Create memories that will last a lifetime on the Mighty Mississippi River and experience the royal treatment as a Viator VIP guest. Your experience begins with a complimentary Champagne cocktail while you take a guided tour of the boat’s authentic fixtures and spaces. In the dining room, you’ll have a reserved table where you can relax, indulge in a scrumptious buffet dinner, and enjoy a live jazz performance. For the full experience, opt-in for a full-bar upgrade.

Riverboat dinner cruise including a private boat tour with the captain, a Viator Exclusive
Experience reserved front row seats to the band before heading downstairs for dinner
Admire New Orleans from your reserved seat while listening to live jazz and savoring a tableside dinner
Receive a Champagne cocktail, shrimp cocktail, boarding photo, jazz band CD, and more treats
Admire New Orleans and the Mississippi River from your reserved seat while listening to live jazz and savoring a delectable Creole buffet-style dinner
Don't miss this insider New Orleans experience—it can't be booked anywhere else

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

The Steamboat Natchez is the last paddlewheel ship still operating in New Orleans. And this is the only tour where you get a private look around the boat and the engine room, complete with souvenirs.

What's Included

2-hour paddle-wheel boat cruise with live jazz entertainment
Early boarding, reserved seating, private tour of the boat.
Gourmet Louisiana-style dinner
Complimentary champagne cocktail and shrimp cocktail after boarding
VIP gift bag including boarding photo and Jazz CD
Call brand open bar (if option chosen)
Restroom on board
Enclosed Climate Controlled areas

Gratuities
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Please meet your host at the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock @ 5:40PM in order to board prior to the general public.

Start time

07:00 PM

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. When you step on board, you'll also step back in time as calliope music fills the air and the captain’s voice pours through an antique megaphone.

Your VIP experience begins with a personal reception. Ship staff will greet you with a complimentary Champagne cocktail. Pose for a photo op to capture the moment; you’ll take home a print to mark the special occasion. Then, follow your host (who may even be the captain) on an insider tour of the vessel to see all the workings of the ship including the engine room and the enormous paddlewheel.

Afterward, you’ll be escorted to your reserved seat, where you’ll get unobstructed views of the striking New Orleans shoreline at dusk, and a performance by the Grammy‐nominated jazz group Dukes of Dixieland. Wet your palate with fresh shrimp cocktail and a glass of wine. As for dinner, it includes anything from Bayou seafood pasta to chicken and sausage gumbo. Top it off with signature bread pudding accompanied by coffee and tea.

Once you have wined and dined, take a stroll across the deck or sit back in your seat and enjoy live jazz. The music plays on until the evening cruise ends back at the departure point in the French Quarter. Take home a complimentary souvenir Dukes of Dixieland CD as tokens of your magical night.

Upgrade to receive all the luxuries of the original tour, but include an open bar (call‐brand select cocktails, beer, and house wine) for the entire duration of the cruise.

Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site

3 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Mississippi River

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Infants must sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
Guests should arrive by no later than 5:45pm to get the full VIP experience.
The riverboat is accessible for guests who use mobility devices. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.
If you have more than 14 guests in your party please contact local operator directly
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 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.

Filter by:

Q:Where is the departure point for the VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

A:The evening jazz 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 Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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 VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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 VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

A:Yes - There are vegetarian selections including: Natchez tossed salad, Herb-Garlic Fingerling Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Pasta Primavera, Garlic Rolls, Bananas Foster and White Chocolate Bread Pudding.

Jun 2021

Q:Is alcohol available during the VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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 VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour 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 VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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 VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

A:"Dressy Casual" is recommended for the Dinner Jazz Cruise based on the decor and service.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available during the VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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

Jun 2021

Q:Can I smoke during the VIP: Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise with Private Boat and Engine Room Tour?

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

Reviews

4.5

677 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 677 reviews

Worth Every Penny

Scott_H, Apr 2024

Everything was great. Our hostess Bridgette was the best! I would recommend this to anyone. Front row seats for the Jazz band was excellent!

First hour was great, but sadly deteriorated.

David_E, Apr 2024

The initial meet and greet from our friendly host Gina, who took us up to the sun deck for champagne, cocktails and live jazz, was great. Unfortunately, due to overbookings we did not get to watch the jazz band over dinner in the VIP area but instead right at the back of the boat by the paddle. Our host was great throughout the evening and very apologetic for the less than satisfactory experience. Whilst she did her best to compensate with extra drinks etc, regrettably, our initial VIP experience turned into a 'just another punter' disappointment for the second half

Birthday for 65th birthy

jswalker8, Apr 2024

The boat was great raid was good and I would love to let someone enjoy the VIP.. the dinner was very good the drinks where very good

Good experience

Julianne_U, Apr 2024

It was a great event and I enjoyed it; I wish they have more options for the food menu and contingency plan in case of a rain, would have been nice.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you Julian and we will share with staff.

Amazing experience

Alyssa_W, Apr 2024

This was one of the highlights of our trip! We got the VIP tickets and it’s the only way to do this! You won’t get a better experience any other way. We got a private tour of the boat, open bar, and a cute little gift bag at the end that had our pictures and champagne glasses from the night! I can’t even begin to describe how amazing Gina was! She brings customer service to a whole new level. That night wouldn’t have been as great if she wasn’t there to take care of us. The jazz was also amazing! I wanted to book this again just to hear it. Please do this!!

