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New Orleans Sunset Jazz Cruise Review: Riverboat Natchez Experience & Is It Worth It?
- Alyssa
- Feb 3, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
A sunset cruise on the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic experiences in New Orleans, especially when it includes live jazz and views of the city skyline. During our trip, we boarded the Riverboat Natchez for their sunset jazz cruise, a two-hour steamboat ride along the Mississippi River.
Tickets cost $47.50 per adult, and we paid $95 total for two people. The cruise features live jazz music, open-air decks, and views of New Orleans landmarks like Jackson Square and the busy working port along the river. This post is based entirely on our own experience and breaks down what the sunset cruise is like, what’s included, and whether the Riverboat Natchez sunset jazz cruise is actually worth booking.
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Our Experience on the Riverboat Natchez Sunset Jazz Cruise
Cruising the Mississippi River at sunset is one of the most iconic experiences in New Orleans, and our evening aboard the Riverboat Natchez delivered exactly what we were hoping for: live jazz, skyline views, and a relaxed way to see the city from the water. This was a two-hour sunset jazz cruise, combining sightseeing with live music and open-air decks as the boat traveled up and down the Mississippi River.
Boarding & Seating: What to Expect
Boarding takes place at the steamboat dock near the French Quarter, making it easy to pair with other activities before or after the cruise. There’s a brief security check, bags are inspected and guests are asked standard safety questions, and then you’re free to board.
Boarding begins about 20 minutes before departure, and we recommend arriving early. Seating is first-come, first-served, and early boarding gives you the best choice of spots. We headed straight to the second deck, which offered the best panoramic views of both the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline. Metal patio-style chairs line the railings, with additional tables and chairs in the center. While seating can feel a bit tight when the boat is full, our cruise wasn’t crowded, and guests were able to spread out comfortably.
Live Jazz, Drinks & River Views
Live jazz is a major highlight of the cruise. The Dukes of Dixieland performed on the second deck for most of the ride, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. The music added to the experience without overpowering conversation or sightseeing. A bar near the stage serves reasonably priced drinks by New Orleans standards. Mixed drinks were $7, beers were $5, and pours were generous, a nice surprise for an attraction-based cruise.
As the Riverboat Natchez made its way along the Mississippi, we passed a mix of historic and industrial sights. Landmarks included Jackson Square, active shipping ports, U.S. Navy ships, and even a sugar refinery. While not every stretch is traditionally scenic, the contrast gave us a better sense of how the river still functions as a working part of the city. We also caught views of areas like the Lower Ninth Ward, which added historical context beyond the usual tourist zones.
Sunset Views & a Stormy Finale
The highlight of the evening was easily the sunset. As the sun dropped lower, massive rays of light broke through the clouds, painting the sky with deep oranges and fiery reds. It was one of the most striking sunsets we’ve seen, especially from the water. As night fell, storm clouds began rolling in. Thunder cracked overhead as the boat turned back toward the dock, and just when we thought the show was over, lightning started flashing across the sky. Pulling back into port with the city skyline glowing beneath storm clouds created a dramatic, almost cinematic ending to the night.
What’s Included in the Riverboat Natchez Sunset Jazz Cruise
The Riverboat Natchez sunset jazz cruise is designed as a relaxed sightseeing and music experience rather than a formal dinner cruise. Here’s what your ticket includes:
Two-hour cruise on the Mississippi River
Live jazz music performed onboard (Dukes of Dixieland during our cruise)
Access to multiple decks, including open-air viewing areas
First-come, first-served seating throughout the boat
Food is not included with the standard sunset jazz cruise ticket, but there is an onboard bar where drinks can be purchased. Drinks were reasonably priced for New Orleans, with beer around $5 and mixed drinks around $7 at the time of our visit. There is no assigned seating, which gives you the freedom to move around the boat, change decks, and follow the sunset as lighting conditions shift.
Know Before You Go: New Orleans Sunset Jazz Cruise Tips
Arrive Early for the Best Seats
Boarding begins about 20 minutes before departure, and seating is first-come, first-served. Arriving early gives you the best chance at rail seating on the second deck, which offers the most unobstructed river and skyline views.
Best Deck for Sunset Views
The second deck is ideal for sunset photos and live music. If you want quieter moments or different perspectives, it’s worth walking between decks as the cruise progresses.
Dress for the Weather
Evenings on the river can feel cooler than on land, especially if there’s wind. A light jacket or layer is a good idea, particularly outside of summer months. Weather also plays a big role in the experience. Clouds, storms, or dramatic skies can actually enhance the cruise, but be prepared for changing conditions.
Who This Cruise Is Best For
This sunset jazz cruise is a great fit for:
Couples looking for a relaxed evening activity
Visitors who enjoy live music and sightseeing
Travelers who want an iconic New Orleans experience without a full dinner commitment
Is the Riverboat Natchez Sunset Jazz Cruise Worth It? Our Verdict
Yes, the sunset jazz cruise aboard the Riverboat Natchez is worth it, especially if you want a relaxed, scenic way to experience New Orleans beyond the French Quarter. For $95 total for two people, we spent two hours cruising the Mississippi River during golden hour, taking in panoramic skyline views, live jazz music, and sights we never would have seen on foot. Highlights included passing Jackson Square, views toward the Lower Ninth Ward, and sections of the river lined with active shipping and a working sugar refinery, a reminder that the Mississippi is still a living, working river.
Not every stretch of the river is traditionally beautiful, but the sunset and nighttime city views more than made up for it. Ending the cruise with a dramatic lightning storm over the skyline made the experience feel unexpectedly magical and gave us what felt like the best seat in New Orleans. We’d recommend this cruise to couples, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for a low-effort evening activity that combines sightseeing with live music. If you’re expecting luxury dining or nonstop entertainment, this may not be the right fit, but if you want a memorable, atmospheric way to see the city from the water, the Riverboat Natchez sunset jazz cruise delivers.