New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 8,217 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option worth booking?
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option is a 3-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $58 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 8,217 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (8,217)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $58 per person
Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! PLEASE make sure you choose your vessel carefully at check out. Ready for the ultimate New Orleans night out? Step aboard a classic riverboat for a dinner jazz cruise on the mighty Mississippi River — one of the most iconic things to do in New Orleans! Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Savor a Creole-inspired buffet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and sway to live New Orleans jazz as the skyline sparkles around you. Whether it’s date night, a group outing, or your first trip to the Crescent City, this two-hour cruise brings all the NOLA magic — food, music, and views included. Book together to sit together! Don’t just visit New Orleans — cruise through it in style.
What you get
About this experience
Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! PLEASE make sure you choose your vessel carefully at check out. Ready for the ultimate New Orleans night out? Step aboard a classic riverboat for a dinner jazz cruise on the mighty Mississippi River — one of the most iconic things to do in New Orleans! Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Savor a Creole-inspired buffet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and sway to live New Orleans jazz as the skyline sparkles around you. Whether it’s date night, a group outing, or your first trip to the Crescent City, this two-hour cruise brings all the NOLA magic — food, music, and views included. Book together to sit together! Don’t just visit New Orleans — cruise through it in style.
What's included
Included
- Enclosed climate-controlled area
- Live narration of the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River
- Calliope Concert
- Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland or New Orleans Jazz - Schedule Varies
- Southern style dinner buffet (if option selected)
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
What you'll see and do
French Quarter
Head to Toulouse Street in the French Quarter at your selected time for your evening jazz cruise.
Pass by without stopping
Mississippi River
Cruise along the Mississippi River and let the Steamboat Natchez whisk you away with its atmosphere and ambiance, with everything from a museum- quality Engine Room to the ship's orders being called over an old-time megaphone. This evening jazz cruise is a great way to experience New Orleans' beauty and culture. As you steam ahead, soak in breathtaking views of the city skyline while enjoying a New Orleans cultural experience – a live jazz performance performed by the New Orleans band Dukes of Dixieland, a Grammy nominee. Enjoy dining inside or outside on a delectable Louisiana-style buffet dinner including prime rib, chicken, pasta and salad. Two separate dining times give you the flexibility to enjoy the evening at your own pace. Please Note: The price displayed is based on the cruise only option. Cruise with dinner option must be selected in order to confirm that your cruise includes the meal.
Not just a boat, the Steamboat NATCHEZ is a time machine that fills its passengers with the romance and marvel of yesteryear! If option chosen, enjoy 1 hour dockside before the riverboat begins her 2-hour cruise down the Mississippi River. Relax with a cocktail at the bar and soak in the views as well as the sounds of the Calliope.
Admission included
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, if this option is selected will be the vessel for your dinner jazz cruise.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, just two blocks from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins at 6pm and departs at 7pm. The boat will return at 9pm. The band begins at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early!
Meeting point
New Orleans
The Steamboat NATCHEZ dock is just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins at 6pm and departs at 7pm. The boat will return at 9pm. The band begins at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, just two blocks from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins at 6pm and departs at 7pm. The boat will return at 9pm. The band begins at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early!
Ends at
The Steamboat NATCHEZ dock is just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins at 6pm and departs at 7pm. The boat will return at 9pm. The band begins at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early!
Options you can book
CITY of NEW ORLEANS - No Meal
Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Meal not included. Departs 101 St Louis St Board from 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Cruises 7:00pm - 9:00pm Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Meal not included. Departs 101 St Louis St Starting point: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, 101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Steamboat NATCHEZ 6:00 Meal
6pm Dinner Seating Included: Board vessel at 5:45PM. Please enter the dining room at 6PM for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7PM. Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Steamboat NATCHEZ 7:45 Meal
7:45PM Dinner Seating Included: Board the vessel anytime between 6-7 PM she departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM. Dinner is served at 7:45PM. Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
CITY of NEW ORLEANS 7:45 Meal
7:45pm Dinner Seating Included: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Boards at 6:00pm: Cruises 7:00pm - 9:00pm Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ) departs from 101 St Louis Street. Starting point: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, 101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Steamboat NATCHEZ - No Meal
Vessel type: Takes place on the Steamboat NATCHEZ Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: Board the vessel anytime between 6-7 PM she departs the dock at 7PM and returns at 9PM. Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
CITY of NEW ORLEANS 6:00 Meal
6pm Dinner Seating Included: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Departs 101 St Louis St Boards at 5:45pm: Please enter the dining room at 6:00pm for dinner. Vessel departs the dock at 7:00pm and returns at 9:00pm. Vessel type: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ) - 101 St Louis Street Starting point: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, 101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
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 30 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
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- The riverboat is handicap accessible. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
- The tour cruises rain or shine, however the cruise may be cancelled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.
- Contact local operator for groups of 15 or more. Different rates apply.
- Check Your Ticket - Jazz Cruises are Aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
- **Important for Groups of 10+** Parties of 10 or more guests require physical tickets for boarding. Please check in with our Lighthouse Ticket Office prior to boarding to receive your tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8,198 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
8,198 verified traveler reviews for New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun
Was pretty cool but wish we had done a daylight cruise to be able to see more. Music could have played more
via Viator
Fun and entertaining
Was a great experience, first time to ride on an old steamboat. Love to music and vibe of it.
via Tripadvisor
Cruise excellent town sucks
Parking sucks with no clear instructions we got booted and had a dispute with August cut our trip short and will never come back to New Orleans. Should be clearer in instructions or suggest transport from where we were staying. Otherwise the ride was good food was good servers where good company was excellent, would do it again but not in this city
Response from the operator: We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us on the boat. It means so much. Although our company does not own or operate any parking lots, we understand your frustration with that situation.
via Viator
Good time
Great food and music. It was neat seeing the boiler room
Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear that you visited the boiler and engine room. It is a remarkable look at transportation from a hundred years ago.
via Tripadvisor
Dinner on the River
They should know that they should take the second seating for dinner. So nice having dinner while the boat is moving plus it give you the chance to see everything before it gets dark
Response from the operator: Great, helpful tips for other travelers. Your review was so very nice. Thank you.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $58 to $110
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2,876
- 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 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option cost?
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Prices start at $58 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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 8,217 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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Around 2,876 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option 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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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Included: Enclosed climate-controlled area; Live narration of the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River; Calliope Concert; Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland or New Orleans Jazz - Schedule Va; and Southern style dinner buffet (if option selected). Not included: Gratuities; and Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, just two blocks from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins at 6pm and departs at 7pm. The boat will return at 9pm. The band begins at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option 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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option 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 Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option 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 Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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Across 8,217 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including CITY of NEW ORLEANS - No Meal, Steamboat NATCHEZ 6:00 Meal, Steamboat NATCHEZ 7:45 Meal, CITY of NEW ORLEANS 7:45 Meal. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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