How to Board the Steamboat Natchez at Toulouse Street Wharf
Walking from the French Quarter
If you are staying in a French Quarter hotel, walking is the easiest option. From Bourbon Street it is a 7 to 10 minute walk down Toulouse, St Peter or St Ann to Decatur Street, then turn right toward the wharf. From Jackson Square it is 3 minutes: cross Decatur, walk past Jax Brewery and the wharf gate is on your left. Use the brick path along the riverfront and follow the signs for the steamboat dock. Avoid Riverwalk Mall: that is the cruise ship terminal further downriver and not the Natchez wharf.
Driving and Parking near Toulouse Street
Driving into the French Quarter on a cruise day is doable but parking is the slow part. The closest paid garages are Premium Parking on Toulouse (4 minute walk to the wharf, 22 USD flat fee for the evening cruise), Jax Brewery garage (2 minute walk, 25 USD) and the JAX lot on North Peters (5 minute walk, 18 USD). Street meters along Decatur and Iberville cost 3 USD per hour and enforcement runs until 10:00 pm. For the dinner cruise, garage rates jump after 6:00 pm so book the cheaper online pre-paid spot through ParkMobile if possible.
Rideshare, Streetcar and Taxi
Uber and Lyft drop off on Decatur Street in front of the wharf entrance. Wait time runs 4 to 8 minutes from the French Quarter and the typical fare from anywhere in the city is 8 to 18 USD. For the return after the dinner cruise, expect surge pricing of 1.5x to 2x because every passenger ordering at 9:00 pm spikes demand. The Riverfront Streetcar (red line) stops at the French Market station, a 4 minute walk from the wharf, and runs every 20 minutes for 1.25 USD with a Jazzy Pass. Yellow taxis line up on Decatur and charge a flat 12 to 18 USD from anywhere downtown.
Boarding Process and What to Bring
At the wharf, present your printed or mobile ticket at the gangway gate. Staff scans the QR code, hands you a wristband for the dining tier and you walk straight onto the Bow Deck. There is no security check, no ID check for adults and no bag size limit. You can bring a small backpack, camera, sunglasses and a light jacket (the river breeze cools the upper deck after sunset even in summer). Outside food and drink are not allowed. Wheelchair access is available via the lower deck ramp, ask the dock attendant when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Toulouse Street Wharf?
On the riverfront at 600 Decatur Street, behind Jax Brewery and Jackson Square. The wharf gate faces the Mississippi River one block downriver from Cafe du Monde.
What happens if I arrive late?
The gangway closes 10 minutes before departure. Late arrivals are not allowed to board and tickets are not refunded. Always arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sailing.
Is parking free at the wharf?
No. The wharf has no dedicated lot. Closest paid garages cost 18 to 25 USD for the cruise window. Street meters along Decatur cost 3 USD per hour.