Steamboat NATCHEZ - Official Site
About
Step aboard an authentic paddle wheeler for an unforgettable Mississippi River cruise that brings New Orleans history to life. The Steamboat NATCHEZ offers family-friendly sightseeing cruises with live jazz music, calliope concerts, and stunning views of the French Quarter and beyond, making it a unique way for kids to experience the mighty Mississippi.
Highlights
- ✓Watching the enormous red paddle wheel churn through the Mississippi River
- ✓Live Dukes of Dixieland jazz band performances on every cruise
- ✓Steam calliope concerts played from the top deck before departure
- ✓Narrated tour sharing river history, wildlife, and stories about passing landmarks
- ✓Captain's wheelhouse visits where kids can see authentic steamboat navigation equipment
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the daytime Harbor Cruise rather than dinner cruise if traveling with younger kids,it's shorter, less formal, and easier to move around the boat freely
- 2.Arrive 30 minutes early to secure outdoor deck seating where kids can see the paddle wheel in action and feel the river breeze
- 3.Bring layers or a light jacket even in summer,the air conditioning inside can be chilly and river breezes are strong on deck
- 4.Visit the engine room viewing area on the lower deck where kids can watch the massive steam engines at work
- 5.Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the ticket office lines and head straight to boarding
Best Time to Visit
The daytime Harbor Cruise (usually departing around 11:30 AM or 2:30 PM) is ideal for families, offering great lighting for photos and a more relaxed atmosphere than evening cruises. Weekday cruises tend to be less crowded than weekends, giving kids more space to explore the decks.
What to Know
Tickets range from $35-45 for adults and $18-23 for children. The boat is wheelchair accessible with elevators between decks. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard, including kid-friendly options like burgers and chicken tenders, though outside food is not permitted.
Seasonal Notes
The steamboat operates year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for enjoying the outdoor decks. Summer cruises provide air-conditioned indoor seating relief. During Christmas season, special holiday cruises feature festive decorations and themed entertainment.
Nearby Eats
Café Beignet (334 Royal Street) offers kid-approved beignets and casual Louisiana fare just a 5-minute walk away. For sit-down dining, Johnny's Po-Boys (511 St. Louis Street) serves classic New Orleans sandwiches in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for post-cruise hunger.
More Activities Near New Orleans
St. Charles Streetcar Line
The St. Charles Streetcar Line offers families an authentic New Orleans adventure that doubles as transportation and entertainment. Kids love riding the vintage olive-green streetcars with their wooden seats and open windows while passing stunning mansions, oak-lined streets, and colorful neighborhoods. It's an incredibly affordable way to see the Garden District and uptown areas while giving little ones the thrill of riding a piece of living history.
City Park
City Park is a massive 1,300-acre urban oasis that offers families an entire day's worth of outdoor adventures. From paddling swan boats across scenic lagoons to exploring the enchanting botanical gardens, this New Orleans treasure provides endless opportunities for kids to run, play, and discover nature without leaving the city.
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum offers an immersive history experience that brings the 1940s to life through interactive exhibits kids can actually touch and explore. From climbing aboard authentic aircraft and submarines to experiencing the thrilling 4-D movie with moving seats and special effects, this isn't your typical 'look but don't touch' museum,it's designed to engage young minds through hands-on discovery.
Swamp Tours New Orleans
Swamp Tours New Orleans offers an unforgettable airboat adventure through Louisiana's mysterious wetlands, where kids get the thrill of seeing alligators up close and even feeding them marshmallows! The high-speed airboat rides provide excitement while experienced guides share fascinating facts about the bayou ecosystem, making it both educational and exhilarating for the whole family.