New Orleans Steamboat Company: New Boat Launches Soon

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is a well-established company that has been operating steamboats longer than any other company worldwide. In 2020, the company introduced a new paddle wheeler to the Mississippi River: the Riverboat City of New Orleans. This steamboat offers two-hour daytime cruises, introducing passengers to the Port and skyline of New Orleans, as well as evening jazz cruises with dinner service. The Riverboat City of New Orleans is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to return to service soon.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans

The New Orleans Steamboat Company has been operating steamboats longer than any other company in the world. The company has been a part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans.

Steamboat Natchez

The Steamboat Natchez is an iconic steamboat and a symbol of New Orleans' rich maritime heritage. It is the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. The Natchez is nearing its 50th anniversary and is powered by steam engines from the 1925 vessel, the Clairton. It features twin diesel-fired boilers that generate 200 pounds of steam, driving the boat's antique piston engines and large paddle wheel.

The Steamboat Natchez offers a range of cruise experiences, including sightseeing, lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner jazz cruises. The dinner jazz cruise features a buffet of New Orleans classics and live jazz entertainment. The boat also hosts weddings and other special occasions.

The Natchez takes passengers on several daily cruises departing from the New Orleans riverfront near Jackson Square. The paddle wheeler travels downstream, passing the Chalmette Battlefield, before heading upstream, passing the French Quarter and St. Louis Cathedral. The cruise offers a relaxing ride, with music from the steam-powered calliope and a jazz band, preserving the river's history and tradition.

The Natchez is currently undergoing renovations and is temporarily replaced by its sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, which offers similar cruise experiences with live jazz, delicious cuisine, and stunning views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River.

Daytime cruises

The Riverboat City of New Orleans offers two-hour daytime cruises introducing you to the Port and skyline of New Orleans, with riverfront narration and options for lunch or a Sunday brunch. The boat features three beautiful decks with stunning décor and a marvelous roof-top viewing deck. The cruise includes live jazz music, New Orleans-style cuisine, and a cash bar for cocktails.

The Steamboat Natchez, the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, also offers daily midday cruises. Passengers board to the sound of the Steam Calliope, followed by a self-guided visit to the museum-quality steam engine room, live historic and port narration during the two-hour cruise, and optional meals and beverages of New Orleans favourites prepared on board.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans is a totally renovated stern wheeler that set sail in Fall 2020. It is the newest paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River and is docked at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River in the heart of the French Quarter.

The Steamboat Natchez is taking some time off for renovations, but its sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, is taking its place on all cruises.

Evening Jazz Cruise

The Evening Jazz Cruise is a perfect way to spend a night out in New Orleans. The cruise takes place on the Steamboat Natchez, a historic paddle-wheel riverboat and the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. The boat is docked in the heart of the French Quarter, so you'll be able to explore this vibrant neighbourhood before or after your cruise.

As you board the Steamboat Natchez, you'll be greeted by the sound of the steam calliope, a unique musical instrument that sets the tone for your journey. The boat features a museum-quality steam engine room, which you can explore during a self-guided tour.

During the two-hour Evening Jazz Cruise, you'll glide down the Mississippi River, taking in captivating views of the French Quarter and the city skyline as they fade into the distance. The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland band will entertain you with their lively jazz tunes, creating an unforgettable ambiance.

For dinner, you have the option of indulging in a delicious buffet of New Orleans classics. Sip on a refreshing cocktail from the full bar and wine list while you enjoy the music and the gentle motion of the boat. The dinner service is prepared fresh on board, ensuring a memorable culinary experience.

Whether you're a local looking for a unique date night or a visitor wanting to immerse yourself in New Orleans' rich musical heritage, the Evening Jazz Cruise is the perfect choice. So step aboard, listen to the call of the calliope, and get ready for an enchanting evening on the Mississippi River.

Please note that the Steamboat Natchez may occasionally be replaced by its sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, during renovations or other circumstances. The Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS offers a similar experience, with multiple decks, stunning décor, and a rooftop viewing deck.

Dinner service

The Riverboat City of New Orleans offers dinner service on its Dinner Jazz Cruises. The dinner is a buffet of New Orleans classics served in a relaxing atmosphere for passengers to enjoy a memorable evening on the Mississippi River. Passengers can sip on refreshing cocktails while live jazz music brings refined sophistication to the onboard entertainment.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans is the newest paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River and features three beautiful decks with stunning décor and a marvelous rooftop viewing deck. The boat offers two-hour daytime cruises introducing passengers to the Port and skyline of New Orleans, with riverfront narration and options for lunch or a Sunday brunch. The Evening Jazz Cruise provides a mystical night on the Mississippi River and the option for dinner service prepared fresh on board. It features the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland band, a full bar, and a wine list for an evening to remember.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans is a sister vessel of the Steamboat Natchez, which also offers dinner service. The Steamboat Natchez offers an Evening Jazz Cruise with a Dinner Option, a VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with a Private Tour and Open Bar Option, and a Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise. Passengers can enjoy unique views of the city and professional New Orleans musicians on each cruise. The Steamboat Natchez is the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River.

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