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Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
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Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

By Steamboat Natchez
About
Enjoy a whole evening of New Orleans fun aboard a paddle-wheel riverboat. Enjoy unique views of the city without having to deal with crowded streets, and save time and money by combining a cruise with a night of live jazz and Creole-style dinner (if option selected).
from
$55.00
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 2-99, max of 500 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • See unique New Orleans from the Mississippi River 
  • Get your culture fix with onboard, live jazz music
  • Add a Creole-style dinner to avoid the hassle of crowded restaurants
  • Convenient French Quarter departure point near other key sights

  • 2-hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise
  • Calliope Concert
  • Entertainment by the Grammy Nominated Dukes of Dixieland
  • Live narration of the history of New Orleans and the Mississippi River
  • Southern style dinner buffet (if option selected)Groups must be booked as one reservation.
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)

Your cruise takes off from the docks near Toulouse Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Board your ship up to an hour before your departure time. The paddle-wheel riverboat is one of the last of its kind in the area. Once out on the Mississippi River, relax on the outdoor deck or inside in the cabin, and take in views of the city in the distance. As you float down the river, enjoy jazz music performed by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland. If you’ve upgraded your cruise ticket to include dinner, your buffet meal includes a variety of Creole-style food. The bread pudding is a popular dessert choice. Your cruise ends back in the French Quarter. If you’re looking for something to do afterward, there’s a booming nightlife scene nearby.

Start:
  • Gray Line New Orleans, Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    The Gray Line 'Lighthouse' ticket office is located at Toulouse St and the Mississippi River (Steamboat Natchez Dock), 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!
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3780STEAMDIN

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travelers can participate
    • 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.
    • Anyone looking to book a group of 15 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
    • Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable, her sister vessel will operate the cruise.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
    Where is the departure point for the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
    The evening jazz cruise departs from Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery in the heart of the French Quarter (400 Toulouse Street.)
    Answered Jun 2021
    Is parking available near the departure point for the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
    There are parking lots in the French Quarter on Decatur Street and adjacent to the dock. These lots offer hourly or daily parking rates.
    Answered Jun 2021
    What time should I arrive for the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
    Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before departure or sooner.
    Answered Jun 2021
    Are vegetarian options available during the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option?
    Yes - There are vegetarian selections including Natchez tossed salad, Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Pasta Primavera, Garlic Rolls, Bananas Foster and White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
    Answered Jun 2021

