New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 483 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise worth booking?
New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise is a 6.5-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $88 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 483 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (483)
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- From
- $88 per person
Enjoy a fully narrated city tour of historic New Orleans, where you will visit the world famous French Quarter, Jackson Square, Audubon Park and even uncover the mysteries surrounding Voodoo. Then take to the waters for a cruise on the Mississippi River with the iconic Steamboat NATCHEZ. Enjoy an authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi. Come and discover New Orleans today!
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a fully narrated city tour of historic New Orleans, where you will visit the world famous French Quarter, Jackson Square, Audubon Park and even uncover the mysteries surrounding Voodoo. Then take to the waters for a cruise on the Mississippi River with the iconic Steamboat NATCHEZ. Enjoy an authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi. Come and discover New Orleans today!
What's included
Included
- 2-hour paddle wheeler boat cruise (2:30PM)
- Stop at Cafe du Monde for beignets (own expense)
- 3-hour narrated motorcoach tour (10AM)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch (own expense - based on availability)
- Refreshments and souvenirs are available for purchase on boat
What you'll see and do
French Quarter
First enjoy a grand overview of New Orleans, dubbed ‘The City That Care Forgot,’ on this comprehensive sightseeing coach tour. Start in the world-famous French Quarter, a quaint, mysterious area where the sights and sounds abound.
30 minutes here
Jackson Square
Visit historic Jackson Square, home of the Cabildo and Presbytere museums, St. Louis Cathedral and learn about the Baroness Pontalba, who built the first apartment homes in America.
15 minutes here
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
Walk around one of New Orleans' historic above ground cemeteries, circa 1854, and take photos of the elaborate tombs and statuary. Guests may choose to stay on the bus.
10 minutes here
New Orleans City Park
You will have a stop at picturesque City Park where stone footbridges cross lagoons and bayous in the shadows of centuries old oak trees. Explore the free 11 acre sculpture garden or purchase cafe au lait and beignets (cash only) at Cafe du Monde's newest location.
15 minutes here
Audubon Park
Home to the Audubon Zoo, rated one of the top five zoos in the nation.
Pass by without stopping
Garden District
Following the path of the St Charles Avenue streetcar, the oldest continuously operating passenger railway system in the world, pass stately mansions, the homes of former kings and queens of Mardi Gras and the beautiful Garden District.
Pass by without stopping
Mississippi River
Enjoy a Steam Calliope Concert daily. Tap your feet to Live Jazz (seasonal) on every cruise. This two-hour day cruise takes you back to a time when cotton was king and life was as slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi River. Enjoy the Captain's narration of the highlights of one of the world's busiest ports. Tour the Historic Steam Engine Room and learn how steam powers the engines to turn the Paddlewheel and provide the energy for the delightful tunes of the calliope. Cruise past the Chalmette Battlefield, where Jean Lafitte and his buccaneers joined forces with Andrew Jackson to defeat the British in the Battle of New Orleans. Enjoy a Creole lunch (additional cost-$13.50 per adult). Tour Options: • 9am City Tour & 11:30am Cruise • 12pm City Tour & 2:30pm Cruise -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- Sample Lunch Menu Menu Subject to Change Southern Fried Fish*Zesty cornmeal crusted and fried to a golden perfection Red Beans and Rice New Orleans classic red beans with andouille sausage and served over Jazzmen® rice Roast Beef Debris and GravyServed over mashed potatoes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Chef’s Daily Selection Vegetable du Jour Cole Slaw House prepared creamy cole slaw Cornucopia of Fresh Fruit NATCHEZ Bread Pudding A New Orleans soufflé of La Louisiane French bread, eggs, cream, vanilla and cinnamon with a Callebaut® Belgian white chocolate sauce La Louisiane Fresh Sliced French Bread
120 minutes here
Tulane University
View Tulane University and Loyola University across from Audubon Park.
