Adventure Brief
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Steamboat Natchez with festive tunes, a lunch buffet, and a memorable visit from Santa—all while cruising the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
All Ages • 2.5 Hours • Nov 30th
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Steamboat Natchez with festive tunes, a lunch buffet, and a memorable visit from Santa—all while cruising the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise involves minimal physical activity.
Wildlife
History
The Steamboat Natchez is the last authentic sternwheel steamboat cruising the Mississippi and embodies New Orleans' riverboat heritage.
Conservation
The operator encourages sustainable practices by promoting charity toy donations and responsible waste management onboard to minimize ecological impact.
New Orleans Steamboat Company
All Ages • 2.5 Hours • Nov 30th
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.
Location
New Orleans, LA
Operates on the Mississippi River and nearby wetlands
Riverboats
CITY of NEW ORLEANS, Steamboat NATCHEZ
Historic riverboat sailings and scenic decks
Live Jazz
Dukes of Dixieland
Grammy-nominated band performs on select cruises
Tours Offered
38 trips & experiences
Riverboat, swamp, plantation, walking, and seasonal tours
Check available seating and scheduled departure times for the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS and seasonal Steamboat NATCHEZ sailings—reserve experiences in New Orleans today.
Bring a New, Unwrapped Toy
All guests must bring a toy to donate and join in supporting local children during the holiday season.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before boarding to ensure a smooth embarkation at 400 Toulouse Street.
Dress for Variable Weather
Indoor and outdoor seating options mean you should dress in layers to stay comfortable on deck or inside.
Try the Lunch Buffet
Enjoy freshly prepared dishes onboard between 2 PM and 3 PM to fuel your festive cruise experience.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Evenings on the river can be cool; bring a layer to stay warm on the open deck.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture views of the Mississippi River and city skyline during your cruise.
Comfortable Shoes
Choose practical footwear for walking on the boat and boarding area.
Cash or Card
For purchasing drinks or souvenirs onboard since some amenities are available for purchase.