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3780STEAMDIN

    Reserve your spot

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Steamboat Natchez
      8,526
      New Orleans, Louisiana
      Joined in March 2009
    • Tour26970403607
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An awesome steam powered day.
      We really enjoyed our time on the Natchez. The weather was perfect and we learned many interesting facts about the Boat and her history on the Mississippi River. The crew were all awesome, and it was very clear the they all were part of a "well oiled machine". I loved the Calliope on the back roof of the ship, and the fact that this vessel is powered by steam. I would do this trip again! Thank you all!!
      Written March 18, 2024
    • nicolenQ6243AX
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Steamboat a fun experience but nothing to see
      We took a 2:30pm boat and arrived at 2pm with the line around the entire park so if you want your choice of seats get there even earlier than that. Luckily boarding wasn't too bad and we snagged some seats on the upper deck, but quickly learned we should have been on the left-side of the ship as everything they were mentioning was on the left side, so we saw nothing along the sail. Also, we could not hear what they were saying as wasn't loud enough so took effort to try and hear what they were saying. We grabbed ourselves a drink at the bar which was tasty and enjoyed the beautiful sunny day and jazz tunes. It overall was a nice time because was a beautiful day but there really is nothing to see on the river as was all factories. So, if you're there for the scenery then wouldn't do it again, but if there for the experience of a paddlewheel then sit back and enjoy!
      Written March 16, 2024
    • Linder24
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice little cruise
      If all you want is to be able to say you cruised the Mississippi, the afternoon cruise is for you. You can sit in the sun or in the shade. Listen to the Captain as he talks about the area and then listen to the music. Food and drinks are available if you want it.
      Written March 15, 2024
    • Travler556
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun experience on the river
      Unique experience and good food! I loved the live music! I would definitely recommend this trip. The information about the boat and history was great as well!
      Written March 13, 2024
    • Extraordinary693117
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      A view of Mississippi River
      Staffs in the boat are friendly and very good of what they do. Food is great, the boat is very clean and well organize. The scenery of Mississippi River is boring. Good for a one time tour but not to repeat.
      Written March 13, 2024
    • 44Christie
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Don't miss the Natchez riverboat tour
      The crew, boat and scenery were so very nice on this tour. Gina was amazing taking such good care of us with her boundless energy and 1000 watt smile! The food was quite good and was a perfect compliment to the band that played that evening. Later we enjoyed a tour of the ship lead by the captain. It was interesting to see the workings of the ship and to see his passion for what he does. Highly recommended!
      Written March 13, 2024
    • DavidC__76
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      I do not recommend
      I was not expecting much from this cruise (spouse insisted doing it) and it was as expected. Not much to see on this cruise. Just go for the experience of being on a "steam" boat. Can be a peaceful 2h break, though. Given the price, I do not recommend this because it is low value for money...
      Written March 12, 2024
    • melaniem3994
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Too many other tour options
      My husband and I did Sunday brunch tour. The music they play while your waiting to get on the boat is terrible - sounds like a broken carnival ride - highly annoying. Food is average at best, not much to choose from - everything bland. Waiter was bad, never brought tea - we got tired of asking. Tour narrator fair. Scenery bad. Not much in gift store. My advice is to please spend your money on some other tour - there are so many great tours available. People were heading to exit way before trip ended. . Felt about 1 hr too long.
      Written March 11, 2024
    • 5katelynp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun excursion!
      This was such a fun little excursion! It was incredibly chilly so I would suggest a jacket. We enjoyed ourselves and learned so much history! Definitely do this if you haven't. It's a great break from walking on your feet!
      Written March 10, 2024
    • Erin S
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Riverboat cruise
      Unfort it was windy and cold but very informative and interesting. Lunch was disorganized unfort. Waited 40min before getting any food. Staff was nice but they were definitely under staffed.
      Written March 10, 2024
    • elaineb690
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Natchez
      What a pleasant 2 hour trip on this steamboat. Everyone was so pleasant and accommodating. Very relaxed ride! Will definitely come back to New Orleans
      Written March 8, 2024
    • 8nathanaelm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      It was an amazing time
      It’s was amazing and I would like to do it again and urge everybody to do this experience,the food was good,the trip on the was excellent
      Written March 7, 2024
    • shirleymR8107ES
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Just wonderful
      Wonderful trip..captain was excellent.food was great.served quickly and was so much of it.I would definitely do it again.
      Written March 7, 2024
    • Udval L
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful, very informative and fun. Jazz trio was entertaining, we did not eat in the boat, anyway it smelled good
      Trip was very informative, gave a better understanding about importance of Mississippi river in delivering the goods. Jazz trio was entertaining and fun. We did not eat on the ship
      Written March 6, 2024
    • melaniecW8639QS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved it!! Highly recommend!
      Great experience!!!! My only complaint is that we did not get seated at our reserved table by the jazz band and we instead were seated at the back of the dining room.
      Written March 4, 2024
    See all 8 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.0
    4.0 of 5 bubbles1,428 reviews
    Excellent
    692
    Very good
    328
    Average
    218
    Poor
    89
    Terrible
    101

    Wendy J
    The Villages, FL460 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    First of all I would like to commend the greeters, waiters and managers for their trying to make things right. We arrived on board close to the 7 pm departure and we were assigned to the 7 pm sitting for dinner on the second deck. We went to the reception and were told they weren’t seating 7 pm yet, but we could have a drink while we waited. Lineup at the bar was very slow as there was only one bartender, so eventually I left my husband in line and went to get our table for dinner. I was told that the second deck was full and we needed to go downstairs. On deck one a harried manager was trying to seat people by putting extra tables up and even sent a table up to deck 2 then escorted us back up to be seated. He explained that they were understaffed and that the company had overbooked the dining rooms. Our waitress, Taylor, was trying to serve everyone from the buffet, but she was falling behind. The female manager brought us our salad and apologized for the wait. Taylor then brought over our meal without the chicken, explaining that she wanted us to have something. She was almost in tears trying to apologize. All this time we were trying to listen to the tour information as we cruised up river, longing to be out on the deck to enjoy the sights. We also had another waitress, Gina, come over and apologize for the wait and she brought us a glass of wine on the house. The chicken finally arrived on a small plate by itself and by then we were so annoyed we didn’t want it. Dessert was good and we tried to make sure the staff knew we weren’t angry with them, just the situation that was the fault of management. We finally made it outside to enjoy the view and listen to the jazz trio playing on the upper deck. This cruise is available without the dinner and that would be my strong recommendation if you are planning on enjoying the actual cruise and sights along the way.
    Written May 15, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for sharing. Employees in the industry are difficult to find at this time in light of the pandemic and slow re-openings. We work at keeping our good employees. We apologize for the inconvenience the evening you cruised with us and that it hampered your experience. It was not intentional.
    Written May 24, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Angela R
    Eugene, OR2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022 • Couples
    We were doubled charged. They had booked 2 sets of 2 AND we thought we had purchased the dinner cruise but it was “cruise only”.

