Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

New Orleans , United States

Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

Active

(878 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this Sunday brunch cruise, travel along the Mississippi River while enjoying live jazz music and savoring a lovely buffet brunch, if option selected. Otherwise, sit inside in one of our elegantly appointed decks or sit outside on one of our outdoor decks and enjoy the sites and breezes of the Mississippi River. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat will whisk you away to the romance and ambiance of yesteryear.

The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Upgrade your ticket to include the brunch buffet.

Available options

Steamboat NATCHEZ- With Brunch

Price includes Sunday Brunch: Please check with the host before entering the dining room.

Riverboat CITY - With Brunch

Price includes Sunday Brunch: Please check with the host before entering the dining room.

Riverboat CITY - No Meal

Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: This option does not include the brunch. Board the vessel at 11AM or 2PM; vessel departs the dock at 11:30AM or 2:30PM.

Steamboat NATCHEZ - No Meal

Sightseeing Cruise - No Meal: This option does not include the brunch. Board the vessel at 11AM or 2PM; vessel departs the dock at 11:30AM or 2:30PM.

What's included

2 Hour Paddle-wheel Boat Cruise 11:30-1:30 or 2:30-4:30

Live Jazz Entertainment

Enclosed climate controlled areas

Restroom on board

Brunch (if option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Head to Toulouse Street in the French Quarter at your selected time for your 2-hour Sunday brunch cruise.

Board the riverboat that will take you on an old-time ride along the Mississippi River.

Stop 3

The vessel has everything from a museum-quality engine room to a megaphone to call the ship's orders. Brunch is served buffet-style and includes tossed salad, chicken and sausage gumbo, rice, grits, crescent city eggs, pain perdu (French toast,) turkey sausage patties, O'Brien potatoes, creole creamed spinach, croissants, fruit salad, bananas foster, vanilla ice cream, and white chocolate bread pudding.

What's not included

Gratuities

Alcohol (available for purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

596 reviews

5★

320

4★

139

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.1

282 reviews

5★

146

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.

The tour cruises rain or shine, however the cruise may be cancelled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.

Anyone looking to book a group of 15 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.

From November 2025 - March 2026, the Steamboat NATCHEZ will operate all Daytime Jazz Cruises and the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will operate all Evening and Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruises.

Meeting point

Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding begins.

Important notes

Please note that both the New Orleans Steamboat Company and Gray Line New Orleans share the 'Lighthouse' ticket office @ 400 Toulouse Street.

We recommend you arrive at 10:45am for the 11am boarding and 1:45pm for the 2pm boarding.

From November 2025 - March 2026, the Steamboat NATCHEZ will operate all Daytime Jazz Cruises and the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will operate all Evening Dinner and Sunday Brunch Jazz Cruises.

In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes