VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option

New Orleans , United States

VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option

Active

(832 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Please arrive by 5:30pm for early boarding. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a ship staff member to take you onboard. Start the night off with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and get front row access to the Dukes of Dixieland before dining. After enjoying the tunes and maybe a little dancing, settle into your reserved table in the dining room for a dinner buffet featuring local favorites. If you are looking for a little more, upgrade your cruise to include an open call brand bar. After dinner, take a tour of the vessel led by the first mate. Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise through New Orleans in style on an exclusive VIP cruise that can’t be booked anywhere else!

Please note 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 and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat.

Available options

VIP Dinner (No Bar) - 5:30pm

VIP Dinner Cruise (No Bar): Tour includes the VIP experience - early boarding @ 5:30pm - without an open bar.

VIP Dinner & Bar - 5:30pm

Dinner and Open Bar: Tour includes the full VIP experience - Early Boarding @ 5:30pm - plus an open bar for the duration of the cruise.

What's included

Enclosed Climate Controlled areas

Call brand open bar (if option chosen)

VIP gift bag including boarding photo and Jazz CD

The NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place.

Restroom on board

Complimentary champagne cocktail and shrimp cocktail after boarding

Louisiana-style dinner

Early boarding, reserved seating, private tour of the boat.

2-hour paddle-wheel boat cruise with live jazz entertainment

Detailed itinerary

Please arrive between 5:35 - 5:45pm to receive the whole VIP experience, such as early boarding and front row reserved seating for the Dukes of Dixieland! Pose for a photo as you board -- you'll receive a print as a souvenir of this exclusive experience that can only be booked through Viator.

Uniformed ship staff will greet you with a Champagne cocktail. Then, follow your guide on an exclusive private tour of the boat. Feel free to ask questions and take photos as you tour the magnificent riverboat.

Stop 2

Afterward, take your reserved seat and listen to the live jazz band, Dukes of Dixeland. As you listen to the Grammy-nominated group play, enjoy a shrimp cocktail. Then load up on scrumptious Louisiana favorites including tossed salads, chicken and sausage gumbo, creole vegetarian jambalaya, rice, baked chicken, bayou seafood pasta, paddlewheel primavera, herb-garlic fingerling potatoes, green beans almondine, white chocolate bread pudding, bananas foster, and vanilla ice cream. Upgrade to receive all the luxuries of the original tour, but include an open bar (call brand select cocktails, beer and house wine) for the entire duration of the cruise. Then sit back, relax, and delight in captivating night views of New Orleans as you cruise along the Mississippi for two hours.

Before your luxurious dinner cruise concludes in the French Quarter, you'll also receive a commemorative Steamboat Natchez pin and Dukes of Dixieland CD as souvenirs of your memorable night on the Mississippi.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

612 reviews

5★

532

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

220 reviews

5★

190

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Guests should arrive by no later than 5:45pm to get the full VIP experience.

The riverboat is accessible for guests who use mobility devices. However, access to the top & bottom decks are by stairs only. Please call us with any questions before finalizing your plans if you have questions on access or personal equipment.

If you have more than 14 guests in your party please contact local operator directly

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!

Meeting point

Please meet your host at the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock @ 5:40PM in order to board prior to the general public.

Important notes

• Ship staff will have your boarding passes waiting for you upon arrival. Please arrive no later than 5:30pm. They will meet you on the dock near the vending machines and crew entrance under the canopy. You do not need to stop at the ticket office to pick up boarding passes.

• Please Note: Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ become unavailable for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and/or general maintenance, all cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the newly renovated Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.

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