Guide to Mississippi River Cruises: Discover The Heart of America

Table Of Content

• Simply Music Cities
• Mississippi River Gateway Cruise
• Some Sightseeing Highlights of a Mississippi River Cruise
• Airlines
• Keep Natural Disasters and River Water Levels in Mind When Booking Your Mississippi River Cruise
• Cruise the Mississippi in a Traditional Steamboat or a Modern River Cruise Ship -- You Choose

While authentic in appearance, our fleet of modern paddlewheelers also incorporate contemporary amenities to ensure passenger comfort and convenience. Our onboard staterooms are the most spacious in the industry, with full-size large bathrooms, and feature a private balcony from which guests can admire the rolling river views. With our commitment to preserving history and delivering exceptional experiences, American Cruise Lines' paddlewheelers stand as true ambassadors of American heritage on the Mississippi River. On our enrichment programs and shore excursions tell timeless tales, captivating stories, and anecdotes, that further enrich the nostalgic ambiance of the cruise. From comfortable accommodations to gourmet dining, our Mississippi River Paddlewheeler cruises ensure that every aspect of your voyage is a celebration of the river's legacy. The Mississippi River is truly a force of nature and travels across multiple states in the USA such as Iowa or Illinois before flowing through the Gulf of Mexico.

Simply Music Cities

Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park. Step off your ship docked right at Houmas House and explore one of the most elaborately renovated of the grand homes along the river, once a private home and a thriving historical agricultural enterprise. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the magnificently restored home’s unmatched collection of stunning period furnishings and artwork. The ornately landscaped grounds include 38 acres of gardens, fountains, and majestic live oak trees. Sail 1,393 miles, through 10 states, on the most comprehensive exploration of the Mighty Mississippi available.

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

All three cruise lines offer similar itineraries along the river, so we recommend looking into the ships, the amenities, and what's included in the rate (like pre-departure hotel stays and excursions) to help make your decision. History buffs and Americana lovers will find plenty to enjoy on a Mississippi River cruise. Your ship will stop in major cities and lesser-known towns, offering excursions to historic sites and evenings spent enjoying locally inspired cuisine and regional music.

Some Sightseeing Highlights of a Mississippi River Cruise

Elvis Presley is arguably the greatest thing ever to have come out of Memphis. But The National Civil Rights Museum should also be a stop during your visit to this Mississippi River cruise port. The Lower Mississippi River is home to many of the confederate historical landmarks and Civil War memorials, as well as beautiful plantations, the expansive estate of Elvis Presley, and the grand city of New Orleans. Lastly, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the area’s wineries to end the day before returning to the cruise ship. Then stop by the Red Wing Marine Museum and have a chance to see the American Queen, the largest river steamboat ever made if she happens to be docked nearby.

From our Paddlewheel Lounge guests can enjoy up-close views of the paddlewheel churning and on the Sun Deck they can enjoy the view in a rocking chair. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. We know that US River Cruises may give some people sticker shock if they’re used to ocean cruise ship prices. However, we hold true to our belief that river cruises are the best value out there.

Keep Natural Disasters and River Water Levels in Mind When Booking Your Mississippi River Cruise

However, which part of the Mississippi is better for your river cruise really depends on what history and sites you’re interested in seeing. Modernized for today’s river cruising demands, these boats harken back to the 19th century when steamboats played an important role in developing the regions along the Mississippi. The port call in Greenville, Mississippi, is steeped in the blues with a chance to visit a museum dedicated to hometown legend B.B. The grand finale of the cruise is two nights in Memphis, where you can enjoy all things blues, barbecue and Elvis Presley. If you're especially passionate about Civil War history, look for American Cruise Lines' special Civil War-themed cruises on limited dates, which allow a deeper dive into the period. These include a nine-day Lower Mississippi itinerary from Memphis to New Orleans (or vice versa).

Americana sights, sounds & flavors

Riverboat cruises won't dock near Vicksburg because of low river levels - WAPT Jackson

Riverboat cruises won't dock near Vicksburg because of low river levels.

Posted: Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

American Cruise Lines has an 11-day river cruise from New Orleans to St. Louis. This close-jaw Highlights of the Mississippi River cruise itinerary starts and ends in New Orleans. Visit Baton Rouge, Oak Alley with its towering centuries-old oak trees, and Houmas House “Sugar Palace,” all without Louisiana.

Head out to Falconer Vineyards to enjoy a glass of wine and spectacular views in this historic and beautiful town. You’ll want to take a trip to The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You’ll find a lot to appreciate at this popular tourist attraction, which is a beautiful piece of architecture surrounded by nature. The sites you’ll see will be limited, and you won’t have nearly the same experience as a multi-day, overnight Mississippi River cruise.

Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history. Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music—blues, jazz and soul—the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores.

We've rounded up the best Mississippi River cruises for seniors, history buffs and Americana lovers, so you can find your perfect U.S. river cruise itinerary based on your interests and travel preferences. They are especially appealing to mature travelers looking to enjoy guided tours of top cities and small towns in several Southern and Midwestern states. There are three main cruise lines traveling the Mississippi, with journeys ranging from less than a week to more than 20 days.

7 best Mississippi River cruises - The Points Guy

7 best Mississippi River cruises.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A resident “Riverlorian” offers lectures and chats explaining their lore and the evenings are filled with festive, live entertainment. These 6-day sailings on American Queen, American Duchess or in 2020 on the new American Countess allow guests to ring in the New Year with a gala that includes live music and a champagne toast. The voyages introduce them to the beauty of Southern, Cajun and Creole cultures.

From Dubuque, Iowa, you can head to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to visit Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's private home, studio and school from 1911 to 1959. If you love the musical genres of the South, a Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Memphis (or vice versa) should be your choice. Passengers on the Upper Mississippi may get the chance to hop off and explore Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, stroll the streets of Iowa's oldest city (Dubuque), or marvel at sacred bluffs in Red Wing, Minnesota. Along the Middle Mississippi, there's Paducah, Kentucky, a UNESCO-designated Creative City, and Chester, Illinois, the birthplace of Popeye the Sailor Man. With no Civil War fighting here, Natchez still features hundreds of antebellum homes and buildings. Each of these architectural treasures has its own story to tell, creating a charming downtown that embodies the essence of southern charm and hospitality.

It’s best to cruise the Upper Mississippi in the spring, fall and summer, when temperatures are milder. Seemingly the capital of confederate plantations, you will surely see some charming architecture. If you’re a Civil War history buff, then you’ll be excited to see the famous siege of Vicksburg Civil War Battlefield.