About this experience
Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port!
This authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, features traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites. Make sure you check out the Steam Engine Room on the bottom deck!
Lunch option available Monday - Saturday.
Brunch option available Sunday only.
The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
What is included
- Creole-Inspired Brunch on Sunday (if option selected)
- Climate controlled areas
- Creole-Inspired Lunch Monday-Saturday (if option selected)
- 2-Hour Paddlewheel Cruise
- Live Captain's Narration Onboard
- Restroom on board
- Cocktail, beer, and wine options are available for purchase onboard
- Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
View the ever-changing skyline of 'The Crescent City' from the sunny decks or climate-controlled comfort of the majestic Steamer Natchez.
Cruise past the Chalmette Battlefield, where the legendary Jean Lafitte and his buccaneers joined forces with Andrew Jackson to defend the city against the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
You also have the option to add on a delicious buffet lunch.
Meeting and pickup information
- The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS dock is just two blocks from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins 30 minute prior to your departure time. The band begins at boarding time, so be sure to arrive early!
- The Steamboat NATCHEZ dock is just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Boarding begins 30 minute prior to your departure time. The band begins at boarding time, so be sure to arrive early!
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Gray Line New Orleans
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 Steamboat NATCHEZ is handclapped accessible to the main deck and restrooms only.
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
- The tour cruises rain or shine, however the cruise may be cancelled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.
- **Important for Groups of 10+** Parties of 10 or more guests require physical tickets for boarding. Please check in with our Lighthouse Ticket Office prior to boarding to receive your tickets. Please allow extra time for check-in.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Available tour options
- 75¢ Saturday Mimosa Special: 75¢ Mimosa Special thru Sept. 30, 2026: Dining guests 21+ with valid ID can enjoy 75¢ mimosas on Saturday Brunch Cruises Price includes Creole Brunch: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS Boards at 11:00am: Cruises 11:30am - 1:30pm Starting point: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, 101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 2nd Lunch Seating: Boarding: 2PM Cruising: 2:30PM - 4:30PM Lunch Time: 3:15PM - 4:15PM Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Second Lunch Seating: Boarding: 11AM Cruising: 11:30AM - 1:30PM Lunch Time: 12:15PM - 1:15PM Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Steamboat NATCHEZ: Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: This option does not include the brunch. Board the vessel at 11AM or 2PM Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- First Lunch Seating: Boarding: 11AM Cruising: 11:30AM - 1:30PM Lunch Time: 11AM - 12PM Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- No Meal Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Includes Sunday Jazz Brunch: Sample Menu: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Creamy French Eggs, Top Round Beef, Shrimp & Grits, and Fresh Cinnamon Rolls Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 1st Lunch Seating: Boarding: 2PM Cruising: 2:30PM - 4:30PM Lunch Time: 2PM - 3:15PM Starting point: Steamboat NATCHEZ, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: This cruise is aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS (sister vessel to the Steamboat NATCHEZ). Brunch not included. Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS Boards at 11:00am: Cruises 11:30am - 1:30pm Starting point: Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, 101 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
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