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If this is your first time in the great United States Mississippi River region, we think the Lower Mississippi River Cruise itineraries are more exciting; the cultures and experiences are more vibrant on the lower Mississippi. Depending on the itinerary, either city is used as a starting or ending point. Most tour operators have contingency plans in place to handle the river’s changes.
Wonderful relaxing two days....
Discover premium river cruise companies and you've got yourself a dream holiday to relax and recharge. Board your ship and be treated to a special welcoming reception, a chance to mingle with fellow guests as you set sail for the most comprehensive exploration of the Mississippi River available. 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.
Tastes and Sounds of the South (10 Days)
In addition to visiting monuments and museums, you'll enjoy onboard lectures and presentations and interaction with other Civil War buffs. These sailings are aboard 150-passenger American Heritage and 180-guest American Melody, American Serenade, American Splendor and American Symphony. Don’t forget to budget for gratuities as well and some extra money if you want to upgrade any excursions beyond what’s included.
Historical Enrichment
Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in. These meticulously crafted vessels pay homage to the iconic steamboats of yesteryear, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern functionality. 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.
One less cruise line on the Mississippi River: American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels all trips - La Crosse Tribune
One less cruise line on the Mississippi River: American Queen Voyages shuts down, cancels all trips.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
History, literature, and travel enthusiasts unite for a unique sightseeing and dining experience aboard riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from beloved author Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Witness firsthand what inspired the writer to create iconic characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. At Mark Twain Riverboat Co., you get to experience the Mighty Mississippi River in a truly memorable way, a Mississippi river boat cruise complete with storytelling, scenic views, and fine dining.
Several other excursion options are available, including exploring museums and historic sites with local expert guides or on your own. Stroll along the charming series of murals painted along the adjacent floodwall and read panels detailing the Vicksburg stories they illustrate. Our onboard experts bring the stories of the River to life and provide context to each shore experience we provide along the way.
Just 100 miles away from St. Louis, our Mississippi River boat cruise is the only cruise that departs from Mark Twain's boyhood home. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Our 2024 season offers 1-day, 2-day, and sightseeing cruises departing from LeClaire & Dubuque, Iowa. 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.
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. American Cruise Line's nine-day Upper Mississippi river cruise covers much of the same ground, with a few differences. Sailings are available on the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage as well as on three sleek new 180-guest riverboats, American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony. They're offered between June and late September/early October in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Night Mississippi River OdysseyDetails
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. Other interesting sites include the houses of Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher. St. Louis is home to the symbolic Gateway Arch, which celebrates the hard journey people took to populate the Central and Western United States. Here you can also experience a fresh beer tasting at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. You may also opt to head to the Field of Dreams for a special tour; it’s where parts of the famous film of the same name were created, which was released in 1989.
You'll also call on a historic Missouri trading post in Cape Girardeau (a French river port). From Crescent City, the birthplace of American jazz, to Memphis, known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, this itinerary celebrates the region's homegrown rhythms. Both cruise lines offer itineraries between New Orleans and Memphis, but Viking features more excursions and onboard experiences tailored to music lovers. This itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on four American Cruise Lines ships, ranging from the 150-passenger classic paddlewheeler American Heritage to the 180-passenger modern riverboat American Serenade. American Cruise Lines is known for its regionally inspired cuisine, served with complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, plus complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and hosted entertainment in the main lounges. As you cruise the legendary Mississippi River, our dedicated crew will treat you with gracious hospitality and the utmost care.
Cruising on our traditional paddlewheelers along the majestic waters of the Mississippi River is an experience that transcends mere travel; it's a journey back in time to an era of timeless charm and boundless adventure. On one of our well-appointed riverboats, the rhythmic churning of the paddlewheel transports guests back to the bygone age of steamboat travel, where life moved at a more leisurely pace. 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. 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. Being the fourth largest river in the USA means that a river cruise in Mississippi will reveal countless landmarks, breathtaking scenery and even wildlife.
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. St. Paul is an exciting place to end your riverboat cruise adventure on the Mississippi River. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which highlights gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800’s. St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world-class museums, and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Galena is the historic town home to Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States. You can take a trolley tour to see his home and other locally famous landmarks and historic sites, including its delightful main street with lots of shopping. 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. 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.
In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves. While no Civil War fighting took place in Natchez, Mississippi, the city is home to hundreds of lavish mansions from the era and the Historic Natchez Cemetery, which dates to 1822. On American Cruise Lines' eight-day New Orleans to New Orleans itinerary, cruisers can visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. In Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge, a guided excursion explores critical locations in the Civil War's Battle of Baton Rouge and Port Hudson.
Typically, cruises along the Lower Mississippi sail between New Orleans and Memphis, while cruises on the Upper Mississippi sail between St. Louis and the Twin Cities. Here's what you need to know about Mississippi River boat cruises, from choice itineraries to popular stops. Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.
A short trip aboard our Mississippi River cruises is just the evening out you need to feel refreshed, educated, and creative. For an 8- or 9-day cruise, the average cost of a Mississippi River cruise is around $4,000 per person in a stateroom. Viking offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. 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.
