Hotels near Steamboat Natchez

The Natchez is an authentic steam-powered sternwheeler, built in 1975 in the style of the great 19th-century Mississippi riverboats. Before each departure, its steam calliope, an organ played with whistles, sends tunes drifting across the French Quarter. The two-hour daytime harbour cruise includes live jazz and a narrated history of the port, and usually costs around $45-60 (about €40-55).

In December the boat adds holiday-themed evening dinner cruises with jazz, and its New Year's Eve cruise is one of the best ways to watch the midnight fireworks over the river. Even without a ticket, the free calliope concert on the wharf before departure is worth catching. Dress warmly for the open decks, since the river wind is cold after dark.

Pro Tip: Arrive 20 minutes before departure to hear the calliope from the dock, and sit on the upper deck at the stern to watch the paddle wheel turn.