offers scenic views of the city’s skyline and historical sites like Chalmette Battlefield.
• Optional buffet lunch featuring Southern-inspired dishes, though vegetarian options are limited.
• Wheelchair accessible with accommodations for strollers and service animals; cruise operates rain or shine.
• Average customer ratings of 4.2 out of 5 with positive feedback on the friendly staff, informative commentary, and relaxing atmosphere.

Overview and Experience

The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers a family-friendly excursion on a historic riverboat. This 2-hour paddlewheel cruise along the Mississippi River features live jazz music by the Steamboat Stompers.

Passengers can enjoy sightseeing opportunities of New Orleans’ skyline and historical sites like Chalmette Battlefield. An optional buffet lunch is available for an additional cost, though vegetarian options are limited, and feedback on food quality has been varied.

The cruise operates rain or shine, with accommodations for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals. Advance booking is recommended to secure spots, as the cruise has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers.

Dining Options

A buffet lunch with a selection of Southern-inspired dishes is available for an additional cost on the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise.

The lunch menu includes:

1. Starter: Salad Du Jour
2. Main: Southern Fried Fish, Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya
3. Dessert: New Orleans Bread Pudding

Coffee and tea are included, while alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

Vegetarian options are limited, and feedback on the food quality has been varied.

Boarding and Accessibility

Travelers can meet at the Gray Line New Orleans location at 400 Toulouse Street to board the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise.

Arrival 15 minutes prior to boarding is recommended. The riverboat is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations are available for strollers and service animals.

Infants must sit on laps, and infant rates apply if no seat is occupied. The cruise operates rain or shine but may be canceled due to severe weather.

Passengers should be prepared for potential noise from the calliope before boarding.

Cruise Highlights

Passengers aboard the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise can enjoy a 2-hour paddlewheel journey along the Mississippi River, accompanied by the lively tunes of the Steamboat Stompers jazz band.

The cruise offers several highlights:

1. Sightseeing opportunities of New Orleans’ iconic skyline and historical sites like the Chalmette Battlefield.

2. An optional buffet lunch featuring Southern specialties such as Southern Fried Fish, Red Beans and Rice, and Jambalaya.

3. Informative commentary from the crew, providing insights into the river’s history and the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Customer Feedback

The overall ratings for the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise average 4.2 out of 5 based on 4,341 reviews.

Guests commonly praise the friendly staff, informative commentary, scenic views, and enjoyable live jazz music. However, some critiques include difficulty hearing the commentary, variable food quality, limited vegetarian options, and noise from the calliope before boarding.

Specific highlights mentioned by travelers include the engaging historical information, relaxing atmosphere, and positive interactions with the crew.

Booking and Cancellation

To secure spots on the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, guests are encouraged to book tickets in advance, as the cruise has a maximum capacity of 500 travelers per excursion.

The cruise offers several booking options:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
2. A reserve now, pay later option.
3. Special rates for group bookings of 9 or more through direct contact.

Those interested in larger group bookings should reach out directly to discuss different rate options.

The cruise operates rain or shine, unless severe weather forces a cancellation.

History and Significance

The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez has a rich history dating back to 1975, when it first began offering guests the opportunity to experience a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River.

As one of the last authentic steamboats plying the waters of the mighty Mississippi, the Natchez has become an iconic symbol of New Orleans’ rich maritime heritage.

Passengers can step back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the riverboat era, while enjoying live jazz music and panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

The Natchez’s enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring cultural significance.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to the New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, guests should consider the meeting location, arrival time, and available dining options.

The cruise departs from Gray Line New Orleans at 400 Toulouse St, and visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before boarding.

The cruise operates rain or shine, though severe weather may lead to cancellations.

Guests can enjoy a buffet lunch with Southern-inspired dishes, including:

1. Starter: Salad Du Jour
2. Main: Southern Fried Fish, Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya
3. Dessert: New Orleans Bread Pudding

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

According to the information provided, outside food and drinks are not permitted on board. The cruise offers a buffet lunch option as well as the availability of alcoholic beverages for purchase.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

There are no age restrictions for the cruise. Infants are welcome but must sit on laps, and infant rates apply if no seat is occupied. The cruise operates rain or shine and may be canceled due to severe weather.

Can I Disembark at Any Point During the Cruise?

Guests are generally required to remain on board for the full duration of the cruise. Disembarking at any point during the experience is typically not permitted, as it could disrupt the overall flow and operations of the excursion.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no formal dress code for the cruise. Casual and comfortable attire is recommended, as passengers will be boarding and disembarking a boat. However, guests should dress appropriately for the weather and their planned activities during the excursion.

Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Cruise?

Yes, it is possible to purchase tickets on the day of the cruise, subject to availability. The cruise has a maximum capacity of 500 passengers, so booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and cultural heritage while enjoying live jazz music and scenic views of the Mississippi River. With its informative commentary, optional dining options, and family-friendly atmosphere, the cruise provides a relaxing and memorable way to explore the sights and sounds of New Orleans.