Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

The Steamboat Natchez is a working paddlewheel steamboat that cruises the Mississippi River from the Toulouse Street Wharf at 600 Decatur Street, beside the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. The current boat, built in 1975, is the ninth steamboat to carry the name Natchez and is powered by a steam engine that drives a large paddlewheel, which is one of the highlights of the trip. Cruises depart from the riverfront near Jackson Square and last about two hours. A daytime harbor cruise, typically departing around 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, offers narration about river history and the working port, with views of the French Quarter skyline, the Crescent City Connection bridges and industrial wharves. An evening jazz cruise, usually around 7:00 PM, adds a live traditional jazz band, a Creole buffet dinner option and an open-air deck. Day cruises cost about $38 to $45, and jazz dinner cruises about $80 to $100. Visitors can tour the engine room, listen to a steam calliope played before departure, and watch the paddlewheel from the stern. The calliope concert at the dock is a local tradition. Visitors typically arrive 30 to 45 minutes before boarding, and booking in advance on steamboatnatchez.com is advised, since evening cruises can sell out. Crowds are largest on weekends, during festivals and in peak spring and fall seasons. For photographs, the upper deck gives the best views of the skyline and bridges, and sunset sailings give warm light on the river. Summer sailings can be hot, so shade and water help, while winter evenings can be cool on deck. The wharf is reachable on foot from Jackson Square or by the Riverfront streetcar to Toulouse Street. Schedules vary by season, so confirming times is recommended.