Enjoy a classic New Orleans experience of a lovely jazz brunch aboard a historic riverboat! Journey through time on this cruise along the mighty Mississippi. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, and snap picturesque shots of the beautiful urban shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion includes a delectable optional brunch loaded with famous Louisiana dishes and live music from a local jazz trio.

Sunday brunch cruise in New Orleans
Take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River on a traditional paddle-wheel boat
Admire views of the city skyline from the spacious decks or indoor cabin
Enjoy jazz entertainment from a live trio band
Sit down to a wonderful buffet-style brunch of Louisiana favorites such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, smoked salmon, and fresh baked cinnamon rolls

What's Included

Live Jazz Entertainment
Brunch (if option selected)
2 Hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise
Restroom on board
Enclosed climate controlled areas

Gratuities
Alcohol (available for purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Gray Line New Orleans
Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding begins.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Head to Toulouse Street in the French Quarter to board the beautiful riverboat. Fun for all, boat enthusiasts will particularly enjoy viewing the boat’s vintage decor, such as the museum‐quality engine room.

Take a promenade along the deck as the riverboat begins the float along the Mississippi River. Then find a seat in the cabin or on the outside deck, where you can admire unobstructed views of the striking New Orleans shoreline and soak up some classic jazz tunes performed by a local trio.

Sample an array of sumptuous Louisiana fare, like gumbo, shrimp and grits, smoked salmon, and fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Coffee and tea are included with your brunch, or you may purchase wine, mimosas, punch, and Bloody Marys.

Your river cruise ends back at the departure point in New Orleans with plenty of time to sightsee (and walk off your hearty brunch!)

Note: Pricing is per person and a ‘Cruise with No Brunch’ option is available.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible

Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
The riverboat cruises rain or shine
Anyone looking to book a group of 15 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ take time off, her sister vessel will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience while soaking up the beauty of New Orleans
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where is the departure point for the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:The Jazz Brunch cruise departs from Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery in the heart of the French Quarter (400 Toulouse Street.)

Jun 2021

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:There are parking lots in the French Quarter on Decatur Street and adjacent to the dock. These lots offer hourly or daily parking rates.

Jun 2021

Q:What time should I arrive for the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before departure or sooner.

Jun 2021

Q:Are vegetarian options available during the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:Yes - There are vegetarian selections including Natchez tossed salad, Crescent City Eggs, Pain Perdu, O'Brien Potatoes, Creole Creamed Spinach, Mini Croissants, Fruit Salad, Bananas Foster and White Chocolate Bread Pudding.

Jun 2021

Q:Is alcohol available during the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:There are bars available on all three decks for guests 21 and over. Alcoholic beverages include beer, a wine list, and specialty drinks.

Jun 2021

Q:Is the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans handicap accessible?

A:Yes - the main deck is accessible, however, access to the top & bottom decks is by stairs only and restroom stalls are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring an animal with me on the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:The Steamboat Natchez allows animals to cruise with their owners as long as they are a Service Animal as defined by the ADA. Other animals/pets are not permitted. Please note if bringing a service animal in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Jun 2021

Q:What is the dress code for the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:All cruises are casual attire.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available during the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:Yes - restrooms are available on board for your convenience.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I smoke during the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans?

A:The Steamboat Natchez is a non-smoking vessel, so unfortunately smoking and vaping are prohibited both indoors and on the outer decks.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Bergendi_C

It was a gorgeous boat and a great ride ! Ms. Gina was an amazing hostess. Very personable and remarkably charming! We enjoyed the food , especially the homemade biscuits and Grillades with grits! I Definitely recommend this brunch experience

Reviews

4.0

725 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 725 reviews

Always take a paddle boat tour

Sara_P, Apr 2024

I have done multiple paddleboat tours of various cities. Loved the music that went with this one and the bar service was great. I did not have there food, so I can't rate that.

Very chill and relaxing

Nakia_R, Apr 2024

This was a very relaxing trip down the Mississippi river. The captain pointed out different sites and the history. We had the brunch option. The hostess was very nice and the food was great!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Fabulous - thank you

Nice ride.

Debra_V, Apr 2024

The parts of the narrative that we were able to hear over the conversations of other passengers. Music was nice.

Ears are STILL ringing 3 days later.

