Family Days Out takes a Steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi!

Family Days Out were lucky enough to take a trip on the Steamboat River Natchez in New Orleans, and we can't recommend this attraction enough!

Taking an authentic steamboat cruise on the Mighty Mississippi is one of the most iconic experiences you could have in the Deep South, and it's something every family should experience when in the wonderful city of New Orleans.

Steamboat Natchez Riverboat is the ONLY steamboat in the Big Easy, and they offer a number of cruises to choose from, making sure you can get the one that's right for your family!

We were on the Dinner Jazz Cruise, and couldn't be more excited.

When are arrived at the pier ready and excited for our departure, we were greeted with the sounds of a Calliope from the top deck, and already we were feeling like we were back in the early 1900s! Climbing aboard, we went straight into the dining area as we were booked in the early sitting (there were two to choose from), so it was actually lovely to sit and enjoy dinner whilst we were docked.

It allowed us to soak up the atmosphere and just take it all in for a while, not feeling like we were missing out on being on deck once it had started moving.

The dinner buffet was DELICIOUS, with authentic Creole food including seafood pasta, chicken and sausage gumbo, and creamed spinach (we both went back for seconds)

We noticed a few families with smaller kids at the dinner, and they were having a great time all dressed up in their best dresses and mini suits, very cute to see!

Once dinner finished, we had just left the docks so we strolled out to the decks full of bread pudding, and took in the view. It was quite a foggy night for us, but we felt that added to the atmosphere.
Any cruise on a steamboat has to include a trip to the massive paddlewheel at the back, chugging along like it has done for over a century. You can just imagine what life on the Mississippi must have been like when this was the standard most of transportation. What an age to live in!

The deck was a great place to sit and enjoy the view, with their regular jazz band the Dukes of Dixieland playing nearby. Jazz music on a paddle wheeler on the Mississippi - could it get any better!?

The engine room of the Natchez are open to visitors during the cruise, so make sure you allow time to visit as it's great for kids to see. All the moving parts are fascinating, and it's exciting to see where it all happens.

There are plenty of easy to read information boards throughout the engine room, so kids can learn how the whole process works. If your kids love to look under the hood of technology, they will love this!

Whilst we were on the Dinner Jazz Cruise, you can also choose from a Harbor Jazz Cruise, offering 2 hours of music with an optional buffet lunch, departing Monday to Saturdays, and the popular option for families - the Sunday Brunch cruise.
The Sunday Brunch cruise has some delicious and authentic Creole meal options including pineapple glazed ham, biscuits and gravy, waffles, chicken and sausage gumbo and the New Orleans original Banana Foster which kids will just LOVE getting stuck into!
So when you are next in New Orleans (or you might be there already!), make time and take a trip on the Steamboat Natchez Riverboat, because where else can you enjoy this historic and iconic experience in the Deep South?

Y'all have a great time now!