What is the Steamboat Natchez?
The Steamboat Natchez is the ninth steamboat to carry the historic Natchez name on the Mississippi River. Built in 1975 by the Bergeron Shipyard in Braithwaite, Louisiana, she is one of only a handful of authentic steam powered sternwheel riverboats still cruising in the United States and the only one that sails daily from New Orleans.
Her twin steam engines were salvaged from the 1925 steamer Clairton, refurbished and installed in the new Natchez. The 32 note steam calliope on the upper deck plays daily as the boat departs, audible across the French Quarter.
Cruise schedule and prices
| Cruise Type | Price (adult) | Includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime Jazz Cruise | From $44 | 2 hour cruise, live jazz, calliope, engine room | First time visitors |
| Jazz Dinner Cruise | From $89 | Creole buffet, Dukes of Dixieland live, sunset views | Couples and date night |
| Sunday Jazz Brunch | From $79 | Brunch buffet, live jazz, mimosas extra | Weekend visitors |
What to bring
- Smart casual clothes, especially for the dinner cruise. Shorts and t shirts are fine for daytime sailings
- A light jacket, the breeze on the upper deck cools the air even in summer
- Camera or phone, the calliope send off and the engine room are highlight reels
- Booking confirmation on your phone, mobile tickets work at boarding
Best time to cruise
February through May offers the best weather, with mild temperatures and low humidity. October and November are the second sweet spot. Summer cruises are hot but the river breeze on the upper deck makes them bearable, and they pair well with an evening dinner sailing as the sun drops over the Mississippi.
Ready to sail the Steamboat Natchez?
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Frequently asked questions
The Steamboat Natchez is the ninth steamboat to bear the name, launched in 1975 and operated by the New Orleans Steamboat Company. She is the only steam powered sternwheel riverboat still cruising the Mississippi in New Orleans, with twin steam engines salvaged from the 1925 steamer Clairton.
The standard daytime jazz cruise runs about two hours from boarding to disembarking, including a 90 minute sail. The evening dinner cruise lasts roughly two and a half hours, and the Sunday Jazz Brunch runs about two hours including the buffet.
All sailings depart from the Toulouse Street Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street in the French Quarter, behind Jackson Square and Cafe du Monde. Free public parking is limited so use a paid lot on Decatur Street or take a taxi or rideshare.
