Guide to Mississippi River Cruises: Discover The Heart of America

riverboat cruise mississippi

As you make your way from Dubuque to Winona, enjoy the scenic splendor of the Upper Mississippi River from your private balcony. Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you, the setting for countless American stories and the inspiration for artists and musicians throughout time. Take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos.

Pre: New Orleans Discovery

Tour the elaborate townhomes, visit a working cotton farm to learn about the crop’s importance in history and today, and discover the historic Under-The-Hill Saloon. Drift through quaint shops, nibble on local delights, and enjoy the expansive views of the majestic river valley from the bluff-top park. Upper Mississippi River cruises are a great way for people of all ages to take a break from the normal day-to-day.

Eight Day Mississippi River Boat Cruise

Here, you can enjoy the kind of southern hospitality you thought only existed in storybooks. Meaning “red stick,” Baton Rouge’s 1699 French name references an ancient geographical marker and reflects the city’s long history. As Louisiana’s state capital, the city still echoes with tales of the characters who lived here, most notably Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. Learn about his dramatic career at the magnificent 1852 Old State Capitol Museum and visit Long’s 1932 State Capitol building, an architectural marvel of granite and marble. Later, experience the opulence and natural wonder of the Oak Alley estate with its breathtaking parallel row of 28 ancient and massive live oak trees. Here, you can savor a complimentary taste of one of the best mint juleps in the South.

Nine to Eleven Day Mississippi River Cruises

Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck. Don’t forget to budget for gratuities as well and some extra money if you want to upgrade any excursions beyond what’s included. If you travel the Lower Mississippi River, New Orleans will most likely be your start or final destination, and there is plenty to see and do here. There are ghost and voodoo tours that guide you through local history, the National WWII Museum, the Garden District, the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and lots of amazing restaurants to eat at. Your river cruise guides may walk you through the town, through Winona County History Center, to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, and over to Garvin Heights for the chance to capture stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley.

History & Architecture

We handle every detail for you from departure to dinner on our Mississippi river cruises, making it possible for you to fully relax and enjoy our modern riverboat. Known as the Heart and Soul of the Mississippi Delta, the city of Greenville offers visitors unique insight into traditional southern living. Enjoy a relaxing trip through the historic sites of the largest city in Mississippi, including Cotton Row, the Mount Holly Plantation, and the Weatherbee House. Enjoy a feast for your senses if you linger in this magical city, renowned for its delicious cuisine, vibrant music scene, and rich culture with an international flair.

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. Excellent team from the captain to the crew provide a relaxing time..The chefs do an excellent job and there is more great food than you can imagine. This is the most organized and professional staff that we have ever experienced. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today.

Highlights of Mississippi River Cruises

Keep in mind, however, that the Mississippi is the fourth largest river in the world—so temperatures any time of year are not going to be the same in warmer Louisiana as they are in cooler Minnesota. The new kid on the Mississippi is the Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger, five-deck vessel that first set sail in September 2022. The cutting-edge cruise is Viking’s first foray in the US, adding to their fleet of more than 90 ocean, river, and expedition vessels navigating the world’s seven continents. You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to Minneapolis, or you can sail shorter segments of the river.

riverboat cruise mississippi

Is the Mark Twain Riverboat wheelchair accessible?

The challenge modern travelers now face is when, where, and how to go about this iconic American voyage. Below, see our answers to these frequently asked questions, plus our favorite Mississippi River cruises to book in 2024. St. Louis is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis' many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. During the Civil War, the struggle to control Vicksburg proved to be a major turning point.

Whether you are looking for a sightseeing adventure on the Mississippi River, taking in the sights, or dining on the river at sunset, Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone. Seemingly the capital of confederate plantations, you will surely see some charming architecture. Ride a horse-drawn carriage through this historic Mormon town to see the Brigham Young Home and the Smith Homestead. Afterward, stop by for a spot of wine at Illinois's oldest winery, Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery.

Welcome to New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and unique cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American influences. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, American Cruise Lines (ACL) has a fleet of more than 20 American-built ships sailing across the country and remains family-owned and American-crewed. You can visit 18 ports in six states on a 23-day Mississippi River journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. These itineraries are offered by both American Cruise Lines and Viking, and are perfect for seniors with plenty of time to explore. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as along the legendary Mississippi River.

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. 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. Another deciding factor for you could be the different lengths of itineraries offered.

This itinerary is known for having the most scenic and serene views between the cities of St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota. Cruising the Mississippi River has grown in popularity so much that river cruises are now being offered nearly year-round. The company's flagship, the American Queen, is said to be the world's biggest steamboat. Viking River Cruises' 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage, available in 2024 aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, also embarks in New Orleans and visits 16 ports in nine states as it cruises north to St. Paul, Minnesota.

American Queen Voyages offers a few 9-day cruises, including one from New Orleans to Memphis or visa versa, or Memphis to St. Louis or visa versa. This includes American Cruise Lines American Symphony or American Melody, and Viking Mississippi. However, which part of the Mississippi is better for your river cruise really depends on what history and sites you’re interested in seeing. The Upper Mississippi River itineraries are better for your second trip cruising the river, where you can expand upon the history learned from the cities in the lower south. 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. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you enjoy the afternoon rolling on the mighty Mississippi.

Body found after 21-year-old goes missing from Mississippi riverboat birthday cruise: 'This is very traumatic' - New York Post

Body found after 21-year-old goes missing from Mississippi riverboat birthday cruise: 'This is very traumatic'.

Posted: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Guests can also look forward to discovering spacious lounges and quiet nooks to gather with fellow travelers. Reasons why US river cruises cost more than a European river cruise, for instance, are because the ships have to be built in the United States and the crew has to be large American, which means their salaries are American dollars. They also offer round-trip river cruises from New Orleans and a journey from St. Louis to St. Paul. If you’ve never been on a river cruise before, in Europe or elsewhere, you need to know that it’s nothing like ocean cruise ships, which provide endless hours of entertainment onboard.

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