Tuesday, April 2, 2024

11 BEST Mississippi River Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Mississippi River on Cruise Critic

cruise on the mississippi

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. Revel in the bliss of floating along the current of the mighty Mississippi River, framed by a forest of cottonwood trees dotted with majestic blue herons.

Things to Know Before Cruising the Mississippi River

American Queen Voyages, previously known as the American Queen Steamboat Company, operates three classic paddlewheelers on eight- to 15-night sailings on all of the Mississippi, along with the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. Its fleet includes the American Queen, which holds the record as the biggest river steamboat. During this sailing, you'll overnight in Memphis, so there's time to fully savor barbecue, the blues and Elvis Presley's Graceland. A port call in Paducah, Kentucky, lets you explore the National Quilt Museum and colorful street murals. 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.

American Cruise Lines: Upper Mississippi River Cruise

There are a few different paddle-wheel riverboats that cruise this route for American Queen Voyages — find the specific ship for your journey when you select a date. There are three main cruise lines traveling the Mississippi, with journeys ranging from less than a week to more than 20 days. Spring and fall are the best times of year to take a cruise along the river, as you'll avoid the summer heat and winter chill and enjoy more pleasant weather while you take in the surroundings. Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland

The two cruise lines sailing America's most legendary river offer itineraries for every interest on ships designed with mature travelers in mind. 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. 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. Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi.

Country Roads of the Deep South (Small Groups, 12 Days)

cruise on the mississippi

Immerse yourself in its rich musical legacy as you stroll along legendary Beale Street, where music flows from every doorway, and savor the rich flavors and aromas of the city’s famous BBQ. 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.

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These include a nine-day Lower Mississippi itinerary from Memphis to New Orleans (or vice versa). They are especially appealing to mature travelers looking to enjoy guided tours of top cities and small towns in several Southern and Midwestern states. American Queen Voyages offers several itineraries along the Mississippi — one along the Upper Mississippi, another on the Lower Mississippi, and one that also sails a portion of the Ohio River — on its signature paddle-wheel steamboats.

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down - MinnPost

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise the Mississippi in a Traditional Steamboat or a Modern River Cruise Ship -- You Choose

The Lower Mississippi has the longest season, typically running from November through December and April to mid-June, with most sailings on the bottom one-third of the river (New Orleans round trip or New Orleans to Memphis). As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. In Baton Rouge, you can visit the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases exhibits dedicated to Louisiana's musical heritage and Mardi Gras traditions. While in Natchez, Mississippi, classical music (played on a 1903 Steinway piano) and Southern cuisine are the stars of the excursion to Lansdowne and Joseph Stone House. In Oak Alley, Louisiana, guests can tour a Greek Revival mansion on a sugar plantation built and maintained by slaves.

Even on the Upper Mississippi, temperatures can climb into the 90s, and humidity is high during the summer, so be prepared for sudden thunderstorms. The weather cools down quite considerably (especially in the morning and evening) come autumn. However, there are slight differences depending on the section of the river you’re looking to cruise. It’s best to cruise the Upper Mississippi in the spring, fall and summer, when temperatures are milder. 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.

cruise on the mississippi

Night America's Great RiverDetails

On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water!

Enjoy relaxing scenic sailing and unparalleled bird-watching as the landscape changes between the bluffs of the North and the bayous of the South. Along the way, tap your feet to the rhythm of American folk, soul and jazz music—and taste a delicious array of regional cuisine. 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. Add in regionally inspired cuisine enjoyed aboard a luxurious river ship, plus the camaraderie of other culturally curious travelers, and cruising the most celebrated river in the United States promises satisfaction on multiple levels.

And while rivers like the Danube and the Rhine are top choices for many travelers, you don't have to go abroad for a memorable river cruise. You can access some of the nation's iconic attractions and favorite cities right from the Mississippi River. There is nothing as epic as spending a full three weeks cruising the entire length of the Mississippi River!

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. 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. This eight-day cruise starts in St. Louis and sails along the Upper Mississippi to St. Paul.

Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack. 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. Located in East Central Iowa, Muscatine County's eastern edge touches the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River and is the only place where this north to south river runs east to west. Perhaps Muscatine is best known for its history as the largest button manufacturing area in the world.

The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, great onboard music, and customized excursions to historic landmarks. Enjoy one of our themed Mississippi River cruises, perfect for music aficionados, culinary connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. 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. Stroll the tree-lined avenues, take a carriage ride through the French Quarter, hop aboard a streetcar to the gorgeous Garden District, or visit the renowned National World War II Museum. If departing the ship in New Orleans, enjoy available city excursions and motorcoach transfers to the airport. Welcome to Memphis, a historic city which rises picturesquely up the hillside from the river, adorned with grand oak trees, lush parks, and historic sites that commemorate everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.

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