    I was very disappointed. Looked forward to the dinner cruise for 2 days and instead we were charged $200 and we ended up departing before take off so we could go have dinner at some other restaurant.

    Grayline, you need to work on your booking communication AND fix the glitches in your system. We will think twice if the Grayline logo appears on the attraction from now on and I recommend others to do the same.
    Written December 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    It appears that you were only charged for the Cruise (no meal), not double charged. If the booking error numbers were incorrect on our end you would be reimbursed. It is certainly was not our intention to be less than clear on the booking page, and if you booked it yourself please take another look and let us know what is unclear so we can consider changes if necessary
    Written December 12, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Leia
    Texas Gulf Coast, TX94 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a wonderful night aboard the Steamboat Natchez. We came out for my Aunts birthday and I was looking for family friendly options and wheelchair accessible options.

    With this tour offering dinner and help boarding (Donald was very helpful and sweet to my Aunt) it made the evening extremely pleasurable.

    We enjoyed the history and sightseeing we were able to do and were happy we picked the later dinner in order to enjoy that while there was still light.

    Dinner was also very good with very tasty options and I am glad we included that with our ticket purchase.

    Overall my family really enjoyed their experience and I would recommend this tour to others who are visiting.
    Written March 20, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Please share an extra Happy Birthday to your Aunt. We will certainly share this review with Donald and his Captain.
    Written March 23, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Michelle C
    Sedalia, MO90 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2021
    We did not chose the dinner option, so I cannot comment on that portion. I previously saw complaints about standing in line at the bar, but that was NOT a problem on this cruise. They had 4 bars open (1 per floor) and there were 2 bartenders on the floor we stayed on (4th). The band was on the 4th floor & contained a pianist, percussion, & trombone player. The band of 3 sounded pretty good, but didn't play much for it being a jazz cruise. They didn't have room to really dance near the band (but plenty of room on other floors where music could still be heard). If looking for a relaxing evening, with some pretty views & a narrative of what is being seen on along the route this is a great option.
    Written May 31, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you Michelle! The band always loves the input
    Written June 20, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    363cymru123
    Cardiff, UK129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    We chose to do the evening cruise which leaves the dock at 7pm. You can board at 6pm though! Don't forget to pick up your paper tickets from the booth on the dock before you line up to board if you have digital versions! We were given a time that we were due to have our dinner, the dining hall is lovely, had old world charm! The dinner itself is fine, starter is gumbo which is brought to you. You have to go in line to collect your mains which is plated up for you, it was a chicken dinner which was very nice. You have a choice of desert which is brought to you.
    The dukes of dixieland band play on the upper decks, they were good. There are plenty of seats on all decks so you can take in the scenery as The Natchez goes along the river. Drinks are available to buy. The captain gives lots of information of local landmarks too. As you head back towards the city you can catch sight of the sunset if you are lucky with the weather. Getting to see the city view from the river in the dark with all the lights illuminating the Mississippi was special. You dock back at 9pm. We really enjoyed this iconic trip.
    Written August 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    It is such a delight when a guest shares their experience so detailed, and with so much joy.
    Written August 19, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Katiej9267
    37 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Friends
    We had so looked forward to this trip. The band, the Dukes of Dixieland didn’t disappoint but the rest of the cruise fell short.
    The food was cold, we understand Brits like piping hot food but this was tepid at best, they served the soup at the same time as the main which meant one of the dishes was going to go cold while you ate the other.
    It was a very cold evening so I wanted a cup of tea, I was told there was no skimmed or semi skimmed milk, only full fat.
    The bar upstairs had seating for a max of 10 people, nowhere near enough, especially on a cold night. For part of the time there was just 1 bar tender who did very well but clearly help was needed.
    I’m a travel agent & not sure I would recommend this trip as value for Money, unfortunately.
    Written March 9, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    FamilyTraveler93
