Mississippi River cruise guide
Steamboat NATCHEZ vs Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS: What's the Difference?
These are sister vessels operated by the New Orleans Steamboat Company, but they are not the same cruise product. NATCHEZ is the classic steamboat experience used for many jazz cruises, while CITY of NEW ORLEANS is a newer four-deck riverboat with daily 75-minute sightseeing cruises plus selected jazz, dinner and brunch sailings.
Facts last checked August 9, 2026
Short answer
Pick NATCHEZ when the classic steamboat identity and a two-hour jazz-cruise format are part of what you want. Pick CITY of NEW ORLEANS when you want the shorter 75-minute sightseeing option or one of its specifically scheduled jazz, dinner or Saturday brunch cruises. Always book the exact named vessel/product shown for your date.
Side-by-side comparison
Choose Steamboat NATCHEZ if…
- ✓The classic Steamboat NATCHEZ is part of the experience you are choosing
- ✓You want a published daytime or evening jazz-cruise format
- ✓A roughly two-hour river cruise fits your schedule
Choose CITY of NEW ORLEANS if…
- ✓You want the shortest current sightseeing option: 75 minutes
- ✓You value live Captain's narration on the sightseeing sailing
- ✓Your date or preferred dinner/brunch sailing is specifically aboard CITY of NEW ORLEANS
What to know before booking
- •Do not assume a generic 'riverboat cruise' means NATCHEZ; confirm the named vessel in the booking product.
- •Cruise schedules, vessel assignments and meal products can vary by date, so the live checkout is the final authority.
- •The CITY sightseeing cruise and CITY jazz/dinner/brunch products have different durations; do not treat them as one identical itinerary.
- •NATCHEZ products also vary between sightseeing-only and meal-inclusive options.
How we checked this comparison
We compare the operator's current published details rather than guessing from generic tour descriptions. Prices, schedules, restrictions and operating details can change, so final booking details should always be confirmed at checkout.