Pass by without stopping
The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
Tour departs from Toulouse St, New Orleans near the French Quarter. You must exchange this voucher for your ticket at the Gray Line window at the 'Lighthouse' ticket office located at Toulouse St and the Mississippi River (Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please note that both the New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line New Orleans share the 'Lighthouse' ticket office - you must go to the 'Gray Line' window
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour departs from Toulouse St, New Orleans near the French Quarter. You must exchange this voucher for your ticket at the Gray Line window at the 'Lighthouse' ticket office located at Toulouse St and the Mississippi River (Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please note that both the New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line New Orleans share the 'Lighthouse' ticket office - you must go to the 'Gray Line' window
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line New Orleans
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels
- Tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage. If wheelchairs collapse and fold, they can be placed in the storage compartment on the bus. If the wheelchair is a scooter, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier for a handicap-accessible bus. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher
- If you wish to take both paddle and wheel tours on the same day, you must book the 9am departure
- Tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage. If wheelchairs collapse and fold, they can be placed in the storage compartment on the coach. If the wheelchair is a scooter, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier for a handicap-accessible bus. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.
- Our riverboats is wheelchair accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks on the NATCHEZ are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
- Cruise is suitable for wheelchairs, but restrooms stalls are not wide enough to accommodate and there are no elevators on board.
- Please Note: Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the newly renovated Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 481 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
481 verified traveler reviews for New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cruise by itself great but do not include the meal
Everything good but the food. I will do this again but never with the food included. Raw green beans, cold food, only a seafood pasta was edible and the deserts were moderately decent.
Response from the operator: We are disappointed that we only rated 1 star. We take guest feedback very seriously. If you experience an issue while on board—whether it relates to service personnel, food quality, seating, or any other matter, we encourage you to immediately notify an on-board manager or the captain. Our team is fully committed to rectifying any situation in the moment to ensure you have a satisfactory experience before you depart. Thank you again for sharing your feedback with us
via Tripadvisor
New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
The city tour was excellent. The tour guide, Harris was very knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful New Orleans history lesson. The steamboat entry process was great and well organized. I didn’t have the tickets with the meal option, but was asked if we would like to eat as we boarded. We said yes and was advised to pay at the bar and then was seated. The salad, entree and dessert were served very quickly and efficiently. We were able to get our own water or tea which was included with the meal. They offer drinks for purchase. There was a nice jazz band on board and narration as to the sites we were passing by. We had a great time! Highly recommend!!!!
Response from the operator: Your high recommendation and detailed review means the world to all of us. Harris loves to share his history and the riverboat crew knows that the cruise can add so much fun to the overall history of the city.
via Viator
Great way to experience New Orleans
It was a great tour of the city, although it was extremely hot Our driver and guide were really informative and made sure we didn’t get too hot
Response from the operator: Thanks so much. Just like you, we wish we could control the New Orleans summer weather. But we strive to put smiles on faces no matter what the weather.
via Tripadvisor
Best tour ever!!!
The best experience ever! First with the steamboat Natchez Jazz cruise…cruising along with a live jazz band playing. Then, the City Tour where part of it was a guided walking tour!! Thanks to Val and Stacey the best tour guide and driver!!!
Response from the operator: Best Tour Ever! Wow - that is music to our ears. River cruise to City Tour, you deserve the very best.
via Viator
It was a fun...
It was a fun comprehensive experience - comfortable for those of us who could not stand the heat and stayed in the air conditioned bus, and very informative for those of us who walked outside to learn more about the history and culture of N’awlins. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we greatly enjoyed her stories!
Response from the operator: Maria, we are delighted to know that the tour had something for everyone. Thank you.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $88 to $94
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 169
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line New Orleans, who run 21 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.1.
See everything Gray Line New Orleans runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $88 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New Orleans usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise take?
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Plan for about 6.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New Orleans is not rushed.
Is New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 483 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Around 169 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New Orleans can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New Orleans and add a light layer if any part of the 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New Orleans within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New Orleans?
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New Orleans runs on licensed guides, and it shows: the city requires certification for tour guides, so the floor is higher here than most US cities. Ghost and cemetery walks, French Quarter food crawls, plantation history day trips and swamp boat runs make up the bulk. We rank on whether the operator handles cemetery access properly, since St. Louis No. 1 needs an authorised guide. On Outty we rank every New Orleans experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation, New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour, New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
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February to May and October to November. August is heat and storm season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Included: 2-hour paddle wheeler boat cruise (2:30PM); Stop at Cafe du Monde for beignets (own expense); and 3-hour narrated motorcoach tour (10AM). Not included: Gratuities; Lunch (own expense - based on availability); and Refreshments and souvenirs are available for purchase on boat. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Tour departs from Toulouse St, New Orleans near the French Quarter. You must exchange this voucher for your ticket at th. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage. If wheelchairs collapse and fold, they. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise?
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Across 483 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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