Monday, April 1, 2024

What to Know Before Booking a Mississippi River Cruise

mississippi cruise boats

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.

Grand Heartland

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).

mississippi cruise boats

Tastes and Sounds of the South (10 Days)

Explore Downtown Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City, and admire its preserved architecture. Explore the oldest city on the Mississippi, Natchez, with over 200 historic Southern estates. Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River. 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.

Country Roads of the Deep South (Classic, 12 Days)

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Kick Off 60th Season - Gateway Arch National Park (U.S - National Park Service

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch Kick Off 60th Season - Gateway Arch National Park (U.S.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Travel to the birthplace of jazz, blues, and rock–n-roll as our talented onboard musicians entertain you with songs born along the river. Dine on the finest Cajun and Creole and mouth-watering Memphis BBQ prepared by our team of master chefs. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour every evening, a time when you can share the day’s adventures with like-minded travelers, while enjoying a refreshing mint julip.

Cruises

Marvel at the majestic Mississippi river while relaxing in style aboard a stunningly replicated Victorian Riverboat. Allow yourself to be pampered by the Twilight’s attentive, informative, and welcoming crew. Delicious meals are prepared on board in the lower galley, while a full bar complete with top shelf liquors provides custom drinks to enhance your experience. 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.

Popular Cruise Ships

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.

New Orleans & Southern Charms

Enjoy the charming features of this historic town that was a French trading post and lively river port in the late 1800s. Today it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Marvel at the outdoor murals reflecting the area's rich heritage and enjoy shore excursions to Crisp Museum and the Old Vincent Church. As you cruise the legendary Mississippi River, our dedicated crew will treat you with gracious hospitality and the utmost care.

Where the river runs deep, so do the discoveries.

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.

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.

The cruise line has five ships on the Mississippi, including the traditionally-styled paddlewheelers American Heritage and American Splendor. It also runs its more modern-style riverboats -- the first of their kind in the U.S. -- American Melody, American Serenade and American Symphony on the Mississippi. American Cruise Lines offers a dozen itineraries ranging in length from five to 22 days. Options include round-trip cruises from New Orleans, Lower and Upper Mississippi itineraries, and themed cruises such as Music Cities and Great Smoky Mountains. 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.

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.

Stops along the way include Hannibal, Missouri; Fort Madison, Davenport, and Dubuque, Iowa; and Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota. Several riverboats cruise this route, including American Melody and American Symphony, inaugurated in 2021 and 2022, respectively. These sister vessels offer large rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings and an upscale feel. Sail along the Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on this nine-day cruise, which starts with a complimentary stay in New Orleans and a second day to enjoy the Big Easy.

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.

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