Superb Experience!

Helga_Y, Apr 2024

Our host, Marlon, was outstanding and saw to all of our needs. He was efficient and very personable. The band was very good and played songs that made everyone feel great. Our tour of the ship by the Captain was another highlight. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, he was able to communicate his love of the vessel, as well as many memorable details, to us. It was an outstanding tour. I feel that the quality of the people we interacted with made the entire experience unforgettable. They should be recognized and appreciated for their contribution to the experience.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We will certainly share this with the staff. They are proud to make their guests comfortable and to enjoy all that they see and hear.

A great time

Laura_S, Apr 2024

We were truly treated like VIPs. From walking up to the boat until we delayed. Our hostess, Gina mafe it her mission to ensure we had everything we could want in food and drink, meeting our unique requests without batting an eye. A sweeter, more interesting or accommodating person could not be found. The tour of the boat was fascinating and the watchman was fascinating. A great time was had by all.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

A great time had by all is just what we set as our goal. Thank you for selecting the VIP tour.

Sensational Steamboat Sojourn

Virginia_W, Apr 2024

We purchased the VIP package and it was fantastic from the time we got on the ship to the very end. The hostess was fantastic - friendly and fun!!! The food and dining hall were very nice. We were lucky to get a tour of the mechanics of the ship which we all enjoyed immensely. And the drinks and upbeat music helped to add to the jovial atmosphere.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Virgina, it certainly sounds like a good time for one and all. We hope you return and share this with your friends and family.

You Have To Experience The Natchez

Kimberly_B, Apr 2024

We were so leased that we purchased the VIP package. Gina was an amazing hostess for the VIP group. She made us all feel special and ensured that each part of our experience happened successfully. She is the best!! Captain Mitchell was so excessible and approachable as he gave us a tour of the boat. The insights and knowledge he shared was so I interesting and relevant.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for the VIP Experience tour review. We believe our guests enjoy the special attention of Ms. Gina and the nearly 50 year experience of Captain Mitchell.

Loving the ride!

Michelle_K, Apr 2024

Whole experience was great start to finish! Gina was an amazing hostess and took great care of us. Food was super good and the music was awesome!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Fabulous review - thank you.

Great Anniversary Date Night

Danielle_G, Apr 2024

The band was great and so was the tour provided by the captain. Our coordinator Gina was wonderful and we enjoyed the open bar.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Fabulous review - thank you

Great food, jazz and more on the Mississippi!

Ron_S, Apr 2024

Gina our hostess worked overtime to ensure we had a great time. The jazz was great, the food was excellent. Lots of choice in the open bar. The whole experience made us feel very special and the Captain’s tour of the boat was a terrific blend of history and machinery based on deep knowledge and experience!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Your are special to us. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Fun and memorable

Marcy_L, Apr 2024

Bridgette our VIP hostess was the best! Great evening dinner cruise! Get the VIP ticket, it is worth the extra money!!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you Marcy! Glad to have you aboard.

Highly recommend!!

Robyn_J, Mar 2024

Brigitte was totally awesome and made it a five star experience for us!! The VIP package was totally worth the extra cost. Front row seats for the excellent jazz band, endless St Germain spritzes, and the Captain's tour were all great!!

Great Experience !!

Ron_G, Mar 2024

Great experience !! Marlon took care of all of our needs!! Everyone was so friendly!! Food and entertainment were awesome !! Would recommend to everyone!!

A night we will never forget

Christina_R, Mar 2024

The whole night was amazing. Our host. GINA went above and beyond to make sure our honeymoon was a night we will never forget! If I could say one more thing to her, we would say thank u for an amazing night and you did an amazing job!!

Anniversary time well spent

Howard_W, Mar 2024

The VIP experience is WELL WORTH IT!!! Marlon Brown was the BEST HOST that we have ever experienced in any event. Marlon was great and made us feel absolutely comfortable. The champagne was great. Views were beautiful and food was delicious. We were celebrating our anniversary on this trip. But will most definitely be coming back more often.

A memorable Mississippi cruise

Ethan_C, Mar 2024

Gina was the best host! We loved our experience and would gladly do this 10 times over if we could. This was one of the most memorable moments of our trip to New Orleans. The Jazz band was amazing and the food was even better. If you are even considering paying for this, please do yourself a favor and just do it. I promise it is so worth it. Thank you Gina!!! We love you!!!

The crew was amazing! ...

James_H, Mar 2024

The crew was amazing! Bridgette our host was vivacious, professional and compassionate. I am a recent widower. Bridgette noticed I was forlorn and immediately made every effort to insure I enjoyed the event. I did! Great job by all! The Natchez is a must do in New Orleans!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thanks for recognizing Bridgette and please accept our condolences for your recent loss.

Mediocre.

Simon_W, Mar 2024

Food was OK at best. Half the staff were miserable. Our host was lovely and cheerful. Expected something a little bit more special and intimate. Band were superb.

...