Cruising the Mighty Mississippi: A patriotic voyage on a classic American icon

A great way to cool off from the steaming French Quarter streets during the peak of summer heat is to hop aboard a breezy riverboat cruise. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the steamboat cruises; they provide a fascinating journey into New Orleans history and guide travelers throughout the picturesque stretches of the mighty Mississippi. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature, such as Mark Twain’s Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and see the bustling activity of one of the busiest ports in the world. The John James Audubon Riverboat cruises use more modern vessels, sleek and stylish, while the Natchez steamboat offers a more historically authentic craft. Though both types of boats offer modern luxuries, not much has been lost in time.

The Natchez has long been the pride of the Mississippi River and is as beautiful as any of her namesakes. Many of her crew members have stayed with her since her maiden voyage, and they display a passion and cheerful interest in history that is infectious. Post-Katrina, New Orleans is beginning a new chapter of hope and determination; the past here is more important than ever. This is a city that burned to the ground twice, saw the birth of jazz, and collected cultural identities rather than simply absorbing newcomers, entertaining swashbuckling pirates and proud kings alike. The riverboat carries people through the timeless beauty of the old South and the new, uniting the ages as we begin a new era of progress and inspiration.

Known by numerous names such as riverboat, paddleboat, sternwheeler, and the showboat, the steamboat was invented by Robert Fulton. Revolutionizing river travel between 1810 and the Civil War along the muddy Mississippi, steam riverboat travel escalated New Orleans commerce, providing an awe-inspiring voyage for passengers as well as an efficient means of transporting merchandise. The first steamboat to travel the Mississippi was the New Orleans. Built in Pittsburgh in 1811 at a cost of $40,000, she was a side-wheeler that measured 116 feet long and weighed 71 tons.

The original steamboats were elaborately constructed and decorated, emitting a romantic aura with their grand staircases, carpeted lounges, and luxurious passenger cabins. Professional gamblers, artists, dignitaries, and curious travelers frequented the saloons and lounges on the boats. The experience was colorful but often uncomfortable due to limited space in cabins and on the deck. Many famous historical characters rode down the majestic Mississippi in this unique fashion. Artist George Catlin so thoroughly enjoyed his riverboat roaming that he talked dozens of foreign dignitaries into taking the “grand tour” of the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers. Others, however, had a more critical opinion. Charles Dickens termed the trip he took as “uncivilized,” while Walt Whitman complained that there “was not room to turn, and people sleep at night on the saloon floor.” The namesake of the Audubon Zoo had something to say about the riverboat as well, which is ironic because now the seven-mile cruise running between the zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas is named after this renowned ornithologist. Like many who ride the boats today, John James Audubon wanted to have a cocktail while taking air on the deck. He was decidedly miffed when Internal Revenue confiscated his whiskey flask while he was riding a Missouri riverboat through a “dry” territory.

Thankfully, ample space and copious amounts of delicious Creole food and beverages are available on the crafts today. Live jazz bands spice up the atmosphere for travelers promenading along the sun-splashed decks and through the air-conditioned cabins. Many passengers also enjoy exploring the engine room and sauntering around to the back of the boat to watch the roaring surf created by the rotating paddle wheel. The three-deck Natchez boards at the Toulouse Street Wharf behind the Jackson Brewery, along the “moonwalk,” a popular stretch of the river named after Mayor Moon Landrieu; the John James Audubon cruises dock for passengers at the moonwalk landing as well as at the brilliant riverfront park known as “The Butterfly,” which is located behind the zoo.

The Natchez name was revived by the New Orleans Steamboat Company in 1975, revitalizing a glamorous tradition that allows passengers to experience history in an authentic way. Combining classic architectural features and modern technology, the ship retains a graceful, old world style, but it is also outfitted with contemporary safety features and conveniences. The boat gliding through the majestic waters of the Mississippi today is the ninth craft to bear the traditional Natchez name. The Natchez follows a meandering path through history, its title painted in bright letters across generations of ships that operated from the antebellum era, through the turbulence of the Civil War, and into modern times.

The Natchez’ layout and architectural features resemble that of the Virginia and the Hudson riverboats from long ago. The powerful steam engines were originally built for U.S. Steel Corporation’s sternwheeler boat, the Clairton, in 1925. The steam whistle is a priceless antique made of copper and steel, while the copper bell is also a timeless piece, as it once graced the deck of the S.S. J.D Ayres. The steam calliope, piping up every morning to serenade the Big Easy, was custom crafted to produce the signature notes that resound over the waters and through the city streets.

The music of the calliope is a daily reminder of the carefree spirit of New Orleans. Starting every morning around 10 am, the lilting melodies travel on the wings of the playful river breeze, slipping down back alleyways and soaring down the main avenues of the historic French Quarter neighborhoods. The 32-note steam calliope is a uniquely American musical instrument that has been identified with steamboats since 1865; it has seen the city go through countless changes without losing any of its simple novelty. After the Hurricane, the riverboats suffered extensive damage, and the cheerful melodies were absent from the streets as the city rebuilt. When the calliope began to play again, the city awoke and rejoiced at the deep historical significance of such effortless tunes.

The Fourth of July features a flamboyant celebration along the river to celebrate the history of independence, which this unique city is particularly known for. The Dueling Barges fireworks extravaganza offers a stirring salute to America’s patriotic fervor, featuring a “Symphony in the Sky,” shot from barges sent afloat on the dark currents of the Mississippi. Fireworks by Pyrotecnico charge the atmosphere, splashing vibrant bursts of radiant light across the canvas of the sky. This display is accompanied by music along the moonwalk, and the prime seat is, of course, on the deck of one of the riverboats. Festivities are rampant throughout the French Quarter, celebrating this national holiday with New Orleans flair. The Riverwalk Marketplace and the French Market offer holiday shopping specials, and enticing aromas waft from the multitude of restaurants throughout the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Harrah’s Casino are right around the corner. Wherever your roaming ambitions lead you, the river will call you back for the sunset finale, where the riverboats rock with the southern grooves of hot New Orleans nights. ✦