Viator Rating : 5 (835 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 6.9/10 (Solid Experience)
New Orleans
VIP Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise: New Orleans
180
Overview
The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers an unforgettable New Orleans experience. This exclusive cruise, unavailable elsewhere, starts with early boarding at 5:30 PM. A ship staff member welcomes guests aboard with a complimentary Champagne cocktail, granting front-row access to the renowned Dukes of Dixieland before dinner.
Guests can enjoy live jazz and dancing before settling into reserved dining room seating for a Louisiana-style dinner buffet. For an enhanced experience, an upgrade to include an open call brand bar is available. Following dinner, a private tour of the iconic Mississippi River Paddlewheeler led by the first mate provides a unique perspective on this historic vessel. It is a Viator VIP Experience offering views of the Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River.
This two-hour cruise includes enclosed, climate-controlled areas, ensuring comfort in any weather. The VIP experience also includes a gift bag with a boarding photo and Jazz CD. Onboard restrooms are available for convenience. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (5 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (5 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
Exclusive VIP Experience: Enjoy an exclusive cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, unavailable anywhere else.
Live Jazz Entertainment: Get front-row access to the Dukes of Dixieland and enjoy live jazz music.
Louisiana-Style Dinner: Savor a delicious Louisiana-style dinner buffet with local favorites.
Private Boat Tour: Take a private tour of the Steamboat Natchez led by the first mate.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed the live jazz music, especially the Dukes of Dixieland.
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Many loved the food and thought the Louisiana-style buffet was a highlight.
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The VIP experience, including early boarding and reserved seating, was well-received.
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Several reviewers mentioned the friendly and helpful staff.
Some guests found the boarding process a little disorganized.
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A few customers felt the tour of the boat was too short.
The Journey
Mississippi River Paddlewheeler (Viator VIP Experience)
Step aboard a historic Mississippi River paddlewheeler for an exclusive VIP experience. Arrive between 5:35 and 5:45 pm to enjoy early boarding and front-row reserved seating for the renowned Dukes of Dixieland jazz band. Capture the moment with a boarding photo, a souvenir of this unique Viator-exclusive experience. Be greeted with a welcome Champagne cocktail by uniformed staff, followed by an intimate private tour of the magnificent vessel. Discover the rich history and charm of riverboat travel, all before the musical journey even begins.
Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River
Indulge in a luxurious dinner cruise aboard the iconic Steamboat Natchez. Enjoy a shrimp cocktail followed by a feast of Louisiana favorites, from gumbo to jambalaya, accompanied by the soulful sounds of the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland. Upgrade for an open bar and savor the mesmerizing night views of New Orleans as you glide along the historic Mississippi River. As the cruise concludes in the French Quarter, receive a commemorative Steamboat Natchez pin and a Dukes of Dixieland CD as lasting mementos of your unforgettable evening.
Know Before You Go
This VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise includes early boarding at 5:30 PM, a complimentary champagne and shrimp cocktail upon boarding, reserved seating, and a private tour of the boat. Guests can enjoy a Louisiana-style dinner, live jazz entertainment, and access to enclosed, climate-controlled areas. An open call brand bar option is available for an additional fee. The experience excludes additional food and beverages beyond what is included. This tour embarks and disembarks from the Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery in the French Quarter. Unfortunately, there is no Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Hot Tip
Arrive early to make the most of the complimentary champagne cocktail and secure a good spot for watching the Dukes of Dixieland. Consider upgrading to the open bar for an even more enjoyable experience.
Review Summary
People usually say the VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a memorable and authentic New Orleans experience with excellent live jazz music by the Dukes of Dixieland, delicious Louisiana-style dinner, and attentive VIP service including early boarding and reserved seating. Positive reviews highlight the friendly staff, beautiful river views, and the exclusive private boat tour. Some travelers note that while the main deck is accessible, access to the upper and lower decks requires stairs, which can be challenging for those with mobility restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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