5:30 PM to 9:00 PM:  Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Natchez Mississippi River Jazz & Dinner Cruise – $86 Per Person (AFL Discounted Price!)

GPS Address for the Natchez pier:  400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

NOTE:  This event is an “optional” add-on event in addition to the meeting’s registration cost.  Tickets are to be purchased directly from The Natchez for ONLY $86 per person.  This is an “AFL Only Special” of a 20% discount from the general public price of $107.50 

For the Link to book your reservation and use Discount Code AFL2026, CLICK HERE:  https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/neworleanssteamboatcompany/items/560778/availability/1695982937/book/?full-items=yes

NOTE: when you go to purchase your ticket(s) be sure to enter the Discount Code for each person in your party.   You will automatically be placed in the “First Dining Session” (6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.).   MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW!!!  Take a look at the examples below in this photo where you have to enter the discount for each person you buy tickets for to the bottom-left and click on where it says “Add promo or discount code“.  A box will pop-up, then enter:  AFL2026 for each person.   As shown on the right, once you’ve entered the Discount Code, the price is reduced.

If coming on the Natchez River Cruise, we strongly recommend . . .

You should make sure your flight arrives in New Orleans no later than 2:45 PM (and allow for departure flight delays – OR – TSA delays) which now seem to be the norm).  That should have you arriving at the hotel in the French Quarter by 4:15 (at the latest).  That will give you about an hour to be ready to make the 5 minute walk to the dock of the Natchez – which they want us at the boat at 5:30 PM (no later than 5:45 PM).  We encourage you to meet as a group in the lobby of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel by 5:15 PM and we will walk over to the Natchez together.  We will all be seated together when we board – and we will immediately proceed to the first dining session.  The Natchez will return to its dock at 9:00 PM.  It’s Summer . . . CASUAL DRESS IS RECOMMENDED!

We can’t think of a better way to “pre” kick-off the 2026 Annual Meeting than to cruise the Mighty Mississippi at night on the very ship Lafayette traveled on – or, at least its 20th century recreation.  As part of our April 2025 Bicentennial event in New Orleans, we did the Natchez lunch cruise and many members said this was one of the most enjoyable events we did.  This time around, we’re doing the evening cruise with a live jazz band while enjoying famous New Orleans cuisine at an all-you-can-eat buffet while taking in the New Orleans night skyline.  Come feel the cool Summer breeze of a New Orleans evening.  And don’t worry, there will be gluten free and vegetarian options on the menu.

We will journey down the mighty Mississippi, see captivating views of the French Quarter fade into the distance as the joyful tunes of traditional jazz carries you down the river.  Stroll the multiple decks, explore the beautiful, refinished interiors and savor the leisurely two-hour cruise that will give you panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along the way, with live narration.  The Natchez’s Louisiana flavored menu consists of local favorites – red beans and rice, fried catfish, jambalaya, salad, New Orleans style bread pudding, and more.

True to tradition in every detail, boarding the NATCHEZ makes you feel as if you have entered another era. The captain barks his orders through an old-time hand-held megaphone. The calliope trills a melody into the air while the great wheel, 25 tons of white oak, churns the heavy waters of the Mississippi. You soon find yourself slipping into a sense of the old, vast, and timeless river.

LAFAYETTE’S CONNECTION

The steamboat Natchez was fitted out with every convenience to convey Lafayette to New Orleans and up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Missouri. After attending the Mobile Alabama ball, Lafayette and his entourage boarded the Natchez, which set a course for New Orleans. She stopped at the Chalmette Battlefield on Sunday, April 10, 1825, where the Governor welcomed Lafayette to the state and Lafayette spoke.  He would spend four more days in New Orleans, departing upriver on April 15, 1825 and arriving in Baton Rouge the following day.

YOU CAN NOW REGISTER FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING HERE:  https://www.friendsoflafayette.org/event-6571663/Registration

Info current as of:  2/22/2026