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The National Rivers Hall of Fame (located within the museum) tells the stories of men and women whose lives were intimately involved with America’s rivers. “The best part about a river cruise departing or arriving in New Orleans is that you get to explore that city—and all of its musical and culinary delights—before you go,” says Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of Cruise Critic. “The cruise port has a nice waterfront area including outlet stores if you need to pick anything up for your trip.” And for those who like to walk, the French Quarter is not far away (taxis and rideshares are also readily available). Another popular tourist attraction near the port is Mardi Gras World, where you can view some of the floats that are used for the annual Carnival celebrations.
Viking Ocean Cruises
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. Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane plantation, Oak Alley Plantation is rightfully named after its most distinguishing feature, a canopy of 300-year-old oak trees that form a quarter-mile path leading to the Mississippi River.
Night Mississippi Delta Explorer
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. 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. Mississippi River cruises are also offered on the upper portion of the river, which passes through the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. 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. In Baton Rouge, you can visit the Capitol Park Museum, which showcases exhibits dedicated to Louisiana's musical heritage and Mardi Gras traditions.
Be Wary of Weather on the Mississippi River Changing Your Cruise Itinerary
American Cruise Lines opens 5-ship Mississippi season - Seatrade Cruise News
American Cruise Lines opens 5-ship Mississippi season.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is simply breathtaking. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. Since 1985, the Riverboat Twilight has delivered one of the most exceptional cruise experiences in the Midwest. And it’s not just a cruise; it’s a conduit to reconnection, relaxation, and renewal.
Most tour operators have contingency plans in place to handle the river’s changes. One solution is arranging for cruises to take place on the nearby Ohio River instead. Inquire about inclement weather policies regarding the river levels before booking your cruise if you’re concerned. As for Lower Mississippi River cruises, they typically operate from November through December and again from April to mid-June.
After a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, passengers journey through all aspects of American history. You'll also call on a historic Missouri trading post in Cape Girardeau (a French river port). 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.
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Cruising the Mississippi River on our paddlewheelers feature common areas that pay homage to the steamboat era, such as our River Lounge showcasing period accents and textiles that harken back to the 19th century.
Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. Guests travel to the magnificent Houmas House Plantation and enjoy its beautiful gardens and unique collection of Louisiana art, and get to sip a mint julep on the west lawn of former the Oak Alley Plantation. Especially popular are the Mardi Gras on the River sailing in February and the holiday sailings around Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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). American Queen Voyages has new ships as well, but they are focusing on expedition cruise ship builds in the next few years, which will not be sailing on the Mississippi. 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.
Another deciding factor for you could be the different lengths of itineraries offered. Each section of the river and cruise line operator has lengths varying from 5-day options to 22-day options. 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. 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. Curl up with a good book in one of our spacious lounges aboard the riverboat.
For example, Upper Mississippi River levels rise during spring and the beginning of summer due to snowmelt from the northern states. Times have changed, but not in Downtown Tunica, with Main Street buildings just as they were at the turn of the century. Explore unique boutiques, antique shops, a fully restored courthouse, and Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park.
Staff are amazing, from the Captain to the servers, to the musical entertainers. Everything is very well organized, from our luggage/hotel in Dubuque/seating for meals, free shuttles in Dubuque, etc! This was an absolutely perfect two day cruise, and we are going again in Mid October as we loved it so much!!.
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. Here's what you need to know about Mississippi River boat cruises, from choice itineraries to popular stops. Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River, Red Wing's beauty has inspired craftsmen and artisans for over 150 years. Enjoy a show at the historic Sheldon Performing Arts Theatre or observe the beauty of nature at one of Red Wing’s 38 parks. As you make your way from Dubuque to Winona, enjoy the scenic splendor of the Upper Mississippi River from your private balcony.
Then, it's on to Nottoway Resort and St. Francisville in Louisiana and Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville in Mississippi before a day of cruising through the Delta and disembarking in Memphis. 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. 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. On a virtual journey through living history—past fertile cotton fields, sugar cane plantations and imposing pillared mansions—guests can soak in the romantic spirit of the Antebellum era that unfolds along the riverbanks. These meticulously crafted vessels pay homage to the iconic steamboats of yesteryear, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern functionality.
Both cruise lines offer Upper Mississippi sailings from July through September. Viking and American Cruise Lines' itineraries and excursions are our picks for fans of American art and architecture. Some excursions and a pre-cruise hotel stay in the Big Easy are included in the cruise fare. 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. This eight-day cruise starts in St. Louis and sails along the Upper Mississippi to St. Paul.
Experience this town’s rich history on your own or with a variety of guided excursions. As you explore, discover the Historic District which boasts magnificent mansions and unique boutique shops and admire cottonwood trees which transition to stately oaks adorned with Spanish moss. 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. From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis.
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. Revel in the charm of “America’s Great River” as you set sail along the Mississippi.
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