Mississippi River cruise guide
Steamboat NATCHEZ vs Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: What's the Difference?
These are sister vessels operated by the New Orleans Steamboat Company, but they are not the same cruise product. NATCHEZ is the classic steamboat experience used for many jazz cruises, while CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a newer four-deck riverboat with daily 75-minute sightseeing cruises plus selected jazz, dinner and brunch sailings.
Facts last checked August 9, 2026
Short answer
Pick NATCHEZ when the classic steamboat identity and a two-hour jazz-cruise format are part of what you want. Pick CITY of NEW ORLEANS when you want the shorter 75-minute sightseeing option or one of its specifically scheduled jazz, dinner or Saturday brunch cruises. Always book the exact named vessel/product shown for your date.
Key Decision Factors & Booking Choices
At a glance
Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Cruise
Duration: 2-hour Mississippi River cruise
Transportation: Departs Toulouse St Wharf (400 Toulouse St, French Quarter)
Historical Focus: Live Duke Heitger Steamboat Stompers Jazz band & historic steam sternwheeler
Walking / Mobility: Boarding ramps accommodate standard wheelchairs to main deck and dining rooms; top hurricane deck access is by marine stairs only
Ticket Format: Sightseeing-only adult cruise ticket (dining upgrades optional)
Inclusions: 2-hour Mississippi River cruise, live Duke Heitger jazz trio, steam calliope concert
Departure Point: 400 Toulouse St (behind Jax Brewery, French Quarter)
Cancellation: Non-refundable once booked per operator passenger contract terms
Pricing: $44.00 flat rate per adult (daytime sightseeing ticket); optional Creole lunch buffet upgrade available ($58 evening jazz / $105 dinner cruise also available)
Verified live inventory · Hand-off to operator FareHarbor checkout
Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Duration: 75 minutes (daily daytime sightseeing; 2h for dinner/brunch)
Transportation: Departs Toulouse St Wharf (400 Toulouse St, French Quarter)
Historical Focus: Live Captain's narration & modern 4-deck skyline viewing
Walking / Mobility: Boarding ramp; 4 climate-controlled decks with elevator access between decks
Ticket Format: Sightseeing-only 75-minute excursion ticket
Inclusions: 75-minute Mississippi River cruise, live Captain narration, panoramic skyline views
Departure Point: 400 Toulouse St (behind Jax Brewery, French Quarter)
Cancellation: Non-refundable once booked per operator passenger contract terms
Pricing: $25.75 flat rate per adult ($12.75 child ages 6–12, free ages 2–5; 75-minute daytime sightseeing)
Verified live inventory · Hand-off to operator FareHarbor checkout
Key Comparison: Steamboat NATCHEZ vs Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS
Side-by-side comparison
Choose Steamboat NATCHEZ if…
- ✓The classic Steamboat NATCHEZ is part of the experience you are choosing
- ✓You want a published daytime or evening jazz-cruise format
- ✓A roughly two-hour river cruise fits your schedule
Choose CITY of NEW ORLEANS if…
- ✓You want the shortest current sightseeing option: 75 minutes
- ✓You value live Captain's narration on the sightseeing sailing
- ✓Your date or preferred dinner/brunch sailing is specifically aboard CITY of NEW ORLEANS
What to know before booking
- •Do not assume a generic 'riverboat cruise' means NATCHEZ; confirm the named vessel in the booking product.
- •Cruise schedules, vessel assignments and meal products can vary by date, so the live checkout is the final authority.
- •The CITY sightseeing cruise and CITY jazz/dinner/brunch products have different durations; do not treat them as one identical itinerary.
- •NATCHEZ products also vary between sightseeing-only and meal-inclusive options.
Quick answers
Questions people ask before choosing
What is the difference between Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS?
Steamboat NATCHEZ is the authentic historic-style sternwheeler best known for its 2-hour daytime and evening live jazz cruises. Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS is its modern four-deck sister vessel offering convenient 75-minute sightseeing cruises with live Captain's narration, as well as selected evening dinner and weekend brunch cruises.
Which riverboat has live jazz in New Orleans?
Steamboat NATCHEZ features live jazz from the Duke Heitger Steamboat Stompers on both daytime and evening jazz cruises. Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS features live jazz on its evening dinner and Saturday brunch sailings, while its daily 75-minute daytime sightseeing cruise focuses on Captain's narration.
Where do the riverboats depart from in New Orleans?
Both Steamboat NATCHEZ and Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS depart from the Toulouse Street Wharf at 400 Toulouse Street, directly behind Jax Brewery in the French Quarter.
Can I take a riverboat cruise without booking a meal?
Yes, both vessels offer sightseeing-only cruise tickets without a meal, as well as upgraded meal-inclusive options with Creole dining.
How we checked this comparison
We compare the operator's current published details rather than guessing from generic tour descriptions. Prices, schedules, restrictions and operating details can change, so final booking details should always be confirmed at checkout.