New Orleans Steamboat Company (corporate office)

Operating from the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans Steamboat Company provides one of the city's most iconic tourist attraction experiences: a cruise on the Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddle wheeler. The company primarily operates the Steamboat NATCHEZ, a vessel that aims to replicate the golden age of river travel. This firm, which also functions as a travel agency by offering various tour packages, presents a journey complete with live jazz, historical narration, and optional dining. However, the experience can vary significantly depending on the choices a customer makes, particularly regarding the onboard meals.

The Steamboat Experience: Atmosphere and Entertainment

The centerpiece of the company's offering is the vessel itself. The Steamboat NATCHEZ, launched in 1975, is lauded by many patrons for its magnificent and well-maintained condition. It is one of the last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers on the Mississippi, featuring powerful steam engines dating back to 1925 that are visible to guests in the engine room. This historical authenticity is a major draw. As a key component of its sightseeing tours, the boat offers multiple decks for viewing the New Orleans skyline, providing a unique perspective of the city from the water. The two-hour cruise typically travels downriver past historical sites before returning.

A defining feature of these boat tours is the live entertainment. Before departure, passengers are often greeted by the distinctive sound of a steam calliope, a classic riverboat instrument. Once aboard, a live jazz band, often the Steamboat Stompers, provides a soundtrack that enhances the historical atmosphere. This musical element consistently receives positive feedback and is considered a highlight of the trip. Adding to the ambiance is a live narration that details the history of the port and the landmarks along the river, which many find both interesting and educational.

A Tale of Two Meals: The Divisive Dining Options

Where the New Orleans Steamboat Company's offerings become complex is in its culinary department. The reviews are sharply divided, creating two very different narratives depending on the cruise and meal selected. This is a critical factor for anyone engaged in travel planning for their New Orleans visit.

The Dinner and Brunch Buffets: A More Positive Reception

The evening dinner cruise and the Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise generally receive favorable reviews for their food. Patrons describe the dinner setting as pleasant, with white tablecloths and attentive waitstaff in a comfortable dining room. The meal is served buffet-style, and specific items like the fried chicken and roast beef have been singled out for their high quality. The Sunday Brunch also features a wide array of options, from Creole classics like shrimp and grits to traditional breakfast fare, which many find to be a satisfying experience. For those considering a complete package, these meal options appear to be the safer and more enjoyable bet.

The Daytime Lunch: A Source of Dissatisfaction

In stark contrast, the plated lunch served during the daytime cruises has been the subject of significant criticism. Several customers have described the meal in deeply unfavorable terms, with one calling it "prison slop" and another comparing it to 1950s cafeteria food. A common complaint is the lack of choice, as the meal is a pre-set sampler. Furthermore, the logistics of the meal service have been criticized. Lunch is often served as early as 10:45 AM, with some patrons finishing their meal before the boat has even left the dock. This awkward timing and the poor quality reported by many suggest that the daytime lunch option may detract from the overall enjoyment of the cruise. Numerous reviewers, and even some online forums, strongly advise against this add-on, recommending that visitors eat in the French Quarter before or after their cruise instead.

Navigating Your Options and Practical Advice

The New Orleans Steamboat Company offers several cruise options to fit different schedules, including daytime jazz cruises, dinner jazz cruises, and Sunday brunch cruises. For those looking to bundle activities, the company also partners with other tour operators like Gray Line to offer vacation packages that might combine the cruise with a city tour.

Based on collective customer feedback, here are some practical points to consider:

• Evaluate the Meal Add-On Carefully: The core experience of the cruise—the boat, the views, and the music—is consistently well-regarded. The decision of whether to include a meal should be made with caution. The dinner and brunch options seem reliable, but the daytime lunch is a significant gamble on quality and value.
• Timing Your Arrival: As one guest noted, arriving too early for the daytime cruise may mean waiting in direct sunlight until boarding begins. Planning your arrival closer to the boarding time can make for a more comfortable start.
• Customer Service: The company appears to handle unforeseen issues professionally. One review mentioned a trip canceled due to a thunderstorm, and the company promptly offered a choice between a refund or rebooking on the next available cruise, indicating a solid operational standard.
• Explore the Whole Boat: The steamboat has multiple decks, and guests are encouraged to walk around. From visiting the steam engine room to enjoying the top-deck views, there is much to see beyond the dining areas.

The Final Verdict

As a tour operator, the New Orleans Steamboat Company successfully delivers a memorable and atmospheric Mississippi river cruise. The historical authenticity of the Steamboat NATCHEZ, combined with excellent live jazz and scenic views, makes for a worthwhile activity that captures a unique part of the city's heritage. It stands as a classic New Orleans tour for a reason.

The primary weakness lies in the inconsistency of its food service. While the dinner and brunch offerings can enhance the experience, the widely criticized daytime lunch poses a risk to customer satisfaction. Potential clients should weigh their options carefully, perhaps choosing to book the sightseeing-only portion of the daytime cruise and enjoying the city's world-class culinary scene on shore. The strength of the cruise itself is enough to recommend the journey, provided one is well-informed about the dining pitfalls.