LAFITTE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Lunch, Live Jazz, and the Mississippi: An Afternoon Aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ
A verified guide to the 2.5-hour Daytime Jazz Cruise with a plated Creole lunch, live jazz, and riverfront narration—essential details for planning the 2:00pm–3:00pm lunch seating.
Lunch, Live Jazz, and the Mississippi: An Afternoon Aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
Glide upriver on the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS and the Steamboat NATCHEZ for a two-and-a-half-hour afternoon that pairs classic New Orleans jazz with a plated Creole lunch, framed by uninterrupted views of the Mississippi and live captain’s narration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Two-Hour Sightseeing Passage on the Mississippi
This outing is a 2.5-hour experience that includes a dedicated two-hour cruising window on the Mississippi, offering photo opportunities of New Orleans riverfront architecture and narrated commentary from the captain.
Live Jazz by the Steamboat Stompers
The cruise features live New Orleans jazz performed onboard by the Steamboat Stompers, adding an authentic soundtrack to the lunch seating and the river passage.
Plated Creole Lunch Sampler
A plated Creole sampler served during the first lunch seating (2:00pm–3:00pm) showcases Gulf Coast catfish, red beans and rice (vegetarian option available on request), jambalaya, a tossed salad family style, and New Orleans bread pudding for dessert; coffee and iced tea are included.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
Boarding begins at 2:00pm for the first lunch seating; after a live calliope concert at 1:45pm, the boat departs into a leisurely afternoon cruise—music, plated Creole dishes, and captain’s narration combine into a relaxed, soulful passage along the Mississippi that lasts through the scheduled 2.5-hour duration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits—and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration is 2.5 hours; boarding for the first lunch seating begins at 2:00pm at 400 Toulouse St, with cruising from 2:30pm–4:30pm. Reservations are required for all meal functions.
Dress is dressy casual (guests may dress up if desired). Bring any personal gratuities; alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and are not included in ticket price. Non-smoking policy applies to indoor and outdoor decks.
The plated Creole lunch sampler includes seafood and sausage; vegetarian red beans are available on request. The kitchen is common-use and the menu is not recommended for those with gluten-sensitive disorders—contact the operator for recommendations but the crew cannot prepare separate individual meals for special diets.
Full-service bars are available on every deck with a seasonal cocktail menu; coffee and iced tea are included with the meal. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are reservations required for the lunch cruise?
Yes—reservations are required for all meal functions.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is dressy casual, though guests are welcome to dress up as much as they'd like.
Are children allowed and is there a child policy?
Children under 6 cruise free with a paid adult; food and beverage costs still apply.
Is the vessel smoke-free?
Yes—the vessel is non-smoking both indoors and on the outside decks.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten sensitivity?
Vegetarian and vegan options can be recommended from the menu; vegetarian red beans are available on request. The kitchen is common-use and the menu is not recommended for those with gluten-sensitive disorders—staff can suggest items but cannot prepare separate individual meals.
Is the steamboat accessible for guests with disabilities?
The steamboat is handicap accessible, but access to the top deck is by stairs only; guests with questions about access or personal equipment should call the operator before finalizing plans.
Are alcoholic beverages included in the ticket price?
No—cocktail, beer, and wine options are available for purchase onboard and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price; gratuities are also not included.
Can the operator substitute another vessel?
The New Orleans Steamboat Co. reserves the right to substitute a similar vessel should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable.