Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site
Tourist attraction · French Quarter
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Highlights
Jazz steamboat cruises with buffet dining and scenic river views.
Jazz steamboat cruises with buffet dining and scenic river views.
"Riverboat cruises are recommended as some of the best vantage points for New Orleans' Go 4th on the River fireworks and musical synchronization; booking a harbor cruise provides close-up views of dueling-barge pyrotechnics and the riverfront pageantry." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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)." - Paul Oswell
"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
"What’s more traditional than rolling on the river, the sounds of jazz and the smells of Southern comfort food wafting in the air? Brunch is optional on the Steamboat Natchez Sunday jazz cruise, but for an additional $29, the buffet dishes faves like grits and grillades, gumbo, creamed spinach, and pain perdu, with warm bread pudding and bananas foster for dessert." - Beth D’Addono
"For a city that owes its life to the river, Mississippi experiences can be few and far between. That’s why a ride on the Steamboat Natchez isn’t just for tourists. A throwback to the days when steamboats cruised for commerce and pleasure, the Natchez connects locals and visitors to the working river. Skip the lunch and dinner cruises, the food is nothing special. Instead, sign on for live jazz and be sure to order one or three of what might just be one of the best Bloody Marys in town." - Beth D’Addono