Jennifer_m, Apr 2024

Cruise was fun, but the whistle music was way too loud for my ears. A poor baby was cryinge, I had a headaches for the rest of the day. Would recommend hearing protection if doing this adventure. Gave 4 stars instead of 5 due to this not even being mentioned on this page OR the cruise page.

Enjoyable NOLA experience

Ray_G, Apr 2024

Friendly wait staff and very good food. Informative tour information along the trip. Clean and well maintained facilities. Access to ship mechanical areas a plus for me. Great jazz music during tour.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Ray, thanks so much for all your detail in your review.

Cool

Jacob_N, Apr 2024

Brought a group of 7 for a bachelor party. The food was delicious and the steamboat cruise was a pleasant experience. Customer service was accommodating when I had to change the party size on the reservation due to departure flight times of two guests.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hope your bachelor party enjoyed their river time and we wish the lucky groom-to-be the very best.

limited food choice for $150 a couple

Terry_G, Apr 2024

Very limited Sunday Brunch offering. Only beef (which was tough) -shrimp in the sauce was minuscule, and no chicken or fish, so I only ate sides (mainly potatoes). For $150 a couple, I was disappointed.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We understand disappointment, but the offerings are posted on the website so guests can determine if they match their preferences. We hope you keep in mind that the ticket cost does include the brunch, the cruise and the music and narration.

Cruising on the Natchez paddlewheeler!

Angela_W, Mar 2024

The live jazz band brunch, seeing the engine room, the historical info and all the friendly staff, made this first time visit, an Awesome one!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thanks for the awesome review. Please return.

This was a lot of fun...

Carl_E, Mar 2024

This was a lot of fun even on a rainy day. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking to see a little of the Mississippi.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thanks Carl. We can't control the weather but we can still offer a good time on a steamboat on the Mississippi RIver.

Rollin' on a river.

Michael_P, Mar 2024

An enjoyable time, guided river cruise, a wonderful meal and great Mississippi Jazz. A great afternoon and well worth the money and the time.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Terrific - thank you for sharing.

Breath taking!!!

Shannon_M, Mar 2024

Just cruising down the river…was amazing. The narrator was really good and informative.. the food, no comment….

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Glad to have you aboard.

Relaxing River cruise

Karen_O, Mar 2024

Enjoyable relaxing narrated river cruise. Buffet food was really good Only downside was dinning room was warm

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Trying to adjust heating and cooling for all guests is a challenge but we do our best. Door opening and shutting on to the decks also is a challenge to control temperatures.

Wonderful Cruise

Willis_W, Feb 2024

Meeting people from different places,enjoying the cruise. And rolling along on a historic steamboat. This was the best birthday I've enjoyed in many years

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Happy Birthday once again from our crew and staff.

Fabulous Cruise!

Laura_R, Feb 2024

We had a wonderful time on the Jazz Brunch Cruise! Great crew, good food, excellent service. What a fabulous way to see the city from the river.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Outstanding review. Thank you so very much for the points you shared.

It was ok.

Kimo_H, Feb 2024

The bread pudding was delicious. The rest of the brunch was a 1 on a scale from 1-10. We did learn some history about the city.

A New Orleans Must!

Bergendi_C, Jan 2024

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Brunch is a New Orleans tradition and the Steamboat is proud to offer it. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the food and the attention by our hostess, Gina. Thank you for the message.

I would definitely recommend!

Brad_L, Jan 2024

Great food and service! Ride was wonderful also. People were very helpful and pleasant. Boat was fun to explore and had an interesting history

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Recommendations are so important and we appreciate your sincere recommendation on this site.

Birthday treat

Patricia_W, Jan 2024

I celebrated my 2 boys birthday and step daughter. My only problem was the menu was not what I expected. I read something different.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Patricia, we are delighted that you celebrated time with your children and their birthdays. If you let us know where you might have seen a different menu please let us know so we can submit changes. Our menu is posted on line for your convenience.

The food and wait staff...

Terry_A, Jan 2024

The food and wait staff were amazing. Our Server Kenneth was excellent!! The narrator that was talking about the scenery and places we were passing was very knowledgeable and funny. Was very pleasant to listen to.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thanks so much Terry for the brunch cruise review!

Excellent Tour of New Orleans

Teona_D, Jan 2024

Great experience. Highly recommend this tour for anyone. It has excellent history. Don’t skip the engine room! Seeing the mechanics of the boat is very cool.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Seeing a steam engine at work is a unique experience and we are happy you spend some time there

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