    Waldwick, NJ214 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2022
    The views were amazing, and the live jazz band was fabulous. Probably the best jazz band I saw the whole time I was in New Orleans - people were actually dancing on the top deck. The dinner was just OK, the gumbo and chicken/vegetables were very bland, needed seasonings - you could get better food for a lower price outside. If you could book the cruise without the dinner option, have dinner before the cruise.
    Written March 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jack D
    Timbuktu, Mali4 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    High point were the view from the river of NOLA as the evening lights came up. Overall meh. Not much live Jazz music during the ride. I was expecting a bigger band to play music for 50 to 75% of the trip duration. Total time the three man band performed was around 30 minutes. Natchez is in repairs so we were on a diesel powered boat, not a steam powered one. 50 bucks for 90 minutes meandering on the Mississippi in a diesel powered boat. Cannot recommend this activity. Not good value for money.
    Written July 28, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    The band plays 30 at boarding again for 45 minutes on the return. The first hour is historic and port narration, but that might not have been your preference.
    Written August 2, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ms. Salsa
    121 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2023
    We were so looking forward to riding the Steamboat Natchez during one of its evening trips. We decided not to include the dinner, and opt for having dinner instead, close by in one of the restaurants on the French Quarter. The process getting on board was smooth. The only slow down was that you had to stop first and have your picture taken. You were allowed to board the ship anytime from 6 to 7pm and enjoy its amenities. Those that elected to pay for the dinner had a choice between a seating at 6 or another one at 7pm. The boat paddled and traveled across the river until 9pm. It rode up to a certain spot and then made a U-turn returning to its original spot. We only heard a 3-man band playing outside on the last upper deck. They actually were quite good, problem is, for a 2 hour ride, they took more breaks than they actually played. The other issue was, I wish they would have played on one of the lower decks; being on the last one, it was quite windy and cold to really be able to enjoy the moment. Last but not least; sadly, the surroundings/sights across the river ride was nothing to rave about. Good thing it was in the evening, hence, you couldn't see much as it got darker.
    Written April 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Your concern on the band is understood and let me explain. The band plays during boading 6-6:50pm. The narration is provided after we depart the dock and until the "turnaround" 7.5 miles downriver. After that they play two sets before docking. With other decks usually allocated for diners, the rooftop deck is open to everyone.
    Written April 30, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Michael P
    Bakersfield, CA3 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was not aware this was a buffet when I purchased tickets… sat down for dinner and was told by server that they were severely overbooked. Waited 45+ minutes for water. No instructions regarding how dinner was to progress. According to the table documents we were to wait to go to the buffet until invited by staff. Our staff person was working the buffet line and most of the room had already gotten up to queue the line. The line wove between tables and patrons at those tables were forced to eat with maskless strangers squeezing by them, slowly. No accommodations were offered for food allergies and no options were available. Chicken, green beans, potatoes or nothing…. At my table at my right, my elbow was bumping with the guest at the next table, on my left my elbow was bumping with a rubbish bin. Because my server was working the buffet line, no further table service was evident. Our soiled dishes sat on our table until we decided to abandon the table and sit outside. Roughly the first hour of the evening was a gentleman narrating the history of the vessel and pointing out various other vessels and landmarks. While this was mildly interesting, it was not the jazz music I was expecting.
    Written April 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We have to apologize for this experience. I am not sure when you purchased the dinner cruise but we have been back to a buffet style cruise for over a year. The menu is set and posted so guests would know what is served. If allergies are noted we can alert a guest as to what they may and may not want to eat on the buffet but there are some things we cannot accommodate. We appreciate you detailing the situations in the dining room that made you uncomfortable including the dishes. Nearly half the cruise is live narration and the other half is dedicated to the Trio on the rooftop deck (and televised in the diningrooms for those still dining)
    Written May 2, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option provided by Steamboat Natchez