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One of the most iconic attractions on New Orleans travel itineraries is a ride aboard a steamboat cruising down the Mississippi. We set sail on the riverboat Natchez for a two-hour experience with live jazz music and amazing sunset views. We paid $47.50 per person and $95 for two adult tickets. The Riverboat Natchez goes along the Mississippi and passes landmark sites like Jackson Square, and even Navy ships in the river.
Cruising the Mississippi: A Top Activity in New Orleans:
Cruising the Mississippi is a top activity in New Orleans. The experience kicks off at the steamboat port near the French Quarter, and before you can board the boat you must go through a quick security check. If you were carrying a bag they asked if there was anything in it, did a quick check, and asked if you had any weapons. It was quick and after that, we boarded the boat. There is about a twenty-minute time frame where people can board the boat. We got there early so we could pick out a good seat.
Once on board the seating is first come first serve. There are two decks onboard, and for better views, we chose to grab seats on the second deck. There were metal patio-style chairs lined along the sides of the boat and more chairs with tables in the center of the deck. The chairs lining the edge of the boat were pretty close together making it a little cramped feeling but thankfully they were not all full so people spread out.
The experience included live music from the Dukes of Dixieland, who played all night on the second deck. Near the band was the bar, which started serving as soon as the boat started moving. Drinks were priced reasonably at about $7 for a mixed drink and $5 for a beer, and the pours were heavy-handed.
The boat made its way down the Mississippi and passed by some interesting buildings, ports, and even big attractions like Jackson Square. You can even see the city skyline from the river! However, much of the scenery is very industrial and not very picturesque. It was interesting to see different parts of the city that we would not have been able to otherwise see, like the lower ninth ward, and a sugar refinery plant. It gave us a more expansive idea of the city and other areas besides Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.
The views of the sunset from the river were unbeatable, it was one of the most breathtaking sunsets we have ever seen. Huge light rays popped out from behind the clouds and lit up the sky. The sun was bright red as it sunk below the horizon, and we watched as it dipped below the horizon. It was a spectacular show from the sky!
As the sun began to set, more and more storm clouds started rolling in. By the time it was dusk the sky was covered in large fluffy clouds, and we began to hear thunder in the distance. Soon the thunder got louder and louder until it was cracking above us.
As if the sunset was not enough of a treat we got an amazing lighting show! We watched as lightning lit up the sky on our way back to the dock. As we approached the dock the skyline once again came into view, but this time with twinkling lights from the buildings.
What to bring:
Sunscreen
Light jacket (in case of rain)
Umbrella
Camera
Cash for the bar/tip
Summary:
For $95 we rode along the Mississippi River in a steamboat and enjoyed an unforgettable sunset and lightning show. The experience lasted about two hours and took us past the iconic Jackson Square, and through some lesser-visited areas of the city like the lower ninth ward, and even an active sugar refinery. Although some of the views along the river may not have been super scenic, the sky made up for it all. The sunset was vibrant and bright above the river, and we had the best seats in all of the city! It was a nice way to end the night, and for $47.50 per person, we would go again.
Do you think $47.50 is worth your wallet for a steamboat ride down the Mississippi River? Let us know in the comments below!
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