Few experiences say New Orleans quite like climbing aboard a genuine steam-powered sternwheeler. The Steamboat NATCHEZ sets sail from the historic Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter for a delightful two-hour harbor cruise along the mighty Mississippi River — and it is pure Big Easy magic.
The soundtrack is everything here: a live jazz performance fills the decks while a 32-note steam calliope plays a concert before boarding. The captain adds lively narration full of stories about the city’s history as you glide past the French Quarter skyline, St. Louis Cathedral, the Chalmette Battlefield, the Crescent City Connection bridge, and the bustling Port of New Orleans.
There is plenty to explore between songs: take a self-guided tour of the real steam engine room on the bottom deck, stroll all three decks for the best photo spots, or grab a craft cocktail from one of the three onboard bars.
Travelers can also add a freshly prepared Creole lunch at the 11am or 2pm seatings, with regional favorites like jambalaya and red beans and rice with smoked sausage. With a 4.3-star rating from more than 6,000 reviews and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, this is one of the happiest ways to spend an afternoon in New Orleans.
Book the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise here — tickets from $36.97
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
