Steamboat Natchez Cruise Prices and Ticket Options
Daytime Harbor Cruise: 44 USD
The cruise-only daytime ticket costs 44 USD per adult and 22 USD per child age 6 to 12. Children under 6 sail free with a paying adult. The price covers the 2-hour Mississippi River loop, the live Dixieland set on the Bow Deck, the calliope concert before sailing and the self-guided visit to the working steam engine room. Soft drinks, beer and the New Orleans Creole lunch buffet are sold a la carte on board, with the lunch buffet at 21 USD per person.
Jazz Dinner Cruise: 99 to 159 USD
The standard jazz dinner cruise package is 99 USD per adult and 49 USD per child age 6 to 12. It includes the 2-hour evening sailing, the full Creole buffet (jambalaya, gumbo, fried catfish, bread pudding), iced tea and the Dukes of Dixieland live show. The 129 USD premium tier upgrades you to the enclosed dining room with white-tablecloth service, plated entrees and a complimentary glass of wine. The 159 USD VIP package adds a champagne welcome reception, reserved table next to the bandstand and a private Bow Deck viewing area.
Discounts, Combos and How to Save
Booking the cruise online 7 to 14 days ahead saves around 10 percent on the daytime harbor cruise and around 15 percent on dinner packages. Combo passes that bundle the Natchez with a French Quarter walking tour or a swamp tour from a tour operator drop the per-activity cost by 25 to 30 percent. Senior travelers age 65 plus save 4 USD on the harbor cruise with valid ID at the wharf. Active military and veterans get a 10 percent discount year-round on all cruise tickets. Avoid Saturday night and Mardi Gras week if budget matters: those sailings sell at full price with no discount.
What is Included and What is Extra
Every Natchez ticket includes the 2-hour cruise, all live music sets, the calliope concert, the engine room visit, the captain narration over the river and full access to all four decks. Drinks at the bar (cocktails 12 to 14 USD, beer 7 USD) are not included on any tier. Photographs taken by the onboard photographer cost 25 USD per print. The dinner cruise includes the buffet but tips for the wait staff are not. Parking near Toulouse Street Wharf is also extra: street meters cost 2 USD per hour and nearby garages charge 15 to 25 USD for the cruise window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids sail free on the Steamboat Natchez?
Children under 6 sail free with a paying adult on every cruise. Kids age 6 to 12 pay half price. Age 13 and over pay the full adult fare.
Are drinks included with the dinner cruise?
Iced tea and water are included with the buffet. Wine, beer and cocktails are sold separately at the cash bar. Premium and VIP tiers include one glass of wine.
Can I book just the cruise without dinner?
Yes. The 11:30 am and 2:30 pm daytime cruises are cruise-only at 44 USD. The optional Creole lunch buffet at 21 USD is added a la carte.