Steamboat Natchez

"What's this tour all about?The Steamboat Natchez is a well-loved and well-established tour with two daily harbor cruises, as well as dinner and Sunday brunch cruises. Though they may differ slightly, all of the cruises take in the sights and history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. With the calliope organ playing as the boat docks, this is a rare chance to learn a lot in a short period of time. Buy tickets at the walk-up booth along the river (reservations are recommended during high season). Tell us about your fellow tourees.These tours are very tourist-friendly. There’s a good mix of history buffs, jazz fans, and people just wanting to sit on deck and watch the world go by for a couple of hours. The crowd skews slightly older but there’s something for everyone—even the chance to sample some typical New Orleans dishes, if you opt for the buffet. What can we expect from the tour itself?The soundtrack is either a live jazz band, which adds to the atmosphere, or—when passing any points of interest—narration by the captain himself. He imparts tasty nuggets about the city, touching on the Battle of New Orleans and the development of the French Quarter and adjacent neighborhoods. It’s a well-drilled schtick, of course, but it feels fresh. Any insider tips we should take advantage of?While most people sit out on the decks, it’s well worth ducking into the engine room to see the museum-quality exhibit about the workings of the boat. So who do you think would get the most out of this?These tours have broad appeal; casual sightseers, history buffs, jazz aficionados, and Southern food obsessives will all find them worthwhile." - Paul Oswell