The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans. As the stately steamboat glides along the Mississippi River, guests can indulge in a Creole-inspired buffet dinner and be serenaded by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland. With captivating live narration and a calliope concert, this two-hour cruise promises a memorable evening. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise is sure to delight and leave you wanting more. But what exactly makes this experience so special?
Good To Know
- The Steamboat Natchez offers an evening jazz cruise along the Mississippi River in New Orleans, featuring a Creole-inspired buffet dinner.
- The 2-hour cruise departs at 7 PM from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, providing guests with stunning skyline views at dusk.
- The live jazz performances by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland enhance the cultural experience, with a calliope concert and historical narration.
- The cruise accommodates up to 500 travelers and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a memorable experience for a diverse range of guests.
- The Steamboat Natchez operates rain or shine, with climate-controlled indoor areas to ensure comfort during adverse weather conditions.
Overview of the Steamboat Natchez
The Steamboat Natchez is a historic paddle-wheel boat that offers visitors a unique opportunity to journey along the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
Featuring a family-friendly atmosphere, guests can stroll the deck and take in the urban skyline views at dusk. The cruise is accompanied by live jazz music from the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, providing an authentic New Orleans experience.
With a rating of 4.1 out of 6,097 reviews, the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise is a popular attraction for both locals and travelers alike, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage along the mighty Mississippi.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Dining Options and Menu Highlights
For those interested in enjoying a complete dining experience during their Steamboat Natchez cruise, the vessel offers a Creole-inspired buffet dinner option.
The sample menu includes a starter of Natchez Tossed Salad, main dishes like Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Louisiana Fried Chicken Thighs, and Crawfish Etouffee, and a dessert of New Orleans Bread Pudding.
The dinner is served in two seatings to accommodate schedules.
While some reviews suggest the food quality could be improved, the Creole-influenced menu provides a fitting complement to the jazz cruise experience along the Mississippi River.
Cruise Schedule and Duration
The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise operates on a set schedule, with boarding beginning at 6 PM and the vessel departing at 7 PM. The 2-hour cruise returns to the dock at 9 PM, allowing guests to fully enjoy the live music and views of the Mississippi River at dusk. The cruise departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, located at 400 Toulouse St in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Boarding | Departure | Return |
---|---|---|
6 PM | 7 PM | 9 PM |
Duration: 2 hours | ||
Location: Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
Embarkation and Departure Information
Guests board the Steamboat Natchez at the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, located at 400 Toulouse Street in the heart of New Orleans.
Boarding begins at 6 PM, and the cruise departs promptly at 7 PM. The vessel returns to the dock at 9 PM, completing the 2-hour journey along the Mississippi River.
During the cruise, passengers can enjoy a calliope concert, live narration of New Orleans history, and access to the climate-controlled indoor areas and restrooms.
The cruise operates rain or shine, though severe weather may prompt cancellations.
With a maximum capacity of 500 travelers, the Steamboat Natchez offers a unique and memorable experience for all.
On-board Amenities and Features
Aboard the Steamboat Natchez, passengers can freely stroll the decks, taking in the breathtaking views of the urban New Orleans skyline at dusk.
The cruise features a family-friendly atmosphere, with live jazz music performed by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.
Key highlights include:
- The iconic calliope concert, where the boat’s steam-powered whistles create a melodic symphony.
- Engaging live narration, providing insights into the rich history of New Orleans.
- A climate-controlled indoor area, offering a comfortable respite from the elements.
- Onboard restroom facilities, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
Accessibility and Group Bookings
Steamboat Natchez is wheelchair accessible and welcomes strollers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers. Plus, service animals are permitted on board. For group bookings of 15 or more, direct contact is required. The cruise operates rain or shine, but cancellations may occur due to severe weather. The maximum capacity is 500 travelers.
Group Size | Contact |
---|---|
1-14 | Booking available |
15+ | Direct contact required |
Weather | Operation |
Normal | Cruise operates |
Severe | Possible cancellation |
Weathering the Elements
The Steamboat Natchez cruise operates rain or shine, offering an uninterrupted journey along the Mississippi River.
While severe weather may occasionally require cancellations, the crew is committed to providing an unforgettable experience no matter the conditions.
Here are 4 reasons to enjoy the Natchez cruise even in less-than-ideal weather:
- The climate-controlled interior offers refuge from the elements.
- The calliope concert and live narration continue without interruption.
- The urban skyline views at dusk create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
- The lively jazz music and Creole-inspired cuisine warm the soul.
Whether sunny or stormy, the Natchez cruise delivers an authentic taste of New Orleans’ vibrant culture.
Traveler Experiences and Feedback
Travelers from near and far flock to the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise, eager to bask in the historic ambiance and soulful melodies.
Reviews reflect the cruise’s winning formula, with many praising the quality of the Creole-inspired buffet and the dynamic performances by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.
While some have critiqued the dinner options, the consensus is that the cruise itself offers a delightful, family-friendly experience.
Passengers rave about the stunning views of the New Orleans skyline at dusk and the informative live narration that brings the city’s history to life.
With flexible cancellation policies and accessibility features, the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise caters to a wide range of travelers.
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?
Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on board. The cruise offers a Creole-inspired buffet dinner, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.
Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?
There is no strict dress code for the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise. Guests are welcome to dress casually and comfortably, though some may choose to dress up for the occasion. The cruise is focused on providing a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Passengers?
There are no age restrictions for passengers on the cruise. Children of all ages are welcome to join the family-friendly experience. Families can enjoy the jazz music, views, and Creole-inspired dinner together.
Can I Disembark and Re-Board During the Cruise?
Passengers cannot disembark and re-board during the cruise. The 2-hour cruise operates as a continuous experience, and passengers are expected to remain on board for the full duration once they’ve embarked.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?
It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance for the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise. Tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons, so booking ahead ensures you secure your spot on the cruise.
Sum Up
The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise offers a delightful and immersive experience on the Mississippi River, combining Creole-inspired cuisine, live jazz music, and breathtaking views of the New Orleans skyline at dusk. It’s a memorable outing for all, providing a unique blend of cultural heritage and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this cruise is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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