Is the lunch buffet included in the ticket price?

The lunch buffet is optional and available to purchase as part of your cruise experience.

Can all ages participate in the cruise?

Yes, the cruise welcomes guests of all ages, with special activities designed for families.

What is the boarding location and time?

Boarding takes place at 400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, starting at 2 PM; please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Are drinks available on board?

Cocktails, beer, and wine can be purchased during the cruise.

Do I need to bring a toy to board?

Yes, bringing a new, unwrapped toy is required as part of the charity donation effort.

Is there indoor seating available?

Yes, the Steamboat Natchez offers both indoor and outdoor seating options to accommodate all preferences.

Festive Holiday Sailing with Santa on the Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans | Events | Boat Tour

Set sail on the Mississippi River aboard the iconic Steamboat Natchez for a unique holiday experience in New Orleans. This Sailing with Santa Cruise offers an engaging mix of riverfront views, festive entertainment, and a hands-on way to spread cheer by donating toys to local children. Departing from 400 Toulouse Street, the Steamboat Natchez carries guests on a 2.5-hour journey through the heart of the Crescent City, combining historic charm with joyful holiday spirit. This cruise is perfect for families and visitors seeking a lively seasonal outing that captures the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant culture along its legendary waterway.

The cruise sets off promptly at 2:30 PM after a delightful lunch buffet served between 2 PM and 3 PM, featuring fresh, onboard-prepared dishes. Passengers can enjoy both indoor and open-air seating, making it easy to soak in panoramic views of the city skyline framed against the river’s vast expanse. Live entertainment fills the air with classic holiday tunes performed aboard the vessel, providing a festive soundtrack to the leisurely ride.

What sets this cruise apart is its community-driven spirit. Every guest is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, supporting local charity efforts during the season of giving. Adding to the merriment, a special appearance by Santa Claus spreads holiday magic for younger passengers, creating cherished memories for families and travelers alike.

Beyond the festive theme, the Steamboat Natchez is one of the last authentic paddlewheel steamboats operating on the Mississippi, a floating historical treasure that embodies New Orleans’ storied past and ongoing tradition of river navigation. This melding of history, culture, and celebration makes the cruise not only a joyful excursion but also a distinctive way to experience the city’s rich heritage from the water.

For anyone staying in or near New Orleans, this cruise offers a perfect afternoon activity that marries leisure, local tradition, and holiday warmth. Whether you’re a river enthusiast, history buff, or holiday traveler, this Sailing with Santa Cruise crafts a memorable outing on the water that highlights the allure of New Orleans during the festive season.

About New Orleans Steamboat Company

New Orleans Steamboat Company operates historic riverboat cruises and guided excursions based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company offers a range of Mississippi River sightseeing and jazz cruises aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS and seasonal sailings on the Steamboat NATCHEZ, plus swamp, plantation, walking, and specialty small-group tours.

Cruise experiences include daytime and evening sightseeing jazz cruises with live music performed by the Dukes of Dixieland, multiple dinner seating options with Creole buffets or plated lunches, brunch sailings, seasonal party packages, and holiday-themed departures such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve events. Land-based offerings include swamp and airboat adventures, guided tours to Oak Alley and Whitney plantations, craft cocktail and cooking walking tours, cemetery and Garden District strolls, and interactive ghost and spirits walks in the French Quarter.

Each trip description lists duration, meal options when applicable, live music or narration, and onboard amenities such as full-service bars and multiple observation decks. Local guides provide historical context about New Orleans, the Mississippi River, Jean Lafitte, and regional wetlands and wildlife on swamp and plantation tours. Many cruises feature live jazz and family-friendly programming; several airboat and swamp tours emphasize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bookings are arranged per listed trip schedules and seating times. As a long-established New Orleans operator featured by tour aggregators and known for narrated riverboat cruises, the company combines maritime tradition with local culture to deliver interpretive sightseeing and entertainment on and off the water. Public and private group bookings are available for many departures.