The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland
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The Upper Mississippi River is often suggested as a follow-up itinerary after experiencing the Lower Mississippi River during a multi-day overnight river cruise. This itinerary is known for having the most scenic and serene views between the cities of St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota. American Cruise Lines offers a 5-day journey, which is perfect for those who may need a shorter option and want a taste of river cruising, and/or the Mississippi River ports. Get to know your fellow guests and savor the view as you set out cruising Mark Twain’s river. 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.
Be Wary of Weather on the Mississippi River Changing Your Cruise Itinerary
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. 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. Upper Mississippi River Cruises sail the area between St. Louis, Missouri and St. Paul, Minnesota. Lower Mississippi River Cruises sail from Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Night Upper Mississippi ExplorerDetails
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. 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. Their itineraries remain virtually the same each season, although keep in mind the precise dates change yearly and some ports may change over time too. The more popular Mississippi River cruises typically occur in America’s Heartland on the Lower Mississippi River. Popular states on this route are Louisiana, Tennessee (home of Elvis Presley), Arkansas, and of course, Mississippi.
What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?
A “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River and continues today as a primary commercial, industrial, educational, and cultural center for this region. From the ship, it’s a short walk to a cruise highlight at the incredible complex of the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to Minneapolis, or you can sail shorter segments of the river. 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.
These cruises provide an indulgent experience with spacious and elegantly appointed accommodations, personalized service, gourmet dining, and an array of upscale amenities. Luxury cruises often include a generous selection of shore excursions, onboard activities, and entertainment options. The emphasis is on attention to detail, exceptional service, and creating a truly unforgettable journey along the Mississippi River. On the lower end of the price spectrum, budget-friendly Mississippi River cruises can start as low as $100 per person per night.
Night Mississippi Delta ExplorerDetails
A walking tour or bus tour is one of the best ways to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. 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. 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. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
River Cruises Plan a River Cruise - Cruise Critic
River Cruises Plan a River Cruise.
Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:36:09 GMT [source]
Explore a variety of history and art museums and admire historic homes, while listening to captivating stories told by a local guide. Board a self-exploration shuttle which takes you into the heart of downtown to learn, shop, eat, and stroll at your leisure. View colorful Victorian mansions on a stroll through the quaint downtown area, take a ride on the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, or try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos.
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. Discover premium river cruise companies and you've got yourself a dream holiday to relax and recharge. 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.
Cheap Mississippi River Cruise Deals
The Mississippi River is navigable from New Orleans, Louisiana to the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and forms a maritime corridor through the U.S. heartland. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers. This can include your first night’s stay, beverages, deluxe dining and even your excursions.
Or relax on the sun deck or private balcony and enjoy the passing landscapes as we make our way along the Mississippi River from Hannibal to Muscatine. Today is a day to revel in the scenery, as along the legendary Mississippi River. Relish the stretches of undeveloped land, beautiful little towns, and magnificent wildlife. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife or simply sit back and enjoy the sun on the bow.
They are especially appealing to mature travelers looking to enjoy guided tours of top cities and small towns in several Southern and Midwestern states. By including these additional expenses in your budgeting process, you can have a more accurate estimation of the total cost of your Mississippi River cruise. It’s always better to plan ahead and have a clear understanding of how much you may need for these extra expenses, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cruise experience. As with any travel experience, it’s advisable to review the specific details of the cruise package you are considering to understand the inclusions and any potential exclusions. This will help you accurately assess the overall cost and ensure that your Mississippi River cruise meets your expectations and budget.
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. 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. 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. Lastly, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the area’s wineries to end the day before returning to the cruise ship.
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. A journey along the Upper Mississippi River is an enriching experience, embodying hometown Americana and the breathtaking scenery that has inspired the country’s most legendary writers, artists, and musicians. It was here that the great American writer Mark Twain used the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works.
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